Staff flags water‑use changes tied to conservation sales as a policy gap

Tammy Lang told the board that landowner sales to conservation groups or dedication of water to in‑stream flows have created new challenges for the Williamson Act program because they can change historical water use and agricultural operations. She noted other counties generally do not have explicit water parameters in guidelines and suggested the county consider requirements that substantial water‑use changes would trigger board review, contract rescission or reentry procedures.

A supervisor asked whether the county has regulatory mechanisms to prevent purchases by conservation entities in areas with local area plans that prioritize agriculture; staff said planning options are limited but that clearer contract language about breach of contract and nonrenewal could give the county more enforcement options. Board members asked staff to consider where to place any water‑use language (in guidelines versus in contracts) and to return with recommendations.