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Russian River Watershed Council

Full Council Meeting

Minutes of September 11, 2004

9AM - 1PM Lake Sonoma Visitors Center

Thanks to Scott Barrow for facilitating the meeting! A quorum of 12 members was present at 9:20AM
AGENDA/MINUTES APPROVAL --Zeno Swijtink requested that the CHAH motions, which he distributed, be added to the agenda. The amended agenda was approved with 9 ayes, 2 abstain. The minutes of July 13, 2004 were approved as corrected.

AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENTS --Eric Sunswheat reminded the group the Triennial Review for the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is under way. Public hearing is on October 6, 2004 at 9AM at 5550 Skylane Blvd., Santa Rosa. Good materials are available upon request. Lead staff contact is Lauren Clyde (707) 576-2674 or clydl@rb1.swrcb.ca.gov .

WORKGROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS --Zeno Swijtink outlined the meeting schedule for the CHAH workgroup (3 rd Tuesday evening of the month usually in Healdsburg or Windsor library) and announced the next scheduled meeting on September 21 at 5:30 at Healdsburg library. There is some discussion of moving meetings to more central locations like Santa Rosa or Ukiah to attract more participation and facilitate the outreach activities of the work group.

The rollout for RRIIS was cancelled. Chuck Vaughn is the official liaison for the DCRE workgroup to make arrangements with Circuit Riders. Rue Furch is also working with Chuck and Karen Gaffney. Steve Kokotas will be added to the pacific.net account for the watershed account so that he can begin the integration of the existing rrwc.net site with RRIIS. The new URL for RRIIS is www.russianriverwatershed.net and will be active soon.

ANNOUNCEMENTS --Celebration of the Russian River begins today with BBQ and River of Words at Real Goods in Hopland. Zeno distributed additional brochures that outline the many events. A signup for the public caucus event on 9/16 was circulated. Event organizers are looking for more Mendocino county involvement in the celebrations. Donations are always needed and appreciated.

Graton Day is being held on September 18 all day as an old fashion celebration of the town with a street dance at 7PM.

First Flush organizers are scheduling training sessions at Finley Center 10/2 at 10AM and at Mendocino County Water Agency 10/7 at 10AM. Due to setbacks in the state budget, the program is in need of funding support. Many local organizations are supporting the efforts. There will be a report of the 2003 results on September 23 at the Sonoma County Environmental Center.

Many brochures addressing water conservation, controlling invasive plant and insect species, recycling, toxics roundup dates, creek stewardship, and West Nile virus were available during the Sonoma County Fair. The Sonoma County Water Agency and the Santa Rosa Creek Stewardship program have developed most of the educational materials available upon request.

OFFICER REPORT --Joan Kelley reported on discussions with the Community Foundation and reviewed the draft 2005 goals for the RRWC. The draft 2005 goals will be developed so that they can be available for a report due to Robert Judd in early October that outlines our progress with 2004 goals. The RRWC will finalize the 2005 goals at our November meeting so that they can be presented to the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation during their November strategy session. There is potential for the Russian River Watershed Council to become a long-term project of the Community Foundation so that all the organization efforts of the group can be devoted to developing projects that protect and restore the Russian River. Since our partnership began, we demonstrate RRWC maturity in electing officers and setting/achieving goals in 2003 and 2004.

Funding for projects (~$25K/yr available) would be managed by the Community Foundation for local donors to support whichever projects developed by the RRWC they are interested in. Concerns over whether we are a "partner" or a "project" of the foundation were expressed. Our partners for watershed projects will most likely be the local RCDs in the watershed. The Community Foundation can act as an umbrella when proposals are developed according to the agreed upon format.

The Community Foundation is developing a water program to provide savings to at risk groups like seniors and technical assistance grants to smaller communities. They will be reviewing the role and importance of water in developing and sustaining community.

Emphasis on more actual projects in the future is a likely trend. The RRWC expended a lot of energy developing the Plan of Action and scope of work for the Watershed Management Plan. There has been some member attrition as folks interested in actual projects have been frustrated with slow progress. With changes in the coordinator position, Joan will be working with Chuck Vaughn to draft 2005 goals so that they can be presented to Robert Judd by the first week of October.

