In a recent government meeting, Mono County officials discussed the implications of a proposed general plan amendment concerning water transactions and their environmental impacts. The meeting highlighted the county's responsibility to evaluate potential environmental effects when approving water-related applications, as outlined in a 2012 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). While the MOU grants the county authority to consider a water transaction program, it does not allow for the approval of the transactions themselves.

The proposed criteria aim to establish parameters for future water transactions, ensuring that they align with environmental standards and minimize potential impacts. This initiative builds on previous assessments, including a 2014 report by the Resource Conservation District of Mono County, which served as a foundational analysis for the current proposal.

The Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC), established in 2015, plays a crucial role in managing water transactions and ensuring accountability in these projects. The WBC's principles, which prioritize sustainable land use, groundwater protection, and wildlife conservation, are reflected in the proposed criteria.

County officials outlined two primary options regarding the general plan amendment: either to adopt the proposed program, which would require the State Water Resources Control Board to consider the county's criteria during its environmental analysis, or to forgo the program, allowing the state board to proceed with its usual processes without local input.

Extensive outreach efforts were made to engage local stakeholders, particularly in the Antelope and Bridgeport Valleys, where concerns about environmental impacts and water rights were raised. Feedback from public meetings indicated apprehensions regarding accountability, monitoring compliance, and the potential limitations on land development related to water transfers.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to address the concerns raised by community members, particularly regarding the impacts on downstream water rights and recreational opportunities. The county aims to ensure that any future water transactions are conducted transparently and responsibly, balancing environmental stewardship with local agricultural needs.