North Coast Regional News
MARCH 2010
Conferences & Events
March 1: DWR will hold a workshop for an upcoming Request for Qualifications for the Statewide Flood Management Planning Program in Sacramento. http://www.water.ca.gov/calendar/index.cfm?meeting=12922
March 1 – 2: Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force Meeting (North Coast Study Region) in Fort Bragg, California. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/meetings_n.asp
March 1-2: Watershed and Groundwater Hydrology: Introduction Short Course, Groundwater Resources Association of CA, Davis. http://www.grac.org
March 1 – 3: CWEA 37th Annual P3S Training Conference and Exhibition: Navigating Through the Storm… Setting a Course to Clean Water at the Hilton Long Beach. http://www.cwea.org/conferences/2010/CWEA%20Program2010rDownload.pdf
March 2 – 3: Annual California Land Trust Conference, Sacramento. http://www.calandtrusts.org/
March 3-4: Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force Meeting (North Coast Study Region), Crescent City. Additional information: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/meetings_n.asp
March 4, 11 am or 4 pm: State Water Board & Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Training Workshops to small, disadvantaged communities statewide. Online Training: Board Basics: Wastewater Math Refresher. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/small_community_wastewater_grant/docs/brochure.pdf; http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?430
March 5-11: Pacific Fishery Management Council Meeting, DoubleTree Hotel Sacramento, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento. http://www.pcouncil.org/events/future.html
March 7 – 13: National Ground Water Awareness Week, sponsored by the National Ground Water Association. http://www.ngwa.org/public/awarenessweek/index.aspx
March 8: The Department of Water Resources, Public Listening Session in Sacramento. http://www.waterplan.water.ca.gov/docs/news/save_the_date_wue_listening_session.pdf
March 10: SOD Treatment Workshop; Tolman Hall, UC Berkeley Campus, 1 – 3 PM. Preregistration required. http://nature.berkeley.edu/garbelotto/english/sodtreatmenttraining.php
March 10 – 11: Biodiversity Council meeting in Fairfield/Suisun. Integrated water management in California is the subject. http://biodiversity.ca.gov/Meetings/fairfield10.html
March 10 – 13: 28th Annual Salmonid Restoration Conference and the 44th Annual Cal-Neva AFS Conference in Redding, CA. http://www.calsalmon.org/
March 11: California’s Climate Action Team (CAT) will hold a meeting to discuss mitigation and adaptation strategies in the Coastal Hearing Room, California EPA building in Sacramento. The meeting will also be webcast: http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Broadcast/
March 15-17: Green California Summit 2010, Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento. http://www.green-technology.org/gcsummit/index.html
March 16, 9:30 AM – 4 PM: ARB Combo is hosting a free small business workshop. Taking Advantage of the Growing Green Economy – Real People. Real Solutions. Real Opportunities! Sacramento Convention Center. http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/business/event.htm
March 16, 1 – 4 PM: DWR will host a workshop to discuss the Public Review Draft for the California Drought Contingency Plan, Sacramento. http://www.waterplan.water.ca.gov/materials/index.cfm?subject=mar1610
March 16, 11 am or 4 pm: State Water Board & Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Training Workshops to small, disadvantaged communities statewide. Online Training: Board Basics: Roles & Responsibilities. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/small_community_wastewater_grant/docs/brochure.pdf; http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?430
March 16 – 17: Master Plan Science Advisory Team meeting, Eureka. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/meetings_n.asp
March 17: ACWA 2010 Legislative Symposium, Sacramento, CA. www.acwa.com/events
March 17: Caltrans will hold a workshop focusing on the California Interregional Blueprint initiative as part of the next California Transportation Plan in Redding. http://www.californiainterregionalblueprint.org/
March 18: Southern Oregon Clean Energy Alliance, 2:30-4:30
pm, Grants Pass, OR. For more information please contact Scott Aycock, Oregon
Solutions, 541.390.4653.
