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December 23, 2016 
In This Issue:  
*RCD Receives Gold Resolution 
*Rivers & Streams Video
*Coho Release in Salmon Creek
*Climate Beneficial BMPs on Vineyards
*Organic Produce Farmers Wanted for Study
*Cannabis Guide
*Climate Summit 2017 
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Gold Resolution Celebrates 75 Years of Service

On October 28, 2016, the Gold Ridge RCD was presented with a Gold Resolution by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for actively serving our constituents since 1941.  For 75 years, the RCD has provided important voluntary conservation programs to thousands of local farms, ranches, rural and urban residents, and local youth. We strive to be the mechanism in which local agencies and stakeholder groups can implement multi-beneficial projects promoting healthy ecosystems and our local economy.  The Gold Ridge RCD is honored to be recipients of such recognition by Sonoma County.

 

"Rivers & Streams" Video Highlights RCD

KRCB North Bay Bountiful's 2016 video highlights local efforts to protect the north bay's robust network of streams. The RCD's 2009 dam removal project at Camp Meeker is one of three stories that express the value of coordinating conservation efforts to protect water quality, instream water availability, endangered wildlife, and groundwater supply. 

  
Coho Release in Salmon Creek

On December 22, 2016 the Coho Broodstock Program released 150 adult coho salmon ready to spawn in the main-stem of lower Salmon Creek just north of Bodega Bay. These fish traveled from the Warm Springs Fish Hatchery in Geyserville. Carefully chosen for genetic success, two- and three-year old adults were released in the water (some of them for their very first time in a natural waterway) and encouraged to swim up stream to spawn in one of the many high-quality tributaries of the Salmon Creek watershed. Entering the water just before late December rains hit, these fish have ample water and partners to spawn with. The Broodstock Program considers it a special service to add these fertile adults to the system, hoping the investment will result in a greater number of young of the year in the spring, and returning adults in future years. The Central California Coast coho salmon, historically plentiful, have been on the endangered species list since 1996, and efforts to increase their populations in numerous North Bay watersheds has been on-going since the early 2000s.


Photo by Tess Owens

North Bay RCDs and Partners 
Plan for Climate Change on Vineyards


Hosted at the beautiful SRJC Shone Farm, the Gold Ridge, Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa RCDs, the USDA's NRCS Ukiah Office, UCCE Mendocino and the Santa Rosa Junior College came together this November to discuss the current research on vineyard climate-beneficial practices for our region. 

These might include timed irrigation/fertigation to increase nitrogen uptake by vines, compost application, hedgerow planting, cover cropping and grazing, reduced and non-tillage, and more. These practices are being examined for their ability to sequester carbon dioxide, retain water, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, amendments and pesticides, and maintain grape quality and quantity. This meeting will help inform the RCDs as they start assisting vineyards to create LandSmart Carbon Farm Plans.

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Partner News
 
Organic Farmers Wanted for UCCE Research

The University of California Cooperative Extension seeks organic produce farmers for a new research study that will help UCCE better provide science-based effective strategies that limit food safety risks when using valuable raw manure soil amendments. 

Eligible farms are certified organic; they fertilize with raw manure or untreated manure from dairy cattle, horses or poultry; they grow lettuce, spinach, carrots, radishes, tomatoes or cucumbers.

Benefits of participating are: Farms will receive all test results for their farm for free as well as a summary report of the overall study with farm-specific feedback to help minimize contamination of fresh produce and $700 upon completion of the 2-year study.

 

Organic Farmers Wanted for UCCE Research

Want your own copy of the popular "Watershed Best Management Practices for Cannabis Growers and other Rural Gardeners"? Well, they are sold out now, but with your help, the Mendocino County RCD can send it to print again.
Donate by December 30th to get your copy. Call (707) 462-3664 ext 106 to speak with Deborah Edelman for more information about your tax-deductible donation and receiving your copy of the guide.


 
California Climate and Agriculture Network (CalCAN) Climate Summit 2017

February 28th and March 1st, 2017
UC Davis Conference Center
Interested in the latest science, policy and practice of climate-friendly farming in California? Check out the 5th California Climate and Agriculture Summit. 

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Celebrate 75 Years of Service 
    

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The staff of the Gold Ridge RCD thanks you for your continued support.