Panel reorganizes draft report, forms teams and sets Jan. 14 deadline for revisions

Panel leadership proposed a revised structure for the draft final report and organized volunteers into small teams to refine sections before the next meeting.

Chair Daniel Geisler presented a combined draft report and suggested moving recommendations for research, best management practices and detailed modeling information into separate sections so question responses remain concise. He said the report would include background on nitrogen cycling, a discussion of pathways and how these relate to Ag Order 4 terminology, and an appendix for panel bios and dissenting opinions.

Teams of two were formed to take responsibility for distinct pieces: recommendations for research, best management practices, modeling details, and background text. Panelists volunteered in the meeting chat and by voice; for example, Richard Smith and Ali Montazar volunteered to work on best management practices, Thomas volunteered for modeling, and Michael Cohen and Daniel Geisler offered to work on background.

Staff clarified the working rule that each panelist should be on only one two‑person team at a time but teams can be reorganized weekly. Daniel asked members to flag line numbers and compile comments in a separate document so staff can track changes and Sam McGill committed to circulate the assignments and revised drafts.

The panel scheduled its next meeting for Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, to be held in person at CalEPA in Sacramento (Coastal Hearing Room) with a Zoom option; staff will distribute the slide decks and updated drafts before that session.