Gold Ridge RCD Lead Scientist and Project Manager, John Green, surveying at St. Dorothy's Rest reservoir. Photo by Brock Dolman, Co-Founder and Program Director at Occidental Arts & Ecology Center.
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Forest Management & Reservoir Maintenance at St. Dorothy's Rest
Camp Meeker, CA
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Captioned photos by Brock Dolman, OAEC |
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Gold Ridge RCD is assisting St. Dorothy’s Rest, a camp and retreat center in Camp Meeker, with an assessment of several hundred acres they acquired a few years ago to help guide their land stewardship efforts. RCD staff are collaborating with St. Dorothy’s to develop a forest management plan to improve forest health and minimize the risk of wildfire on the property.
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What is a Forest Management Plan?
"The term forest management plan is usually synonymous with forest stewardship plan. It is a working document that guides actions to achieve a predetermined set of goals. The NRCS uses the plan to address resource concerns on land where forestry-related conservation practices will be applied. Included in a typical forest management plan is: General site and historical information; Landowner objectives;
Description of existing forest conditions; Desired future conditions; Forest stand and soils maps." ~USDA, 2015
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As part of the forest plan, the RCD is conducting an assessment of a network of fire roads and old logging trails to evaluate both existing and potential future road-related erosion. The road assessment will include recommendations for arresting ongoing erosion, preventing future erosion and improving the overall condition of the road network. This could include decommissioning old roads that are in poor condition and currently serve no purpose. |
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American Bullfrog found near reservoir. |
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Lead Scientist John Green surveying water levels. |
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Finally, the RCD is gathering data to assist St. Dorothy’s in managing a small reservoir on the property. The goal is to maintain the reservoir as a source of firefighting water, as well as to release small amounts of water into Baumert and Dutch Bill Creeks to improve streamflow for the benefit of endangered coho salmon. Juvenile coho spend a year in the creeks before migrating to the ocean, and adequate streamflow throughout the summer and fall is essential to their survival. |
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Prop 68 Announcement
North Bay Forest Improvement Program
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The five Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) in Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, and Napa Counties are developing and implementing a regional landowner incentives program – the North Bay Forest Improvement Program (NBFIP) – to help small non-industrial forest landowners (owning less than 500 acres) conduct fuels treatments and forest restoration projects on their properties.
Together, the five RCDs have been awarded $1,500,000 in grant funds from Cal Fire's Wildfire Resilience and Forestry Assistance Grant program!
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What is the North Bay Forest Improvement Program? |
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NBFIP will provide public funds to support private investment in forest health and resilience projects to reduce fuel loads and risks of wildfire, insect, and disease epidemics on private properties in forested areas. This type of incentives program is a great use of public funds because it circulates private dollars into land stewardship from sources that, on their own, would likely not be enough to initiate projects.
Activities supported by the program include:
- forest management planning
- site preparation
- tree planting and protection
- forest thinning and pruning
- supervision of these activities by Registered Professional Foresters
Program objectives include:
- Treat 500-700 acres on 30 to 40 properties across four counties to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health.
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Allocate more than 20% of grant funds to directly benefit disadvantaged communities (primarily in Lake and Mendocino counties).
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Partnering with the Rebuild The Northbay Foundation |
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The RCDs in Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, and Napa Counties are partnering with the Rebuild The Northbay Foundation (RBNF) to best support this innovative regional collaboration.
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North Coast Carbon Farming
Testimonies & case-studies from ranchers, farmers, scientists, and businesses in the North Coast region
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Learn from friends, neighbors, and local land stewards about
carbon farming and climate smart agriculture!
Gold Ridge RCD is still accepting applications for 2020 Carbon Farm Plans! If you have a spare moment, we highly recommend watching these inspiring and educational videos about carbon farming practices happening right here in our local community. Just click on the videos below to dive in!
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Carbon Farming: Agriculture’s Answer to Climate Change
Ranchers, farmers, scientists, and food system activists share solutions, practices and the latest research on how carbon farming can play a preeminent role in addressing climate change and ensure food security by stewarding working landscapes to sequester carbon.
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Carbon Farming: Harnessing the Power of the Soil
John Wick, co-founder of the Marin Carbon Project, was just trying to find a way to get rid of weeds on his ranch when he stumbled upon a powerful climate change solution. He learned about an approach to farming that helps sequester carbon in the soil.
