Project will continue to assess water conservation effects of wetland restorations in CA central valley with two producers on their farms

The University of California, Davis received a $274,903 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Soil and Water Conservation program (CFDA 10.902), awarded September 29, 2025, with completion targeted for September 29, 2028. Under this agreement, UC Davis will continue to assess the water conservation effects of wetland restorations in California's Central Valley, conducting field-based research and monitoring activities in partnership with two agricultural producers on their respective farms.

This project directly supports NRCS's conservation technical assistance mission by generating empirical data on the hydrological and conservation benefits of wetland restoration practices. The research outcomes will inform landowner decision-making and contribute to the program's broader objective of supporting sustainable water management and resource protection through locally-respected, technically-skilled professional conservationists. The three-year funding period allows UC Davis to conduct comprehensive monitoring and analysis to demonstrate the efficacy of wetland restoration as a water conservation strategy in California's agricultural landscape.