|
Sotoyome RCD Newsletter
Summer/Fall 2009
Conservation Activities in the Alexander Valley
The Sotoyome RCD is currently working in partnership with the Russian River Property Owners' Association (RRPOA) and the Center for Ecosystem Management and Restoration (CEMAR) through a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to conduct instream flow monitoring and groundwater level monitoring in
Alexander Valley,
the creation of a Regional Water Use Analysis for Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Knights Valley, and the development of an on-the-ground conservation project slated for implementation in 2010.
Matt Deitch, Environmental Scientist, CEMAR,
Al Cadd and Dave Fanucchi from RRPOA
collecting data from a groundwater logger.
|
Data from this monitoring will be analyzed by CEMAR in an effort to learn about the relationship between stream flow, groundwater, and agricultural water use in Alexander Valley. The Regional Water Use Analysis, also being undertaken by CEMAR, will combine water need data, streamflow data, and biological habitat criteria using GIS technology. The final product will summarize water needs and expected supply, and will provide a basis for developing a fisheries restoration program from a hydrologic perspective.
Planning for a habitat enhancement project is also underway with RCD staff working in cooperation with private landowners to design a conservation project which will address habitat limiting factors for salmonids on a tributary in Alexander Valley.
Lastly, the grant supports the outreach efforts of groups such as the RRPOA and the Sonoma County Salmonid Coalition to outreach to new members and build collaborative relationships with public agencies for the purposes of agricultural viability and fisheries restoration. For more information about conservation efforts in Alexander Valley contact
Valerie Sherron at 569-1448 ext. 102.
|
