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The goal of our Profiles in Conservation program is to tell the stories of landowners that have been implementing innovative conservation practices for many years, sometimes even across generations. We feel lucky to have worked with so many innovative farmers and growers throughout our district, and we look forward to sharing their stories with the community.
Profiles in Conservation:
7/1/10 Job OpportunityPosition: Administrative Assistant - Position filled Sotoyome RCD is seeking an Administrative AssistantWorking under the supervision of the Executive Director, the part-time Administrative Assistant oversees and manages all office procedures and other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director. Salary is commensurate with experience.
For details, see the
Administrative Assistant
job announcement.
6/22/10 Job OpportunityPosition: Riparian Vegetation Specialist - Position filled Sotoyome RCD is seeking a Riparian Vegetation SpecialistThe Riparian Vegetation Specialist position designs and coordinates the implementation of voluntary projects on private property to improve water quality and restore riparian habitat. The Riparian Vegetation Specialist is involved in all aspects of conservation projects related to riparian enhancement and invasive species removal projects, including initiating contact with cooperators, developing plans, facilitating permits, and supervising contractors in construction/installation. This position works on a team developing, promoting, and implementing conservation practices in the Russian and Gualala River Watersheds. Other responsibilities may include writing grant proposals and developing projects and reports, presenting at educational and training events and working collaboratively with landowners, partner organizations and agencies to provide input on technical documents and reports. This is a one year grant funded position with the possibility for extension, 30-40 hours a week.
For details, see the
Riparian Vegetation Specialist
job announcement.
6/21/10 Vineyard Water Management Field DayFriday, August 20, 2010
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Navigating the Permitting Process
This informative workshop will discuss wise water use in vineyards and a demonstration project. Topics will include irrigation scheduling methods, including the use of various technologies to assist in irrigation management, frost protection measures and alternatives, and funding sources available. Presenters include Sotoyome RCD, Sonoma County Water Agency, Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, and Mark Greenspan, Advanced Viticulture LLC.
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Register Now Saturday, January 9 Cloudy Bend Outing |
12/1/09
Upper Mark West Creek Watershed Planning Forum
There will be an
Upper Mark West Creek Watershed Planning Forum
at the Alpine Hall on Tuesday, December 8th (6-7:30 pm).
For more information, please read the
event flyer
or contact
Scantor@sotoyomercd.org for workshop details.
11/24/09
Visit the newly released website of the
Russian River Coho Water Resources Partnership
In response to the precipitous decline of coho salmon in the Russian River watershed, the
Russian River Coho Water Resources Partnership
is developing a systematic approach to improve streamflow and water supply reliability in five Russian River tributaries critical to the recovery of endangered coho salmon.
The Partnership is funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and includes
- Center for Ecosystem Management and Restoration
- Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District
- Sotoyome Resource Conservation District
- Occidental Arts and Ecology Center WATER Institute
- Trout Unlimited
- University of California (UC) Research and Extension Center's Hopland GIS Lab and UC Cooperative Extension.
Sotoyome RCD will provide overall project coordination and contract administration for the partnership's grant.
11/9/09
Ag-Focused Outings Coming in Early 2010
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (RCD) and Southern Sonoma County RCD are pleased to announce the beginning of a new collaboration with Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (District) to offer a series of events and outings that will highlight the connections between agricultural sustainability in Sonoma County and the work of the District.
Come outside with us and hear directly from the ranchers, farmers and private land owners who are working with the District and other local organizations like RCDs to preserve agriculture, open space and the natural resources that make Sonoma County such an extraordinary place to live and work.
These outings will cover a wide range of topics from the experience of ranching within the levees along the Petaluma River to grazing management on Taylor Mountain Open Space Preserve to sustainable forestry and its relation to creeks and salmon habitat in the Mark West watershed. Some of the outings will be tailored to the specific interests of those in the agriculture community and others will be open to the general public.
Look for more details and registration information at
www.sotoyomercd.org/events.html.
Information about these outings can also be found at these websites:
www.sonomaopenspace.org
and
www.sscrcd.org.
11/9/09
Forest Stewardship Workshop - click here for flyer
November 14, 2009
Canceled - will be rescheduled
Foresters, a plant pathologist, and
watershed and fuels management specialists
will present information on the ecology and
historical development of the region's forests
and discuss threats to forest and watershed
health, including wildfire, Sudden Oak Death,
and excessive erosion. Agency representatives
will describe programs available to land
owners. Tools for long-term land conservation
will also be introduced.
See
flyer for registration details.
9/3/09
Stewardship Guide for the Russian River is now available.
The purpose of this guide is to provide practical creek care information, and to offer a host of resources to help with the maintenance and upkeep of creek-side properties throughout the Russian River Watershed.
