Based on the success of previous creek and watershed signage projects (see below for more info), the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) has initiated a new watershed signage program, funded by the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund, to facilitate the replacement of damaged signs and introduce new, redesigned signs across Contra Costa County watersheds, complete with English and Spanish text. The CCRCD will facilitate the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the signs.
Once the signs are printed, the CCRCD will facilitate installation of the signs with active and interested grassroots groups across the County, following recommendations outlined in the Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District’s Creek Signs: Guide to Developing a Local Watershed and Creek Signage Program (Hill, 2007).
In the early 2000's, the Contra Costa Watershed Forum collaborated with the CCRCD to create signs to increase public awareness of creeks and watersheds. Cities and the County installed over 800 creek and watershed signs along roads and trails by creeks throughout the County. That signage program was funded by the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund.
In the early 2010's, various community stakeholders including the Contra Costa Watershed Forum and the CCRCD launched a successful initiative to install 50 watershed signs across Contra Costa County. The initiative’s mission was to use signage to educate the public about the presence of waterways and wildlife in and around their communities while also encouraging collective stewardship of and accountability for these natural resources.
East County VTP Press Release
The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) and partners are beginning a project to increase wildfire resilience in Eastern Contra Costa County. Under the California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP), and in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), East Bay Regional Park District, California State Parks, Contra Costa Water District, and Contra Costa Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the CCRCD will develop a Project Specific Analysis (PSA) for 16,000 acres of grassland and oak woodland habitat. The PSA will act as a compliance tool for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and allow for expedited implementation of wildfire resilience projects such as prescribed burning, prescribed herbivory, and mechanical fuel reduction treatments. Click below to view entire release.
New Irrigation Services from the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District Will Bring Water Efficiency and Cost Savings to Farms and Farmers
Through a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) is proud to announce a new Irrigation and Water Conservation Services program. Across the state, many other local Resource Conservation Districts offer irrigation and water conservation advisory services. For many small farmers, these services have provided numerous benefits, such as trainings on repairs and irrigation scheduling, reduced water and energy costs, and cost-saving improvements to their irrigation efficiency. CCRCD is proud to announce that these free services will be available to our land stewards in Contra Costa County. Click below to view entire release.
2021-2022 was another year of adaptation, but also growth, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) staff diligently grew our programming, which led to bringing on more staff. Throughout the pandemic, CCRCD staff showed resilience and adapted to change.
Hiring new staff members has increased our capacity to serve the needs of our communities and partners. Staff members have added new skills to their skill sets and have been wearing multiple hats.
Get all the CCRCD updates and insights by downloading the report below.