Natural Resources - Water Quality

Water Quality and Watershed Program

David Lewis, Watershed Advisor, Marin-Sonoma-Mendocino

Our watershed management program in Marin focuses on improving the quality of water and aquatic habitat on county ranches and dairies.

UCCE is monitoring the changes at Marin Resource Conservation District stream restoration project sites like the Barboni Ranch. We hope to improve long-term success at projects implemented by the RCD and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to increase landowner participation in conservation programs. This site was planted with numerous native plant species including trees, shrubs, sedge, and rush. It was also fenced and bioengineered with willow to prevent erosion and enhance wildlife habitat.

Restoration and conservation practice monitoring for Marin RCD

UCCE is assisting the Marin RCD to set up long-term monitoring of conservation practices and riparian restoration projects. UCCE developed a Riparian Zone Monitoring Plan for the RCD using existing agency protocols and has collected baseline data at 10 new project sites on six ranches in Marin County during 2008. The seven most common conservation practices being quantitatively monitored include riparian fencing, bank stabilization, in-stream improvement, stream crossing, grade control, revegetation, and water development. UCCE has also initiated a historical review and compilation of the conservation projects implemented in the county for MRCD’s 50-year anniversary in 2009. This work is on hold pending the stop work order of bond-funded projects.

UCCE plays an integral part in our programs, providing invaluable watershed monitoring and conservation planning expertise. Their work allows us to implement lasting and measurable environmental improvements across the landscape. - Nancy Scolari, Marin Resource Conservation District

County commission recommends restoration projects

The Marin County Fish & Wildlife Commission recommended the Board of Supervisors fund 13 projects totaling $30,266 focusing on restoration and education about wildlife and fisheries in Marin County. MCSTOPPP also contributed $8,000 in funds allocated for clean water stewardship community grants to this coordinated effort.