8/4/09
An article published August 4, 2009,
in the Press Democrat featured a collaborative restoration project managed by the Sotoyome RCD -
the start of construction on a large wood installation to improve coho habitat in
Grape Creek,
a tributary to
Dry Creek.
Private landowners who are willing and interested in restoring coho habitat on their property are vital to the success of the collective effort to bring coho back from the brink of extinction in the Russian River watershed.
8/4/09
Russian River First Flush
2008 Summary Report
How polluted is the storm water entering our urban creeks? This is the
question that motivates volunteers from all over the county to don rain
gear and sample creeks during the first flush, or first significant
rainfall event of the wet season. The results from the
2008 Russian River First Flush
event are summarized in this report.
If you are interested in finding out more about Russian River First Flush sampling events, past and future, please contact Sierra Cantor.
6/29/09
Summer/Fall 2009 Newsletter
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District Summer/Fall 2009 Newsletter is now available.
4/13/09
Natural History of Pepperwood Preserve
The Santa Rosa Junior College and the Life Science and Earth and Space
Science Departments are jointly offering a new course series on the
Natural History of Pepperwood Preserve.
BIO / ERTHS 85.1 (offered Fall semester only) will emphasize earth sciences and native cultures;
BIO / ERTHS 85.2 (offered Spring semester only) will emphasize the flora, fauna, and ecology.
While these courses will focus on Pepperwood Preserve, the content will apply to the natural history of Sonoma County and the North Bay region. The completion of both courses is a component of the Pepperwood Preserve Steward training program and the UC Master Naturalist program.
5/15/09
Addendum Number 2 to the
Mitigated Negative Declaration for the
Giant Reed (Arundo donax) Removal and Riparian Habitat Restoration in the
Russian River Watershed
This addendum to the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Giant Reed (Arundo donax) Removal and Riparian Habitat Restoration in the Russian River Watershed has been prepared to modify the membership of Russian River Team Arundo (RRTA).
Arundo donax is a non-native bamboolike grass that invades riparian areas and displaces native vegetation in the Russian River Watershed. Russian River Team Arundo leads removal and native vegetation efforts in riparian corridors to enhance biodiversity in habitat adjacent to natural and agricultural lands.
5/13/09
Job Opportunity
Position: Project Assistant - Position filled
The Project Assistant works under the supervision of the Executive Director. The assistant will also receive some direction from the Restoration Program Manager and other staff. Scheduling of days per week worked is flexible, with the amount of hours per week dependant on work load. This position is a temporary, seasonal 7 month position with the potential of becoming a more permanent position; funding dependant.
For details, see the
Project Assistant job announcement.
4/13/09
Sudden Oak Death Blitz
In cooperation with Dr. Matteo Garbelotto, UC Berkeley,
and the California Oak Mortality Task Force (COMTF),
Pepperwood Preserve will be hosting a Sudden Oak
Death Blitz to bolster awareness of this harmful pathogen
and gain information on its distribution.
SOD Blitz participants will be trained in identification of disease symptoms, sampling techniques, and the documentation of sample locations. Participants will have two days to collect samples at locations of their choice, later to be analyzed to determine the presence or absence of Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen that causes SOD.
| WHERE: | Pepperwood Preserve Bechtel House 3450 Franz Valley Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404 | WHEN: | Friday, April 24, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. |
COST: | FREE! Bring a GPS unit if you have one! |
RSVP: | Beth Sabo, at bsabo@pepperwoodpreserve.org |
2/25/09
Upper Mark West Watershed Management Plan: Phase 1
Watershed Characterization and Needs Assessment
The purpose of this plan is to provide tools, resources and guidance for stakeholders to protect the natural environment in the upper Mark West Creek watershed, restore and enhance altered landscapes, and to steward the land in perpetuity.
2/20/09
Russian River First Flush
2007 Summary Report
How polluted is the storm water entering our urban creeks? This is the
question that motivates volunteers from all over the county to don rain
gear and sample creeks during the first flush, or first significant
rainfall event of the wet season. The results from the
2007 Russian River First Flush
event are summarized in this report.
If you are interested in finding out more about Russian River First
Flush sampling events, past and future, please contact Sierra Cantor.
10/24/08
The
Sotoyome RCD Bi-Annual Report (2007-2008)
is now available.
10/2/08
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is accepting sign ups until 10/31.
9/5/08
Forest Stewardship in Sonoma County
Saturday, October 4, 2008 near Cazadero
Saturday, October 18, 2008 in Mill Creek Watershed
These workshops are intended for present and future owners and managers of forest or woodland properties in Sonoma County. Two workshops are being offered. Each will have an indoor session in the morning and field tour in the afternoon.
