Leadership Visalia dives into water and works the land

Tiffany Garcia, California Dairies, Inc.

On Friday, April 19th, the Leadership Visalia cohort embarked on a day-long learning experience to explore the intricacies of agriculture and water management in Tulare County. 

The day began with a comprehensive overview of water resources from Kevin McCusker, Director of Government & Community Affairs, with Cal Water and Shane Smith, GM of the Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District. During McCusker's presentation, he focused on water quality, their reliance on groundwater, and something we are all concerned about: pricing. Pricing for water may be a misconception for all of us. We learned that we do not actually pay for the price of water, but the cost it takes to operate the systems to get the water to us safely and clean. 

Smith continued the conversation, explaining the district's role in managing floodwater systems and groundwater supplies across 340,000 acres in Visalia and surrounding areas. The district accomplishes this through a network of over 40 basins, channels, and waterways. They emphasized the importance of last year's heavy rain season, which saw historic water levels, highlighting the delicate balance between flood management and water conservation. Smith also addressed water rights in California, explaining the difference between riparian and appropriative rights.

Following the morning session, we visited the Terminus Dam and went on a tour led by Park Ranger Tony Ugarte. Built in 1962, the 215-foot-tall dam is an earthen dam managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The dam's primary purpose is flood control and water storage for agriculture. It can hold up to 185,000 acre-feet of water and features a spillway with some of the world's largest fuse gates. These fuse gates open automatically to release excess water during floods. The recent heavy rainstorms in March 2023 caused the first natural opening of the fuse gates. The leadership class then enjoyed a peaceful lunch overlooking Kaweah Lake.

The last stop featured a visit to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office Farm, where we met with Farm Manager Gary A. Bird and Tricia Stever Blattler, Executive Director of the Tulare County Farm Bureau. Blattler shed light on the vast agricultural industry in Tulare County and the myriad challenges faced by modern farmers. Regulations, documentation, and compliance with various agencies were highlighted as significant hurdles. Tulare County Farm Bureau is a valued partner and provides resources to our beloved farms as they continue to navigate the landscape. 

Gary then gave a fascinating tour of the farming operation. The farm is a unique entity that utilizes inmate labor to maintain a host of cattle, sow, chickens, and a variety of seasonal vegetables. Everything harvested is used to supply the county jail kitchen, resulting in a cost savings of $1.5 million to taxpayers last year. In addition to the economic benefits, the farm program provides inmates with valuable work experience and skill development.

The day proved to be an informative and engaging experience providing a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of agriculture and water management in Tulare County.