GSA technical team says DWR was "encouraging" of adaptive approach for 2027 periodic evaluation

Consultants reported progress on the 2027 periodic evaluation of the Ukiah Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan and characterized a recent meeting with the Department of Water Resources as positive.

Audra Bardsley, senior scientist with Larry Walker Associates, said DWR staff did not provide direct acceptance or rejection of technical approaches but "they did say they very much appreciated the organization and the thought that went into the materials" and were "very encouraging of the adaptive management" envisioned in the draft evaluation. Bardsley said the technical team plans to provide a draft to the Technical Advisory Committee ahead of its October meeting and then share a board draft in November for review and comment.

General Manager Maya Simerson added that the joint meeting with DWR was helpful and that staff received a thank-you note from DWR; the board subsequently voted to accept the update and directed staff and consultants to continue along the scheduled timeline.