March 18 – 21: Local Government Commission, Building Community Vitality in a Green Economy. The 19th Annual Ahwahnee Conference for Local Elected Officials. Yosemite National Park. http://www.lgc.org/events/yosemite2010.html
March 23-26: Upgrading Technology and Infrastructure, U.S. Society for Irrigation and Drainage Professionals, Hilton Sacramento Arden West, 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento, CA. http://www.uscid.org/10idconf.html
March 24 – 25: The Klamath River TMDL Action Plan and Lost River Implementation Plan, and the Klamath River Site Specific Dissolved Oxygen Objective will be presented for Regional Water Board approval. Yurok Tribal Headquarters, 190 Klamath Boulevard, Klamath, CA.
March 25 – 26: The California Air Resource Board will hold a public hearing to consider proposed changes to state area designations. http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2010/area10/area10.htm
March 25-26: Water Education Foundation’s Executive Briefing, Sacramento, CA. http://www.watereducation.org
March 27-28: Rare Pond Species Survey Techniques, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA. http://www.lagunadesantarosa.org
March 29 – April 1: The California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association will host “In the Trenches” 2010 Spring Conference in Hollywood, California. http://canvawa.informz.net/canvawa/archives/archive_654025.html
March 30-21: State Water Board & Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Training Workshops to small, disadvantaged communities statewide. Classroom Training, Ukiah: Wastewater Operator Certification Test Preparation & Wastewater Math. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/small_community_wastewater_grant/docs/brochure.pdf; http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?430
April 1, 9 – 11 AM: The California Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program public workshops to discuss the future of the CWSRF program. Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, Rancho Cordova. This location will be webcasted and will be available online at: http://www.calepa.ca.gov/broadcast; http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/index.shtml
April 4 – 5: PlanIt Green, the 2nd Annual Building Green Communities Conference, Arcata Community Center, Arcata. More information is available by calling Steve Salzman at 707-599-6978. http://www.humboldtplanitgreen.com
April 8, 9 – 11 AM: The California Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program public workshops to discuss the future of the CWSRF program. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, 5550 Skylane Blvd., Suite A, Santa Rosa. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/index.shtml
April 9, 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM: NBWA’s 2010 Conference, Greening Our Water Infrastructure will be held at the Sheraton Petaluma. http://nbwatershed.org/pages/2010conf.php
April 11 – 14: The 2010 International Low Impact Development conference will be held in Millbrae, California. http://content.asce.org/conferences/lid10/
April 13, 11 am or 4 pm: State Water Board & Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Training Workshops to small, disadvantaged communities statewide. Online Training: Board Basics: Budgeting. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/small_community_wastewater_grant/docs/brochure.pdf; http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?430
April 14: California Financing Coordinating Committee 210 Funding Fair. Redding/Shasta Public library – Community Room, Redding. http://www.cfcc.ca.gov
April 15, 9 – 11 AM: The California Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program public workshops to discuss the future of the CWSRF program. Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, 415 Knollcrest Drive, Redding. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/index.shtml
April 21: SOD Treatment Workshop; Tolman Hall, UC Berkeley Campus, 1 – 3 PM. Preregistration required. http://nature.berkeley.edu/garbelotto/english/sodtreatmenttraining.php
April 21-22: Marine Life Protection Act North Coast Regional Stakeholder Group Work Session. Location to be determined. Additional information: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/meetings_n.asp
April 25 – 29, 2010: The National Water Quality Monitoring Council will host its Seventh National Monitoring Conference Monitoring From the Summit to the Sea in Denver, CO. http://acwi.gov/monitoring/
April 28 -29: State Water Board & Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Training Workshops to small, disadvantaged communities statewide. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?430 Classroom Training:
- 4/28/2010 Infiltration & Inflows & SSMPs: Fortuna
- 4/29/2010 Capital Improvement Planning, Asset Management & Funding Options: Arcata;
May 4-7: ACWA Spring Conference, Portola & Marriott Hotels, Monterey. http://www.acwa.com
May 5-6: Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force Meeting (North Coast Study Region). Location to be determined. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/meetings_n.asp
May 6, 9 am – noon: California Financing Coordinating Committee Funding Fair, Cal/EPA Headquarters, Coastal Hearing Room, 1001 I Street, Sacramento. http://www.cfcc.ca.gov
May 10 – 13: The 2010 Headwaters to Ocean (H2O) Conference will be held in Long Beach, California. http://www.sws.org/regional/western/index.html
May 12: SOD Treatment Workshop; Tolman Hall, UC Berkeley Campus, 1 – 3 PM. Preregistration required. http://nature.berkeley.edu/garbelotto/english/sodtreatmenttraining.php
May 18, 11 am or 4 pm: State Water Board & Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Training Workshops to small, disadvantaged communities statewide. Online Training: Board Basics: Financial Management. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/small_community_wastewater_grant/docs/brochure.pdf; http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?430
May 19-21: Developing a Sustainable Groundwater Management Policy Forum, Tahoe City, CA. http://www.ngwa.org/
May 20: Russian River Watershed Association Board Meeting, 8:30 am, Windsor, CA. www.rrwatershed.org.