The first will be held near Cazadero, and will focus on forest and watershed health. Foresters, plant pathologists, and watershed and fuels management specialists will present information on the ecology and historical development of the region's forests and discuss threats to forest and watershed health including wild fire, Sudden Oak Death and excessive erosion. Agency representatives will describe programs available to land owners. Tools for long-term land conservation will also be introduced.
The second workshop will be held in the Mill Creek watershed. It will provide an overview of the economic aspects of forest management. Topics to be covered include traditional and nontraditional forest products, biomass utilization, carbon credits, working forest conservation easements, and timber harvest procedures, documents, and regulations.
For more information, see our flyer: Forest Stewardship in Sonoma County
8/5/08 update
Fee for service work available from Sotoyome RCD
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District provides fee for service work to business, agencies and individuals for a variety of resource conservation project needs.
SRCD's fee for service
program includes prioritization, schedule/document
control, permitting, environmental review, public
outreach, financial management, and project
implementation oversight.
Our project experience encompasses watershed
management, large scale invasive species removal,
streambank stabilization, alternative water storage
development, riparian revegetation projects, and
group capacity building.
For more information, see our updated fee for service flyer.
7/30/08
Job Opportunity
Position: Project Assistant - Closed 8/13/08: No more applications accepted
The Project Assistant works under the supervision of the Executive Director. The assistant will also receive some direction from the Watershed Biologist, Restoration Program Manager, and Project Coordinator. Scheduling of hours is flexible, with the amount of hours per week depending on work load.
For details, see the
Project Assistant job announcement.
6/11/08
NMFS draft report
3/19/08
Winter/Spring 2008 Newsletter
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District Winter/Spring 2008 Newsletter is now available.
2/15/08
Job Opportunity
Position: Project Coordinator - Position filled
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (SRCD) Project Coordinator assists in the management of all SRCD contracts with local, state, federal, nonprofit and other agencies to assure project compliance and successful completion. This includes issuing subcontracts, working with the RCD bookkeeper to track charges, and complete monthly progress reports and contract budget updates to Project Managers. Communicates regularly with the Executive Director on budget shortfalls and contract needs or issues.
For details, see the
Project Coordinator job announcement.
12/11/07
Livestock grazing on vernal pool landscapes
Friday, February 8, 2008 |
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Sotoyome Resource Conservation District presents a workshop for livestock producers, landowners, land managers, and others interested in grazing on vernal pool lands.
12/7/07
Russian River Team Arundo
A presentation on the program to eradicate the non-native bamboolike grass Arundo donax from the Russian River watershed.
11/6/07
Management Tips to Enhance Land & Water Quality
for Small Acreage Properties
A 68 page guide for owners and managers of small acreage properties in the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed, with tips appropriate on a regional level. Published by the Sotoyome Resource Conservation Disctrict, September, 2007.
11/6/07
The Grazing Handbook
is for public agency
personnel and private landowners who
may be interested in exploring the use of
livestock grazing to further their resource
management goals.
It has been prepared for
smaller agencies and private landowning
organizations that do not have grazing
specialists on staff.
Download the
Grazing Handbook now,
or request it in printed form - see the
publications page for details.
10/8/07
Rural Roads Improvement Program
Since 1998, the Sotoyome Resource Conservation District has worked with over 100 private landowners to identify and improve rural road conditions with ecological principles in mind.
10/8/07
Land Management in the Santa Rosa Plain
Sotoyome Resource Conservation District has been involved in land management activities in the Santa Rosa Plain since 2002. A unique opportunity exists in SRCD's management role to bring communities together in the preservation of important natural resources. Current properties house rare and endangered plant and animal species, such as Sebastopol Meadowfoam, Sonoma Sunshine, and California Tiger Salamander in a combination of grassland and vernal pool wetland.
8/20/07
Forest Stewardship in Sonoma and Marin Counties
September 29, 2007, in Mark West Creek Watershed
October 13, 2007, near Occidental
8 a.m - 5 p.m.
These Fall 2007 workshops are intended for present and future owners and managers of forest or woodland properties in Sonoma County. Contact Rick Kaye at (707) 569-1448 x 102, or Rkaye@sotoyomercd.org for further information.
8/10/07
Summer/Fall 2007 Newsletter
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District Summer/Fall 2007 Newsletter is now available.
7/30/07
Living on the Land / Small Arceage Series:
Summer/Fall 2007 Field Workshops
For more information, contact Rick Kaye at the Sotoyome RCD
at (707) 569-1448 ext 102, or email at
rkaye@sotoyomercd.org.
6/20/07
Job Opportunity
Position: Technical Specialist
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (SRCD) Technical Specialist coordinates monitoring activities and assists in the implementation of voluntary projects on private property to improve water quality, reduce farm runoff and restore habitat.
For details, see the
Technical Specialist job announcement.
Final date for filing: extended to August 20, 2007.
