North Coast IRWMP: Content: North Coast Regional News

North Coast Regional News

September 2010

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

September 1: UC Cooperative Extension in Eureka offers P. ramorum Prevention Workshop for Grower Nurseries. http://www.suddenoakdeath.org/html/calendar_of_events.html

September 1: MLPA Regional Stakeholder Group Work Session, River Lodge Conference Center, Fortuna. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/meetings_n.asp#public

September 2: The Sacramento IRWM Planning Grant Application Workshop will be webcast. To attend the workshop via webcast please log onto: http://www.calepa.ca.gov/broadcast/ between 8:30am-11:30am on September 2nd. If you have questions or comments during the workshop please email them to DWR_IRWM@water.ca.gov.

September 2, 1:30-4:30 pm: SBx7-6 Groundwater Elevation Monitoring Program Workshop, Cal EPA, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA. This workshop will be webcast at http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Broadcast/

September 6 – Last day of recreational ocean salmon season from the Oregon state line to the US – Mexico border. www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon

September 6 – Free Fishing Day, when anyone in the state can fish without purchasing a fishing license; all fishing regulations remain in effect www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/freefishdays.html.

September 7: SWRCB Board Meeting to consider a proposed Resolution approving amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan for the North Coast Region to establish Klamath water quality objectives at the CalEPA Building in Sacramento. http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/board_info/calendar/

September 7, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Online Workshops - Board Basics: Capital Improvement Plans. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?506

September 7 – 10: California and World Ocean Conference 2010, organized by the California Ocean Protection Council, California Natural Resources Agency, and the California Environmental Protection Agency, will be held at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco. http://www.cce.csus.edu/conferences/cnra/cwo2010/index.htm

September 8, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Online Workshops - Total Coliform Rule and Compliance. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?506

September 9, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm: Strategic Growth Council, Health in All Policies Public Workshops. The California Endowment, 1111 Broadway, Oakland. http://www.sgc.ca.gov/workgroups/hiap.html

September 9: Water Plan Update 2013 will sponsor a workshop for California tribes in Sacramento to review the accomplishments of Update 2009, the development of Update 2013, and convening a Tribal Advisory Committee. http://www.waterplan.water.ca.gov/materials/index.cfm?subject=sep0910

September 11 – 16: Pacific Fishery Management Council Meeting, Boise, Idaho. www.pcouncil.org/council-operations/council-meetings/future-meetings/

September 12, 3 - 6pm: Laguna Foundation, Seventh Annual Garden Art Gala. Vine Hill House, Santa Rosa. http://www.lagunafoundation.org/news_gala.shtml

September 14, 8:00 am-4:00 pm: SWRCB Early Detection Monitoring for Quagga & Zebra Mussels Workshop. EBMUD San Pablo Bay Reservoir, 7301 San Pablo Dam Road. Space is limited. Register by September 8, 2010 via email: Louanne_McMartin@FWS.GOV

September 14–15: UC Davis Extension, Energy and New Uses of Organic Residuals Conference. Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J St, Sacramento, CA. http://extension.ucdavis.edu/unit/environmental_management/course/description/?type=A&unit=ENV&SectionID=152384&prglist=RNW&utm_campaign=Environmental_Health_and_Safety&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Arial&utm_content=102661_PORS

September 15: Last day of recreational boat-based groundfish season in the Northern Groundfish Management Area (Oregon state line, Del Norte County to 40°10' N. latitude, near Cape Mendocino, Humboldt County). www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/groundfishcentral

September 15: SOD Treatment Workshop at UC Berkeley Campus, 1 – 3 PM, free class, pre-registration required. http://nature.berkeley.edu/garbelotto/english/sodtreatmenttraining.php

September 15, 1:00-4:30 pm: Are you ready for CALGreen? Understanding California’s new green building code. San Francisco, CA. http://www.green-technology.org/calgreen/

September 15-16: 19th Annual Convention: Think Outside the Pipe, Groundwater Resources Association of CA, San Francisco, CA. http://www.grac.org/am2010.asp

September 20, 7:30 am-12:30 pm: Smart Growth VI: Building a Prosperous and Liveable Community, Finley Community Center, Santa Rosa. http://smartgrowth6.eventbrite.com/

