DPAC Minutes 2025-02-11
Meeting Minutes
Delta Protection Advisory Committee
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Clarksburg Schoolhouse
36397 North Center Street (parking on River Road side)
Clarksburg, CA 95612
1. Call to Order/Flag Salute – Anna Swenson, DPAC Chair
Chair Swenson called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
2. Welcome and Roll Call
The meeting was initially opened; however, a quorum was not yet established as two members had not arrived. While awaiting their arrival, the Committee proceeded with discussion Items 5 and 7. The meeting was officially called to order at 5:44 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was present with members Anna Swenson, Russ Ryan, Emily Pappalardo, Craig Watanabe, Gary Mello, Edward Hard, Erin Chappell, Jim Cox, Douglas Hsia, Steven Hutchason, and Ex Officio Heather Swinney.
The Committee then continued with Items 3, 4, 6, and 8, in that order.
3. Public Comment – An opportunity for members of the public to address the Committee regarding items not on the agenda.
Chair Swenson asked for comments from members of the public and there was one:
Kirsten Pringle of MBK Engineers stated that, as part of this year’s Delta Leadership Program, she is seeking advice and input on her class project. The project concept focuses on bridging the gap between flood relief resources and the small communities in the Delta who need them, with an emphasis on assisting unincorporated areas.
4. Approve December 3, 2024, Meeting Minutes
Vice Chair Ryan moved, and Member Hsia seconded a motion to approve the December 3, 2024, minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
5. Update on Delta Protection Commission activities – Bruce Blodgett
Executive Director Blodgett provided an update on the Alliance of National Heritage Areas conference held in Washington, D.C., which he attended the previous week along with Blake Roberts and Commission Chair Diane Burgis. He also reported on DPC staffing updates, including the part-time information officer who will focus on the National Heritage Area who started on January 25, and the anticipated start of a senior environmental planner by April 1.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
6. Striped Bass Slot Limit Proposal Update ؘ– Jim Cox
Member Jim Cox reiterated the importance of the Delta Protection Commission sending a letter to the Fish and Game Commission in support of the proposed striped bass slot limit regulation change. He reported that the item had not been properly agendized at the last Commission meeting, preventing a vote on the matter. Member Cox presented a draft letter for consideration at the next Commission meeting. Suggestions were made to add the code of regulation title and section for the current regulation, and to include the petition number for the proposed regulation.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
7. National Heritage Area Update – Blake Roberts, Program Manager
Project Manager Blake Roberts reported the Management Plan was officially approved on January 16 by National Park Service. As a result, funding for the National Heritage Area (NHA) is expected to increase to $500,000, pending Congressional appropriation for the Heritage Partnership Program. The Commission will consider final approval of the Management Plan at its March 20 meeting. He also reported that Honey Agency, Inc. was selected to lead the development of the NHA Branding and Tourism Marketing Plan. Lastly, he reported that staff are working on a formal NHA Partnership Program to build a strong network of collaborators. The program will be guided by a general Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which outlines partnership guidelines and benefits, while allowing customization for specific projects. Current efforts are focused on sites that will be part of our Passport Program. At the March 20 meeting, the Commission will consider approving draft MOUs with selected partners and delegating approval of future MOUs to the Executive Director.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
8. Clarksburg Branch Line Extension Update – Virginia Gardiner, Program Manager
Program Manager Virginia Gardiner presented an update on extension of the existing Clarksburg Branch Line Trail from West Sacramento into Clarksburg. She announced the SACOG grant to extend the Clarksburg Branch Line Trail by 6.4 miles was secured and a consultant has been retained. She highlighted outreach of two January 2025 open houses held to gather community input. Ongoing engagement and environmental review will continue throughout 2025, including one-on-ones aimed at agricultural property owners as well as interested tribal members.
The project, part of the Commission’s Great California Delta Trail Master Plan, aims to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions by creating a Class I multi-use trail along a former rail corridor. The trail is also a key element of the broader Yolo Active Transportation Corridors Plan. The project also includes evaluation of a conduit for future fiber optic connectivity alongside the trail to support broadband access and infrastructure needs. She noted lease income from the conduit can be an income stream to pay for trail maintenance.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
9. Clarksburg Schoolhouse Update – Mike Campbell, Friends of the 1883 Clarksburg Schoolhouse Board Director
Mike Campbell spoke on the schoolhouse restoration which involved raising funds, moving the building, and modernizing it while preserving its historical aspects. Overall, the community raised roughly $800,000, with many services and materials being donated. The building now includes amenities such as heating and air conditioning which supports its use for community events. Future plans include landscaping the property, adding a 1,300 square foot deck for outdoor entertainment and education, and collaborating with the Wilton Rancheria tribe to build a cultural village.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
10. Freeport Memorial and Park Update – Janet Lake, Board Member of Freeport Citizens Community Association
Janet Lake presented on two gateway monuments and an interpretive sign in Freeport, which in January the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board approved funding to Sacramento County to construct. She pointed out its historical and cultural significance as the “Northern Gateway to the Delta.” Her report recognized that Freeport, an unincorporated town along the Sacramento River and one of 11 designated Delta Legacy Communities, played a key role in the Gold Rush as a tariff-free shipping point or “free port” location. It also sits on the final stretch of the historic Victory Highway—now Highway 160—built to honor Americans who died in World War I. She stated this project will build landmarks that recognize this history of Freeport and the Delta.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
11. Levee Issues Update – Lisa Kirk, Bethel Island Reclamation District Board Member
Lisa Kirk reported on concerns about flood risks and levee protection on Bethel Island. She stated this island faces significant flood risks due to inadequate levee protection. When searching county records, she found a document from the Office of Emergency Services in 2004 stating the island is not recognized for federal disaster relief because it does not meet basic Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMP) standards. She reported there are 15 seepage sites, which will only be exacerbated by the rising sea and groundwater levels. She stated if the levee breaks it will impact the state’s water supply as well as endanger the residents who live on the island. Ultimately, the community needs legal advice and funding to improve the levees and protect the 4,000 residents. A suggestion was made to conduct an updated risk assessment to align with FEMA requirements. This assessment will help in creating a project plan for pre-event, event, and post-event scenarios, which is crucial for federal review and funding.
Kirk also spoke about the significant stray cat population which is an ongoing struggle, and very little support is given from the area shelters. She continues her efforts with the organization Fix Our Shelters to reform policies and provide spay and neuter services.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
12.Delta Waterways Cleanup – The Committee
Chair Swenson stated that the next steps are to select a site and begin developing a plan. Member Cox recommended reaching out to Friends of Marsh Creek to learn from their successful cleanup program. Chair Swenson agreed to contact the organization and will follow up with an email to the committee for suggestions.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
13. Member Announcements and Next Meeting
A number of upcoming events were highlighted including the DPAC application deadline, which is March 14.
Blodgett shared that the next DPAC meeting will be held on April 1 with location to be determined.
14. Adjourn
Chair Swenson adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.