Draft:Resource Conservation Districts

Resource Conservation Districts

In California, Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) are special districts of the state that are locally governed with the purpose of providing assistance and leadership to landowners and residents to conserve soil and water, control runoff, prevent and control soil erosion, manage watersheds, protect water quality, and develop water storage and distribution within their respective districts. RCDs are established and governed under Division 9 of the Public Resources Code, specifically sections 9000-9455. RCDs may be established to provide services for the protection, conservation, restoration, or enhancement of natural resources, including but not limited to controlling runoff, preventing soil erosion, improving water quality, addressing wildfire and other disasters, promoting climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, managing invasive species, and supporting agricultural and forest lands through programs and technical assistance. The primary purpose of RCDs is to work with communities to protect and restore natural resources in a landscape that supports agriculture, urban areas, and wild lands. RCDs non-regulatory, public agencies providing conservation leadership for voluntary stewardship of natural resources on public and private lands. RCDs also serve as a bridge between local communities and public agencies, facilitating cooperation and coordination on conservation matters. In 2024 there are currently 97 RCDs across 10 regions.

History

The history of RCDs dates back to the early 1930s when the Dust Bowl, characterized by severe drought and massive dust storms that reached as far as New York, highlighted the urgent need for sustainable land management practices at a local scale . In California, this need was particularly acute due to the state's diverse ecosystems and intensive agricultural practices.

The concept of Resource Conservation Districts emerged as a grassroots movement among farmers, ranchers, and local communities who recognized the importance of conserving soil, water, and other natural resources. The first RCD in California was established in 1937 in Sonoma County, marking the beginning of a statewide network that would grow over the decades.

During the 1940s and 1950s, the role of RCDs expanded as they gained recognition for their efforts in soil conservation, erosion control, and water management. They became instrumental in implementing conservation practices on private lands, often working in partnership with federal agencies such as the Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resources Conservation Service) and state agencies like the California Department of Conservation.

In the following decades, RCDs in California continued to evolve, adapting to new environmental challenges and expanding their focus to include watershed management, habitat restoration, and sustainable agriculture. The passage of key legislation, such as the California Soil Conservation Act of 1967 and the California Watershed Protection Act of 1984, provided further support and recognition for the role of RCDs in natural resource management.

Today, there are over 100 Resource Conservation Districts operating throughout California, each serving a distinct geographical area and addressing local conservation priorities. They are governed by locally elected boards of directors and are supported by a combination of state, federal, and local funding sources.

Formation and Governance

RCDs are formed under the authorization of local government agencies, typically counties or groups of counties. The formation process involves a petition by landowners or residents, a public hearing, and/or a vote by the affected electorate. The boundaries of RCDs are determined by the local agency, based on the natural resource conditions and needs of the area. RCDs are governed by a board of directors, which is composed of five or seven members who are either elected by the voters within the district or appointed by the county board of supervisors. The board members must be landowners or residents within the district, and they serve four-year terms. The board of directors is responsible for setting the policies and priorities of the RCD, hiring staff, and overseeing the operations and finances of the district.

Powers and Responsibilities

RCDs have various powers and responsibilities, as granted by the Public Resources Code and other applicable laws. Some of the main powers and responsibilities of RCDs are:

• Developing and implementing programs for resource conservation and improvement, such as erosion control, water quality protection, flood prevention, fire prevention, watershed management, and habitat restoration.
• Coordinating with public agencies, landowners, and stakeholders to promote conservation practices and address natural resource issues within the district.
• Conducting research, demonstrations, and educational activities related to natural resource management, such as soil surveys, conservation workshops, field days, and publications.
• Securing funding and grants to support conservation projects and programs within the district.
• Collaborating with state and federal agencies on conservation initiatives, such as the California Department of Conservation, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the State Water Resources Control Board.

Funding

RCDs receive funding from a combination of sources, including local assessments, grants, and contracts with public and private entities. Local assessments are levied on the landowners within the district, based on the benefits they receive from the conservation services provided by the RCD. Grants are obtained from various sources, such as state and federal programs, foundations, and non-governmental organizations. Contracts are entered into with public agencies or private entities that require or request the conservation assistance of the RCD. Some examples of funding sources for RCDs are:

• The California Department of Conservation, which administers several grant programs for RCDs, such as the Watershed Coordinator Program, the Resource Conservation District Assistance Program, and the California Farmland Conservancy Program.
• The Natural Resources Conservation Service, which provides technical and financial assistance to RCDs through programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which provides several grant programs for RCDs in the areas of Forest Health, Fuels Reduction and Wildfire Resilience such as the California Forest Improvement Program and the North Bay Forest Improvement Program.
• The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which offers grants to RCDs for projects that enhance fish and wildlife habitat, such as the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program, the Wildlife Conservation Board Grant Program, and the Proposition 1 Grant Program.
• The California State Water Resources Control Board, which administers grants to RCDs for projects that improve water quality and supply, such as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program, and the Integrated Regional Water Management Program.
• RCDs often collaborate closely with state agencies such as the California Department of Conservation and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These partnerships help leverage resources and expertise to implement effective conservation practices.
• RCDs are required to maintain transparency and accountability through regular meetings, financial reporting, and compliance with state and local laws governing special districts.