September 20-23: CA Special District’s Association Annual Conference, Newport Beach. http://conference.csda.net/

September 22, 8:30 am – 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Workshops - Monitoring & Water Quality. Red Lion Inn, 1830 Hilltop Drive, Redding. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?302

September 22-24: Regional Council of Rural Counties 2010 Annual Meeting, Napa, CA. www.rcrcnet.org/AnnualMeeting.html

North Coast IRWMP Proposition 84 & 1E Grant Workshops. Workshops will be held throughout the North Coast region to provide information about the upcoming Integrated Regional Water Management Program (IRWMP) Proposition 84 & 1E Round 1 Grant opportunities and to discuss how stakeholders can participate. http://www.northcoastirwmp.net/Content/10400/preview.html

September 22, 9 – 11 am: Humboldt County Agricultural Center, Auditorium, 5630 South Broadway, Eureka
September 22, 2 - 4 pm: Del Norte County Board of Supervisor Chambers, 981 H Street, Suite 200, Crescent City
September 23, 9 – 11 am: Trinity County Library, 351 Main St., Weaverville
September 23, 2:30 – 4:30 pm: Siskiyou County Behavioral Health Services, Red Oak Room, 2060 Campus Drive, Yreka
September 29, 9:30 – 11:30 am: Sonoma County Water Agency, Redwood Conference Rooms B and C, 404 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa
September 29, 2 - 4 pm: Mendocino County Water Agency, 890 North Bush Street, Ukiah

September 23, 8:30 am – 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Workshops - CalTAP Fair. Red Lion Inn, 1830 Hilltop Drive, Redding. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?302

September 23: Russian River Watershed Association Board Meeting, 9:00 am at the Windsor Council Chambers, Windsor, CA. http://www.rrwatershed.org

September 23: Humboldt Bay Harbor Safety Committee Meeting, 9 AM, Woodley Island Marina Meeting Room, 601 Startare Drive, Eureka. Contact Al Storm at DFG: astorm@ospr.dfg.ca.gov or 916.324.6259

September 25: National Public Lands Day projects strive to benefit our nation’s public lands to educate about critical environmental and natural resources issues. http://www.publiclandsday.org/library/index/resources.htm

September 25: Russian River Watershed Clean Up. Contact Bob Clemens at 707.887.2303 or visit www.rrcleanup.org for details.

October 2, 1:00-5:00 pm: 4th Annual Spirit Creek Day, 2075 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, CA. http://spiritcreekstewardship.org.

October 5, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Online Workshops - Board Basics: Financial Management. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?506

October 6, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Online Workshops - Water Audits and Leak Detection. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?506

October 6, 1 – 3 pm: SOD Treatment Workshop at UC Berkeley Campus, free class, pre-registration required. http://nature.berkeley.edu/garbelotto/english/sodtreatmenttraining.php

October 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:30-8:30 pm: Forest Health – Balancing Wildlife Needs and Fire Hazard Reduction in Northern California Forests. Shasta College, Downtown Redding Campus, 1400 Market St., Redding. http://www.tcrcd.net/workshop.htm

October 7, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Wastewater Online Workshop - Wastewater Board Basics: Rate Setting. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?541

October 9, 10 am-1 pm: Wise Water Management – A Stormwater and Roofwater Catchment Workshop. Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, Occidental, CA. http://www.oaec.org/water-institute/roof-water-catchment-april

October 13 – 14: California Biodiversity Council meeting: Restoring Our Forests in Gaeagle, Plumas County. http://biodiversity.ca.gov/

October 13 – 14: MLPA Master Plan Science Advisory Team, Red Lion Hotel, Eureka. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/

October 14 – 16: Cal-IPC's 19th Annual Symposium, Weeds and Wildlife: Impacts and Interactions. Ventura Beach Crown Plaza, Ventura. http://www.cal-ipc.org/symposia/index/php

October 20, 8:30 am – 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Workshops - O&M: Wells, Valves, Water Main, Hydrants & Meters. River Lodge Conference Center, 1800 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?302

October 20: SOD Treatment Workshop at UC Berkeley Campus, 1 – 3 PM, free class, pre-registration required. http://nature.berkeley.edu/garbelotto/english/sodtreatmenttraining.php

