Mailing Address: PO Box 11526 Santa Rosa, Ca 95406
Location: 970 Piner Road Santa Rosa
Phone (707)569-1448 Fax (707) 569-0434 Email us
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.
The fee for the workshop is $50 per property. The fee for the workshop covers the cost of topo maps, a Fish Friendly Farming Conservation Plan Workbook, aerial photos, handouts, and other course materials.
The workshops, which are scheduled to run December through April, will include four afternoon classes, and one to two field sessions in addition to one on one field assistance. Through this course, participants will receive assistance in completing a farm conservation outlining soil, water, and conservation measures that will sustain fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality on their property.
After plans are completed, the Sotoyome RCD can assist grape growers in implementing projects identified in their farm conservation plans.
Sessions will include topics such as assessing natural features, evaluation of current practices, riparian corridor restoration and management of habitat and Pierce's Disease control, roads, soils, slopes, and drainage. Field days will include visits to vineyards for hands-on demonstrations of these topics.
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, located at 970 Piner Road in Santa Rosa. Four afternoon sessions will be held in Mendocino County Wednesday, December 4th, and Thursday, January 16th, February 13th, and February 27th from 1-4 p.m. at the Mendocino County Farm Bureau building located at 303C Talmage Road in Ukiah.
Space is limited to 15 ranches. If you would like a registration form or have questions about the program, please call the Sotoyome RCD at 569-1448.
