What is land repurposing?
Land repurposing is a voluntary, compensated program that provides an incentive payment to growers in exchange for certain activities, such as giving up their Sustainable Yield and Transitional Water allocations. Madera County GSA is implementing three Land Repurposing programs, described below, as part of its demand management actions to achieve groundwater sustainability for the subbasin.
Land repurposing programs are part of the implementation of the GSP, helping to achieve groundwater sustainability for the subbasin over time. To stay updated on Land Repurposing programs, interested parties can join the Interested Parties List to receive relevant updates.
1. Targeted Land Repurposing Program (LandFlex).
The Targeted Land Repurposing Program (TLRP), also known as LandFlex, is funded by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). LandFlex aims to provide immediate benefits for vulnerable domestic wells, accelerate the transition to sustainable groundwater management, and implement best practices. The LandFlex program is specifically targeted to the Madera Subbasin portion of the Madera County GSA. DWR will provide up to $9.3 million to fund landowner compensation and costs associated with implementing the program.
- To learn more about the LandFlex program, please see the following resources:
- Read the FAQ document.
- Watch a short presentation summarizing the program rules and timeline.
- Book a one-on-one appointment with our staff.
- Read the full program rules.
- To apply for the LandFlex program, submit an application on the LandFlex website by the extended deadline May 30, 2023.
2. Voluntary Land Repurposing Program (VLRP).
The Voluntary Land Repurposing Program (VLRP) was initially developed under a Sustainable Agricultural Land Conservation (SALC) grant. The program is transitioning into implementation based on the foundational development work and stakeholder input received over the previous years. VLRP is funded by the GSP Fee.
3. Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP).
The California Department of Conservation (DOC) will provide up to $10 million to fund landowner compensation and reimburse costs associated with implementing the Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program in Madera County. The MLRP builds on the VLRP by repurposing lands in a way that maximizes co-benefits, including reducing flood risk or improving habitat. This program would pay for landowners to fallow land and undertake habitat or other restoration activities to provide other benefits, in addition to groundwater savings in the county. Development of the MLRP plan will commence in the Spring of 2023; interested parties will be notified of workshops and other opportunities to provide input as the program is developed. This is open to all GSAs.