October 21, 8:30 am – 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Workshops - Water Conservation, Water Audits and Leak Detection. Holiday Inn Express, Arcata/Eureka Airport, 3107 Concorde Drive, McKinleyville. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?302

October 25 – 27: MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force meeting, River Lodge Conference Center, Fortuna. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/meetings_n.asp#public

October 26 - 28: Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force Meeting. Eureka. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/Marine Life Protection Act/ncprofile.asp

October 28: California’s Climate Action Team will hold its next meeting from 2 – 4 PM in the Sierra Hearing Room at the CalEPA building in Sacramento. http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/calendar/events/index.php?year=2010&month=10&day=28

November 2, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Online Workshops - Board Basics: Rate Setting. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?506

November 3, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Online Workshops - Pumps and Motors Efficiency. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?506

November 4, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Wastewater Online Workshop - How to Hire a Consultant. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?541

November 9, 8:30 am – 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Wastewater Classroom Workshop - Wastewater Board Roles and Responsibilities. Hampton Inn & Suites Crescent City, 100 “A” Street, Crescent City. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?302

November 10, 8:30 am – 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Wastewater Classroom Workshop - Redwood Water Resources Network: Bio Solids and Wastewater Plant Tour. River Lodge Conference Center, 1800, Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna. http://www.rcac.org/doc.aspx?302

November 14-17: Behavior, Energy and Climate Change Conference, Sacramento, CA. http://www.beccconference.org

November 16 - 17: 2010 (Seventeenth Annual) California Aquatic Bioassessment Workgroup meeting. UC Davis ARC Ballroom, Davis, CA. If you have questions about this event, please contact Jim Harrington, 916-359-2862, jharrington@ospr.dfg.ca.gov. To register: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/academy/

November 16 – 18: North Coast Fish Passage Field School in Eureka. http://www.calsalmon.org/index.php/Trainings/2010-srf-field-trainings.html

November 17: Marine Life Protection Act Science Advisory Team Teleconference/Webinar. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/Marine Life Protection Act/ncsrnews/issue3.asp#activities

November 30-December 3: ACWA 2010 Fall Conference, Indian Wells, CA. http://www.acwa.com/events/acwa-fall-conference

December 7, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Online Workshops - Source Water Protection. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?506

December 8, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) California Drinking Water Online Workshops - Disinfection By-Products Rule: Stage 2. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?506

December 9, 11 am & 4 pm: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Wastewater Online Workshop - Wastewater Board Basics: Financial Management. http://www.rcac.org/events.aspx?541

December 15: Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force Meeting. Joint meeting with California Fish and Game Commission, Sacramento. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/Marine Life Protection Act/ncprofile.asp

December 15, 1:00-4:30 pm: Are you ready for CALGreen? Understanding California’s new green building code. Redding, CA. http://www.green-technology.org/calgreen/

January 10 - 12, 2011: Pacific West Biomass Conference & Expo. Sheraton Seattle Hotel, Seattle, Washington. http://pacificwest.biomassconference.com/ema/DisplayPage.aspx?pageId=About

January 12 — 13, 2011: Impaired Waters Symposium 2011, Spanning the Water Quality Continuum – From Standards to TMDLs. Hilton Miami Downtown, Miami, Florida. http://www.wef.org/ImpairedWaters/

January 25 – 26, 2011: The Water Research Foundation, Orange County Water District, and National Water Research Institute are sponsoring the Managed Aquifer Recharge Symposium at the Atrium Hotel at the Orange County Airport in Irvine, California. http://www.nwri-usa.org/RechargeSymposium.htm

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Conservation is offering about $9 million in Watershed Coordinator Grants to support coordination of watershed management and local watershed improvements. Registration on the Cooperation Database is mandatory by September 9, 2010. http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/wp/grants/Pages/wcgp_forms.aspx

The California Energy Commission is pleased to announce the availability of funds for low-interest loans for energy efficiency and energy generation projects. Low interest rate of 3 percent that can help local jurisdictions invest in energy efficiency, save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create new jobs and industries for your community. http://www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/financing/index.html

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 Department of Energy's (DOE) $25 million Technical Assistance Program (TAP), in support of the State Energy Program (SEP) & the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), is providing state, local, and tribal officials with tools and resources needed to implement successful and sustainable clean energy programs. TAP offers a wide range of resources including one-on-one assistance, an extensive online resource library, and peer exchange of best practices (see the Solution Center at http://www.wip.energy.gov/solutioncenter). For questions and suggestions, contact the TAP Team at solutioncenter@ee.doe.gov. For more information go to: http://www.energy.gov/recovery/index.htm.

