Over the course of a year, we interviewed landowners, environmental consultants, water lawyers and other experts to learn the factors that determine groundwater replenishment project suitability. We generated two interactive tools for the public that will help stakeholders decide which projects to pursue and where: an interactive cost-benefit analysis workbook and a spatial multi-benefit optimization model (MBOM).
An analysis of Kern County, California revealed the following:
- Replenishment projects with added habitat exhibit similar economic outcomes to traditional strategies
- Habitat achievements vary between the wetland and upland strategies
- Surrounding communities benefit more from habitat restoration than simply fallowing fields