- Carbon sequestration through compost application pilot project
- Meet our new Board Director
- AWM agricultural winter storm damage assessment form
- Upcoming workshops, webinars and conferences
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Sonoma County Carbon Sequestration Through Compost Application Pilot Project
The Gold Ridge and Sonoma Resource Conservation Districts are happy to announce that new funding has become available to assist with the cost of compost application on agricultural lands in Sonoma County! This Carbon Sequestration Pilot Project aims to increase carbon sequestration through the application of compost on multiple properties in both agricultural and community settings throughout Sonoma County. We are accepting applications now and the deadline for applications is March 31st, 2023.
Funding granted supports compost projects for up to 85% or $25,000 towards compost and freight costs. Awarded applicants will be active agriculturists farming and ranching in Sonoma County. This includes operations for grazing, viticulture, orchards, and croplands, where income is generated from sales of farm or ranch products, and it is appropriate and beneficial to apply compost.
If you are interested in learning more about the compost rebate opportunity, or how to apply for the award, please join us for an informational webinar on Wednesday, March 8th, 11 am-12 pm. We will discuss general goals of the project, as well as specific information on who is eligible, criteria for ranking and scoring applications, and conditions for applying compost for those who receive rebate awards. The application questions will be reviewed and discussed during the webinar, and there will be time for Q&A. If you wish to attend, contact Angel Arcuri at angel@goldridgercd.org to RSVP. A Zoom link will be sent prior to the meeting for anyone who RSVPs to this email address.
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Where is the funding coming from?
The County of Sonoma has allocated money to the local RCDs to assist producers in applying compost on their agricultural lands through the Project. It is part of the Climate Resiliency Fund established by the County, from a PG&E wildfire settlement award to use toward short-term projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and otherwise help local communities adapt to climate change and its effects. This program will be overseen by the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA), in collaboration with the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, Zero Waste Sonoma, Sonoma Resource Conservation District, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, Carbon Cycle Institute, Daily Acts, and several additional community partners.
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Isaac Jenkins, Director
We are thrilled to welcome Isaac Jenkins as the newest Director of our Board. As a lifetime Sonoma Valley resident, Isaac Jenkins is honored to be joining the Sonoma Resource Conservation District Board. Isaac is a proud husband and father of three, running his small, family-owned vineyard management company from his home in the city of Sonoma. The name of his company, Peduncle Wine Co., is a metaphor for what he hopes to continue to provide to Sonoma Valley. Like the peduncle is a stem that supports the grape cluster, Isaac hopes to support Sonoma Valley through community service, growing sustainably, and long-term investment in his family and the valley. Through four generations of family farming and land management, Isaac’s family has adapted to meet the needs of wineries, while conserving, protecting, and restoring local lands. In his ten years since taking over operations of his parents’ vineyard management company, he has maintained a deep respect for the environment and is committed to preserving our beautiful landscape for his children and future generations to come. Isaac has enjoyed serving the community through volunteering, coaching soccer, and contributing to school events. He looks forward to volunteering his time and knowledge with the Sonoma RCD to educate future generations about sustainability and protect our precious local resources. Welcome to the RCD team Isaac!
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2022-2023 Agricultural Winter Storm Damage Assessment Form
This is a message from Sonoma County Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures
The Sonoma County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) is conducting a preliminary data capture to evaluate potential damage and/or loss sustained during the December 2022 – January 2023 rain events in Sonoma County. AWM may contact the reporting party for additional information. All information is confidential. This information will be used to compile a damage assessment report for Sonoma County in order to qualify Sonoma County for possible federal assistance. Data collected is for AGRICULTURAL RELATED damage and/or loss only. Please attach additional pages as needed. For questions or additional information, please call AWM at (707) 565-2371.
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Groundwater Sustainability Plans Approved
This is a message from Sonoma County Sustainable Groundwater Management
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, the California Department of Water Resources announced approval of all three local groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs): Santa Rosa Plain, Sonoma Valley and Petaluma Valley. The GSPs assess the conditions of the groundwater basins, analyze the basins’ sustainability over a 50-year period, and identify projects and actions needed to ensure the basins are sustainable by 2042.
The GSPs were developed by the GSAs with significant input from stakeholder-based Advisory Committees and GSA Boards. Over multiple public comment periods, community members submitted hundreds of written and verbal comments to ensure the GSPs reflect local concerns and priorities. The GSPs can be viewed at:
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CDFA Agricultural Flood Recovery Resources
This is a message from California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
Heavy rainfall in from the recent January storms caused floodwater challenges for many of us in California's agriculture community. Click the link to see a list of relief and support resources available from state and federal partners.
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Sustainable Equine Management Webinar 2023
Presented by Daily Acts and sponsored by the Sonoma RCD
Are you dealing with water shortage in drought and flooding in the rainy season, dust in summer, mud in winter, and manure all year round? Are you a horse enthusiast, stable owner, or manager interested in improving how well your land meets the needs of your operation?
In this fun and educational workshop, you’ll learn practical, low-tech/low-cost and nature-inspired solutions to improving horse health, site design, and increasing the value and functionality of your property while mitigating all forms of land degradation! Learn how to build the type of soil that can infiltrate your rainwater, and plants, trees and shrubs that can help mitigate flooding as well as drought. See roof runoff designs that divert clean rainwater away from high-traffic areas.
Then, find out how to reduce mud and improve chore efficiency, how to compost horse manure using different bin designs and methods, as well as other options for those who don't want to compost. In short, this information-packed webinar will expose you to a variety of options you can implement where you live or where your horse resides.
Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the State Water Resources Control Board under the Federal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program (Clean Water Act Section 319). The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the foregoing, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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Executive Director
The Executive Director position offers an exciting opportunity to apply technical, administrative, policy, and collaboration skills to meaningful and impactful conservation work in some of California’s most beautiful landscapes. The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer responsible for managing and directing the operations and programs of the RCD consistent with the mission, strategic direction, and policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board and serves as the primary liaison between the District and agricultural, environmental, and regulatory stakeholders and the public at large.
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Seasonal Conservation Education Assistant
The Seasonal Conservation Education Assistant position offers a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience providing experiential learning opportunities to elementary and high school youth in Sonoma County. Under the direct supervision of the RCD Education and Communications Manager, the Seasonal Conservation Education Assistant will provide seasonal support in the planning, coordination, and implementation of field trips and classroom visits. This position allows for a diverse workload both in the office and the field. In-house and field training will be provided. View and download the full job
announcement below. Closing date February 17, 2023.
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Conservation at Work with LandSmart | | | | |
