DPAC Minutes 2025-04-01
Meeting Minutes
Delta Protection Advisory Committee
Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Hood Supply Co
10761 River Road, Courtland, CA 95639
1. Call to Order/Flag Salute – Anna Swenson, DPAC Chair
Chair Swenson called the meeting to order at 5:42 p.m.
2. Welcome and Roll Call
A quorum was present with members Anna Swenson, Russ Ryan, Katherine Wiley, Aaron Pellarin, Craig Watanabe, Gary Mello, Mariah Looney, Jim Cox, Douglas Hsia, Steven Hutchason, and Ex Officio Heather Swinney and Cambell Ingram.
Chair Swenson introduced the new Interim Executive Director Dan Ray. This was followed by a moment of silence in honor of Clarksburg community member Mark Wilson, who passed away the previous day.
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 were none.
4. Approval of February 11, 2025, Meeting Minutes
Member Wiley moved, and Member Hsia seconded a motion to approve the February 11, 2025, minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
At this time, Item 7 was heard out of agenda order. Following its discussion, the Committee returned to the regular agenda sequence.
5. Prop. 4 Funding Guidance – Campbell Ingram, Delta Conservancy
Ingram spoke to encourage organizations to begin considering project ideas in anticipation of upcoming grant opportunities through the Delta Conservancy. He shared that the Conservancy will receive $29 million from the Proposition 4 bond fund, to be spent through 2027. They will focus on three key areas: ecosystem restoration, nature-based initiatives, and community development. Grant guidelines are currently being developed, with the solicitation and review process expected to begin in the fall.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
6. Update on Delta Protection Commission activities – Dan Ray
Interim Executive Director Dan Ray introduced the Commission’s new Senior Environmental Planner, Rachel Vanderwerff, and noted that hiring efforts for a new office manager are expected to be completed in June. He provided an update on the National Heritage Area (NHA) partnership agreements, which will begin with Passport Program locations. Ray also mentioned the intention to feature a “Delta Reading List” at these locations, highlighting books about the Delta.
Additionally, Ray outlined the Commission’s six-month direction for land use issues. This includes studying the impacts of habitat restoration and levee projects on agricultural lands, with plans to inventory and map such projects. The findings will be presented to both the Commission and County Agricultural Commissioners for further discussion and consideration.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
7. Freeport Trail Update – Janet Lake
Lake provided an update on the current status of the project, noting that it remains in the design phase. She shared that there is interest in extending the existing trails—which currently end at the water tower at the Freeport Water Access Park—to connect with the Great Delta Trail. However, no funding is currently available to move that portion of the project forward.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
8. Great Valley Farm Water Partnership Overview – Russ Ryan
Vice Chair Ryan gave an overview of the Great Valley Farm Water Partnership (GVFWP), which is a collaborative effort initiated in late 2023 between agricultural and water leaders from the Delta and San Joaquin Valley regions. Delegates included farmers, water agency leaders, and regional stakeholders focused on strengthening cross-regional understanding. The thirteen-member partnership seeks to identify sustainable, mutually beneficial solutions for both regions and to discuss shared water challenges and opportunities.
The partnership selected seven water supply and quality initiatives to focus on: sediment remediation in the South Delta, enhanced water storage capacity south of the Delta, levee investment improvements, South Delta permanent operable gates, water export improvements, predation suppression of native salmon, and invasive aquatic weed control. A December 2024 meeting with the Bureau of Reclamation, represented by Deputy Regional Director Kristin White, affirmed mutual interest in continued collaboration. The Bureau expressed willingness to serve as a resource and engage in further discussions to develop shared solutions. Ryan informed the Committee that future meetings updates on the Partnership’s progress are to be expected.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
9. Angel’s Recovery Dive Team – Juan Heredia
Juan Heredia and his daughter Camila presented on their non-profit organization, which provides underwater search and recovery services for missing persons. Based out of California, the team utilizes professional diving skills and a deep sense of purpose to assist in bringing closure to families experiencing traumatic loss. Heredia, a passionate diver and community advocate, founded the group with the goal of combining his skills with compassionate service for families in need, especially in cases that would otherwise lack resources or support.
The team has gained recognition for its willingness to assist where others cannot, as well as their success where other divers have failed. They often operate in challenging conditions and at their own expense, driven by a mission to help grieving families find peace. He stated they often work in coordination with local law enforcement and have made a significant impact in high-profile recovery missions, earning the respect of both the public and professionals in emergency response fields. Heredia stated his family provides him a strong support system, contributing to the mission of bringing closure to grieving families.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
10. Feral Cats in the Delta – Lisa Kirk
Kirk was unable to attend the meeting, so this item was deferred to a future date.
11. Member Announcements and Next Meeting
Member Swinney provided an update on the Golden Mussel Task Force (GMTF), a collaborative effort involving multiple state and federal agencies. She noted that the group is working to develop a response framework built around seven key objectives to address the golden mussel invasion. A presentation is planned for the next meeting to provide further details.
Chair Swenson shared that the next DPAC meeting will be held on June 3.
12. Adjourn
Chair Swenson adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m.