June 1, 11 am or 4 pm: State Water Board & Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Training Workshops to small, disadvantaged communities statewide. Online Training: Board Basics: Rate Setting. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/small_community_wastewater_grant/docs/brochure.pdf; http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?430
June 2: State Water Board & Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Training Workshops to small, disadvantaged communities statewide. Classroom Training, West Sacramento: Rate Setting, Prop 218 & Community Outreach. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/small_community_wastewater_grant/docs/brochure.pdf; http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?430
June 9 – 10: The 2010 California Oak Mortality Task Force (COMTF) meeting will be held in San Rafael, California. http://www.suddenoakdeath.org/
June 15 – 17: Toward Sustainable Groundwater in Agriculture: An International Conference Linking Science and Policy. San Francisco, CA. http://www.ag-groundwater.org/index.html
Funding Opportunities
Approximately $500,000 will be available in summer 2010 to fund new research projects to combat Sudden Oak Death/Phytophthora ramorum. Deadline for submission March 31, 2010. http://www.suddenoakdeath.org/
CDFG is accepting proposals for fisheries restoration projects in California’s coastal watersheds through April 8, 2010. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/news/index.asp
Sonoma County Sanitation Water Efficiency Rebate Program has been initiated; it provides rebates for high efficiency clothes washers and other products. http://www.sonomacountywater.org/water_conservation/rebates/scsrebates.php
The California Fisheries Fund has been developed. It offers three types of loans: fishing association loans, infrastructure loans, and business loans. http://www.californiafisheriesfund.org/loan.html
The SWRCB Agricultural Drainage Loan Program and Agricultural
Drainage Management Loan Program are currently accepting applications.
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/agdrain/agdrain_loan.shtml
The SWRCB Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program is currently accepting applications. The CWSRF Loan Program provides low-interest loan funding for construction of publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities, local sewers, sewer interceptors, water recycling facilities, as well as, expanded use projects such as implementation of nonpoint source (NPS) projects or programs, development and implementation of estuary Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans, and storm water treatment. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/index.shtml
The Division of Financial Assistance (Division) will be updating the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program Project Priority List (PPL) for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2010/2011. http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/docs/fy1011/ppl_email.pdf
The YSI Foundation is working with the National Water Quality Monitoring Council to award its $25,000, Minding the Planet Grant. The focus will be to fund a locally-based group whose water quality improvement efforts are impacting wider reaching policies and decisions. The grant will be awarded at the Seventh National Monitoring Conference in Denver, Colorado on April 25-29. http://www.ysi.com/newsdetail.php?Submit-Proposal-for-25-000-Minding-the-Planet-Grant-22
USDA's Farm Service Agency to begin accepting applications for New Biomass Crop Assistance Program. The program, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to producers who deliver eligible material to biomass conversion facilities and FSA will provide financial assistance to collect, harvest, store and transport eligible materials. Biomass conversion facilities and material owners or producers should contact their FSA state offices or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=ener&topic=bcap
USDA Rural Development funds are available for water & wastewater projects. USDA Rural Development is looking for projects that are ready to proceed. Applications are processed in offices throughout the state. To find an office near you visit the website: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ca/offices/index.htm
Local News
Eel River Watershed Management Area
John Casali has devoted years to cleaning the shores of the Eel River. http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_14356983
Humboldt Bay Watershed Management Area A citizen group has sued the California Coastal Commission over its decision to review a plan to clean up toxins at the 43-acre Balloon Track property in Eureka. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_14364190?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com
The California Coastal Commission stated that lawsuits filed against it are ‘frivolous.’ http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_14388341
The Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is weeks away from submitting an application to the federal government for a first-of-its kind project to test wave energy devices off the Humboldt County coast near Arcata. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_14323409?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com