Concerns about continuing declines in member attendance, especially in the economic caucus were reviewed. The public caucus continues to be the most frequently represented, although there are concerns about environmental interests predominating in the Steering Committee. All perspectives are needed to address the watershed thoroughly.

The motion for renewing the partnership with the Community Foundation of Sonoma County was passed with 12 ayes, 3 abstain, 1 no

COORDINATOR CONTRACT/DFG CONTRACT REVISIONS --Joan explained how the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District hires a contractor to fulfill the scope of work outlined in the grant developed by the RRWC and submitted by the RCD to DFG. By revising the current contract to separate the duties of fundraising and development from the clerical support for RRWC activities, there can be clear expectations for each position.

Additional funding opportunities are in development with Sotoyome RCD as well. Sotoyome RCD has expressed an ongoing need to have the Council provide feedback on potential projects for the watershed as a "supporter" or "partner" to enhance funding from agencies like Coastal Conservancy, etc. Local landowners are encouraged to consider participating as board members for their local RCD, such as current Mendocino County vacancy. Chuck Vaughn offered to start attending the Mendocino County board meetings on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month as the RRWC rep.

Kerry Williams reviewed several upcoming grant proposals that Sotoyome RCD is developing for creek care brochures and workshops on stream restoration using riparian plantings. Members asked for more budget detail in what would be available for grant writers to develop proposals. Kerry also expressed the need for a clear process for the RRWC Steering Committee and RCD Board to coordinate their reviews and needed approvals.

Current coordinator contract ends September 20. Ads will be placed in local papers and committee is hopeful to have process completed by November. The RCD is providing clerical support for Steering Committee meetings in the interim.

Motion to support establishing a small hiring committee to work with Mendocino County RCD to review candidates and select an interim coordinator passed with 15 ayes, 0 no, 0 abstain.

CHAH MOTIONS --The workgroup motions were separated into three issues for approval.

1) On the proposal to endorse Sotoyome and Goldridge RCD 2004-05 local watershed workshops and use the events for RRWC outreach, the motion passed with 13 ayes, 2 abstain, 0 no.

2) The proposal for the RRWC to provide $100 to cover insurance costs for the Celebration of the Russian River passed with 13 ayes, 2 abstain, 0 no.

3) The proposal to establish a First Flush account with the Community Foundation to enable local donations passed with 13 ayes, 2 abstain, 0 no.

SOTOYOME RCD BRAINSTORM FOR MILT BRANDT VISITOR CENTER AT LAKE SONOMA --Kerry introduced Nancy Rogers from the Army Corps of Engineers, Robert Garrison of Nature Tourism Planning, Rick Palmer of Dept of Fish and Game, Sandra Tannin of Milt Brandt Visitor Center supervisor. Bob Garrison explained how his firm would be managing the visitor center improvement plan. Inputs can be directed to him at bob@naturetourismplanning.com or (916) 440-0282. The team compiled the notes from the discussion that followed as such:

Milt Brandt Visitor Center & Don Clausen Fish Hatchery

Interpretive Plan

Russian River Watershed Council Meeting

Sept. 11, 2004

Input - Interpretive Themes

1. Theme: Watershed and Water Use - The Russian River watershed provides a finite amount of water for an increasing human population, endangered fish and increased needs of agriculture. Balancing these needs creates a complex challenge for water managers and raises questions about land use.

• Interpretive signage - Connection to other watershed features/sites- use overlook and other satellite areas of watershed to tell story

• Dam impact on water cycle and aquifer recharge

• Need a 3-D watershed model

• Take-home messages beyond visit- it's exciting to become involved and learn more

2. Theme: Endangered Coho - The science of genetics is critical to saving endangered native fish in the Russian River watershed.

• Fish Rummy Game- activity for kids

• Steelhead and Coho recovery program distinctions

• Salmon is a wild animal vs. fed animals or domesticated

3. Theme: Pomo Indians- Native Pomo Indians have lived within the Russian River watershed for thousands of years. They possess rich cultural traditions that they continue to embrace in a modern world, and they have created new solutions to problems created by the long history of European settlement.

a. How does Pomo/Native American story fit in the big picture of the project.