The Department of Water Resources has a number of Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) grant program funding opportunities. Current IRWM grant programs include: Proposition 84 Planning, Implementation, and Proposition 1E Stormwater Flood Management grants. More information and final guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Packages can be found at http://www.water.ca.gov/irwm/index.cfm.

NOAA has issued a request for applications for the Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program in California, Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico, Hawai'i, New England, and the Pacific Northwest. Funded projects will provide meaningful watershed educational experiences for students, related professional development for teachers, and support regional education and environmental priorities. Applications are due on or before October 5, 2010. http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/BWET/BWET_funding.html

Community-base Marine Debris Removal Project Grants are now available through the NOAA Marine Debris Program. Full proposals must be received on or before November 1, 2010. http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/funding/marinedebris.html

NOAA’s California Sea Grant College Program is soliciting applications for the 2010-2011 California State Fellows Program. Deadline: September 15, 2010 http://www.csgc.ucsd.edu/EDUCATION/STATEFELLOW/StateFellow_current.html

West Coast Sea Grant Fellowship. Implementing the West Coast Regional Research and Information Report and Plan. Complete applications must be submitted using the online submission system by October 7, 2010. http://www.csgc.ucsd.edu/EDUCATION/WCGA/WCGAFellow.html

The Natural Resources Agency and California Department of Transportation are pleased to announce the joint release of the Guidelines and Application for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program. The final application submission date is Friday, October 1, 2010. http://www.resources.ca.gov/eem/

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2010/2011 Intended Use Plan (IUP) on August 3, 2010 for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program. The IUP contains a list of projects that are forecast to receive funding. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/

The SWRCB, Division of Financial Assistance is accepting applications for the Nonpoint Source Grant Program which is used to support implementation and planning/assessment activities to improve water quality and restore beneficial uses in total maximum daily load (TMDL) watersheds. Concept proposals are due September 20, 2010. http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/319h/2011_319h_funding.shtml

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 USDA Rural Development Electric Program provides direct loans and loan guarantees to upgrade, expand, maintain, and replace America's vast rural electric infrastructure including the construction of electric distribution, transmission and generation facilities, and on- and off-grid renewable energy systems. http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric/index.htm

LOCAL NEWS

Eel Watershed Management Area

After more than a decade of planning, the construction work for $10.8 million upgrades to the Ferndale wastewater treatment plant begins this week. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_15657679?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com

GSD wastewater project emphasizes green processes; improvements should be ready in fall. http://www.redwoodtimes.com/garbervillenews/ci_15683466

The City of Ferndale will soon have its new water treatment facility http://www.humboldtbeacon.com/ci_15745664

Caltrans officials are warning that the Mad River Bridge replacement project and dozens of others in the state could hit troubled waters if California's budget impasse goes on much longer. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_15766800?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com

Humboldt Bay Watershed Management Area

Eureka residents unhappy about the prospects of water rate changes can voice their opposition until Sept. 21 during the public contest period of the proposed rate adjustments. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_15657691?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com

A 2006 lawsuit brought against Security National subsidiary CUE VI and Union Pacific Railroad Company by multiple environmental organizations could be ending. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_15674333

A task force charged with attempting to figure out what Humboldt County is going to do with its abundance of water has released its findings, which include encouraging local algae-based businesses, giving Blue Lake a lake, or selling water to other counties.

Indian Island is a model among cleanup projects on Humboldt Bay. http://www.northcoastjournal.com/news/2010/08/26/sympathy-brownfield/

Klamath Watershed Management Area

Siskiyou County has developed its statement in response to a challenge of its groundwater regulatory practices. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/highlight/x452074878/County-responds-to-groundwater-lawsuit

The Scott River Watershed Council has been reorganized and is again active. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/topstories/x1652682129/Watershed-council-up-to-date-work-ready

Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds overflows with water rights activists to show support for Protect Our Water – Scott Valley’s efforts to combat what its membership believes to be an unconstitutional attempt to control water in the valley. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/features/x336132179/Fairgrounds-overflows-with-water-rights-activists

