View as Webpage

In efforts to update and streamline our outreach, the Gold Ridge RCD has adopted a "new look" for our eNews. This means new colors, fonts, and a modernized style. In the coming months, we will update our other platforms, such as our website, to build a cohesive brand for Gold Ridge RCD content. Questions or Comments? Reach out to Sophia@goldridgercd.org

The Gold Ridge RCD will be mailing out letters to Salmon Creek and Redwood Creek residents in regards to their roles in protecting and improving streamflow in their respective creeks.

We are targeting outreach efforts to residents in Salmon and Redwood Creek watersheds because these creeks provide especially significant summer habitats for aquatic organisms like the Coho Salmon, Steelhead Trout, and Freshwater Shrimp. These communities play an important role in conserving water resources and protecting wildlife habitat.

Keep a look out for letters if you live in these areas!

Earlier this year, we were contacted by John Anderson from the Mendocino Redwood Company about an illegal dump that had occurred on their property near Occidental. John asked us if we could help them to apply for funding through the CalRecycle Farm and Ranch Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program . As its name implies, the purpose of the grant is to clean up illegally dumped material on farm, ranch, or forestland property.

The property is probably familiar to many west county residents as the property is located on Willow Creek Road, accessed from Coleman Valley Road as you exit Occidental and head west towards the ocean. The terrain is very diverse - the land includes scraps of old-growth redwood and Douglas-fir, and high, rolling ridgetops with views made more spectacular by what they don’t include – viewscapes uninterrupted by power lines, buildings, and roads. 

Willow Creek and Freezeout Creek are major tributaries to the lower Russian River. Close to thirty threatened, endangered or species of special concern are in Willow Creek and Freezeout Creek watersheds. The area also marks a friendly boundary between the Kashaya Pomo, whose territory extends up past Salt Point, and the southern Pomo, who lived between the Russian River and Cotati. The area was used regularly by both tribes and occasionally by the neighboring Coast Miwok, and it was part of a trail system that linked inland settlements near Cotati and Sebastopol with those along the Russian River and the coast. Native people gathered willows and other basketry materials, medicinal and food plants, and chert for tools. 

The illegal disposal site was located near a popular mountain bike trail and it was noticed by members of the Gianni Cycling Association, a non-profit organization based in Occidental that works in partnership with others to advocate, plan, and maintain a network of sustainable trails in western Sonoma County. The discarded items include several car batteries, used motor oil, and approximately 90 car tires– some with rims and many without. MRC has been providing restricted public access to the Gianni Cycling Association through a permit system in which Gianni members can utilize the 305-acre, private property ranch for their trail bike riding in exchange for stewardship projects and monitoring efforts.

We are extremely grateful to the 15 members of the Gianni Cycling Association who volunteered their time on Saturday, August 21st to help us on this project. The members rallied to the cause and facilitated the Sisyphean effort to relocate over 89 tires from out of the bottom of Freezeout Creek to the upper portion of the watershed. The tires have been picked up by a crew from Circuit Rider and hauled for recycling at Kalemba’s Tires in Sebastopol. We truly could not have accomplished this project without all of their efforts.

Thank you, Snap and the Gianni Cycling Association members, Circuit Rider, Mendocino Redwood Company and CalRecycle!

We received LandSmart Grazing applications from Healdsburg to Sebastopol and from the Napa County line to Jenner. In total, there were 27 requests, covering over 2,100 acres! We also had 14 contract grazers apply. We appreciate the time and effort each applicant put into the process. Presently, we are screening and ranking projects and we will announce shortly which projects will move forward.

We will have another round of applications in 2022, so stay tuned for our annoucements when the time comes. And, make sure you are signed up to receive our eNewsletter and follow us on social media.

Funded by Sonoma Ag and Open Space District with Vegetation Management Funds. More info on the program here.

The County of Sonoma Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measure has developed a survey for Agricultural Loss for the 2021 crop year! More information along with a survey can be found here!

Are you currently hauling water? Do you need water access?



As the drought conditions in Sonoma County continue, it is important for our water suppliers and county supervisors to have a clear understanding of the current and projected water needs of our community. This short survey will help inform them on water demand to ensure the agricultural community has enough water supply for their livestock and business needs. This survey is voluntary and your individual responses will not be publicly shared.

Click here to take the survey!

NIDIS is pleased to announce two new interactive features on Drought.gov that will make it easier for decision makers and the public across the U.S. to share timely, reliable drought information. these new communication tools will help decision makers and the public respond to the current drought, prepare for future drought conditions, and improve the nation’s long-term drought resilience. These tools were launched in collaboration with NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information.

Pepperwood Preserve, with help from Land Steward at Bodega Marine Reserve, Luis Morales, developed a short 5-minute video about pile burning in Spanish. Their goal was to provide educational fire resources to the Spanish speaking members of the community. Please share widely.

You can watch the video here.

For Sale: No Till Drill From Tomales High School

If you are interested in purchasing a used No Till Drill and its trailer for a reasonable price, look no further! The sale of this machine will benefit the Tomales High School ag department and they are asking $6,000 (obo). The drill is a 8 ft wide Truex, and the purchase includes a 12ft Donahue lay down trailer. The drill also has a fertilizer box that needs to be repaired and/or replaced. Regular maintenance and minor repairs are needed on the drill, but it is currently functional. 

If you are interested in purchasing, or if you have questions, you can email:  jen.murphy@shorelineunified.org  

CDFA posted an update saying that the USDA is granting $700 million in Covid-19 grants for recipients who have not yet received significant federal assistance, including small producers, farmers' markets, and processors. A Request for Applications (RFA) will be posted soon.

Click Here to read more

CarbonPlan.Org reviewed and analyzed 14 soil carbon protocols on 33 technical dimensions for your convenience! Their new guide, "A Buyer's Guide to Soil Carbon Offsets", is a great resource when considering implementing carbon reducing practices in agriculture.

You can read it here!

Three Springs Community Farm Foundation will be hosting seven students for their full time, year-long Farm Apprenticeship Program for the 2022 season. The Apprenticeship Program takes place on a beautiful and secluded 80-acre ranch & biodynamic farm, in Sonoma County, California between the towns of Freestone and Bodega. 

If you are interested in more information you can email: willowvioletsummer@gmail.com

Mendocino County Resource Conservation District (MCRCD) is seeking a full-time Forestry Program Manager for its Forest Health and Resiliency Program. 

The starting annual salary is $75K with full benefits, and any applicant must be a currently Registered Professional Forester. Are you interested, or know of someone who might be? Help MCRCD spread the word.

Find more information about the position here.

Learn

The District's programs continually evolve to address California's

most pressing natural resource needs like climate adaptation, food security, clean water, thriving habitats, and ecosystem resiliency.

Support

With a tax deducible donation you can support conservation projects that protect water resources, improve soil health, and restore habitat for endangered species.

Connect

Make sure you never miss an opportunity to collaborate with us. Subscribe to our monthly eNews and follow us on our social platforms: