The Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) is being developed to promote the recovery of
endangered, threatened and sensitive fish and wildlife species and their habitats in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in a way that will also protect and restore water supplies.
The BDCP is:
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Identifying conservation strategies to improve the overall ecological health of the Delta
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Identifying ecologically friendly ways to move fresh water through and/or around the Delta
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Addressing toxic pollutants, invasive species, and impairments to water quality
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Establishing a framework and funding to implement the Plan over time
The BDCP is being developed in compliance with the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the California Natural Communities Conservation Planning Act (NCCPA). When completed, the BDCP would provide the basis for the issuance of endangered spcies permits for the operation of the state and federal water projects. The plan would be implemented over the next 50 years. The heart of the BDCP is a long-term conservation strategy that sets for the actions needed for a healthy delta.
As the BDCP evaluates habitat, physical and operational alternatives necessary to restore the Delta ecosystem while providing water supply reliability, state and federal agencies are developing a joint Environmental Impact Report/Statement (EIR/EIS) under the Delta Habitat Conservation and Conveyance Program (DHCCP). The EIR/EIS will determine the potential environmental impacts of the proposed BDCP.