The state of California is launching the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program to create advisory panels for important rivers in southern San Diego, focusing on their conservation and restoration. Given the fast-growing population in the San Diego region, the program aims to improve public access to green spaces, especially in areas lacking such access.

The Otay River, Sweetwater River, and Tijuana River watersheds are seen as critical natural resources needing protection from further development and damage. The program will bring together various stakeholders to collaborate on efforts to conserve and enhance these ecosystems for both ecological and public benefits, such as recreation and education.

The state is committed to joining forces with local organizations to safeguard and restore the environment, culture, and wildlife of these watersheds, ensuring they remain accessible and beneficial for future generations.

This section defines key terms for the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program. It specifies that the 'Account' is the financial account for the program, called the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program Account. The 'Consortium watershed area' includes lands within the watersheds of the Otay River, the Sweetwater River, and specific parts of the Tijuana River, stretching from their starting points to the Pacific Ocean. Finally, the 'Program' refers to the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program itself.

This law requires the conservancy to set up the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program. The program will create advisory panels that will work with local agencies and other groups to find funding. The money will be used to restore the watershed area and make public lands more accessible to everyone.

This law mandates that a conservancy must set up advisory panels for each watershed to provide advice and support without pay. These panels are composed of unpaid volunteers from local watershed organizations who serve two-year terms, ending if they leave their representing organization. The panels must meet at least twice a year in San Diego County, with meetings open to the public per open meeting laws. The conservancy must obey local laws when appointing panel members and managing their work. An annual report on these meetings should be prepared and included in the conservancy's executive officer's report to the governing board.

This law requires the creation of three advisory panels focused on different watershed areas in San Diego. Each panel consists of representatives from local cities, the County of San Diego, regional water quality boards, parks departments, educational institutions, and other relevant local entities.

The Otay River, Sweetwater River, and Tijuana River Watershed Advisory Panels are each composed of specific members. These include local city representatives, county board members, university appointees, and more, as outlined in detail for each panel.

This law requires advisory panels to create strategic plans for river watersheds. These plans must prioritize projects that protect and enhance natural, cultural, and recreational resources. They should also summarize policies and priorities for each watershed.

The plans need to identify underused public spaces like trails and suggest ways to improve public access and enjoyment. Lastly, the plans should align with local and regional planning and zoning regulations.

This law allows the conservancy to carry out various activities to implement a program within a specific watershed area. They can improve sites, provide public access, restore natural areas, and undertake projects themselves or give grants to others like public agencies and tribes. They can also upgrade or build new facilities for outdoor activities and education. Lastly, they can support advisory panels related to this program.

This law states that the conservancy is restricted from certain actions regardless of other laws. It cannot use eminent domain to take property, manage or regulate land that another public agency owns without a specific written agreement, impose taxes, or interfere with local or community plans.

This law establishes the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program Account as a part of the San Diego River Conservancy Fund. The money in this account can only be used by the conservancy after being approved by the Legislature, and it will earn interest over time.

All funds linked to this chapter must go into this account, and the conservancy is allowed to look for extra funding through grants, donations, and other types of financial support from both public and private sources. Additionally, the conservancy can receive goods or services donated by various entities and use them to support the program's goals.

This law states that the conservancy is responsible for managing the funds given to it for a specific program. It can use this money for things like grants, purchasing goods and services, removing invasive species, making capital improvements, supporting the program's operations, and fulfilling the program's goals.