The California Farm Bureau Federation has urged state and federal agencies to conduct a thorough review and consider all potential impacts of a plan to remove four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River. http://www.cfbf.com/agalert/AgAlertStory.cfm?ID=1599&ck=83E8EF518174E1EB6BE4A0778D050C9D

Klamath restoration efforts showcased during a two-day Restoration Tour. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/features/x507974485/Klamath-restoration-efforts-showcased

Klamath Basin's water worries extend to wells. http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2010/08/tapping_wells_in_klamath_basin.html

Federal scientists on August 12 released data indicating that sediment stored behind Klamath River dams targeted for removal is non-toxic.

Introduced as Measure W, an advisory election asking whether voters approve of the removal of dams along the Klamath River will appear on the November 2 ballot as Measure G.

The City of Yreka won an award from the American Public Works Association for its Stormwater Attenuation and Floodplain Restoration Project. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x1024317822/Yreka-Public-Works-receives-national-award

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is looking to have the courts solve two problems in one sitting, with a request to combine both the Farm Bureau v. California Department of Fish and Game and Klamath Riverkeeper v. California Department of Fish and Game cases in the San Francisco Superior Court. http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x693095224/DFG-seeks-to-combine-water-cases-in-S-F-court

North Coast Rivers Watershed Management Area

A judge has ruled that the Crescent City sewer rate rollback initiative will not appear on the November ballot. http://www.triplicate.com/20100811109788/News/Local-News/Judge-tosses-sewer-rate-rollback

Crescent City is seeking design and construction proposals for an irrigation system that could use recycled effluent from the Wastewater Treatment Plant to water Beachfront Park. http://www.triplicate.com/20100820109879/News/Local-News/City-eyes-recycled-water-for-irrigation

Crescent City’s revamped Wastewater Treatment Plant is nearing completion — but there are still a few projects the public works staff wants finalized. http://www.triplicate.com/20100818109856/News/Local-News/Extra-sewage-plant-work-proposed

Russian/Bodega Watershed Management Area

Sonoma County continues to resist the federal government about home energy loans. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/28/MNBH1EK5HM.DTL

Cold summer temperatures have been challenging for wine grape growers. http://farmprogress.com/story.aspx/nl5_5nl/delay/in/russian/river/grape/harvest/9/41210

For a second straight year the decline in assessed property values in Sonoma County has set a record, spelling more bad news for local governments, schools and fire districts, which will get $15 million less in tax revenue to fund their services. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100817/ARTICLES/100819543/1033/news?Title=Sonoma-County-property-tax-rolls-drop-for-second-year

The Lake Sonoma Stream Restoration Demonstration Project proved to be one of hope for project leaders and participants. http://onlinelegacy.org/2010/08/channeling-hope-applying-interpretation-to-a-stream-restoration-project/

Work is nearly complete on Santa Rosa's new $30 million complex to house the workers and vehicles that maintain the city's water and sewer lines.

Plans to add two wineries to the Knights Valley have resulted in controversy. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100816/ARTICLES/100819644/1349?Title=Winery-dispute-focuses-on-the-future-of-Knights-Valley

Landowners are an important part of salmonid habitat restoration in Willow and Freezeout Creek watersheds. http://www.sonomawest.com/articles/2010/08/23/the_healdsburg_tribune/news/doc4c6c2d9df0754014230824.txt

The Russian River Flood Control District and Water Conservation Improvement District is trying to build support to raise the Coyote Dam to increase the water-storing capacity of Lake Mendocino. http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_15875204

The Sonoma County energy program suffered a steep decline in participation in recent weeks. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100819/ARTICLES/100819380/1350?Title=Sonoma-County-energy-program-suffers-steep-decline-in-participation

Sonoma County owes its water supply to a complex system of wells, pumps and reservoirs. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100828/LIFESTYLE05/100829473?p=1&tc=pg

Water consumers in Sonoma County’s three largest cities have been shifting from using Russian River water to a greater reliance on municipal groundwater wells. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100826/LIFESTYLE05/100829625/1349?Title=A-shift-in-sources-&tc=ar

Trinity Watershed Management Area

Tribes join county's bid for Trinity water; meeting with feds in September may prove critical to securing region's share. http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_15949060