6/19/07 update
Fee for service work available from Sotoyome RCD
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District provides fee for service work to business, agencies and individuals for a variety of resource conservation project needs.
Services include:
- Permit preparation services
- Technical water quality services
- Education - Roving Naturalist K-12
- Administration - group capacity building
For more information, see our updated fee for service flyer.
3/9/07
We're Moving!
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3/2/07
Job Opportunity
Position: Program Manager - Position filled
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (SRCD) is seeking a staff person who will work closely with the SRCD Executive Director and staff to manage the day-to-day activities of the District.
For details, see the
Program Manager job announcement.
Final date for filing: March 23, 2007.
3/2/07
Addendum Number 1 to the
Mitigated Negative Declaration for the
Giant Reed (Arundo donax) Removal and Riparian Habitat Restoration in the
Russian River Watershed
Notice of Action: The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (SRCD)
Board of Directors has approved an
Addendum
to the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Giant Reed (Arundo
donax) Removal and Riparian Habitat Restoration in the Russian River
Watershed.
This addendum has been prepared to include the use of the herbicide Imazapyr amongst the invasive weed removal techniques utilized in giant reed eradication efforts. A copy of this addendum is available for download here, or hard copies can be viewed in the SRCD office located at 970 Piner Road, in Santa Rosa, California. For more information, please contact us at (707) 569-1448.
3/2/07
Management of Mitigation Properties: Yuba Unit
The Sotoyome RCD has entered into an agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game to assist the Department with the management of selected preservation properties on the Santa Rosa Plain.
The District has recently been privileged to coordinate and oversee cleanup activities on one of the reserve units referred to as the Yuba unit, or the FEMA site. Read the overview and cleanup summary report.
12/13/06
Upper Mark West Creek Sediment Source Reduction Project
Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (SRCD) recently completed the first construction season of the
Upper Mark West Creek Sediment Source Reduction Project. This project seeks to reduce approximately 14,106 cubic yards of sediment from entering Mark West Creek, a high quality salmon and steelhead stream located in the Russian River Watershed, through a series of approximately 750 targeted rural road upgrades extending over 17 miles of road.
12/11/06
Fee for service work available from Sotoyome RCD
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District provides fee for service work to business, agencies and individuals for a variety of resource conservation project needs.
Services include:
- Permit preparation services
- Technical water quality services
- Education - Roving Naturalist K-12
- Administration - group capacity building
For more information, see our fee for service flyer.
12/9/06
The Grazing Handbook is now available from Sotoyome RCD
The Grazing Handbook is a guide for resource managers in coastal California.
We will ship boxes of 80 to interested parties; recipients will be charged for shipping costs.
Handbooks can be found at the following RCD/NRCS offices:
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Alameda County RCD Coastal San Luis RCD Marin County RCD Sotoyome RCD Gold Ridge RCD NRCS Petaluma Field Office |
Monterey County RCD Santa Cruz County RCD San Luis Obispo RCD / NRCS Templeton Field Office Mendocino RCD / NRCS Ukiah Field Office |
10/31/06
Publications available from Sotoyome RCD
Guide to Watershed Project Permitting for the State of California
This manual was created by the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts to assist you in getting started by providing basic information and directing you to sources where you can find more information.
Available for
download here, or in printed form - see
Publications for details.
Russian River Watershed Directory
A guide to resources and services
for management and stewardship of the Russian River watershed.
Available for
download here, or on CD or in printed form - see
Publications for details.
10/18/06
2005-06 Annual Report and 2006 Fall Newsletter
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District 2005-06 Annual Report and 2006 Fall Newsletter is now available.
10/18/06
3rd Annual Funding Workshop:
Watershed Restoration and
Agricultural Best Management Practices
Sonoma County Water Agency
404 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa
Note location change
RSVP required: Reply to Rick Kaye at 707-569-1448, or rickk@sonic.net
Hear an update from various local, state, and federal agencies/foundations offering grant monies through case by case inquiries & grant programs. Identify your chances, timeline, and steps to apply for funding. Speakers and handouts will identify both public and private sources of funds. Brief overviews of several programs provided. See Flyer for more details.
9/14/06
New Executive Director at the Sotoyome RCD
It is with great pleasure that the Sotoyome RCD welcomes our new Executive Director, Kara Heckert. Many of you know Kara from her time here at the Sotoyome RCD as the former Restoration Project Coordinator. She has most recently been working with the NRCS as the Russian River Coordinator. Kara has several years experience working with landowners, agricultural producers, and residents addressing natural resource concerns.
Kara brings a unique set of skills to the RCD, not the least of which is having a history with the RCD, knowing many of our partners, and a working knowledge of the resource issues throughout the District. The Board feels that Kara's skills compliment those of our existing staff and that she will keep the Sotoyome RCD at the forefront of resource restoration, enhancement, conservation, and education efforts in the region. The Sotoyome RCD remains committed to developing locally driven solutions by working cooperatively with landowners, residents, agencies, and other organizations.
