Current Projects

The Tule Subbasin’s MLRP grant application included an initial set of projects, which you can learn about below.

• Capinero Creek Restoration Project: a leading pilot site to protect threatened and endangered species and learn about the best ways to restore and repurpose agricultural lands to habitat, while prioritizing Tribal guidance and community involvement.
  
  

  Capinero Creek Restoration Project. Photo Credit: Tule Basin Land & Water Conservation Trust.

• Tule Trust Fallowing Program: an initiative supporting growers in taking land out of production for one to five years, to reduce water demand, support water recharge, and provide benefits like improved soil health and wildlife habitat.
  
  

  Photo Credit: Tule Basin Land & Water Conservation Trust.

• Allensworth Water Tank: This project was designed but then discontinued due to permitting challenges.

Project Applications

The Tule Subbasin MLRP is working with project applicants and other stakeholders to finalize several high-potential land repurposing proposals. Current projects include converting former agricultural land to rangeland and creating a groundwater recharge basin. Once complete, these proposals will be submitted to the California Department of Conservation for approval and potential MLRP funding. The projects are located within the Pixley Irrigation District, Lower Tule River Irrigation District, and Tri-County Water Authority GSAs. We will update this page once approvals are in—stay tuned!

Some funding remains available for additional projects, although two new proposals are already in development. Both are designed to deliver direct community benefits alongside water savings.

If you are interested in developing a proposal, please contact Allison Tristao (see below). Eligible land repurposing projects must:

• Align with the local Groundwater Sustainability Plan

• Contribute to groundwater sustainability

• Provide at least one community or ecosystem benefit

Project benefits should be expected to last at least ten years.

To get started, complete a pre-application form and send it to Allison Tristao at atristao@ltrid.org for an initial review. MLRP support staff can provide technical assistance to help develop proposals that meet program criteria.

Project Selection Process

The Tule Subbasin application process opened on April 22nd, 2024, and will close once all projects have been finalized and approved.

Pixley ID GSA developed and refined scoring criteria to address community and environmental needs while meeting the MLRP program criteria. Projects with the greatest water savings and additional benefits are prioritized, provided they stay within the MLRP budget limits.

The Tule Subbasin MLRP initially received several proposals through a public solicitation, and the Grant Management Team (GMT) selected three high-potential proposals to develop further, ensuring that the projects are both feasible and include strong multi-benefits. Project proposals were developed during meetings with MLRP partners, involved landowners, and residents from adjacent communities, as well as through site analysis.

Project selection remains open until all funds are allocated!