The annual groundwater summit, an event that has traditionally been held in Sacramento, is making a significant shift to Clovis this year. This move is a strategic decision to bring the conference closer to the heart of the issue: the impact of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) on farmers. The summit, now titled the 'Faces of SGMA Implementation Summit', will take place on June 2-3 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, offering a unique opportunity to engage with those directly affected by the new law.
Organized by the Groundwater Resources Association, the summit aims to foster a more accessible and practical approach to SGMA implementation. Trelawney Buillis, the organizer, emphasizes the importance of making the conference relatable to farmers, who are at the forefront of the challenge. SGMA mandates that water managers and farmers bring overdrafted aquifers into balance by 2040, a move that could result in the fallowing of up to 1 million acres in the San Joaquin Valley, causing a significant economic impact.
The summit's agenda includes panels featuring large and small growers, sharing their experiences in adapting to SGMA. One of the highlights is an interactive workshop led by Tulare Irrigation District manager Aaron Fukuda, titled 'Drop by Drop Decisions: The SGMA Scenario Lab'. This hands-on session allows participants to navigate real-time water use and trading decisions under SGMA's constraints, providing a practical understanding of the challenges faced by farmers.
Buillis believes that the summit's location change is a crucial step in bridging the gap between those 'in charge' of SGMA and the growers and water agencies that are adapting to reduced groundwater allocations. She hopes that by bringing the conference to a more relatable setting, it will encourage meaningful collaboration and dialogue, moving the needle towards a more sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.
This shift in location also brings a cost benefit, reducing the price from over $800 to $250, making it more accessible to a wider range of attendees. The summit's focus on practical solutions and the inclusion of farmers' perspectives make it a significant event in the groundwater management landscape. As Buillis notes, it's no longer a matter of simply turning on the water and forgetting about it; it's about making informed, sustainable decisions that will shape the future of water management in the San Joaquin Valley.
