eNewsletter
* * * *   December 4,  2015  * * * *     
In this Communication:
*Voluntary Drought Initiative Meeting Dec 10
*Creek Restoration Techniques Workshop Dec 5
*Sudden Oak Death Workshop Dec 7
*Gold Ridge Funding Available for Wind Frost Protection






 
Voluntary Drought Initiative public Meeting for Salmon, Redwood and San Geronimo Creeks 
  
Thurs. December 10, 2015 · 6:00 - 8:00 PM 
at the Petaluma Community Center
 320 N McDowell Blvd · Petaluma 94954

California's historic drought is not over yet. While you may have noticed creeks flowing during recent rain events, local aquifers are still severely depleted after multiple years of drought. Though we are hoping El Nino will improve conditions, the drought is not yet over. We need your help to conserve water and protect critical spring and summer streamflows for endangered coho salmon, threatened steelhead trout, and other sensitive species.

Salmon Creek lies in western Sonoma County, Redwood Creek lies in south Marin County, and San Geronimo Creek lies in west Marin County. If you are a resident in one of these priority watersheds and are using water from a well or directly diverting from a creek, please join the Department of Fish and Wildlife and other conservation organizations for this important, informational event.  This meeting will discuss ongoing drought impacts, landowner participation in voluntary drought agreements, and other voluntary programs to help protect aquatic resources and keep your water supply secure. Learn how you can do your part and share your suggestions on how together we can make a difference.

To RSVP for the meeting please contact: BDRdrought@wildlife.ca.gov


Workshop on Creek Restoration Techniques
 hosted by the Marin RCD
 
Saturday December 5, 11:45 AM - 3:30 PM  
 Spirit Rock Meditation Center
5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Woodacre, CA
 
Attend a free, hands on workshop led by creek restoration and design specialists: John Parodi with Point Blue Conservation Science, Dr. Ann Riley with the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Harold Appleton with Prunuske Chatham Inc., Marin County Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program, and Marin RCD. Participants who pledge to share information on how to protect Marin's creeks will receive a goodie bag full of valuable resources.
Together we will:
  • Install several bioengineering techniques for creek bank stabilization
  • Enhance shaded floodplain habitat with native vegetation
  • Implement erosion control methods applicable to any landscape
  • Identify and remove non-native invasive species
  • Learn how rain can be caught and used as a resource: 'Slow it, Spread it, Sink it'
 
Please register Online at htttp://marincreeksworkshop.eventbrite.com   

  
  Sudden Oak Death and Treatments to Save Oaks
Public Meeting

Monday, December 7, 2015, 6-8 pm
UC Cooperative Extension office
133 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa.  Map and Directions.

Dr. Matteo Garbelotto of UC Berkeley will discuss recent research and when and how to use the preventive treatment for sudden oak death and oak health. There will also be Q&A.


Questions, contact Lisa Bell at lkbell@ucanr.edu


 
Gold Ridge RCD Seeking Grower Interest in Procuring Wind Machines for Frost Protection
 
Gold Ridge RCD is seeking grower interest in receiving grant funding assistance to procure wind machines for vineyards located in our District. 
 
If enough growers express interest, and a willingness to share in the overall project cost (grant programs generally pay for part, but not all of a project), Gold Ridge will develop a competitive grant proposal to pursue funds through emerging programs established by California Proposition 1, such as the California Department of Water Resources Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Grants Program, with funding potentially available as early as 2016.
 
Grower interest is critical in securing this available grant funding. For many vineyards, wind machines can effectively protect vines during bud break in late winter and spring without using water. At a time when water conservation efforts are crucial, wind machines are one of the best ways to protect our vineyards from seasonal damages.
 
Please contact Noelle Johnson to express your interest to learn more, Noelle@goldridgercd.org or (707) 823-5244.


Check out the 



The staff of the Gold Ridge RCD thanks you for your continued support.