eNewsletter | October Edition
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In this month's edition:
- Continued post-fire assistance
- Disaster preparedness
- Working lands calendar: October highlight
- Last call for feedback: Local Work Group Survey
- Agricultural Support and Protection Program (ASAP) Emergency Matching Grant Program from Ag + Open Space now taking applications
- CARCD Conference goes virtual this November
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Continued post-fire assistance |
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As fire season continues, we are both heartbroken by the losses and inspired by the tenacity and resilience of our community. And, as ever, we're here to help.
If you have natural resources concerns on your fire-impacted property, please contact Shannon Drew at SDrew@sonomarcd.org or call 707-569-1448 x110 to leave a voicemail. Please note our team is working remotely due to COVID-19, but we can arrange site visits with you that follow all state and local health safety guidelines or provide resources over phone or email.
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5 simple steps you can take for disaster preparedness
Information shared from Listos California
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There's no doubt about it: fire season is here. Follow our 5 steps to be ready: Get alerts, Make a plan, Pack a Go Bag, Build a Stay Box, Help friends & neighbors! Text "LISTOS" to 72345 for more tips on preparedness during fire season.
The Listos California Emergency Preparedness Campaign and the California Special Districts Association have teamed up to share this important message and to "engage all Californians in disaster preparedness efforts, and to provide tools and break down barriers for those facing social isolation, poverty, language barriers, and access, and functional needs challenges. " (CSDA, 2020).
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2020 Working Lands Calendar: October highlight |
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This calendar was produced in partnership with the following organizations: |
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Last call: Local Work Group Survey
from USDA-NRCS and your RCDs
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Dear community:
The survey questions gather data that is delivered to NRCS State Office staff which conveys the message as to what resource issues are the most pressing for our region. With that knowledge, NRCS can make a more strategic approach to allocating program funds that address the regions’ more specific needs. Survey response deadline October 13th.
Thank you for your participation!
Sincerely,
NRCS, Gold Ridge & Sonoma RCDs
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Agricultural Support and Protection (ASAP) Emergency Matching Grant Program
Offered by Sonoma Ag + Open Space
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In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on the Sonoma County agricultural community, Ag + Open Space has created the Agricultural Support and Protection (ASAP) Emergency Matching Grant Program. The ASAP Program will support farmers and ranchers who can demonstrate that financial assistance is needed to prevent the lands they farm from going fallow or being devoted to non-agricultural uses as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funds awarded through the ASAP Emergency Matching Grant Program will contribute to keeping agricultural lands productive by mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Sonoma County’s agricultural community, the vitality of which is essential in the provision of local food, natural resource protection, scenic open space, and economic opportunities.
Applicants accepted into the ASAP Program will be required to provide financial contributions, called matching funds, toward keeping the ASAP-funded agricultural operation in production.
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO NOVEMBER 15, 2020
For any questions, please contact:
Jennifer Kuszmar,
Matching Grant Program Coordinator
707.565.7266
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Have you heard about Match.Graze?!
Offered by UC Cooperative Extension
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Match.Graze is a free online platform that connects livestock producers and landowners throughout the state of California. Whether you're a landowner seeking a small flock of sheep to mow your back 40, or a producer in search of seasonal pasture for a goat herd, Match.Graze can help you pair up with the animals or land base that you need! With this service, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) aims to support the expanded use of grazing to achieve California's collective habitat enhancement and fuels reduction goals.
Created by UCCE and South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, the Match.Graze map displays pertinent data from individuals that have voluntarily submitted information to the database, such as acreage or animal type available, forage characteristics, approximate location, and contact information. Search the map to find an answer to your personal grazing needs.
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Virtual Workshops | Resources |
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REMINDER: Virtual ASAP Seminar happening October 14
Offered by Sonoma Ag + Open Space and Sonoma County Farm Bureau
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Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm.
Location: Virtual
Attend this virtual seminar to learn more about this new funding opportunity and to have your questions answered. The ASAP Emergency Matching Grant Program has partnered with several organizations who will help gather the information you need to complete the simple application. Representatives from these organizations are participating in the meeting and can explain how they can support your effort. It's a grant - not a loan - don't miss out on this chance.
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2020 CARCD Virtual Conference
"The Future of a Resilient California Starts Here"
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From November 12th – 24th, 2020, the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) will be continuing the tradition of bringing together representatives from federal and state agencies, non-profits, private industries, farming communities, and resource conservation districts (RCDs) to share knowledge, build partnerships, and address urgent natural resource challenges including climate-smart agriculture, the tree mortality crisis, community fire resilience, sustainable groundwater management, watershed health, social equity in conservation, and wildlife preservation. This year for the first time, our conference will be fully online.
The CARCD Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity to connect directly with RCDs, which are recognized as the go-to hubs for conservation and have been implementing voluntary, locally-led conservation on public and private lands since 1937. Meaningful progress will require a collaborative scaling up of solutions to these challenges, and we invite you to join us as we plan for the future.
Please direct any questions to Kiko Barr, conference coordinator, who can be reached at kiko-barr@carcd.org or (916) 836-4804.
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Attend a technical workshop to receive the latest science-based information on how to best manage your soil, water and wildlife on
your property.
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With a tax deducible donation you can support conservation projects that protects water resources, improves soil health + restores habitat for endangered species.
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Sign up to receive our monthly newsletters and hear about innovative projects, read our newest publications, funding opportunities and upcoming events.
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Conservation at Work with LandSmart®
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