Multibenefit Land Repurposing
What is the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP)?
Many California communities in the Central Valley are navigating changes driven by increasing droughts and imbalanced water supplies as the result of many years of unsustainable water use. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) sets a deadline to transition to sustainable groundwater use by 2040 in critically overdrafted subbasins in California, such as the Kaweah Subbasin. Experts estimate 500,000 to 1,000,000 acres of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley alone may need to be fallowed, retired, or repurposed to balance groundwater supplies and address climate change-driven water scarcity. If left unmanaged, fallowed or retired fields can emit dust and worsen air quality; host weeds and pests; and adversely impact agricultural economies, rural communities, and ecosystems.
To support beneficial alternatives, the California Department of Conservation (DoC) established the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP) to incentivize multibenefit land repurposing that takes a strategic regional approach and provides benefits to both the environment and surrounding communities.
Multibenefit land repurposing is the act of transitioning irrigated agricultural land to other uses that consume less water and provide additional benefits to ecosystems and surrounding communities. Alternative land uses may include but are not limited to: the installation of groundwater recharge basins, restoration of lands to native habitat, transition to dryland farming or non-irrigated rangeland, renewable energy projects, reestablishment of Tribal land uses, and the creation of parks.
Land Repurposing Options
There are a number of different types of multibenefit land repurposing projects that require less water and create additional community and environmental benefits. Land repurposing project types include, but are not limited to:
Less Water-Intensive Crops
Can provide water savings and help maintain regional crop diversity. Some types of less water-intensive crops can be annually fallowed during times of drought. Must consider market demand and specialized labor need.
Groundwater Recharge
Helps store water for future use, can improve well reliability and water quality, and can support habitat and ecosystems. Diverting flood flows to dedicated areas can reduce downstream flood risks to communities and farmland. This can also work successfully with agriculture with the right soil conditions. Crops like rice, almonds, and alfalfa can be good options if managed properly. Water quality should be carefully considered to avoid worsening groundwater quality in areas that support drinking water wells.
Native Habitat Restoration
Improves regional biodiversity and can help recover plants and animals that are at risk of extinction. Can improve soil health, support pollinators like birds and butterflies, and offer recreation and education opportunities to communities. Should consider the distance to existing habitat to connect large areas and create more successful habitat. Working with wildlife agencies will ensure projects are properly permitted and that project implementers have guaranteed assurances.
Grazing Land
Can support soil health if well-managed and can be compatible with native plants. Can require investment in fencing and the amount of feed available is dependent on rainfall.​ Low-density and rotational grazing practices can avoid erosion and soil degradation.
Dryland Agriculture
Can serve as a transition crop and be flexible year to year. With proper management can promote soil health and provide pollinator habitat. Yields can be unpredictable, so it may not be viable in regions with limited rainfall.
Low-Impact Solar
Clean energy source that helps California reduce its climate impacts.​ Creates some jobs and can complement other land uses like grazing or cover crops. Requires the right physical conditions and accessibility to transmission infrastructure.
Recreational Areas and Parks
Provide recreational opportunities for communities, such as parks, outdoor education. Can buffer against environmental health threats, especially near rural communities that experience poor air quality and water quality. Xeriscaping, a type of specialized landscaping that requires little to no irrigation, can reduce or eliminate need for applied water beyond rainfall.
More Info and Resources
View or download a printable flyer about
Multibenefit Land Use Alternatives
for more information.