Our sincere thanks and best wishes to outgoing Executive Director, Jennifer Jenkins, who is leaving the RCD and moving north to Humboldt County. Jen will work with Kara through the end of September to ensure a smooth transition.
9/12/06
Russian River Watershed Directory
Sotoyome RCD recently completed a
directory of information, services and
organizations for the Russian River Watershed.
The publication is designed to be a useful tool for watershed management, stewardship, and collaboration. The project, funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers, was completed on behalf of the Russian River Watershed Council. In addition to the PDF version presented here, the document will be uploaded to the Russian River Interactive Information System (RRIIS) website. The Russian River Watershed Council will be the main distributor of additional CD's and hardcopies produced through this project.
8/9/06
Road Restoration Workshop
Sotoyome and Gold Ridge RCD will present a Road Restoration Workshop entitled "Implementing Road Restoration Projects" on Tuesday, August 29, 2006. The event, free of charge, includes a tour and presentation. The tour will take place from 4:00 - 5:45pm , with a presentation from 6:00 to 7:00pm. You may attend either or both, though RSVP's are required (reply to Rick Kaye at 707-569-1448, or rickk@sonic.net).
The workshop will take place at the Alpine Hall in northeast Santa Rosa. Presenters include John Green from Pacific Watershed Associates and his staff. The tour will include portions of work underway in the Upper Mark West Creek Watershed. See Flyer for more details.
7/31/06
Job Opportunity
Position: Executive Director - Position filled - see 9/14/06 announcement (above)
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (SRCD) is seeking a staff person to work closely with the SRCD Board of Directors and staff to manage the day-to-day activities of the District. The Executive Director is in charge of all agency operations. The Sotoyome RCD is a public agency who values their staff and their commitment to finding solutions to natural resource issues.
For details, see the
Executive Director job announcement.
Final date for filing: August 9, 2006.
5/10/06
Austin Creek Watershed Assessment
Download the Austin Creek Watershed Assessment. This assessment was prepared by Laurel Marrcus and Associates and Dennis Jackson under contract to the Sotoyome Resource Conservation District. Partial funding was provided by the State Water Resources Control Board. Please contact Sierra Cantor if you have questions regarding this report.
5/10/06
Russian River Coastal Tributary Improvement Program
Download the Coastal Tributary Improvement Program (CTIP) monitoring and restoration summary reports. The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District received funding through the Proposition 13 Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program to implement this program. Please contact Sierra Cantor if you have questions regarding these reports.
4/7/06
2006 Russian River Directory
Complete your entry for the 2006 Russian River Directory here.
Entries due April 21, 2006.
The Directory is now available - see 9/12/06 announcement (above)
3/17/06
Wildfire and Your Home
Defensible Space and Construction Considerations for
Fire Safe Homes
Santa Rosa Fire Department Training Tower
West College Avenue /Stony Point Road in Santa Rosa
A free workshop for homeowners, building contractors and suppliers, Fire Safe Council members, Volunteer Fire Departments, planners, realtors, policy makers, and others. See workshop flyer for details.
3/17/06
Recovering Coho Salmon populations
in the Russian River Watershed
A Brood Stock Program Workshop
Lake Sonoma's Milt Brandt Visitor Center in Healdsburg
and an offsite trapping/monitoring location
Please join us for a free and informative day of presentations and demonstrations to overview the progress of an innovative Coho Salmon recovery effort in the Russian River Watershed. See workshop flyer for details.
1/1/06
New Executive Director at the Sotoyome RCD
The Sotoyome RCD welcomes Jennifer Jenkins as our new Executive Director. Jennifer joined the RCD last year as Assistant Executive Director, and moved into the Executive Director position on January 1st. Jennifer can be reached at (707) 569-1448 ext. 104 or jjenkins@sotoyomercd.org.
Our sincere thanks and best wishes to outgoing Executive Director, Kerry Williams, who is leaving the Sotoyome RCD after 9 years of dedicated service. Kerry will continue to assist the staff and board of the RCD in the months ahead, as she turns her attention to her family's ranching operation.
12/7/05
Welcome to our new Restoration Projects Coordinator
The Sotoyome RCD would like to welcome Dannielle Gray as the new Restoration Projects Coordinator. Dannielle's permitting experience and background in natural resources will contribute to our ability to continue to assist landowners in addressing conservation issues and implementing restoration projects. Dannielle can be reached at (707) 569-1448 ext. 105 or dgray@sotoyomercd.org.
