Beginning in Fall 2022, the Merced Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (MSGSA) implemented a Land Repurposing Program (LRP) as part of Phase 1 of its two phase approach to implementation of the Merced Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP).  The LRP is a five year temporary program with only three open application periods.  

Per the Merced Subbasin GSP and subsequent MSGSA Resolutions, the MSGSA has committed to achieving a reduction in consumptive groundwater use in its jurisdictional area of at least 15,000 acre-feet per year (AFY) by the end of Water Year 2025 (Phase 1), increasing to substantially greater reductions by 2040 (Phase 2). The MSGSA has resolved to achieve the 2025 consumptive use reduction target primarily through voluntary land repurposing, which generally means changing land use practices (i.e. cropping, irrigation methods, etc.) from higher water use to lower water use – including temporary fallowing. The MSGSA designed the Phase 1 LRP to encourage landowner participation through the use of an incentive payment system driven by landowner applications.

During three open application periods, landowners within the MSGSA were able to submit applications to the MSGSA for consideration.  The MSGSA scored those applications against the scoring criteria available in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the recommended applications were brought before the Governing Board for final approval.  

The final open application period was in September 2024.  The LRP will continue to enforce the existing LRP Agreements through Water Year 2027.       

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (Updated September 2024)