REGIONAL – STATE – NATIONAL NEWS

Agency & Institution Activities and Programs

On September 1, 2010 the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced the Final Awards for the Proposition 50 Supplemental Funding Implementation Grant, awarding the North Coast Integrated Coastal Watershed Management, Phase II a total of $2,176,860. These grant funds will implement four high priority North Coast projects to significantly reduce pollution in impaired waters and enhance sensitive habitat areas in the North Coast region. http://www.water.ca.gov/irwm/integregio_implementation.cfm#mini50

The Little Hoover Commission proposed a shake-up in how California manages its water, calling today's "confusing water governance" ineffective for both water efficiency and environmental protection. http://www.sacbee.com/2010/08/27/2985969/water-management-shake-up-urged.html#ixzz0yJQrM1XY

NASA uses satellite technology to monitor watershed pollution from space. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/07/nasa-satellite-monitors-watershed-pollution-from-space.php

The Pacific Institute has just completed a major, comprehensive, and independent analysis of the bond and released the report: The California 2010 Water Bond: What Does It Say and Do? http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/gleick/detail?entry_id=69267

The California Legislature voted to pull the $11 billion water bond from November's ballot and delay it for two years, a move that came as backers of the proposal became increasingly concerned about its prospects at the polls. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/09/BA9R1ERINJ.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea

The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday completed regulations limiting the release of mercury and other toxic air pollutants from cement plants. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-cement-epa-20100810,0,5209642.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fwashingtondc+%28Los+Angeles+Times+-+Washington+DC%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

An Association of California Water Agencies-sponsored bill on liability issues related to quagga mussels is headed to the governor’s desk for signature. http://www.acwa.com/news/endangered-invasive-species/quagga-mussel-bill-governors-desk

The winning proposals for the 2010 Conservation Innovation Grants have been announced. http://farmprogress.com/story.aspx/nl5_5nl/more/than/18/million/awarded/in/conservation/innovation/grants/8/41038

In July, President Obama signed an executive order establishing a national ocean policy that launches a process of coastal and marine spatial planning for the nation. http://depts.washington.edu/meam/MEAM14.pdf

A November ballot measure that would suspend California's landmark global-warming law could also end up rolling back some of the state's other sweeping environmental standards -- including rules that require utilities to generate a third of their electricity from renewable sources and programs requiring oil refineries to make cleaner-burning fuels. http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_15790337?nclick_check=1

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service in California said it has received about $2.7 million to fund 11 conservation projects statewide. http://www.sacbee.com/2010/08/14/2958332/grants-to-fund-statewide-conservation.html

The California Department of Water Resources has announced the 2010 Urban Water Management Plans are now due July 1, 2011, an extension to allow entities to adjust to the numerous legislative changes that have occurred since the 2005 UWMP submittal. http://www.waterplan.water.ca.gov/docs/news/uwmp-august2010announcement.pdf

Agriculture

According to the Farm Production Expenditures 2009 summary released by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service Tuesday, U.S. farm production expenses decreased by almost $20 billion last year for the first time in nearly 25 years. http://farmprogress.com/story.aspx/nl5_5nl/major/decrease/in/expenses/for/farmers/and/ranchers/8/40723

Climate Change

The Redwoods and Climate Change Initiative has begun; the project is a three-year, $25 million effort to assess how coast redwoods and giant sequoia are likely to respond to rising global temperatures. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100803/ARTICLES/100809877/1033

Energy Independence

Sonoma County has sued federal housing officials and agencies for new rules that it maintains have undermined its energy retrofit program and harmed participating homeowners. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100727/articles/100729543

The U.S. Department of Energy is accused of foot-dragging in approving loan guarantees to finance several major projects worth an estimated $30 billion. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-solar-energy-20100728,0,5792412.story

A revolutionary new fuel cell could take in urine and produce electricity and clean water. http://io9.com/5618973/urine-could-be-the-next-big-alternative-energy-source

Offering Californians more choices to save money and energy on new appliance purchases, the California Energy Commission expanded the Cash for Appliances Rebate program. The Cash for Appliances PLUS rebate program now includes high energy efficient dishwashers, freezers, water heaters, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. http://www.energy.ca.gov/releases/2010_releases/2010-07-28_cash4appliances_expands_media-advisory.html

