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• Revitalizing Gualala: A Collaborative Watershed Management Plan
• CRAM Training: Enhancing Our Wetland and Riparian Assessment Capabilities
• Sonoma & Marin Agricultural Producers Working Group
• Seeking Seed Amplification Sites
• Sonoma County RCDs Accepting Applications to Fund Conservation Practices
• Calling All Grazing Cooperatives: Funding Available!
• Voluntary Well Monitoring Program
• Support Mill Creek Flow Through Rainwater Catchment & Forbearance
• Upcoming partner workshops, trainings, and events

Revitalizing Gualala: A Collaborative Watershed Management Plan

The Sonoma RCD Forestry Team recently finalized a management plan for the Gualala River Watershed and Coastal Tributaries. Funded by the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSmart Grant Program, the Plan is the result of two years of collaboration among local stakeholders in an association known as the Gualala River Watershed and Coastal Tributaries Coalition and in partnership with The Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria. The Plan outlines watershed concerns and priorities voiced by stakeholders and addresses changes in streamflow and aquatic habitat conditions since 2003, when the last watershed-wide management plan was published. In addition to in-stream concerns, the management plan addresses climate change and adaptation in the watershed, population demographics and development pressure, upland forest ecosystem conditions, and wildfire resiliency in the watershed. An action plan and project prioritization matrix were developed in complement to the Plan to help identify relevant projects and streamline grant proposal development based on needs identified in the watershed Plan. The Plan is soon to be published and will be available for review on our website. We're energized to continue to collaborate with The Tribe, watershed stakeholders, and land managers to plan and implement critical conservation efforts in the Northwest portion of our district.

CRAM Training: Enhancing Our Wetland and Riparian Assessment Capabilities

We are excited to share that one of our dynamic Project Managers, Ari DeMarco, has completed training in the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM), a powerful diagnostic tool specifically designed for assessing the overall condition of wetland and riparian areas in California. CRAM allows for quick, yet comprehensive, assessments based on basic map or visual indicators, with field assessments taking no more than three hours. This rapid approach provides a timely snapshot of the health of these critical areas.

CRAM assessments yield numeric scores across four key attributes: hydrology, physical topography, vegetation, and overall ecosystem support. The process enriches our understanding by highlighting aspects we might otherwise overlook, ensuring that our observations are backed by solid research.

By conducting CRAM assessments of various wetland and riparian areas within the watershed, we will not only strengthen our partnerships across the region but also gain vital insights into the status of these ecosystems. This information is crucial for guiding efforts to protect and restore these valuable natural resources.

All data collected through CRAM is accessible on EcoAtlas, allowing stakeholders to review and understand the methodologies behind each assessment. We look forward to leveraging this tool to enhance our contribution to the health and sustainability of our regional ecosystems.

Sonoma & Marin Agricultural Producers Working Group - August 1st

Next Thursday, August 1st from 2-4 pm, the Marin and Sonoma RCDs and NRCS are holding a working group meeting at the NRCS Office. All producers in Marin and Sonoma counties are invited! Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about our programs, meet staff, and share input on conservation priorities and funding for both counties with us over light refreshments.

Seeking Seed Amplification Sites

Last month, Gold Ridge and Sonoma RCDs collected native seeds from a local preserve for Gold Ridge RCD's seed amplification project. In total, we collected one pound of Elymus glaucus, which is about 85,000 live seeds, and one pound of Sisyrinchium bellum, which is roughly 24,000 live seeds. These seeds were shared with Heritage Growers, who will lead the cultivation of the seeds into mature plants. They will then be used to help with future species planting!

We are currently seeking landowners who may be interested in participating in this program. Participation would consist of having RCD staff collect native seeds within the property.

Linked below is a list of the current native seeds we are seeking to collect. For more information or any questions please reach out to Program Manager, Ari DeMarco at ademarco@sonomarcd.org

Sonoma County RCDs Accepting Applications to Fund Conservation Practices

Sonoma and Gold Ridge RCDs are accepting applications to fund conservation projects for local socially disadvantaged and historically underserved farmers and ranchers. Some project ideas include cover crops, grazing, compost application, hedgerow installation, and many more!

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

Sonoma RCD contact: Anya Starovoytov, Agricultural Program Director, astarovoytov@sonomarcd.org

Gold Ridge RCD contact: Emma Wood, Climate and Agriculture Resilience Fellow, emma@goldridgercd.org

Calling All Grazing Cooperatives: Funding Available!

Members of grazing co-operatives in Sonoma County can now apply for funding to support their projects. This program offers up to $3,500 for materials to enhance the growth and sustainability of grazing initiatives. Funded by the Gold Ridge and Sonoma RCDs, the program operates on a non-competitive, "first come, first serve" basis. To qualify, grant requirements must be met, and notification of project funding must be received from the RCD before purchasing materials.

The goal of this program is to support and expand the capacity of community grazing co-operatives in Sonoma County. Applicants need to demonstrate how the grant will help sustain or grow their cooperative grazing projects. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 31, 2024, but early application is encouraged due to the "first come, first serve" nature of the program.

For more information or to apply, contact Aaron Fairbrook, Water Resources Program Director, at afairbrook@sonomarcd.org or 707.569.1448 x106.

Voluntary Well Monitoring Program

We are seeking property owners with wells in Santa Rosa Plain, Sonoma Valley, and Petaluma Valley to participate in a local voluntary groundwater well monitoring program. The goal of this program is to have a more comprehensive understanding of groundwater levels in our local groundwater basins.

There will be an informational webinar on the program on Monday August 19th at 5 pm. Sign up for the Zoom call using this link.

Support Mill Creek Flow Through Rainwater Catchment & Forbearance

We are excited to collaborate with landowners in the Mill Creek Watershed to implement rainwater storage systems. This initiative is made possible through funding from the Wildlife Conservation Board and in partnership with Trout Unlimited. Our objective is to capture rainwater during the wet season, store it, and utilize it during dry periods. This helps maintain essential water levels to support diverse aquatic life, including local salmonid populations! Mill Creek plays a vital role as a lifeline for these species.

To sign up or learn more, reach out to Anya Starovoytov, Agricultural Program Director, astarovoytov@sonomarcd.org

Sonoma County Fair: "The Greatest Fair on Earth"

Thursday, August 1st-Sunday, August 11th, 2024

1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA

Summer in Sonoma County looks like cotton candy skies and long, outdoor, warm nights. It also looks like carnival lights, white 4-H uniforms, and blue corduroy FFA jackets. With its large agriculture community, the Sonoma County Fair is the central location to find the next generation of agriculturalists showing off their projects. The fair takes place from August 1-11th at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.

From still exhibits to the livestock they've raised this year, exhibitors come prepared to show judges what they've got. For the first time, livestock shows will happen while the fair is open to the public. From fur to feathers, there is a show for everyone! Agriculturalists are showing their horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens, dogs, and more! Walk around the barn and greet an exhibitor, they love to share the time and effort put into their project.

See you all next week for the "The Greatest Fair on Earth"! If you have an interest in enrolling your child into a 4-H or FFA chapter reach out to Karen Saler, our Community Engagement Assistant, at ksaler@sonomarcd.org

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