10/18/05
Job Opportunity
Position: Restoration Project Coordinator - Position filled - see 12/7/05 announcement (above)
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (SRCD) is seeking a Restoration Project Coordinator. Work will involve coordinating activities related to implementing the District's restoration and monitoring projects. These projects may include sediment reduction through road repair, streambank stabilization and revegetation, gully repair, riparian exclusionary fencing, and water quality monitoring.
For details, see the
Restoration Project Coordinator job announcement.
Final date for filing: November 4, 2005.
9/27/05
Education Program
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (SRCD) Education Program delivers adult and K-12 education that promotes an understanding of the interplay between agriculture and natural resources, and sponsors projects that address stewardship of our natural resources.
9/16/05
Status Report
Sotoyome RCD has completed its 2002-2005 Status Report, which highlights our programs and achievements.
9/16/05
Call for Associate Directors
The Sotoyome RCD Board of Directors is looking for individuals who are interested in becoming Associate Directors. More information.
9/13/05
Gualala River Estuary Study Talk
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Celebrate the California Coastal Commission's Coastweeks educational program and learn about fisheries habitat in the Gualala River estuary and lower river. A comprehensive assessment study funded by the State Coastal Conservancy has been completed. This talk will focus on the findings of this study and the recommendations for future enhancement and restoration. This event is co-sponsored by the Sotoyome Resource Conservation District and the Gualala River Watershed Council. For information regarding the time and location of this event, please contact Kathleen Morgan of the Gualala River Watershed Council at (707) 785-2525 or kmorgan@mcn.org.
9/9/05
Staff Changes at the RCD
The Sotoyome RCD wishes to give its warmest appreciation to Kara Heckert, who has coordinated our Restoration Program for the last four years. Kara has taken a new position as Soil Conservationist at the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Ukiah, but will continue to lend her expertise in the Russian River Watershed. Her new email contact is: Kara.heckert@ca.usda.gov. Questions pertaining to projects formerly overseen by Kara can now be directed to our new Assistant Executive Director (see below).
The Sotoyome RCD wishes a warm welcome to Jennifer Jenkins, our new Assistant Executive Director. Jen brings extensive talent and experience to this newly created position. She can be reached at (707) 569-1448 ext 104, or jjenkins@sotoyomercd.org.
7/13/05
Next up in our workshop series, "Septics Unplunged."
Understanding and managing septic systems old & new to benefit your wallet and environmental health.
And see our new
Homeowner Guide to Septic System Operation.
Workshop Date: July 23rd, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Workshop Location: Koret Club, 20488 Highway 116, Monte Rio
For more information or to RSVP contact Rick Kaye at (707) 569-1448 ext. 102 or e-mail him at RKaye@sotoyomercd.org.
6/20/05
Download the Copeland Creek Watershed Assessment. This assessment was funded by the Proposition 13 Costa Machado Water Act of 2001 and administered by the State Water Resources Control Board and the Sonoma County Water Agency. Please contact Sierra Cantor if you have questions regarding this report.
6/21/05
JOB OPPORTUNITY
POSITION: 2 Field Technicians - Positions filled
Start date: July 1, 2005 (approx.)
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District in collaboration with the Gualala River Watershed Council is recruiting field personnel for the 2005 summer season. These are temporary, seasonal employees to assist in the collection of stream data primarily within the Gualala River watershed.
For details, see the Summer 2005 Field Technician Job Description.
5/11/05
JOB OPPORTUNITY
POSITION: Associate Director - Position filled -
see 9/9/05 announcement
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (SRCD) is seeking a staff person to work closely with the Executive Director to manager the day-to-day activities of the District. The Associate Director is the second in command of all agency operations.
For details, see the RCD Associate Director position document. Final date for filing: June 3, 2005.
5/3/05
Our May workshop,
"About Equines: Effective land and manure management near
creeks and rivers," will be held Wednesday May 18th, 6:30pm to 9:00pm at the
Finley Community Center at 2060 W. College Avenue in Santa Rosa. The
workshop is free, though $10 donations are optional. Printed materials and
light refreshments will be provided to attendees. The workshop is sponsored
by the Sonoma County Horse Council and the Sonoma County Department of
Health Services. RSVP'S required. Please RSVP to
rkaye@sotoyomercd.org
or at (707) 569-1448, ext 102.
3/4/05
Sotoyome RCD proudly presents "Living on the Land" a practical workshop series highlighting effective stewardship of our natural resources. This 2005 calendar year workshop series has been organized by the Sotoyome Resource Conservation District, in collaboration with the Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District for selected topics. Our workshop series sponsors are the Russian River Watershed Council and the Gualala River Watershed Council.
Coming soon, a flyer on our April 5th workshop: "Invasive Plant Species Update: Watershed and site-specific approaches to Arundo donax removal and riparian restoration. Co-sponsored by Circuit Rider Productions, Inc."
