About the SSCRCD
Mission
Our principal mission is to improve resource management while supporting sustainable agriculture and our urban communities. Our purpose is to provide technical assistance, education and funding sources to empower landowners to be committed stewards working to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and improve natural habitat.
Background on the SSCRCD
Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) are the states' only grassroots conservation delivery system that identifies local conservation problems and guides solutions on a voluntary basis. There are 103 Districts throughout California - each covering a different geographic territory. Our District covers Sonoma Creek Watershed from Kenwood to the Bay, Petaluma River Watershed and the upper half of Stemple Creek Watershed in Sonoma County.
As a Special District, our annual operating funds come from a small portion of Sonoma County property taxes assessed within our District boundaries. With that money (approximately $59,000 annually) and competitively sought grant dollars, we operate an office and employ a District Manager, Watershed Coordinators, an Engineering Technician, and an Administrative Secretary. Our activities are driven by the volunteerism of five appointed directors, who are local landowners. They establish District priorities, set policies and guidelines, and oversee general operations.
The goal of our District is to advise, inform, and educate our community. We provide free technical assistance and field advice to property owners who need it. Much of our time is invested in looking for funding that will help our community address local conservation needs.We are committed to efforts to develop a land stewardship ethic that promotes sustainability throughout the County.
We enjoy a special partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Through a cooperative agreement, the NRCS works directly with local RCDs, providing technical and administrative assistance, empowering landowners with best management practices on their lands, and providing financial support of locally led conservation.
The District is housed within the NRCS Petaluma Field Office and Area Office as well as next door to the USDA Farm Service Agency. The Petaluma Field Office staff serves the Marin and Sonoma County region and in addition to our District, they also partner with the Gold Ridge, Sotoyome, and Marin RCDs. The NRCS provides office space directly to our District as well as phone service, vehicle use, and access to an extensive technical library and respository of maps and aerial photography.
The SSCRCD would not be in the position it is today without the generous support of the USDA NRCS in terms of provision of rent, utilities, office equipment, phones and the technical advice and cooperation on mutual projects. The District considers our success and ability to serve our constituents greatly influenced by the direct contributions and support by NRCS. We appreciate and applaud our NRCS conservation partners.
Monthly Board Meetings
The SSCRCD Board meets regularly, on every third Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am unless otherwise noticed. Go here for meeting location and directions. Attend our monthly board meetings and have your voice be heard!
Contact Us
Address
Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District
1301 Redwood Way, Suite 170
Petaluma, CA 94954
Phone
(707) 794-1242 (x5)
Board of Directors
Delmar Friedrichsen, President
Tish Ward, Director
Tom Scott, Director
Associate Directors
Maxine Durney
Becky Jenkins
Wendy Eliot
RCD Staff
Kara Heckert, Interim Executive Director
Susan Haydon, Assistant District Manager
Becky Tillman, Office Manager
Jason Sweeney, Watershed Coordinator
Michael Bowers, Fisheries Biologist
To send a message to the Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District, please use the form below:
Fiscal Reporting
We work hard to leverage local tax money. As a non-profit special district, over 90% of our annual funding comes from competitively sought grants obtained to assist locals with on-the-ground conservation practices. For every dollar received from County taxpayers in 2009-2010, the District was able to leverage $16.50 in public and private matching grant funds. Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District Board is audited every fiscal year, and the most recent audit report is avaliable for review below.
2009 - 2010 Financial Statements and Auditor's Report (PDF - 1.8mb)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make house calls and provide on-site advice?
Yes, when applicable.
Are landowners charged for the RCD's services?
No. Our services for house calls and consultation are free. We do charge a nominal fee for photo copying costs. Our library resources are open to public use, but may not leave the office or be purchased.
Do you report violations observed on private property?
No! Maintaining strict confidentiality with landowners is a top priority for the SSCRCD. We are a non-regulatory agency, and we work hard to protect the privacy of our constituents. We would rather work more affirmatively and positively to assist the landowner in addressing their issue or problem.
Does the RCD provide help with conservation project funding?
Yes! We can help connect landowners with information about public and private grant money for their conservation projects. Most assistance grants require that landowners match funding with cash or in-kind participation.
Can you provide limited engineering assistance?
Yes. In-the-field consultation can be arranged by appointment and handled by engineering technicians. Services of a licensed engineer must be arranged separately by the property owner.
Can you help me determine what permits are needed for my project?
Yes. Outlining the necessary permits and agency requirements that apply to conservation projects can be tricky, and we can help.