Through our Conservation and Stewardship Program, the RCD works with Ag producers to develop Farm Conservation Plans and to implement Best Management Practices. Farm Conservation Plans are a time-tested strategy that producers can use to set priorities for Best Management Practices, comply with local, state and federal regulations, and keep their land productive in the long term.

Water Conservation and Streamflow Restoration

This RCD program was developed to respond to both the emerging water security needs of landowners and the decline of stream flows in many of our local creeks. We assist landowners by providing free vineyard irrigation audits and provide information and technical assistance on water conservation. We also develop, fund, and implement on-the-ground projects that fulfill landowners' water needs while keeping water in creeks at critical times for endangered fish.

Watershed Planning

Our Watershed Planning Program includes the development of local Integrated Watershed Management Plans involving numerous stakeholders to determine how to more effectively manage the watershed in which they live. These plans are designed to promote balanced solutions that satisfy environmental, domestic, agricultural, and economic interests.

Habitat Enhancement

Through our Habitat Enhancement program, we work with private and public landowners to enhance the natural environment and habitat conditions for fish and wildlife. Projects include stream habitat enhancement for salmonids, erosion control, riparian and wetland restoration, and rural road sediment reduction projects. Since 1997, we have successfully installed over 240,000 board feet of large woody debris, planted 14,000 native plants, improved 132 miles of rural roads, and removed over 1,600 acres of invasive Arundo donax.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Education

This program provides educational resources and experiences that encourage a connection to the conservation of land and its agricultural and natural resources. Through our annual "Living on the Land" workshop series we have educated thousands of landowners on natural resource and sustainable agriculture. We also offer programs for school children to learn about creek stewardship, biology, and sustainable agriculture.

Science & Monitoring

Through our Watershed Monitoring program, we have collected over ten years of physical, chemical, and biological data on streams throughout the Russian River that documents baseline stream conditions, helps us to identify opportunities to enhance current conditions in the natural environment, and helps landowners to document the effectiveness of their own voluntary conservation efforts.

Fee for Service

The RCD provides fee for service work to business, agencies and individuals for a variety of resource conservation project needs.