2/16/05
Creative Re-Use is a locally operated non-profit program in Sonoma County that takes re-usable items, then provides them - at miniscule costs - for your crafts, teaching, hobby, and professional artwork projects. Through their efforts, significant tonnage of materials are diverted from the landfill each year. Unfortunately, the program is likely to close its doors.
Sotoyome RCD has offered to keep the program alive, but needs your assistance with the this one-question survey: PDF format / MS Word format
Please return the survey by March 18th, 2005, to rkaye@sotoyomercd.org or call Rick Kaye at (707) 569-1448 for more information.
11/19/04
Learn how to fund a stewardship, restoration, or conservation project on
private (and public) property
Tuesday, December 7th, 6:30p.m.- 9:00p.m.
This workshop will provide an overview of governmental and private foundation funds available for projects. This is a presentation designed for both the savvy individual and newcomer. For more information see our December flyer or go to the calendar for our scheduled events.
Note change of location:
Finley Community Center, Cypress Room
2060 West College Avenue, Santa Rosa
11/5/04
Is your Ground Covered? A Rural Roads Workshop
Third in a public education workshop series offered by the Sotoyome and Gold Ridge RCDs.
Check out the workshop flyer
or go to the calendar for our scheduled events.
9/21/04
The Sotoyome RCD in collaboration with Circuit Rider Productions Inc. and Mendocino RCD
has developed a
draft Mitigated Negative Declaration for Giant Reed (Arundo donax) Removal
in the Russian River Watershed. Please send all comments on this document to:
Kara Heckert
Sotoyome RCD
P.O. Box 11526
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
All comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on October 14th.
7/14/04
The SRCD Education Program is designed to support, showcase, or bolster existing natural resource education programs and services that utilize community collaboration and cooperation. The target audiences for this effort include schools, landowners, and citizen/service groups.
9/29/04
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District, in collaboration with Laurel Marcus and Associates, will be offering the next Fish Friendly Farming workshop series starting in January 2005 in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. For information regarding the workshop series, including registration forms, click here.
For more information about the Fish Friendly Farming Program, click here. You can also e-mail Kara Heckert, or call her at the Sotoyome RCD at (707) 569-1448 if you have additional questions about the program.
9/21/04
Watershed Monitoring 101
Second in a public education workshop series offered by the Sotoyome and Gold Ridge RCDs.
Check out the series flyer
or go to the calendar for our scheduled events.
8/25/04
Alien Invaders in Our Watershed!
Sotoyome and Gold Ridge RCD have kicked off a fall/winter landowner and
public education workshop series. Check out the
series flyer
or go to the
calendar for our scheduled events.
7/15/04
The Russian River Watershed Directory is nearing completion. The directory will be a useful tool to locate resources and services for the watershed.
To include your group or agency, fill out a survey form, call Rick Kaye at (707) 569-1448, or email rkaye@sotoyomercd.org. Information must be received by July 29, 2004.
6/28/04
The Spring 2004 Newsletter is out. Check it out here.
6/25/04
Due to prevailing wage issues as they apply to volunteer monitoring and restoration under publicly funded programs, volunteer monitoring activities have been suspended for the 2004 Summer/Fall season. An educational workshop series will be offered beginning in September. Please check in for details.
12/19/03
At long last, the Snapshot Day 2003 Report is available!
12/19/03
Applications for this year's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are due
by January 16th. EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to eligible producers
(grossing $5,000 or more) to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns.
It offers cost-share payments for implementing eligible conservation practices and incentive
payments for implementing land management practices. For more information on this program
and eligibility click here.
11/6/03
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District, in collaboration with Laurel Marcus and Associates, will be offering the next Fish Friendly Farming workshop series starting January 14, 2004 in Sonoma County and January 15, 2004 in Mendocino County. For complete information regarding the workshop series, including registration forms, click here.
For more information about the Fish Friendly Farming Program, click here. You can also e-mail Kara Heckert, or call her at the Sotoyome RCD at (707) 569-1448 if you have additional questions about the program.
9/3/03
Upcoming creek monitoring workshops:
Saturday, September 6 - It's a Pebble Count double-header! We will start on Hulbert Creek in the morning and move to Hobson Creek in the afternoon. Please feel free to join us for either or both parts of the day.
Saturday, September 13 - Our last monitoring workshop of the season will be at Fife Creek.
The Mark West training on September 20 has been canceled.
For all workshops, please wear sturdy, preferably waterproof, shoes, and bring drinking water and a snack. Details, including start times and meeting locations, are available here.
All SRCD events are open to anyone. If you have any questions or need special accommodation, please contact Sierra Cantor at (707) 569-1448 or scantor@sotoyomercd.org.
