May 4, 2016

We have a big meeting tomorrow with a full agenda…

There is a lot going on in the watershed between implementing all of the projects we have funding for and securing funding for our next round of projects, we have had little time to talk as a group about all of the great work we are doing and how to connect it to major planning efforts including Groundwater Sustainability Plan development and the Ventura County General Plan update. Please come to this meeting and share your work, ideas, and needs for collaboration and funding.

New Flow Criteria for the Ventura River, a California Water Action Plan Priority

The California Natural Resources Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture developed the California Water Action Plan (WAP), which was signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and released to the public on January 22, 2014.

The WAP has been developed to meet three broad objectives: 1) more reliable water supplies; 2) the restoration of important species and habitat; and 3) a more resilient, sustainably managed water resources system (water supply, water quality, flood protection, and environment) that can better withstand inevitable and unforeseen pressures in the coming decades. Over the next five years, the WAP actions will move California toward more sustainable water management by providing a more reliable water supply for California’s farms and communities, restoring important wildlife habitat and species, and helping the state’s water systems and environment become more resilient.

Action 4 of the WAP, Protect and Restore Important Ecosystems, contains a sub-action (see page 12 of the WAP) that states the following:

“The State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife will implement a suite of individual and coordinated administrative efforts to enhance flows statewide in at least five stream systems that support critical habitat for anadromous fish. These actions include developing defensible, cost-effective, and time-sensitive approaches to establish instream flows using sound science and a transparent public process. When developing and implementing this action, the State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife will consider their public trust responsibility and existing statutory authorities such as maintaining fish in good condition.”

Through a coordinated effort between the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) five priority stream systems have been identified including the Ventura River as a starting point for the WAP effort. You can find more information at the following websites:

State Board website:  http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/instream_flows/cwap_enhancing/#heading
CA Fish & Wildlife website:  https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Watersheds/Instream-Flow/Action-Plan

Rain Barrels and Compost Bins, orders due May 8th

Back by popular demand! Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Truckload Sale

Community for a Clean Watershed & the County of Ventura Public Works Agency are holding a rain barrel and compost bin truckload sale to encourage residents to conserve water and garden sustainably.
(Unlike past County truckload sales, this is a pre-order only event and you must pre-order by May 8 for pickup on May 14)

Order online at www.rainbarrelprogram.org/venturacounty

Visit www.socalwatersmart.com to see if you qualify for a $75 rain barrel rebate.

Free Oaks and Orchards Drought Care Workshop

05-14-2016_WorkshopUniversity of California Master Gardeners are partnering with Casitas Municipal Water District to offer a workshop on maintaining trees in a drought. With extreme weather and invasive insects, it seems more difficult than ever to keep our trees healthy.  Find out what you can do to protect your trees by attending this fun and informative workshop.  Presenters will include University of California Farm Advisors and Master Gardeners of Ventura County.

  • Dr. James Downer – Oaks and Ornamentals
  • Master Gardeners will share information about the Master Gardener Program and educational opportunities
  • Dr. Ben Faber – Citrus and Deciduous

When: Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 9 A.M. to Noon
Where: Oak View Park & Resource Center Auditorium (formerly the Oak View Elementary School) located at 555 Mahoney Avenue.