The low-enrolled Wastewater Utilization graduate option at Humboldt State University was selected for elimination Tuesday at the HSU Academic Senate meeting. http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_14371826
Klamath Watershed Management Area
The Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors has approved a salmon restoration project. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x1498217407/County-moves-toward-start-of-salmon-restoration-project
Siskiyou County Supervisor Jim Cook heading to D.C.http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x1570102143/Supervisor-Jim-Cook-heading-to-D-C
Preliminary DFG counts from the Klamath-Trinity River system indicate that just over 44,500 fall Chinook returned to spawn in natural areas during ’09. www.pcouncil.org/newsreleases/newsreleases.html
More than 331,000 chinook are predicted to return to the Klamath River this year. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/02/24/state/n153758S41.DTL
New CDF&G report says some Shasta River coho classes ‘functionally extinct’. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x285348524/New-CDF-G-report-says-some-Shasta-River-coho-classes-functionally-extinct
The Hoopa Valley Tribe voted not to sign two agreements regarding dam removal on the Klamath River. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_14379910?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com
The Yurok Tribal Council voted to sign dam removal pacts. http://www.triplicate.com/20100203108102/News/Local-News/Yurok-Tribal-Council-votes-to-sign-dam-removal-pacts
The Karuk Tribe and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations have formally supported the Klamath River dam removal agreements. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_14300805?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com
Siskiyou County discusses Klamath dam agreements.http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x1685912971/County-discusses-Klamath-dam-agreements
Humboldt County signed the Klamath dams agreement. http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_14276869
Dam removal on the Klamath is just one of the many issues facing the watershed and its inhabitants. http://www.times-standard.com/othervoices/ci_14468298
Removal of the dams on the Klamath has potential economic benefit to Siskiyou County. http://www.mtshastanews.com/news/x1328944690/Could-Siskiyou-County-benefit-economically-from-dam-removal
A recently released USFWS paper states that dam removal on the Klamath is likely to benefit salmon and other fish. http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_14424935
A ceremony was held to celebrate the signing of the agreement to remove dams on the Klamath River. http://kdrv.com/page/162794
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded an $843,000 contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to Research Triangle Institute to support scientific investigations to evaluate the economic potential for advancing fisheries restoration by removing four dams, and whether it is in the public interest to do so. http://www.hydroworld.com/index/display/article-display/2805754698/articles/hrhrw/damsandcivilstructures/general/2009/12/u_s_-awards_contract0.html
The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors heard opposition before making a decision about whether to sign Klamath River dam removal agreements. http://www.triplicate.com/20100210108168/News/Local-News/More-input-sought-as-county-decides-if-it-will-join-pact
An influential environmental group has decided not to sign the Klamath dam removal agreement. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/02/09/09greenwire-key-enviro-group-retreats-from-klamath-river-s-21476.html
A Klamath River Basin Science Conference in early February looked at diverse perspectives in the Klamath Basin. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x1878078885/Science-Conference-looks-at-diverse-perspectives-in-the-Klamath-Basin; http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14313032?nclick_check=1
Siskiyou County receives rural development grants. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x1487805416/County-receives-rural-development-grants
The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (WQCB) heard comments on Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) Wednesday on its way toward the completion of an implementation plan that will set new standards for pollution discharge into the Klamath River. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x1090828512/Support-concern-and-questions-expressed-at-TMDL-workshop; http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x1920344696/Klamath-TMDL-revisions-presented-to-public
North Coast Rivers Watershed Management Area
The Pacific Shores water district, which for decades has charged customers monthly fees despite a lack of providing any utility services, will remain dissolved. http://www.triplicate.com/20100203108103/News/Local-News/Judge-upholds-dissolution-of-Pacific-Shores-water-district
