State Water Board recognizes new unmanned aerial vehicle program in Division of Water Rights

The State Water Resources Control Board opened its Aug. 5 meeting by honoring Division of Water Rights staff who led a multi‑year effort to stand up an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program for enforcement. Robert Cervantes of the division described the project as a two‑year effort that produced certified pilots, an operations manual and legal reviews to ensure compliance with federal aviation and privacy requirements.

Board members said the program improves staff safety and evidence collection in remote and hazardous terrain. Cervantes told the board the program was piloted first in cannabis enforcement and will support compliance inspections, remote monitoring and response activities. The board emphasized the interagency and interdivisional coordination that went into procurement, pilot training and data management.

The award recognized specific staff who led the work. Those named included Scott Sharanaka, Lane King, Jennifer Timmons, Chris Bridal, Chris Van der Wingard, Jordan Baser, Anessa Rodriguez, Jeff Kapelas and Carson Capps, and Cervantes said the program was operational by April 2025. Presentations noted that legal review focused on state and federal aviation rules and on privacy and Fourth Amendment protections.

Board chair Joaquin Esquivel and members said they hoped the program would enable safer, higher‑quality information for enforcement and resource protection. The board did not take formal action; the recognition highlighted a new investigative tool the agency intends to use on enforcement and monitoring assignments.