• Flood-MAR Network Coordinating Team

At the Flood-MAR Network’s fifth biennial Flood-MAR Public Forum held in November 2025, over 150 practitioners, landowners, scientists, water managers, academics, and interested members of the public gathered to celebrate successes and grow towards a more resilient water future in California.

Panel sessions at the 2025 Flood-MAR Forum spanned a range of perspectives and themes on how Flood-MAR has become a statewide strategy. Day 1 of the Forum included reflections from early Flood-MAR influencers, insights and lessons learned from implementers, and state regulatory and policy perspectives. On Day 2, panelists highlighted approaches for harnessing multi- benefit opportunities, navigating water quality challenges, adapting to climate extremes, scaling Flood-MAR projects, advancing ecological outcomes, and leveraging financial incentives to support implementation. Out of this series of discussions, six main takeaways emerged:

1. Investment and trust in Flood- MAR stems from demonstrating and communicating its full value and benefits
2. Multi-benefit Flood-MAR offers exciting opportunities to restore wetland ecosystems
3. Equity and community benefits need greater focus
4. Streamlined regulatory pathways make recharge easier
5. Funding gaps remain a primary barrier to recharge projects
6. The future of Flood-MAR depends on coordinated, adaptive, and collaborative management

• Crop System Suitability
• Economic Analysis
• Environment - Terrestrial and Riparian/Aquatic
• Hydrology Observation and Prediction
• Infrastructure Conveyance and Hydraulics
• Land Use Planning and Management
• Local, State, and Federal Policies and Legal Considerations
• People and Water
• Recharge and Extraction Methods and Measurement
• Reservoir Operations
• Soils, Geology, and Aquifer Characterization
• Tool and Application Development
• Water Quality