Tule Trust Hires Watershed Coordinator
The Tule Basin Land and Water Conservation Trust is pleased to announce the hiring of new watershed coordinator, Emmily Lopez. Starting October 16, 2023, Lopez has begun helping establish a Sustainable Ag Land Conservation (SALC) program, implementing the land fallowing program under the MLRP program, helping meet the outcomes with plan development, and helping develop a watershed management plan.
Lopez, who holds a Masters degree from Arizona State University, will work directly with Susan Long, the Tule Trust’s Executive Director. As a born and raised Valley native, Lopez’s family has a longstanding commitment to serving the Valley’s communities over the years. With work experience as an administrative analyst for emergency services, playing a pivotal role in ensuring access to sustainable drinking water as well as educating the community around the significance of water conservation will help her better accomplish the implementation of the Tule Trust’s present and future projects. Her expertise in grant administration, program marketing, and fiscal management will also easily translate to her work with the Trust.
Lopez’s clear understanding of the impacts of SGMA and Watershed Management within the Central Valley and her enthusiastic, forward-looking perspective around contributing to conservation efforts, water management, restoration, and sustainable agriculture in the region will equip her well for the role.
About the position, CSU Sacramento graduate Lopez said, “I am most excited about giving back to the community that I have grown up in.” Susan Long, the Tule Trust Executive Director added, “Emmily’s understanding of the critical water issues facing our farmers and communities as well as her deep desire for helping others navigate uncharted waters makes her the perfect fit for the Tule Trust.“
The position will be funded through a Bureau of Reclamation Watershed Grant and Department of Conservation SALC Grant.
The Tule Basin Land and Water Conservation Trust is a 501(c)3 dedicated to protecting the southern San Joaquin Valley’s incredible natural resources and preserving a viable farming economy for the future generations.
