Community organizations and local leaders are working together to hear from residents about climate resilience. Recently, the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority asked Rivers & Lands Conservancy to help create a “Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan” (CARP) for the Santa Ana River Watershed. This area stretches from the San Bernardino mountains to the Orange County coast.
The main goal of CARP is to gather insights from those who live and work in the watershed. The project is led by the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, established in 1975. It includes five member agencies focused on managing water resources. Key partners in this effort are the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians and the Inland Southern California Climate Collaborative from UC Riverside, along with various water, transportation, and environmental groups.
Climate change threatens many aspects of life in the watershed. The CARP aims to identify risks linked to drought, wildfires, extreme heat, rising sea levels, and flooding. By engaging stakeholders, the plan will outline strategies for adapting to these challenges. This includes a comprehensive roadmap involving water management, land use, and ecosystem preservation.
The Regional Resilience Grant Program funds this initiative, part of California’s efforts to enhance climate adaptation. The program focuses on long-term resilience strategies across the state.
Community participation is vital. Residents can share their thoughts by attending workshops and open forums. This feedback is essential for shaping local programs and securing funding to protect the Santa Ana River Watershed from climate change impacts.
More than just meetings, community members can also complete a brief survey to voice their opinions. Rivers & Lands Conservancy is actively encouraging participation through events and outreach in 2026.
In a recent survey conducted by the Interim Climate Initiative, 67% of residents expressed concern over climate impacts in their area. Experts note that engaging local residents can lead to more effective and tailored solutions.
For more information about the plan and how to contribute, you can visit the Santa Ana Watershed Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan page or take part in the CARP Community Survey.
The involvement of all community members is key. Together, we can better prepare for the changes ahead.
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