eNewsletter
* * * *   December 22,  2015  * * * *     

In this Communication:
*RCD Funding for Small Scale 
Water Storage Projects
*RCD Funding Available for  Wind  Frost Protection

Funding for Small Scale Water Storage Projects through the Coho Partnership Program

Gold Ridge RCD, in collaboration with the Coho Partnership, is seeking eligible landowners for participation in a voluntary water storage program in Green Valley and Dutch Bill Creek Watersheds.

Residents living in the upper reaches of these creeks who get water directly from the creek or shallow, near-stream wells may be eligible for funds to design and construct water storage systems with the RCD. Storage systems include rainwater catchment, off-channel storage in tanks or ponds, and water use efficiency projects. 

To find out if your home is in a reach of Green Valley or Dutch Bill Creek served in the Water Reliability Program, use the map links below. 

Priority area is Green Valley Creek (above the Atascadero confluence) and its tributary Purrington Creek. Roads in this area are Green Valley Rd, Graton Rd, Bones Rd, Upp Rd.

Priority area is Dutch Bill Creek (above Tryone Bridge) and its tributary Lancel Creek. Roads in this area are Bohemian Highway, Morelli Lane, Camp Meeker neighborhood, Hampton Rd, Heather Lane, Harrison Grade.

If your home or well is within or very near to the blue buffer zone, you may be eligible for assistance and funding.

The goals of our Water Reliability Program is to increase the amount of water flowing in streams during the summer dry season and to assist landowners in developing more secure and reliable water supplies. We achieve these goals by partnering with landowners on projects that provide alternatives to drawing water from creeks and shallow, near-stream wells during the summer. Using stored water instead of creek water in the summer means that wildlife in the creeks have just a little bit more. This funding is available to assist landowners in reaches of stream where healthy salmon habitat is most critically needed-- for activities such as spawning and rearing their young.

Call the office and ask to speak with Adriana for more information 707-823-5244 or email Adriana@goldridgercd.org.

Gold Ridge RCD Seeks 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.

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