DPAC Minutes 2025-06-03
Meeting Minutes
Delta Protection Advisory Committee
Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Hall
610 Francis Way, Rio Vista, CA 94571
1. Call to Order/Flag Salute – Anna Swenson, DPAC Chair
Chair Swenson called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
2. Welcome and Roll Call
A quorum was present with members Anna Swenson, Russ Ryan, Arron Pellarin, Emily Pappalardo, Craig Watanabe, Todd Bruce, Morris Lum, Edward Hard, Erin Chappell, Jeffrey Twitchell, Mariah Looney, Jerred Dixon, Douglas Hsia, Steven Hutchason, and Ex Officio Heather Swinney.
3. Welcome New Members Jerred Dixon and Jeffrey Twitchell
Chair Swenson had the two newest members introduce themselves, followed by the rest of the committee.
4. 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.
5. Approval of April 1, 2025, Meeting Minutes
Vice Chair Ryan moved, and Member Hsia seconded a motion to approve the April 1, 2025, minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
6. Election of Chair and Vice Chair 2025/2026 – The Committee
Chair Swenson called for nominations for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair. Vice Chair Ryan nominated Anna Swenson for Chair. Chair Swenson nominated Russ Ryan for Vice Chair. There were no further nominations. Both nominees were elected by unanimous vote.
7. Updated DPAC Charter and DPC Six-month Priorities – Dan Ray
Ray first gave an overview of the recent DPAC charter revisions approved by the Commission in May. The updated language specifies that DPAC will provide recommendations upon referral from the Commission or its Executive Director, a change intended to better align the committee’s work with the Commission’s priorities and to strengthen the impact of its input. This adjustment will require closer coordination between the Commission and Committee, including planning to allow for meaningful and timely input. Ray also emphasized the importance of remaining informed about emerging Delta issues and developments.
Next Ray discussed the Commission’s six-month staff priorities, developed to guide work during his remaining interim leadership and the transition to a new executive director. The priorities focus on actions that meaningfully advance the goals of the Delta Protection Act, with an emphasis on projects that could be completed by fall or substantially advanced for the incoming executive director to seamlessly take over. The Commission expressed support for this direction at its May meeting.
He identified five project priorities, three were highlighted as particularly relevant to DPAC: a report on the impacts of water supply, flood control, and habitat projects on Delta farmlands; review and comment on the Delta Conveyance Final Environmental Impact Statement; and advocacy for funding improvements to high-priority levees. The final two priorities, which relate to the National Heritage Area—development of a partnership program and a tourism branding and marketing plan— were decided as more appropriately within the scope of the NHA Advisory Committee.
Members expressed interest in forming task groups to focus on specific topics of importance. A motion to establish three task groups—Agriculture, Delta Conveyance, and Rivers and Levees—was made by Member Pellarin and seconded by Member Chappell. The motion passed unanimously, with the understanding that the action is pending legal review and may be brought back for formal action at a future meeting.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
8. Report on Impacts of Habitat, Flood Control, and Ecosystem Projects on Agricultural Land – Dan Ray
Ray discussed the growing impact of habitat, flood control, and ecosystem restoration projects on agricultural lands in the Delta. He highlighted a trend of farmland conversions resulting from projects like tidal restoration in Cache Slough, flood control enhancements in the Yolo Bypass, and peatland development on Webb Tract, among others. He noted these efforts align with broader state goals to combat climate change and improve ecological conditions but also raise concerns for agricultural sustainability.
The Committee was invited to provide insights on how past and ongoing projects have affected their communities, beyond just agricultural impacts. Members were asked to share perspectives on changes to recreation, landscape familiarity, flood safety, and general community outlook. Their input will be useful for a forthcoming staff report analyzing the broader implications of these land use changes.
A discussion followed on relevant topics such as carbon sequestration, controlling invasives, Adaptive Management, restoration vs. mitigation, and levee maintenance including dewatering.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
9. Golden Mussel Presentation – Cesar Blanco, USFWS Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Pacific Southwest Regional Office
Dr. Cesar Blanco of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provided an update on the Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), a highly invasive species recently detected in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta—the first known case in North America. He outlined the species’ biology, rapid spread in South America, and its ability to survive in a wide range of conditions, including low calcium waters and extreme temperatures. Impacts include biofouling of infrastructure, displacement of native species, and threats to water quality and delivery systems.
Blanco presented the state’s coordinated response efforts, including the formation of a multi-agency Golden Mussel Task Force and the development of a response framework with goals to prevent further spread, contain current infestations, and suppress populations. Recent state and federal funding has been allocated to support these actions. Public outreach campaigns are also underway, including a “Clean, Drain, Dry” protocol for decontamination of watercraft. The presentation emphasized the need for continued vigilance and cross-agency cooperation to prevent the mussel’s establishment throughout California.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
10. Delta Waterways Cleanup – The Committee
The Committee reached consensus to hold the event on September 20 and to form the task force at the next meeting.
Chair Swenson asked for public comments and there were none.
11. Member Announcements and Next Meeting
A number of upcoming events were highlighted.
Chair Swenson shared that the next DPAC meeting will be held on August 5.
12. Adjourn
Chair Swenson adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m.