Agenda 11-02-23; 4-a - Resolution Endorsing Consensus Principles II for Revised Falls Lake Rules

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=15 nutrient credits. This nutrient credit project led to the addition of three nutrient reduction practices eligible for use on existing development and led to the state allowing for over-and under-sized practices to receive an appropriate amount of credit for existing development retrofits. Nutrient practice development should be an ongoing commitment of an investment-based system. The UNRBA proposed a credit for land conservation and continues to work with DWR on securing a credit for this excellent practice in protecting the watershed and lake. The nutrient credit project formed strong working relationships with the organizations The UNRBA encourages input during the crafting of involved and ultimately led to discussions the revised strategy from all stakeholders to identify regarding the IAIA. The UNRBA recognizes opportunities, constraints, and solutions to achieve that without these partners, a revised a shared vision to maximize the serviceable life of nutrient management strategy cannot be the reservoir and maintain designated uses. successful. The UNRBA encourages input during the crafting of the revised strategy from all stakeholders to identify opportunities, constraints, and solutions to achieve a shared vision to maximize the serviceable life of the reservoir and maintain its designated uses. Expand the types of projects and provide opportunity for other voluntary partners - The IAIA includes a broad range of eligible projects and activities approved by DWR for compliance with Stage I Existing Development Rules. The UNRBA members and stakeholders have discussed many types of additional projects and activities related to nutrient reduction opportunities for inclusion in the revised nutrient management strategy that would apply to specific types of land use, discharges, etc. As with the IAIA,the UNRBA recommends a provision for expansion of the list of eligible activities to be include in the revised strategy. To apply a systems approach, opportunities that intersect with other watershed landowners and partners should be considered (e.g., a stream restoration project funded by a local government on private land under an agreement with the landowner). The UNRBA is not proposing that inclusion of other partners come with investment requirements, but where opportunities exist for improving water quality and quantity, the revised strategy allows and promotes local government participation in other watershed improvement actions. Establish a Watershed Organization with tiered participation. The UNRBA anticipates investment requirements for its members under the revised nutrient management strategy. The potential partners (e.g., agriculture and institutions) would not have the burden of investment requirements. To foster cooperation and establish a functioning, holistic program,the UNRBA proposes establishment of a "Watershed Organization" with tiered membership. Those local governments, state and federal agencies, and utilities with investment requirements would be in Tier 1 and could support administration and implementation of the program through funding. Those without investment requirements could be in Tier 2. This tier would not be expected to fund the program but could participate on committees to identify opportunities and constraints, participate in decision making, etc. Committees specific to a sector(e.g., agriculture) could be chaired by a representative of that sector(i.e., committees may be chaired by a Tier 2 member). Annual compliance reporting and tracking of investment requirements for the Tier 1 members could be managed by the Watershed Organization, similar to the current IAIA. The initiation date of the Watershed Organization will be determined by the readoption of the Falls Lake Rules, which must be achieved in accordance with Session Law 2018-5 Section 13.8.(a). This session law specifies that the EMC must begin rule re-adoption no later than December 31, 2024. It is anticipated by DWR that readoption of the rules will occur no later than 2027. Develop a fair and equitable strategy. The UNRBA strives to develop a revised nutrient management strategy that protects the watershed and Falls Lake in a fair and equitable manner. An investment- based, watershed-health approach will continue to be most effective when all parties in the vi