Innovative Conservation - Vital Streams and Forests
Year Awarded: 2020
USDA Funding: $3,500,000
Partner-Contributed Funding: $10,905,000.00
Project Timeline: 2023-2028
Conservation Program Funded: Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP): Alternative Funding Arrangement Partner Led Easements and Land Management
Lead Partner: Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
Project Summary
The Innovative Conservation - Vital Streams and Forests RCPP project is centered on the development of innovative riparian corridor conservation easements and source water protection forestland easements. The easements will preserve agricultural lands, aid in reducing regulatory burdens, restore riparian and forest ecosystems, improve habitat for at-risk and T & E species, protect source water (both surface and ground), and improve community resilience to extreme events including catastrophic wildfire and flooding.
Project Goals
- Increase the number of high priority riparian corridors on agricultural lands protected via permanent conservation easements.
- Improve forest health and protect source water (both surface and ground) for a system that serves 600,000 people.
- Implement conservation practices to restore and enhance protected properties.
Partner website
https://www.sonomaopenspace.org/riparian-conservation-program/
NRCS Contact
Shanna Farmer
Acting RCPP Coordinator
Davis State Office, California
Phone: (530) 902-7339
Email: shanna.farmer@usda.gov