• Artists renditions of other tribal groups and stories/migrations/territories

4 . Theme : Fire Management - Fire management within the Russian River watershed affects human land use, water quality and habitat for native species. Fighting wild fires is a complex and hazardous job.

• History and benefits of fire in the watershed

5. Theme: Agency Stories/Coordination- A variety of agencies manage water within the Russian River watershed. Management issues include flood control, water quality and water supply for towns, agriculture, endangered or threatened species, and recreational users.

• Watershed Council story/ community based

6. Theme: Recreation - The Russian River watershed is a recreation destination for many people. Fishing, boating, swimming, watching wildlife, picnicking, hiking and horseback riding are popular here.

• Children's Reading Area

• Better use of outside (building) spaces

• Trail to dam

• Self-guided tours without interrupting hatchery operations

• Kids ladder analogy to fish ladder

• Meld kids/adult orientation (integrate) into single exhibit

• Fish ladder and amphitheater emphasis- make trail closer to stream where visitors go now anyway- small deck or overlook to see returning fish to hatchery. Rest areas.

• Settlement ponds below bridge need aeration- use a unique pumping system powered by water from dam and solar energy to operate.

• Make bridge more inviting-shade structures, interpretation of birds, etc.

7. Theme: Environmental Management/Fisheries Management - Many environmental issues within the Russian River watershed involve the survival of native fish species. Many agencies are working together to restore habitat, devise policies for watershed use, study local fish, and actively work to increase native fish numbers.

• Restoration exhibit in hatchery should be expanded

• Need fish perspective vs. human-ethical/philosophical

• No human face- need to answer, "Why should I care"? Tell personal stories

• How and where does parking lot drain- look for hidden teachable moments

• Water to habitat restoration

• More natural science exhibits- native plants, etc.

• Tell the story of other fish species, animal species

• Need to completely redesign and implement entire raceway and fish ladder access- closer to stream, restore to native plant species, remove exotics, plant native trees, shrubs around area- reduce non-native grass area- create shade and make more inviting to public

8. Theme: Hatchery Operations - California hatcheries, like the one here, produce millions of fish each year. They help to maintain commercial and recreational fisheries. Today, this hatchery is also involved in a program to restore native wild Coho salmon.

• Main hatchery room too dark and very noisy

• Not enough hatchery signage of operation- fish ladder, raceway, etc.

• Alcove video of Coho recovery operation and non-disruptive observation opportunities

• Fish point of view

• Need hatchery interpretation in VC

• How do we show Coho project when public doesn't have access?

Other Suggestions:

• Facility name seems to be an issue- not enough explanation of who namesakes are.

• Fate of the bird exhibit is important- needs to be accurate, interpreted within bird habitat context and retained with care.

• Strong suggestion for using Green Building design and then interpret it.

• Use Q&A format for signage- especially for kids

• Accommodate different learning styles and ages in design and signage.

Russian River Watershed Council	Full Council Meeting
Minutes of September 11, 2004	9AM - 1PM Lake Sonoma Visitors Center


