Terranova Ranch On-Farm Flood Capture and Recharge Demonstration Project

Terranova Ranch, a diversified farm in Fresno County, irrigates with groundwater from the Kings Basin.  The Kings Basin suffers chronic overdraft threatening regional agricultural sustainability.  Supported through a NRCS grant, Terranova Ranch is demonstrating utilizing farm practices and infrastructure to cost effectively and flexibly capture and apply Kings River flood flows for direct and in situ recharge.  This demonstration project is assessing the agricultural and economic feasibility of this approach, and the potential water resources benefits and challenges. Wide local and regional support is behind the project because of its potential to 1) mitigate area groundwater overdraft, 2) to cost effectively reduce flood risks along the Kings and San Joaquin Rivers, and 3) to provide a template for broader application.  The project collaborators are seeking additional support, including California DWR and NRCS funds, to broaden the program to 16,000 acres through creating the necessary organizational, structural and agricultural infrastructure.