9/3/03
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District, in cooperation with the Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, is offering a workshop on a new publication by Laurel Marcus entitled "The House and Garden Audit: Protecting Your Family's Health and Improving the Environment." The House and Garden Audit is for urban and rural homeowners and residents to evaluate chemical use and general management in their house and garden.
Please join us on Monday, September 15, 2003 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Building. See the flyer. The workshop is free of charge, but space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sierra Cantor at (707) 569-1448 or scantor@sotoyomercd.org.
9/3/03
The Summer 2003 Newsletter is out. Check it out here.
6/9/03
SRCD is currently recruiting field assistants for the 2003 field season. The district works in tributaries of the Russian River and Gualala River watersheds. The current needs are primarily in the Gualala River Watershed. Opportunites exist to engage in channel survey work associated with the monitoring programs underway. Resumes or Letters of interest are due on June 17th, followed by interviews on June 18th and 19th. For more information, see the attached description or contact Rick Kaye at (707) 569-1448 or rkaye@sotoyomercd.org. Full details are available here.
4/28/03
Citizen monitors are invited to participate in Snapshot Day, the first California Coast Wide stream and river monitoring event on May 17, 2003. Snapshot Day 2003 will be the first California Coast Wide monitoring event, extending from the Mexican border to the Oregon border. For more information on Snapshot Day visit www.coastforyou.org.
The SRCD is coordinating Snapshot Day activities from Tomales Bay to the Navarro River and will be holding trainings in Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Please contact Sierra Cantor for information on the training event nearest to you. Volunteers are strongly urged to attend one of the training sessions prior to participating in the May 17 event. For more information check here.
4/28/03
Summer is here! And so is the Russian River Creek Stewardship schedule of volunteer monitoring training workshops. Come spend a Saturday morning with us getting a fish-eye view of the world, while learning about local creeks and watersheds. Training workshops are open to anyone interested in learing about volunteer monitoring and watershed health. For more information check here.
1/29/03
New Job Annoucement: P/T opportunity.1 year position.Education Coordinator for the Gualala River Watershed Council. This is an independent contract position through the Sotoyome RCD. Deadline to apply is Feb 18, 2003. More information here
1/7/03
We would like to bring your attention to our next two workshops.
First on January 25 at the Guerneville Elementary School there is the Fife Creek Restoration Project. Participate in the revegetation of an impacted creek. Learn about native plants specially adapted to grow along streams and more. For more information check here.
Second on February 1 at the Healdsburg city hall there is a Roads workshop led by Danny Hagans of Pacific Watershed Associates. Find out if your roads are contributing to erosion problems on your land or acting as a source of sedimentation into streams. Also, learn about how to properly design and manage your unpaved roads and more. More information can be found here.
11/8/02
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District, in collaboration with Laurel Marcus and Associates will be offering Fish Friendly Farming workshops beginning in December. The Fish Friendly Farming Program is a voluntary and incentive based program for grape growers. Over last three years, more than 50 grapegrowers have participated in the program. One on one site assistance and site visits will be available for every participant as well as project assistance. Four afternoon sessions will held Thursday, December 5th, January 9th, February 6th, and February 20th from 1-4 p.m. at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. For more information check here. Also for other calendar information check here.
8/21/02
The summer 2002 Newsletter is out. Check it out here.
8/15/02
Celebrate the Russian River by learning how you can improve water quality and wildlife habitats. Our Creek Stewardship program announces another Backyard Stewardship workshop. This workshop will cover urban and rural residential land management and is free to the public. Find out all the details by clicking here.
8/6/02
Come join us in a Walk along Matanzas creek in Doyle Park. On August 17, 2002. Meet at 10:00am at the Hoen entrance of Doyle Park. Email or Call (707) 569-1448 Sierra for more details.
7/12/02
The Sotoyome RCD in Collaboration with Gold Ridge RCD and the Sonoma County Grapegrowers Association would like to announce a workshop on a Vineyard Winterization Strategies, August 1st. This workshop will provide vineyard owners and Spanish speaking workers with information on good management practices for erosion control, preparation, installation, and maintenance of new and existing vineyards. Speakers will include representatives from the Natural Resource Conservation Service, UC Extension, Sotoyome RCD, and Steve Thomas from Jackson Family Farms. Click here from more information
5/31/02
Summer is here! And so is the Russian River Creek Stewardship schedule of watershed training workshops - Come play in the creek with us, these training workshops are open to anyone interested in learing about volunteer monitoring and watershed health. All dates and participating watershed groups can be found on the calendar.
02/15/02
Please join us for an educational creek and watershed walk along upper Fife creek. Watershed Scientist Laurel Marcus will be discussing creek and watershed processes, the impacts of roads and trails, and the value of native riparian habitat. Ranger Chazz Potthast will give a brief overview of the Restoration Program at Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve. This walk will be on Saturday, March 9 at 9:30. More details can be found here.