Russian/Bodega Watershed Management Area
Mendocino County Board of Supervisors: Masonite site's soil and groundwater to be discussed. http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_14490353
Sonoma County was awarded $2,537,000 in State Energy Program funds from the California Energy Commission. http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/18634/sonoma-gets-energy-funds/
The City of Santa Rosa has dropped its lawsuit against the Sonoma County Water Agency. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100210/ARTICLES/100219950
The Sonoma County Water Agency hired a new general manager. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100201/ARTICLES/100209962/1350?Title=Hiring-of-water-agency-boss-likely-on-Tuesday
Rainfall in Santa Rosa has more than doubled compared to last year. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100207/ARTICLES/2071136
January storms brought Lake Mendocino’s water supply pool to 95% of capacity. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100201/ARTICLES/100209990; http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100203/NEWS/2031067/1350?Title=Lake-Mendocino-nearing-capacity
The City of Healdsburg will pay $369,000 in fines for numerous violations at its old sewer plant. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/02/24/state/n074053S24.DTL&type=business;http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100223/ARTICLES/100229829?Title=Healdsburg-to-pay-369-000-for-sewer-plant-violations
Rains in early February filled Lakes Sonoma and Mendocino. http://www.sonomanews.com/articles/2010/02/11/news/doc4b74c0e90167e478050043.txt; http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100207/ARTICLES/2071136/1350?Title=Lakes-brimming-rain-taking-a-break; http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100205/ARTICLES/100209717/1033; http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100126/COMMUNITY/100129619?Title=Lake-Sonoma-drinking-water-supply-hits-100-percent-full
Grape growers in Sonoma County disagree with a NCRWQCB plan to limit the amount of water vineyards can pump from local rivers and streams to protect crops from frost. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/01/29/national/a000039S39.DTL&type=business
Several Russian River creeks will be the initial focus of a $696,000 grant awarded by The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. http://www.sonomawest.com/articles/2010/02/08/the_healdsburg_tribune/news/doc4b69d1c4c288f139308881.txt; http://www.sonomacountygazette.com/blog/2010/02/russian-river-coho-salmon-get-national.html; http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100212/ARTICLES/100219803/1308/NEWS?Title=-65-000-grant-for-Russian-River-
A video about a Russian River Basin Vineyard Water Conservation Demonstration Project is available. http://vimeo.com/9158622
Bodega Bay fishermen are holding on to a slim hope that there will be a chinook salmon fishing season this year. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100215/ARTICLES/100219642/1033
Dry Creek stakeholders are searching for ways to improve watershed habitat. http://sonomawest.com/articles/2010/02/17/the_healdsburg_tribune/news/doc4b7c5019cb220890244992.txt
Regional – State – National News
Agency & Institution Activities and Programs
The North Coast Energy Independence Program received an official recommendation on February 10, 2010 to obtain a $4.38 million State Energy Program grant funded by the California Energy Commission. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-parks-climate23-2010feb23,0,1727005.story
The SWAMP Microsoft Excel templates for Field Collection & Results and for Taxonomy Results have been updated and are available on the SWAMP web site. http://swamp.mpsl.mlml.calstate.edu/resources-and-downloads/database-management-systems/swamp-25-database/templates-25
Vision California is a project exploring the role of land use patterns and transportation investments in the state’s growth. http://www.calthorpe.com/vision-california
The Ocean Protection Council has awarded $4 million to support initial monitoring of the recently designated North Central Coast marine protected areas (MPAs). The projects, which will continue for up to three years, will target marine life and habitats, as well as commercial and recreational activities, inside and outside the protected areas. http://www-csgc.ucsd.edu/NEWSROOM/NEWSRELEASES/2010/NCCMPAaward.html
Information regarding eight north coast external proposed Marine Protected Area arrays is now available. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/mpaproposals_nc.asp
The State Water Board is initiating the process to develop biological objectives for freshwater streams and rivers in California. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/plans_policies/#development
A conservation group plans to sue the federal government over the lack of regulation on nearly 400 pesticides. http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/environment/3766-epa-warned-of-lawsuit-over-pesticides
The Schwarzenegger administration is easing CEQA rules for major projects. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=ynlkh1kyoexl5s