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Carbon Farming in the Northern California Fibershed: Examples, Models, and Tools (Webinar)
This hour-long webinar covers how fiber producers at various scales are planning and implementing carbon farm practices on their land. Learn about models and resources helping to establish a growing network of carbon farming practitioners on our landscape.
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Resilience In Practice
From young agrarians in coastal vineyards to ranchers who have been supporting agroforestry systems for decades, this short film provides inspiring case studies for meeting our food, clothing, and climate needs through integrated crop and livestock systems. A short film by Fibershed, made in association with Soil Centric.
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If you are interested in developing a Carbon Farm Plan for your operation, Gold Ridge RCD can help! Our experienced team can assist you in identifying carbon-beneficial management practices for your land and operation.
Start by reading our special issue e-news focused on Carbon Farm Planning!
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- Identify realistic and achievable carbon practices for your operation
- Take the next step in achieving your conservation goals
- Improve your future funding opportunities
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***If you have any questions related to carbon farming, please click here
to email your questions to William Hart, Project Manager for Gold Ridge RCD.
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Staff Highlight: Meet William!
William Hart, Project Manager for Gold Ridge RCD
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William Hart (Project Manager) has been a part of the Gold Ridge RCD team for eight years. He joined in 2012 and has committed his project management and communication skills along with his environmental education, conservation planning and soil health experience to ensure the success of the District’s activities. For the RCD to succeed in its mission, William believes a wide range of perspectives must be considered and respected. He has a deep respect for the community he serves, and he has been able to develop trusting and productive relationships with the Board of Directors and the landowners we serve.
William grew up in the Fox River watershed in northeast Wisconsin – the land of dairy farms, paper mills and Green Bay Packer football. He grew up in a large family and spent his summers camping at Peninsula State Park in Door County, working on the grounds maintenance crew at Reid Municipal Golf Course and fishing for small mouth bass down at the Fox River. He has been in California since 2000 after he completed his service in agricultural production as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala. In 2003, William moved to Sonoma County, and he now has the good fortune of living in Sebastopol with his wife, Maggie Hart, and their son, Jack (pictured above).
At the RCD, William assists landowners on agricultural properties in the development of Carbon Farm Plans and LandSmart Plans and seeks funding to implement the priority projects identified in those plans. He collaborates with the RCD team to develop, promote, and implement conservation management measures and practices that integrate with conventional and organic farm operations, such as range and pasture management, nutrient management, soil health, and habitat restoration. At the same time, he maintains close working partnerships with regulatory agencies and environmental organizations to promote enhanced habitat, soil health, and water quality protection efforts on agricultural lands.
On the weekends, you will find him reading out loud to his son from one of the many borrowed books they check out from the Sebastopol Public Library - hopefully, while they sit on a public bench, underneath a majestic coast live oak at Ragle Park. Or maybe he will be hosting a quarantine induced, vinyl only, one-man dance party to the funky sounds of Fred Wesley and the JB’s on his turntables. Or if the stars and planets align, the universe will allow for him to indulge in a Saturday afternoon nap, because life is better with naps - it is truly the greatest restoration tool in the toolbox.
Read William's full bio and list of experiences here.
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2020 Working Lands Calendar: August Highlight
Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve
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Calendars are available, and they are free!!
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By highlighting members of the local community, Gold Ridge RCD hopes to foster a sense of pride and connection during these times of social distancing and beyond. |
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Local Artist: Claire Etienne |
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There are many ways to express appreciation for local lands--one way is through art! Sebastopol artist, Claire Etienne, celebrates Sonoma County through her paintings. While landscapes aren't the only subject Claire paints (she paints pet portraits, too!), you can tell that she has a deep passion for our local environment. See her work below!
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“Sonoma Strong” Laguna rainbow after 2017 fires. Acrylic painting. By Claire Etienne. $75 |
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“Historic Apple Dryer”. Bodega Hwy just West of Sebastopol. Acrylic Painting on canvas. By Claire Etienne. $75 |
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If you would like to purchase artwork from Claire, please contact her here.
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Contact Us if you would like to be featured in our next Community Spotlight!
Rules:
(1) You must be a resident of West Sonoma County & a reader of GRRCD e-news.
