Introduction

Landowners and Managers in the eastern Madera County area are conscious of the need for, and the benefits of, resources conservation practices for their local and regional areas. The local communities also recognize that to be truly effective, group participation and action involving multiple property ownership is often necessary. Finally, it is locally acknowledged that the Resource Conservation District (RCD) concept provides the most democratic and the most appropriate means for implementation of natural resource programs and practices throughout the area. 

They are the best local governmental body to implement the conservation efforts demanded by the general public, while at the same time providing protection for the interests and property rights of the individual property owners. 

Purpose 

To accomplish the RCD functions that meet the needs of the local land user, in 2004 the Coarsegold RCD and the Eastern Madera County Fire Safe Council entered into a “Joint Powers Authority” agreement which provides for greater flexibility and greater geographic coverage for meeting the needs of the local land users.  

All parties have the common objectives of 1) improving and enhancing the land health and the forest, land, air, and water ecosystem of Eastern Madera County and 2) recognizing the sovereign citizens and their habitat as a   major natural environ and by assisting Eastern Madera County residents to a better quality of life.    To achieve these objectives, the collaborating parties have agreed to combine their resources to support “Conservation Occupations and Resource Education”, hereinafter referred to as CORE, and other any program, grant, funding or contribution which meets the plans and objectives of the CRCD or FSC. All parties recognize that the collaborative project CORE will allow the accomplishment of both objectives and that Eastern Madera County will reap the benefits of an improved economy and environment for Eastern Madera County residents. While each party is independent and has its own respective responsibilities, all parties recognize the need to coordinate as a federal/local partnership for the successful delivery of a conservation program that will improve land health as well as the employment health of Eastern Madera County. 

By having a long range set of plans and goals, the RCD is better able to focus on achieving those goals. This plan is reviewed and updated annually. 

Areas of Emphasis 

The following areas of emphasis are ones which the RCD believes need attention on a long term basis and which we will believe will provide the most benefit to land users within our area. 

-         Water

The District proposes to protect and improve the water quality and quantity of Madera County by working with landowners and government agencies to reduce the amount of sediment, nutrients, pathogens and other pollutants that enter Madera County’s streams, lakes and ponds.  It will encourage the U.S. Forest Service to adopt land management  practices which will increase water yields, in direct  proportion to water needs. As a part of their long range plan, Coarsegold  RCD:

-Will actively seek out funding opportunities to work on water quality and quantity projects within the District, working closely with the current Watershed committees.

 - Will endeavor to provide on-site assistance to homeowners to introduce stabilization measures necessary to reduce sediment or soil loss.

  -Will provide pamphlets, brochures and videotapes, as funds are available, describing effective erosion control measures for use on developed properties.

 - Will work more closely with Madera County to insure that proper erosion control methods are used to reduce sediment and keep soil in place at building sites. Water runoff and soil erosion relating to local roads is also an area of concern.

 - Will review Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) on projects that have an impact within the RCD in regards to the resource base.

  -Will encourage government agencies to engage sufficient quality staff to provide technical assistance to landowners that results in improved water management within the watershed.

 - Attempt to work with the U.S. Forest Service in management practices to improve water yields from public lands and reduce catastrophic fires. 

-         Soil 

The District believes it is important to reduce the erosion that takes place on residential, range and forestlands. There is a need to retain soil in order to improve the water quality and productivity of our open lands especially riparian areas mixed with grazed areas. As a part of the long range plan, Coarsegold RCD:

Supports activities that will reduce erosion on forest and rangeland. Conservation measures that will reduce sheet and rill erosion of sloped soils are encouraged.

Will develop cooperative alliances to obtain technical help for landowners and land managers in ranch planning, brush control, proper grazing practices, erosion control, and other optimum management practices to protect the resource base.

Supports activities that are developed and practical for the reduction or elimination of nutrient depletion from the soils.

Will encourage the use of USDA cost share programs, and state landowner programs that help to improve ranch facilities and thus improve range management.

Will encourage demonstration projects such as controlled burning and mechanical brushing on range and forestland to encourage voluntary adoption of improve grazing and silvicultural practices which can reduce erosion and sedimentation in certain areas while maintaining site utilization. 

-         Fuels Management

The current system of fuel breaks will be expanded and maintained to the extent that funding availability allows. This area is especially important as it has a direct bearing on the health and safety of district residents. 

-         Conservation Education and Outreach

The RCD will continue its presentation of the “Living Among the Oaks” workshops. The goal is at least two workshops each year on a variety of topics related to living in the Oak woodlands area. 

-         Youth Involvement and Education

The current Fog Mountain CORE program will be expanded to the extent of the funding available. A sustained source of funding for the CORE program is a high priority for the RCD. 

-         District Operations

Funding sources, other than taxation, will be identified which will enable the RCD to have a permanent office location and at least one staff person. 

-         Inter-Agency Co-operation and Accountability

The CRCD role is two-fold: work with private landowners and work with agencies to secure the voluntary adoption and implementation of beneficial management practices to conserve our basic resources. Because the federal government manages more than ¾ of the land area of the District, CRCD will continue to take a strong interest in the planning and implementing activities of the government agencies managing land in the District.

The CRCD and public agencies have many success stories of working together to accomplish much-needed goals. Realizing that no situation remains static but rather is in a constant state of fluctuation, an updated understanding of how public agencies function will improve CRCD/Agency accomplishments.