Assemblyman Huffman has authored a bill proposing that Chinook salmon be named the official state anadromous fish. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=14451
A majority of voters say they will not vote for the $11 billion water bond in November. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/18/BATV1C3PRC.DTL
Broad-Based Coalition of Environmentalists, Farmers, Business, Labor, and Water Agencies Formed to Support Water Bond on November Ballot. http://www.your-story.org/broad-based-coalition-of-environmentalists-farmers-business-labor-and-water-agencies-formed-to-support-water-bond-on-november-ballot-122840/
Almost $440 million in federal stimulus funds went into California environmental projects last year. http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=resources/lifestyle_community/green&id=7280996
Agriculture
Pumping water from local rivers and streams for frost protection for wine grapes will be limited under a new plan released by the RWQCB. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/01/29/state/n003540S87.DTL
Climate Change
California is preparing to introduce the first statewide system of monitoring devices to detect global-warming emissions, installing them on towers throughout the state. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/business/energy-environment/03emit.html?ref=us
The Water Utility Climate Alliance released a white paper that outlines planning approaches to help water utilities adapt to climate change. http://www.wucaonline.org/assets/pdf/press_room_release_012510.pdf
Fisheries
New regulations are in place to protect California’s threatened green sturgeon. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/news/
CDFG has adopted changes to sport fishing regulations that take effect March 1. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/about/fishing/
An environmental group is suing a state wildlife agency over its program to stock hatchery-raised fish in California's lakes and streams. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/02/10/state/n130752S05.DTL
Salmon season to undergo scrutiny.http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_14490579
Green Business
Roseburg Forest Products may have clearance to move forward on a biomass cogeneration plant at its Weed facility. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x203402171/Court-denies-petition-against-biomass-EIR
A recent study found that lawns are not a good carbon sequestration source. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-parks-climate23-2010feb23,0,1727005.story
A new California green building law is thought to undervalue historic buildings. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123861278
Clean energy projects are on hold in Washington. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-energy-invest22-2010feb22,0,1993754.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fbusiness+%28L.A.+Times+-+Business%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
California has adopted the first statewide green building code. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0115/California-adopts-first-statewide-green-building-code
Ocean
Scientists have determined that shortages of preferred prey items and rough winter weather are likely the primary causes for a recent mass-stranding of brown pelicans. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/news/index.asp; http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/23/BA0E1C5HKS.DTL
Jim Bassler, a Mendocino County commercial fisherman, has been added to the MLPA North Coast Regional Stakeholder Group. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/
Salmonids
Steelhead are returning to North Coast rivers and hatcheries in good numbers. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_14379957?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com
Timber Harvest
The Center for Biological Diversity filed lawsuits against the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to stop logging plans. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-clear-cutting29-2010jan29,0,3955258.story
Water Quality
New USGS groundwater studies explain what, when, and how contaminants may reach public-supply wells. http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2403
The federal government advises throwing most unused or expired medications into the trash instead of down the drain, but they can end up in the water anyway, a study from Maine suggests. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/02/07/national/a104457S95.DTL&type=health
Pyrethroids, among the most widely-used home pesticides, are winding up in California rivers at levels toxic to some stream-dwellers, possibly endangering the food supply of fish and other aquatic animals, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Southern Illinois University (SIU). http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2010/02/02_household_pesticides.shtml
The weed killer atrazine has been linked to birth defects. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6174DW20100208
Water Supply
A workshop summary from the “SCSC Salinity Management Plan Implementation Workshop” held on October 6, 2009, in San Diego, CA, is now available to download. http://www.socalsalinity.org/
