How You Can Get Involved:

Plugging into the Definite Plan Project

To hear IID Executive Program Manager and Efficiency Conservation Definite Plan Team leader John Eckhardt tell it: “We want this thing to happen in the right way.” In this case, the “right way” means with extensive and meaningful involvement—from growers, from agricultural landowners and from interested members of the public.

The year-long work plan put together by the Efficiency Conservation Definite Plan Team (Team) is designed to involve a broad cross-section of growers and farm landowners in virtually every facet of the work. It also aims to ensure that the broader community is aware of the initiative.

Most immediately, the Team is seeking to hear from growers interested in participating in conservation demonstration projects on their fields. Discussions to-date suggest the projects will likely focus on tailwater recovery systems (fixed and portable), irrigation scheduling and delivery flexibility; some new technologies may also be identified. Growers also are invited to participate in periodic workshops; the first round of workshops is expected to be held early this spring. Beyond that, growers are encouraged to track and comment on project progress through these periodic newsletters and updates here on www.definiteplan.com.

The broader public’s voice is also sought. The Team will be conducting a series of public meetings throughout the project. The Team also expects to meet with various groups during the project to provide more focused briefings.

Building in the Local Expertise:

On-Farm Technical Advisors

The Efficiency Conservation Definite Plan Team (Team) recognizes it must answer many questions as it moves forward: How much water can be saved on-farm? What kinds of incentives will growers need to participate in voluntary conservation activities? Do farmers favor certain kinds of conservation actions?

The Team can tackle some of these topics on its own. But much of the work demands extensive participation by local growers—identifying actions growers are likely to take; explaining the economic and management implications of different on-farm practices; co-inventing an incentive program that will work. To elicit ongoing advice and input, the Team will be working with a group of 15 or so local growers, referred to as On-Farm Technical Advisors. (Other methods for soliciting input include periodic workshops, briefings and demonstration projects.)

In recruiting growers to serve as advisors, the District has identified individuals who: (1) have demonstrated expertise with efficient irrigation management strategies and technologies and the associated changes in farming practices; (2) are actively engaged in farming activities, with a strong track record of aggressive, innovative and successful conservation practices; and (3) collectively represent the range of farming operations, locations and crops within the District.

The advisors have already begun providing input. A kick-off meeting was held in mid-January and Team members have been visiting advisors on their farms to better understand the opportunities and constraints tied to aggressive conservation efforts. The Team expects to continue meeting with the advisors every six weeks or so.

The initial technical advisors are: Vince Brooke, Tom Brundy, Mike Cox, Shelvie Crittendon, Dean Currie, Craig Elmore, Don Emanuelli, Alex Jack, Kevin Kenagy, Mark McBroom, Mark Osterkamp, Frank Riddle, Raul Rodriguez, Ralph Strahm and Danny Walker.

Anyone interested in learning more about or commenting on the project is invited to contact John Eckhardt, IID Executive Program Manager in charge of the QSA and IID/San Diego County Water Authority Water Conservation and Transfer Program, at 760.339.9736 or definiteplan@iid.com.