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Tulare Basin Working Group

The Tulare Basin Working Group (TBWG) held its final meeting in May of 2014. Since 2003, the group had been meeting at least twice a year to share information, coordinate new opportunities, and collaborate on conservation projects led by participating organizations. Participants included local, state, and federal agencies, business, industry, non-profits, universities, ranchers, farmers, and private citizens concerned about conservation, agriculture, economic development, and quality of life in the Tulare Basin. 

Though the TBWG is no longer convening, similar work is being undertaken by a new collaborative, the TulareBasin Watershed Connections Working Group. The Watershed Connections group was launched by TBWP and is now being coordinated by Michelle Selmon/DWR Climate Change Specialist. 

2014 Meetings 

May 1, 2014: The spring tour and meeting was held at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. The meeting focused on the effect that the drought is having on Tulare Basin wetlands and associated species. 

Draft Meeting Agenda and Meeting Minutes

Meeting AgendaMeeting Minutes

Background information on how the drought is affecting wetlands: 

Technical brief: Why water for Central Valley wetlands is important for migratory birds and peopleSummary of the issue from Central Valley Joint VentureObjection letter submitted by Grassland Water District and Grassland Resource Conservation DistrictComments on Drought Actions and Potential Impacts to Refuges and Central Valley Wetlands: submitted by The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, California Audubon, Trust for Public Land, Defenders of Wildlife, California WaterfowlLetter to Governor Brown from Central Valley Joint VentureLetter to State Water Resources Control Board from Ducks Unlimited 
2013 Meetings 

October 24, 2013: The meeting focused on the San Joaquin Valley Greenprint – a regional and comprehensive data collection and mapping effort - and included a breakout session to encourage dialogue between TBWG members and the Greenprint on three data/mapping themes: natural resources, water, and agriculture.  Meeting Agenda & Minutes.

Meeting Agenda

May 2, 2013: Spring tour and meeting - Meeting Agenda & Minutes.

Article in Visalia-Times Delta: Creating a Healthy Watershed for Tomorrow

Meeting AgendaMeeting MinutesCreating a Healthy Watershed for Tomorrow
A serene wetland scene with tall grasses, reeds, and a calm body of water under a clear sky.
WRP semi-permanent wetland complex in Alpaugh
A group of people on a wooden observation deck by a marsh, wearing hats for sun protection.
TBWG meeting attendees gathered at Atwell Island Project observation deck
A marsh landscape with birds in the water and tall grass in the background.
WRP semi-permanent wetland complex in Alpaugh
A group of people outdoors, one person speaking and holding papers near wetland vegetation.
BLM's Jihadda Govan, Atwell Island Project Manager, discusses the BLM-managed property
A serene wetland scene with tall grasses, reeds, and a calm body of water under a clear sky.
A group of people on a wooden observation deck by a marsh, wearing hats for sun protection.
A marsh landscape with birds in the water and tall grass in the background.
A group of people outdoors, one person speaking and holding papers near wetland vegetation.
2012 Meetings 

October 26, 2012: The meeting focused on the Tulare Basin Watershed Initiative and the launch of the TBWI website including the SJVRT mapping efforts that could potentially be used as an information resource for the TBWI website. Meeting Agenda & Minutes.

Meeting AgendaMeeting Minutes

April 26, 2012: TBWG spring tour and meeting - Agenda

Article in Visalia Times-Delta: Partnering for Conservation in the Tulare Basin

AgendaPartnering for Conservation in the Tulare Basin
A serene pond with tall grass and a tree with pink blossoms in a natural setting.
Wetlands at Los Alamos Duck Club
A group of people stands in a circle outdoors in a field, some wearing hats, under a clear sky.
TBWG touring Rancho Visalia Duck Club
A dry landscape with cracked soil, sparse bushes, and a clear blue sky.
Seasonal wetland on Widgeon duck club
A group of seven people standing outdoors on a clear day with greenery in the background.
Wetlands restoration: Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Central Valley Joint Venture
A serene pond with tall grass and a tree with pink blossoms in a natural setting.
A group of people stands in a circle outdoors in a field, some wearing hats, under a clear sky.
A dry landscape with cracked soil, sparse bushes, and a clear blue sky.
A group of seven people standing outdoors on a clear day with greenery in the background.
2011 Meetings 

April 1, 2011: This meeting provided updates on several endeavors, including: CVJV "all bird" and watershed expansion plans, the Ducks Unlimited/California Waterfowl Tulare Basin NAWCA plans, the Tulare Basin IRWM update, and the UC Merced NRS field station at Atwell Island update. Meeting Agenda & Minutes.

Meeting AgendaMeeting Minutes

October 28, 2011:This meeting focused on water supply needs, from finding funding to maintain existing water supplies to the water supply needs of riparian and wetland habitats. Meeting Agenda & Minutes.

Meeting AgendaMeeting Minutes
2010 Meetings 

October 29, 2010: This meeting focused on reviewing the Tulare Basin Wildlife Partner's Conservation Vision document, the 2007-2009 Annual Report, and the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan. Meeting Agenda & Minutes.

Conservation Vision2007-2009 Annual Report2011-2014 Strategic PlanMeeting AgendaMeeting Minutes