Flood-MAR Research And Data Development Plan: People And Water Engagement And Needs.pdf

People and Water Summary

This appendix outlines the People and Water theme within the broader Flood-MAR research and data development plan. It details the engagement process, available resources, identified gaps, and proposed priorities.

Key Participants:

The subcommittee consists of two co-chairs and nine members representing diverse organizations including:
Stantec
California Department of Water Resources
Environmental Defense Fund
Community Water Center
University of California, Irvine (Anthropology)
Loyola Marymount University
California State University, Sacramento
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
CSU Sacramento

Engagement Process:

Two conference calls were held in early 2019 to brainstorm existing and needed research, data, and tools related to People and Water.
The co-chairs compiled and shared notes from the first call, encouraging subcommittee members to prioritize gaps and connect them to other Flood-MAR themes.
A preliminary gap prioritization was developed, refined through a second call with all thirteen theme representatives, and further discussed in a follow-up call specific to People and Water.

Available Research, Data, and Tools:

Two key resources are highlighted:

Delta Social Science Task Force (Delta - SSTF): A state-wide initiative focused on integrating social sciences into Delta management. Its strategic plan could inform social science integration in Flood-MAR decision-making.
Motivations and Barriers Research: Dr. Ajay Singh is publishing a paper exploring motivations and barriers to adopting recharge practices during fallow seasons, filling a gap in understanding farmer adoption of groundwater recharge technologies.

Identified Gaps:

Several research gaps were identified:

Limited Understanding of Social Science Integration: While the Delta - SSTF is a promising resource, its application to Flood-MAR specifically needs further exploration.
Adoption of Groundwater Recharge Practices: There's a lack of research on motivations and barriers to implementing recharge during fallow seasons, hindering widespread adoption.

Prioritization Process & Top Actions:

The subcommittee prioritized gaps based on their potential impact on Flood-MAR implementation and identified three key actions:

1. Develop guidelines for integrating social sciences into Flood-MAR planning and decision-making, leveraging the Delta - SSTF as a model.
2. Conduct in-depth research on motivations and barriers to adopting groundwater recharge practices during fallow seasons.
3. Create tools and resources to educate farmers and stakeholders about the benefits of recharge practices.