A major breakthrough in harnessing the sun’s energy has just been announced by a team of Stanford University researchers. http://www.californiawatch.org/watchblog/new-5-solar-power-technology-could-rival-oil-37

Two Texas oil companies are spending millions on Prop. 23, an initiative that will kill California clean energy and air pollution control standards. http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_23,_the_Suspension_of_AB_32_%282010%29

Thousands of acres of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley that have been removed from agricultural production may have a valuable new use – electricity generation. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/business/energy-environment/11solar.html?_r=2

California's long-awaited boom in solar power plant construction took a major step forward Wednesday when state regulators approved the first in a string of projects that will soon blanket thousands of acres of desert with mirrors harnessing the energy of the sun. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/26/BUPV1F396C.DTL&type=printable

Green Business

‘Super-Local’ organic grass-fed beef is now available in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties. http://farmprogress.com/story.aspx/nl5_5nl/new/term/for/the/grocery/case/superlocal/9/40924

A much-anticipated study of the accuracy of SmartMeters could determine whether the controversial devices continue to be installed on the North Coast, where the majority of old meters have yet to be converted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100814/ARTICLES/100819692/1033/news?p=all&tc=pgall

Fisheries

The nation's top fishery managers met Tuesday with industry leaders from California to Maine to discuss ways to improve the troubled fishery law enforcement system amid findings of mismanagement, misspending and questionable fines. http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2010/08/03/1238051/noaa-fishing-interests-discuss.html

NOAA's Fisheries Service in early August approved a new approach to managing the harvest of certain West Coast fish that it says will lessen competition among fishermen and reduce overfishing. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/08/10/financial/f185042D29.DTL

A company in Massachusetts has developed genetically engineered salmon that reach market weight in half the usual time. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-fi-super-salmon-20100814,0,4965823.story?track=rss

Ocean

The SWRCB will hold a Triennial Review public hearing to seek input on potential revisions to the California Ocean Plan. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ocean/docs/oplans/notice_oceanplan.pdf

Protected Area proposal finds consensus in North Coast group that includes representatives of North Coast fishing, environmental and tribal interests. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_15959933?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com

Citing concerns about how the Marine Life Protection Act is being implemented on the North Coast, Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro, D-Arcata, asked for a delay in the process. http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_15728340

There’s a place in the center of the Pacific Ocean where all currents converge, and swirls of colorful plastic billow through otherwise blue waters in a gyre called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Cruise ships and large commercial ships will be banned from dumping any kind of sewage -- even highly filtered wastewater -- along California's coast out to three miles from shore, under new rules from the Obama administration.

Salmon

NOAA released the Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund Report to Congress. http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Salmon-Recovery-Planning/PCSRF/Index.cfm#CP_JUMP_14036

Water Quality

The number of beach closings and advisories nationwide was the six highest since NRDC began reporting 20 years ago. http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/titinx.asp

Last year wasn't a good time to be a beach bum in Northern California, thanks to oily, polluted water that caused an unusual number of closures and health warnings according to this year’s NRDC beach water report. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/29/BAC31EKHLH.DTL&type=green

The UN General Assembly on Wednesday recognized access to clean water and sanitation as a human right, a move hailed by water advocates as a momentous step toward a future treaty. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gFw3sC1VZUGBBXghGSeA-vRwYQoA

A professor of Biology and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University, has developed an easy-to-use computer model to predict how landscape impacts water quality. http://www.voanews.com/english/news/environment/Computer-Model-Helps-Minimize-Water-Pollution--99958364.html

The State Water Resources Control Board formally adopted the 2008/2010 303(d) List, which shows that more than 1,700 California beaches, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters are severely polluted, or "impaired." According to the new list, more than 90% of Californians live within 10 miles of a severely polluted waterway. http://calitics.com/diary/12249/state-water-board-takes-action-on-1700-severely-polluted-waterways

A chemical engineer has found that substances in prickly pear cactus create an inexpensive, sustainable way to purify drinking water. http://www.livescience.com/culture/water-purification-alcantar-sl-100812.html

The Environmental Protection Agency has released the agency's draft strategy for clean water. http://farmprogress.com/story.aspx/nl5_5nl/epa/releases/draft/strategy/for/clean/water/8/41308

Water Supply

DWR released a draft of Urban Water Use Target Methodologies, a document to help suppliers of water to urban areas figure out urban water use targets. http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/sb7/committees/urban/u3/

Even without climate change, much of California is at high risk of water demand exceeding supply by 2050, according to a report released by the National Resources Defense Council in August. http://www.californiawatch.org/watchblog/water-demand-could-exceed-supply-2050

US Agricultural officials, including California Secretary of Agriculture and Food visited Australia to explore ways to increase Drought-stricken water supplies.

