From the Department of Water Resources:
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Central Valley Flood Protection Board (Board) announced today the Public Draft Yolo Bypass Cache Slough Master Plan (YBCS Master Plan) is available for public comment until 5pm on May 15, 2025.
About the YBCS Master Plan
The purpose of the YBCS Master Plan is to guide continued project planning and implementation consistent with the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan and its Conservation Strategy; to inform the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Yolo Bypass System Comprehensive Study; and to support the YBCS Partnership goals, which are focused on flood, habitat, water supply, water quality, agriculture, and recreation.
The YBCS Master Plan will foster ongoing collaboration and coordination for multi-benefit flood management strategies among state and federal agencies, California Tribes (Tribes), local agencies, and interested parties in the region. It provides a hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, an ecosystem baseline report, and actionable recommendations. Although it does not provide funding or an investment strategy, the YBCS Master Plan identifies potential funding sources to support continued project development in the region.
DWR developed the YBCS Master Plan in close coordination with the Board and received input from other members of the YBCS Partnership and Tribes during the planning process. All comments and suggestions are carefully considered through multiple drafts before the YBCS Master Plan is finalized.
About the Yolo Bypass Cache Slough Partnership
The YBCS planning area covers the Yolo Bypass and Cache Slough region, encompassing potential projects described in the YBCS Master Plan.
The Yolo Bypass Cache Slough Partnership was formed in 2016 by a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Today, state, federal, and local agency members of the Partnership – working closely with Tribes, other agencies, and interested parties – are planning and implementing projects capable of delivering multiple benefits across a shared YBCS landscape. The region described in the MOU for the YBCS Partnership covers a larger regional area, stretching from Verona — including Big Notch and Fremont Weir — along the Sacramento River to Rio Vista, where it connects with the Delta.
Engagement with Tribes
DWR and the Board are committed to meaningful engagement with Tribes in the development and review of the YBCS Master Plan draft documents. In mid-2022, DWR and the Board began early engagement with Tribes who have traditional and cultural affiliation to lands in the planning area. Input from Tribes to date resulted in the inclusion of Tribal values and interests in the draft YBCS Master Plan. In the future, continued consultation and engagement with Tribes can guide related efforts of the YBCS Partnership and individual project proponents.Interested Parties and the Public
Feedback is critical to the usefulness of the YBCS Master Plan. Public engagement contributes to the development of effective strategies and projects that can provide multiple benefits such as reducing flood risk, enhancing ecosystems, and fostering agricultural sustainability in the region.
Please access the YBCS Master Plan through the YBCS Partnership webpage
https://ybcspartnership.org/yolo-bypass-cache-slough-master-plan/
Comments on the YBCS Master Plan are due no later than 5pm PDT on May 15, 2025.
Download an Excel Comment Tool to provide comments and/or email comments to: YBCSMP@water.ca.gov. Please follow this guidance: Comment_Form_Guidance.pdf.
To receive assistance submitting comments, accessing files, or to request an extension, email YBCSMP@water.ca.gov.
