MLRP Madera
The Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program helps you maximize the potential of your land by repurposing it for enhanced productivity and environmental benefit.
Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program
The Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP) helps you maximize the potential of your land by repurposing it for enhanced productivity and environmental benefit. This program offers tailored solutions to optimize land use, ensuring sustainable outcomes and increased value.
Explore how MLRP can benefit your land today and contribute to more efficient and sustainable land management practices. As water supplies in the San Joaquin Valley become increasingly constrained, the MLRP provides a framework for transitioning lands to alternative uses that deliver multiple benefits.
Transition Strategies
- Managed groundwater recharge basins
- Native habitat and wildlife corridors
- Solar and renewable energy installations
- Dryland farming and rangeland conversion
- Dust mitigation and air quality improvement
- Recreational and open space development
Delivering Multiple Benefits
The MLRP seeks to balance environmental, economic, and community needs when transitioning agricultural lands.
Water Sustainability
Addressing groundwater overdraft by developing strategies for lands where water supplies are no longer sufficient for traditional agriculture.
Habitat Creation
Converting fallowed agricultural lands into beneficial habitat areas that support wildlife and improve ecosystem health.
Economic Viability
Identifying alternative land uses that provide economic value to landowners while reducing water consumption.
Renewable Energy
Exploring solar and other renewable energy opportunities on repurposed agricultural lands as an alternative revenue source.
What Types of Projects Qualify?
The MLRP supports a wide range of land repurposing projects that convert irrigated agricultural lands to less water-intensive uses while providing community and ecosystem benefits. Projects must maintain a minimum 10-year contract duration and align with local Groundwater Sustainability Plans.
Eligible Project Types
- Transition of irrigated land to dryland farming or non-irrigated rangeland
- Transition to less water intensive crops
- Planting of cover crops or conservation cover
- Facilitation of renewable energy projects
- Creation or restoration of habitat
- Creation of parks or community recreation areas
- Development of multibenefit groundwater recharge areas
- Restoration of floodplains
- Reestablishment of Tribal land uses
- Implementation of Tribal cultural practices
Adapting to a Changing Water Landscape
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requires groundwater sustainability agencies to bring basins into balance, which may result in reduced water availability for some agricultural operations. The MLRP helps communities proactively plan for these transitions.
By working with landowners, local agencies, and state partners, the MCRCD helps identify the highest and best alternative uses for transitioning lands, ensuring they continue to provide value while contributing to broader environmental objectives.
Partners & Stakeholders
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about the MLRP program, eligibility, partners, and how to get involved. Can't find what you're looking for?
or visit maderacountywater.com to schedule an appointment.
MLRP is a California Department of Conservation (DOC) grant program funding local entities in regions needing to improve groundwater sustainability. Madera County received funding as one of eight grantees statewide to develop a local program supporting growers implementing agricultural land repurposing projects that sustain groundwater while creating rural community and ecosystem benefits.
Reach out via email at mlrp@maderacounty.com or schedule an appointment with Madera County Water Resources Specialists at maderacountywater.com/appointments/ to learn more about the program and how it can benefit your operation.
The key local partners include Madera County, Madera County Farm Bureau, Madera/Chowchilla Resource Conservation District, Madera Ag Water Association (MAWA), California Farmland Trust, and Zanjero, Inc. Statewide support is provided by Self-Help Enterprises, Environmental Defense Fund, and Environmental Incentive. Together, these organizations collaborate to develop and implement the MLRP program for Madera County.
Between fall 2023 and spring 2024, MLRP Madera partners developed the plan through community engagement, stakeholder meetings, and coordination with Groundwater Sustainability Agencies. The solicitation for project applications was expected in early summer 2024.
Eligible applicants must own agricultural land in Madera County. Projects must be within a Madera County Groundwater Sustainability Agency, provide ecosystem and community benefits, implement eligible project types that convert irrigated lands to less water-intensive uses, maintain a minimum 10-year contract duration, and align with local Groundwater Sustainability Plans.
Eligible project types include: transition of irrigated land to dryland farming or non-irrigated rangeland, transition to less water intensive crops, planting of cover crops or conservation cover, facilitation of renewable energy projects, creation or restoration of habitat, creation of parks or community recreation areas, development of multibenefit groundwater recharge areas, restoration of floodplains, reestablishment of Tribal land uses, and implementation of Tribal cultural practices.
MLRP Project Gallery
Land Repurposing Interest Form
Interested in the MLRP program? Fill out the form below and our team will contact you to discuss your options.
Help Shape the Future of Our Lands
Partner with the MCRCD to explore sustainable alternatives for agricultural lands in Madera County.