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Sonoma RCD Presents at USDA Innovative Partnerships Conference in Atlanta, Georgia  |
| On December 15, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service hosted a day-long conference focused on Innovative Partnerships for Working Lands Conservation. By special request from NRCS, Executive Director Kara Heckert traveled east to speak on a panel with other national leaders on "Reaching Underserved and New Customers". The conference brought together a variety of diverse partners that have worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to deliver innovative and collaborative conservation programs throughout the United States. It was an honor to have the work of Sonoma RCD represented in this national spotlight.
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Welcome New Associate Director! |
The Sonoma RCD welcomes John J. Nagle as the newest  Associate Director of the Board.
John grew up in western Sonoma County, where he raised his family and has worked in the environmental field for 30 years, managing land use issues, farming and industrial environmental regulatory risks. He serves as 5th District representative on the advisory committee of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Basin Advisory Panel. John will help the RCD strengthen partnerships with the grape growing community and with water resource issues affecting agriculture.
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What LandSmart Water Resources can do for you 
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LandSmart Water Resources provides landowners and managers with tools to achieve their water management and conservation goals. Through this program the RCD assists landowners in assessing their water resources and needs and developing conservation projects that provide multiple benefits to their operations and their natural resources. Water Resources Programming includes:
Groundwater well monitoring
Water management and conservation technical assistance
Vineyard irrigation system evaluations
Alternative water supply development
The RCD is currently implementing a number of projects with landowner and agency partners. In order to develop, design and implement multi-benefit projects which strive to protect water quality, groundwater recharge, water use efficiency, enhance wildlife habitat, RCD staff work diligently with all stakeholders for a successful outcome. Some of our most recent water resources projects are listed in brief below:
- Riparian enhancement project on protected preserve, Bidwell Creek, Calistoga
- Groundwater well monitoring, Southern Laguna Watershed
- Groundwater well monitoring, Russian River Watershed
- Vineyard irrigation evaluations, Russian River Watershed
- Alternative water supply development on working forestland, Mark West Creek, Russian River Watershed
If you are interested in seeing what the RCD can do for you, where we have funding to support your stewardship efforts on agricultural or rural lands, or have a natural resource concern please contact us.
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Save the Date: Forest Conservation Conference '17 |
The Sonoma County Forest Working Group, a team with forestry and  conservation expertise working together to provide education and resources to forest landowners, is hosting the 2017 North Coast Forest Conservation Conference at the Santa Rosa Junior College.
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Partner News
California Climate & Agriculture Summit
Feb. 28 & March 1, 2017
Davis, CA
The 5th California Climate and Agriculture Summit begins with a conference at UC Davis on February 28th. Keynote speakers include Karen Ross (Secretary of CDFA) and Glenda Humiston (VP of UC Division of Agriculture & Natural Resources). On March 1st, we will tour three innovative Yolo County farms using integrated farming practices to improve soil health, increase biodiversity an provide climate benefits. Full program available here.
Sonoma RCD's Program Director, Valerie Minton will be discussing Carbon Farm Planning & Practice during one of the speaker panels!
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Community Events
We hope to see you at this fabulous event on Saturday, February 11, 2017!
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Contact Us
1221 Farmers Lane, Suite F
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Phone: (707) 569-1448
Fax: (707) 569-0434
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