San Joaquin Valley - Development Threat Level

Extracted from Land Water Intersection Report:

To assess the risk that future development poses to agricultural land in the Valley, we used a multi-criteria model that included data on various indicators of the likelihood of conversion of land to non-agricultural use. These data included:

• City limits and spheres of influence (reflecting a government intention to convert these lands)
• General plan designation of land for development
• Forecast of urban growth by California Natural Resources Agency

Land falling within city limits or spheres of influence, or designated for development in general plans was categorized as having a high risk of conversion because these official designations represent an intention that the land within them will be developed. Land outside these areas but forecast for urban growth by CNRA was considered at medium risk of conversion, while all other land was deemed to be at low risk of conversion.