The Russian River Watershed has been selected as one of five pilot regions in California’s new Watershed Resilience Program, an initiative led by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to help communities better prepare for and respond to climate change.

Launched as part of the 2023 California Water Plan, the Watershed Resilience Program builds on the foundation of the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Program. It introduces a more targeted approach to climate vulnerability assessment, adaptation planning, and cross-sector collaboration across water supply, flood management, groundwater, water quality, forest and fire, ecosystem, and land use sectors.

The Russian River pilot is receiving funding and technical support from DWR to convene a broad and inclusive watershed network. This network includes local agencies, Tribal governments, community organizations, and other partners working together to identify the region’s most pressing climate risks and develop strategies that deliver multiple benefits.

Equity and inclusion are central to the program’s goals, with DWR emphasizing the importance of engaging historically underrepresented communities in the planning process. The Russian River pilot will serve as a test case for how locally-led efforts can build resilience through collaboration and shared planning.

Funding for the pilot projects was provided through the Budget Acts of 2021 and 2022. Lessons learned from the Russian River and other pilot watersheds will inform future state funding programs. If additional resources become available, DWR plans to expand the program to other watersheds across California.