The group that developed the Delta Vision Plan—having concluded its work—has reorganized as the Delta Vision Foundation to work to ensure its strategy is sustained, and this is very good news.
A key element of their strategy is working to see that the Delta is governed by a single entity, as their news release notes:
“A critical component of the recommendations package is the establishment of a single governance structure with the authority, responsibility, accountability, science support and secure funding to achieve the Strategic Plan's goals. Currently, more than 200 federal, state and local government agencies have some jurisdiction in the Delta.”
This is an important strategy and also one we recommend for the American River Parkway, as noted in our Press Release of January 20, 2009.
An excerpt from the Delta Vision Foundation News Release:
“Sacramento - Today, members of the concluded Governor's Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force announced they have reorganized under a new name and with non-governmental support. The newly formed Delta Vision Foundation has assembled to advance the set of recommendations and strategies proposed in their Delta Vision Strategic Plan, released in November 2008. Governor Schwarzenegger appointed the Task Force in 2006, to create an independent blueprint for a sustainable Delta, and a reliable water supply for California.
"Although our official duties concluded at the end of the year, we remain committed to meeting the challenge of securing a reliable water supply for California while protecting the Delta's extraordinary environmental resources," said Phil Isenberg, former Chair of the Blue Ribbon Task Force. "We're entering the worst drought in twenty years, the iconic salmon fishery was closed last year, and finding a durable solution for the Delta has never been more important."
“Under the new designation, former Task Force members will seek to maintain the visibility and viability of their final recommendations, and encourage the public policy process to utilize the full package of their Strategic Plan recommendations. The Foundation will issue reports and participate in policy processes. The newly constituted body will take no formal position on legislation.
“According to Delta Vision Foundation and former task force member Sunne Wright McPeak, president and chief executive officer of the California Emerging Technology Fund, "The Delta's problems cannot be fully addressed by any single action. Each recommendation in the final Plan is an important element of the over-arching strategy. These recommendations are linked just as the Delta's challenges are linked."
“Thomas McKernan, also a Delta Vision Foundation member and chief executive officer of the Automobile Club of Southern California, added "California has fought for over 30 years in an effort by one side or other to achieve their preferred goals, and that attempt has lead to stalemate. It is time to move forward in a broad framework, and to act simultaneously on all of the important issues."
“A critical component of the recommendations package is the establishment of a single governance structure with the authority, responsibility, accountability, science support and secure funding to achieve the Strategic Plan's goals. Currently, more than 200 federal, state and local government agencies have some jurisdiction in the Delta.”
