Public Participation

As a California state agency led by an appointed council, public participation is fundamental to the Delta Stewardship Council’s work toward the coequal goals of ensuring a reliable California water supply and resilient Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem, achieved in a manner that protects and enhances the unique cultural, recreational, natural resource, and agricultural values of the Delta as an evolving place. This web page serves as a “one-stop shop” for those seeking information on how to engage with the Council through its recent and upcoming opportunities for public engagement. Please contact the Council’s Office of Public Participation at engage@deltacouncil.ca.gov or (916) 445-5511 with any questions on the information below.

Public Participation Plan

2020 Public Participation Plan Cover.

Endorsed by the Council in June 2020, its Public Participation Plan serves as a guide for how any stakeholder or member of the public, regardless of background, location, ability, or status, can pursue opportunities to inform Council decision-making. The Council recognizes that the possible effective mechanisms for public participation are not “one size fits all” and may vary depending on the particular issue. This plan will be reviewed and revised periodically to ensure it reflects current best practices.

Opportunities to Comment

Draft 2026 Delta Science Plan

Our Delta Science Program has released a draft of the 2026 Delta Science Plan, which outlines the vision, principles, and approaches that guide science in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and is open for public comment until January 20, 2026. All members of the Delta science community and interested parties are invited to provide input, including federal, state, and local agency scientists, tribes, non-governmental organizations, academic researchers, and interested members of the public. Comments may be submitted via this online survey, via email to collaborativescience@deltacouncil.ca.gov, or mailed to the address below to be considered for the final version. The online survey (anonymous optional) will allow you to submit comments on each individual action from the draft 2026 Delta Science Plan.

Delta Stewardship Council - Delta Science Program
Collaborative Science and Peer Review Unit
715 P Street, 15-300
Sacramento, CA 95814

Delta ISB Subsidence Review

The Delta Independent Science Board is seeking input from the public on its draft review, “Science to Inform Management of Subsided Lands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.” This report summarizes key findings and recommendations developed by the Delta ISB on the science needed for improving the management of subsided lands in the Delta. The findings and recommendations are based on reflections from a workshop hosted in October 2023, interviews with subject matter experts, and a limited review of relevant literature. The review is intended to serve a diverse audience that includes Delta managers, researchers, legislators, decision-makers from local, state, and federal agencies, and other interested parties.

The public comment deadline for this review has been extended, and public comments are now due by December 30, 2025, via email to disb@deltacouncil.ca.gov, or by mail to the following address.

Delta Independent Science Board
ATTN: Meeting Clerk
715 P Street, 15-300
Sacramento, CA 95814

Tribal Consultation Policy

In 2015, the Council adopted a Tribal Consultation Policy that aims to engage in the timely and active process of seeking, discussing, and incorporating the views of California Native American tribes and tribal communities into its decision-making. The Council’s Tribal Consultation Policy can also be found in the Public Participation Plan as Appendix B.

Recent and Upcoming Public Meetings

Expand the individual event accordions below to view corresponding meeting details and materials.

2025

Groundbreaking science is helping regions across California adapt to climate change and its impacts. No place demonstrates this more than the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This huge estuary is a hub for water supply, agriculture, recreation, and cultural heritage. It is also under grave threat from climate impacts, including sea level rise and weather whiplash. Join the California Natural Resources Agency on October 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM via Zoom to unpack how emerging scientific research is shaping innovative strategies to protect the Delta’s communities, agriculture, infrastructure, and world-renowned biodiversity in the coming decades. The Delta Stewardship Council and its Delta Science Program are proud to be among the panelists participating in this important conversation. Register to join us at the link below!

Register to attend via Zoom.

  • A Meeting Notice will be posted 10 days before the meeting.

Share General Feedback

General public comments can be sent to the Council via:

  • Email:
  • Phone:
    • (916) 445-5511
  • Mail:
    • Delta Stewardship Council
      c/o Office of Public Participation
      715 P Street, 15-300
      Sacramento, CA 95814

Once received, the Office of Public Participation will forward the comment to the appropriate Council staff. To request access to copies of past comments, please email archives@deltacouncil.ca.gov.

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