Since 2000, there has been a boom in seawater desalination on a global basis and a growth rate of 25% per year has been realised. http://www.waterworld.com/index/display/article-display/6388589399/articles/water-wastewater-international/volume-25/issue-3/editorial-focus/desalination--_energy/sustainable-solutions.html

North Coast neighbors face drought conditions in eastern Shasta County and elsewhere. http://www.redding.com/news/2010/aug/12/neighbors-face-drought-conditions/

Weather

The weather pattern known as El Niño, which can bring heavy rains to Southern California, has doubled in intensity and warmth and shifted westward over several decades, according to scientists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-me-adv-el-nino-20100827,0,3867832.story

MEDIA

The Gold Ridge RCD released Nutrient Management Planning Guidance for Small Coastal Dairies in June. http://www.goldridgercd.com/stewards/stewards_2010_summer.pdf

The EPA has released: Treating Contaminants of Emerging Concern: A Literature Review Database. http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/ppcp/upload/cecliterature.pdf

The Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) has announced the release of the California Environmental Data Exchange Network (CEDEN) online. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/ceden/

The USEPA has launched its Drinking Water Strategy Discussion Forum to invite the public to share ideas about EPA’s drinking water approach. http://blog.epa.gov/dwstrat/

On August 13, 2010, the U.S. Department of State released the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor 2010 Report to Congress describing U.S. efforts to expand access to safe drinking water and sanitation, improve water resources management and increase water productivity in developing countries. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/08/145992.htm

The Public Policy Institute of California has released a briefing kit titled California 2025: Planning for a Better Future. http://www.ppic.org/main/publication.asp?i=902

The Public Policy Institute of California has issued a full report on the PPIC Survey: Californians and the Environment. http://www.ppic.org/main/publication.asp?i=949

The Public Policy Institute of California, Lawns and Water Demand in California. http://www.ppic.org/main/publication.asp?i=691

Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange (CAKE) is a joint project of Island Press and EcoAdapt. It is aimed at building a shared knowledge base for managing natural systems in the face of rapid climate change. http://www.cakex.org/

The Tellus Institute of Boston has created four worldwide scenarios and summarizes them in a booklet titled Global Scenarios for the Century Ahead: Searching for Sustainability. http://www.energybulletin.net/node/53149

Challenges facing our ability to provide a sustainable supply of clean drinking water for future generations were highlighted at the Seventeenth Annual NWRI Clarke Prize Lecture and Award Ceremony, held by the National Water Research Institute (NWRI) on Thursday, July 15, 2010, in Orange County, California. http://www.nwri-usa.org/pdfs/2010ClarkePrizeLecture.pdf

The State’s Strategic Growth Council released the results of “Vision California,” a study funded in part by the California High-Speed Rail Authority to project the costs and benefits of the growth and transportation decisions being made under two scenarios: business-as-usual and growing smart. Water is included in the scenarios. http://www.visioncalifornia.org/Vision%20California%20-%20Charting%20Our%20Future%20-%20Report.pdf

The Save Our Water public education program is educating Californians on the importance of conserving water year-round – even in wet years. http://www.acwa.com/news/conservation/save-our-water-program-educating-public-year-round-conservation

A printer-friendly brochure titled “MPA Information for Recreational Fishermen” is available. www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/pdfs/nccmpas_brochure_highres.pdf

The Pacific Institute’s new report and video, California Farm Water Success Stories, analyzes successful examples of sustainable water policies and practices to demonstrate how innovative growers and irrigation districts are already beginning to move California toward more equitable and efficient water management and use. http://www.pacinst.org/reports/success_stories/index.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 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 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 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

Amber Mace was featured in a new Thank You Ocean podcast entitled "Protecting the California Coast". http://www.opc.ca.gov/

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