Growers urge Tulare County to negotiate maintenance agreements to clear farm-side channels

A public commenter told the Tulare County Flood Control Commission that permitting requirements have effectively stopped growers from performing routine channel maintenance and urged the county to negotiate a cooperative program with local water districts.

“I don't think it's really a a money issue … we just don't wanna jump through all the hoops for trying to get the permit,” the commenter said, arguing growers used to remove sand and vegetation to keep channels flowing and protect adjacent farmland. The speaker asked whether the work could be coordinated “through Cahuilla Delta” or another local district so channels would not scour banks and destroy farmland during big rain events such as those in January 2023.

Commissioners and staff responded that county staff are assembling an interactive map to identify waterways and overlapping jurisdiction and that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or similar agreement could be a mechanism for joint maintenance. Staff noted the county is painfully aware of problem watercourses in the area, listing Lewis Creek, Cottonwood Creek and other local channels.

The exchange focused on how to reconcile federal permitting (U.S. Fish and Wildlife) with local maintenance needs. Commissioners said they want a clearer definition of flood control district activities and an inventory of which channels are under district, county, or state jurisdiction before any formal program is pursued.

The commission did not take formal action; chair said the mapping work and potential MOU would be advanced through staff and returned at a later meeting.