(2) If you send in art or photography, you must be the original artist.
(3) Features should showcase individuals, businesses, artwork, etc. that highlights Sonoma County lands, natural resources, and/or agriculture.
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Branding for Farmers and Ranchers
Free, virtual workshop hosted by Sonoma County Ag Bureau & American Ag Credit
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Presenters: Christine Martin, Jessica Anderson-Conard and Steven Martin
Gain insights and tangible tools to help effectively craft your unique brand identity from one of Sonoma Counties leading branding agencies.
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PG&E Briefing About Fire Season and Power Safety Power Shutoffs
Preparation for the 2020 Fire Season
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Host: Joe Horak, PG&E's North Bay and Sonoma Divisions Sr. Manager
Attend the webinar to learn about what PG&E is doing to enhance wildfire safety and minimize the power shutdowns triggered by safety measures. The wildfire season is expected to start earlier this year so don't miss this presentation to learn more about what to expect and how you can be better prepared.
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A Day in the Life of a Farmer, as Seen on Social Media
Free, virtual workshop hosted by Sonoma County Farm Bureau & American Ag Credit
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Presenter: Kerry Rego
Learn how brands connect with their audiences and tell their unique stories through social media marketing.
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NRCS Conservation Practices for Monarchs
Free, virtual workshop hosted by CARCD & The Xerces Society
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Presenter: Jessa Kay-Cruz, Senior Pollinator Ecologist for the Xerces Society and NRCS Partner Biologist
Join Jessa as she reviews the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCD) conservation practice standards that can be adapted to support the conservation of monarch butterflies and other pollinators
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USDA Announces $15 million in funding
Support for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced approximately $15 million in available funding to help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through the USDA’s 2501 Program, and the program is administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement (OPPE).
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“Socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers deserve equal access to USDA programs and services,” said Mike Beatty, director of the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. “2501 grants go a long way in fulfilling our mission to increase awareness of and ensure equitable participation in our programs. This can lead to more sustainable farming and ranching operations.”
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Since 1994, 484 grants totaling more than $119 million have been awarded to farmers and ranchers who have experienced barriers to service due to racial or ethnic prejudice. Eligible 2501 program applicants include not-for-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and a range of higher education institutions serving African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities.
The deadline for applications is August 26, 2020.
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Agricultural Support and Protection Program
Coming Soon!
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Agricultural Support and Protection (ASAP) Program
In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on the Sonoma County agricultural community, Ag + Open Space is excited to announce the creation of our Agricultural Support and Protection (ASAP) Emergency Matching Grant Program. The ASAP Program will support farmers and ranchers who can demonstrate that, as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lands they farm or ranch may go fallow or be devoted to non-agricultural uses without financial assistance.
Funds awarded through the ASAP Emergency Matching Grant Program will go toward keeping agricultural lands productive to support continued access to locally grown food and fiber and keep farming and ranching viable in Sonoma County. Updates for this program with qualifications and the application process will happen soon and can be found here.
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Job Opportunity with Humboldt County RCD
HCRCD is seeking a full-time Forest Health Watershed Coordinator
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Application Review will begin August 12, 2020.
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Role: The Forest Health Watershed Coordinator's work will expand and improve forest management to enhance forest health and resilience in 13 watersheds, by focusing on developing projects and opportunities that increase the rate of carbon sequestration in forests and watersheds, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and improving watershed health and resilience in the region.
Responsibilities: The position requires a highly motivated, self-directed, and creative individual dedicated to clear communication and stakeholder engagement and with the ability to synthesize technical information, prioritize activities, manage and build relationships throughout a large and diverse geographic region, and maintain an appropriate level of communication with RCDs and project stakeholders.
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental sciences, water resources, planning or a related natural resource management field and two years of experience that directly relates to job requirements. Advanced degree desired but not required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
If you might be interested in this position,
please click below to view the full job description.
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Conservation at Work
Educational Video Series from the USDA NRCS
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Learn about the benefits of conservation practices directly from the farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners applying them. |
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Tips for Educating Farmworkers about COVID-19
By the California Department of Food & Agriculture
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Are you struggling to communicate COVID-19 updates and protocol with your farmworkers? The following tips from the CDFA could help:
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