The Sotoyome RCD has been a leader in the development of programs for watershed monitoring and assessment since 1998. The SRCD collects data on the physical condition of our district's watersheds which allows us to evaluate ecological events, long term trends, and the effectiveness of our restoration projects. Our Monitoring and Assessment Program is designed to improve watershed conditions through collaboration between private landowners, community groups and public agencies.

Restoration

The Sotoyome RCD Restoration Program brings communities together to restore and preserve important natural resources. We work with private landowners, cities, non-profits, and other agencies interested in natural resource conservation to identify resource concerns and their solutions. Projects include streambank erosion control, invasive species removal, rural road sediment reduction projects, and riparian planting projects. Since 1997 we have successful installed 13,400 native plants, improved 129 miles of rural roads, and removed over 800 acres of invasive Arundo donax.

Education

Our education program delivers adult education on a variety of natural resources issues including erosion control, invasive species control, grazing, water quality, funding for restoration projects, and a variety of other topics. Our workshops, which are free to the public, promote an understanding of the interplay between agriculture and natural resources.