Ocean Friendly Gardens Approach Top Of List For Panel Advising California Legislature

California Assembly Bill AB 1420 (2007) (CWC §10631.7) directed the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to form an Independent Technical Panel (ITP) to provide information and recommendations to DWR and the Legislature on new demand management measures, technologies and approaches to water use efficiency. Earlier this year they made recommendations to the legislature that became new state laws in regards to urban water planning.

This fall they have started looking at landscape issues and wanted members of the landscape industry and trade organizations to present their perspectives on water management in the landscape industry to get a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities. Surfrider Foundation was a presenter and advocated for two key elements: the watershed approach (i.e., Ocean Friendly Gardens principles) and integrated governance. Both were incorporated into the first of six recommendations for items to be addressed in 2015. The ITP has a history of having their recommendations adopted by the legislature.

The legislative adoption of the watershed approach would set the stage for state agencies incorporating it into their approach to aspects such as turf replacement rebates. Following an integrated approach to governance would leverage the resources of each agency to better fund a transformation of landscapes throughout the state.