Rain gardens are becoming increasingly popular in residential landscapes. http://www.sacbee.com/livinghere/story/2500049.html
Weather
Two University of Berkeley scientists have shown that coastal summers have about a third less fog than they did 100 years ago at the expense of the region’s redwoods. http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_14447390
Media
State Water Board's Notice of Public Solicitation of Water Quality Data and Information for 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters. http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/northcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdls/303d/; http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/data_solicitation_ir2012v2.pdf
The focus of the next PBS “California’s Water’ series is the creative ways local agencies are diversifying water supplies. http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Water-Supply-Reliability-Through-Innovation-Topic-of-New-PBS-Segment-1120999.htm
The UC Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program (IHRMP) developed an "Oak Planners' Portal, which provides timely, science-based information for use in the development of local or regional conservation plans. http://groups.ucanr.org/oakplan/
The first-of-its-kind multisector strategy to help guide California's efforts in adapting to the effects of climate change is available online. http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/adaptation/index.html
The California Air Resources Board has announced the revision of its Drive Clean website, which ranks cars by smog and greenhouse gas emissions, and provides a variety of tools to search and compare vehicles by environmental impact, efficiency, cost, and incentives. www.DriveClean.ca.gov
The updated California Riparian Restoration Handbook is available online. http://www.riverpartners.org/reports-and-articles/Restoration_Handbook_July_Final4Web.pdf
SWAMP developed the QAPP Advisor to assist project managers in developing their QAPP. Similar to income tax software, the Advisor is a web-based application that guides you through the 24 elements of a QAPP providing explanation and examples of the content needed for each element. http://swamp.waterboards.ca.gov/swamp/qapp_advisor/
The American Society of Landscape Architects has announced a new series of comprehensive online resource guides on sustainable design and planning. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS34463+19-Sep-2009+BW20090919
The Alliance for Water Efficiency has released a water conservation-tracking tool to evaluate the water savings, costs and benefits of conservation programs for a water utility. The tool is available free to all AWE members in good standing. http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/tracking-tool.aspx
The California Water Quality Monitoring Council has released its “My Water Quality web portals to connect decision makers and the public with spatially explicit water quality information. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/mywaterquality/
EPA developed a series of documents to help local officials implement green infrastructure in their communities. Each handbook cover issues such as financing, operation and maintenance, incentives, designs, codes & ordinances, and a variety of other subjects. The handbook documents are intended to serve as "how to" manuals on these topics, written primarily from the standpoint of municipal implementation. http://cfpub2.epa.gov/npdes/greeninfrastructure/munichandbook.cfm
The California Water Quality Monitoring Council report, "Maximizing the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Water Quality Data Collection and Dissemination" is available at http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/monitoring_council/docs/sb_1070_full_report_final.pdf
The National Association of Counties (NACo) Research
Division collects examples of various county codes and ordinances, which are
searchable by subject.
http://www.naco.org/Template.cfm?Section=Codes_and_Ordinances&Template=/cffiles/counties/codes_srch.cfm
California Coastal Commission podcast describes the problem of marine debris. www.thankyouocean.org/news/podcasts
The California Ocean Science Trust's (OST) Annual Report: http://www.calost.org/OST_Annual_Report_08-09.pdf
The Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) brings together coastal observations from Point Conception to the Oregon border. These observations include ecosystems and climate trends, water quality, marine operations, and coastal hazards. http://www.cencoos.org
Clean Water Team resource document, Find a Citizen Monitoring Group in Your Region. The document contains a map of California showing the various regions and a spreadsheet listing organizations and their Website addresses and contact information, all sorted by the region(s) that the group works in.http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/swamp/docs/cwt/volunteer/citizenmonitorgroupcontacts.pdf
World Water Monitoring Day 2009 (WWMD). WWMD Reports and Data can be obtained by visiting http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/About/Annual_Reports.html
