Winter 2004
Vol. XIII, No. 1

RCD To Lead Watershed Coordination

The RCD entered into an agreement in January 2004 with the Trinity County Planning Department to provide local expertise on watersheds critical to the restoration of the Trinity River, with a focus on the tributaries between Lewiston and Junction City. Restoration work in these tributaries is a key element of the overall restoration strategy for the river. The District was asked to provide watershed coordination in concert with efforts being made by the Trinity River Restoration Program (TRRP) and Trinity County Planning Department, because of the District’s expertise in landowner outreach and community coordination.

The District has a great deal of experience working with the full range of interested parties on conservation issues, including the various federal, state, regional and local government agencies involved in the Trinity River restoration. The District also works closely with private landowners on these same issues, from the planning stage through acquisition of funds to implementation of projects. The Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group, a stakeholder advisory group appointed by the Secretary of Interior, and Trinity Management Council have approved the proposal to have the District provide local coordination that includes the following:

  • Coordinate efforts and serve as a liaison between the Trinity River Restoration Program and other agencies on watershed analysis and evaluations;
  • Reach out to private landowners interested in restoration projects involving fisheries and/or watershed restoration;
  • Educate landowners and stakeholders about effective watershed and tributary restoration practices;
  • Implement small, demonstration projects on private property;
  • Assist the Trinity River Restoration Program in development of the watershed restoration component of its Strategic Plan;
  • Coordinate with public and private landowners to develop and prioritize watershed restoration needs; &
  • Secure significant matching grant funds to implement those restoration projects that will improve fishery habitat in the Trinity River and its tributaries downstream of Lewiston Dam.

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