Thanks to Scott Barrow for facilitating the meeting! A quorum of 12 members was present at 9:20AM AGENDA/MINUTES APPROVAL --Zeno Swijtink requested that the CHAH motions, which he distributed, be added to the agenda. The amended agenda was approved with 9 ayes, 2 abstain. The minutes of July 13, 2004 were approved as corrected. AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENTS --Eric Sunswheat reminded the group the Triennial Review for the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is under way. Public hearing is on October 6, 2004 at 9AM at 5550 Skylane Blvd., Santa Rosa. Good materials are available upon request. Lead staff contact is Lauren Clyde (707) 576-2674 or clydl@rb1.swrcb.ca.gov . WORKGROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS --Zeno Swijtink outlined the meeting schedule for the CHAH workgroup (3 rd Tuesday evening of the month usually in Healdsburg or Windsor library) and announced the next scheduled meeting on September 21 at 5:30 at Healdsburg library. There is some discussion of moving meetings to more central locations like Santa Rosa or Ukiah to attract more participation and facilitate the outreach activities of the work group. The rollout for RRIIS was cancelled. Chuck Vaughn is the official liaison for the DCRE workgroup to make arrangements with Circuit Riders. Rue Furch is also working with Chuck and Karen Gaffney. Steve Kokotas will be added to the pacific.net account for the watershed account so that he can begin the integration of the existing rrwc.net site with RRIIS. The new URL for RRIIS is www.russianriverwatershed.net and will be active soon. ANNOUNCEMENTS --Celebration of the Russian River begins today with BBQ and River of Words at Real Goods in Hopland. Zeno distributed additional brochures that outline the many events. A signup for the public caucus event on 9/16 was circulated. Event organizers are looking for more Mendocino county involvement in the celebrations. Donations are always needed and appreciated. Graton Day is being held on September 18 all day as an old fashion celebration of the town with a street dance at 7PM. First Flush organizers are scheduling training sessions at Finley Center 10/2 at 10AM and at Mendocino County Water Agency 10/7 at 10AM. Due to setbacks in the state budget, the program is in need of funding support. Many local organizations are supporting the efforts. There will be a report of the 2003 results on September 23 at the Sonoma County Environmental Center. Many brochures addressing water conservation, controlling invasive plant and insect species, recycling, toxics roundup dates, creek stewardship, and West Nile virus were available during the Sonoma County Fair. The Sonoma County Water Agency and the Santa Rosa Creek Stewardship program have developed most of the educational materials available upon request. OFFICER REPORT --Joan Kelley reported on discussions with the Community Foundation and reviewed the draft 2005 goals for the RRWC. The draft 2005 goals will be developed so that they can be available for a report due to Robert Judd in early October that outlines our progress with 2004 goals. The RRWC will finalize the 2005 goals at our November meeting so that they can be presented to the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation during their November strategy session. There is potential for the Russian River Watershed Council to become a long-term project of the Community Foundation so that all the organization efforts of the group can be devoted to developing projects that protect and restore the Russian River. Since our partnership began, we demonstrate RRWC maturity in electing officers and setting/achieving goals in 2003 and 2004. Funding for projects (~$25K/yr available) would be managed by the Community Foundation for local donors to support whichever projects developed by the RRWC they are interested in. Concerns over whether we are a "partner" or a "project" of the foundation were expressed. Our partners for watershed projects will most likely be the local RCDs in the watershed. The Community Foundation can act as an umbrella when proposals are developed according to the agreed upon format. The Community Foundation is developing a water program to provide savings to at risk groups like seniors and technical assistance grants to smaller communities. They will be reviewing the role and importance of water in developing and sustaining community. Emphasis on more actual projects in the future is a likely trend. The RRWC expended a lot of energy developing the Plan of Action and scope of work for the Watershed Management Plan. There has been some member attrition as folks interested in actual projects have been frustrated with slow progress. With changes in the coordinator position, Joan will be working with Chuck Vaughn to draft 2005 goals so that they can be presented to Robert Judd by the first week of October. Concerns about continuing declines in member attendance, especially in the economic caucus were reviewed. The public caucus continues to be the most frequently represented, although there are concerns about environmental interests predominating in the Steering Committee. All perspectives are needed to address the watershed thoroughly. The motion for renewing the partnership with the Community Foundation of Sonoma County was passed with 12 ayes, 3 abstain, 1 no COORDINATOR CONTRACT/DFG CONTRACT REVISIONS --Joan explained how the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District hires a contractor to fulfill the scope of work outlined in the grant developed by the RRWC and submitted by the RCD to DFG. By revising the current contract to separate the duties of fundraising and development from the clerical support for RRWC activities, there can be clear expectations for each position. Additional funding opportunities are in development with Sotoyome RCD as well. Sotoyome RCD has expressed an ongoing need to have the Council provide feedback on potential projects for the watershed as a "supporter" or "partner" to enhance funding from agencies like Coastal Conservancy, etc. Local landowners are encouraged to consider participating as board members for their local RCD, such as current Mendocino County vacancy. Chuck Vaughn offered to start attending the Mendocino County board meetings on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month as the RRWC rep. Kerry Williams reviewed several upcoming grant proposals that Sotoyome RCD is developing for creek care brochures and workshops on stream restoration using riparian plantings. Members asked for more budget detail in what would be available for grant writers to develop proposals. Kerry also expressed the need for a clear process for the RRWC Steering Committee and RCD Board to coordinate their reviews and needed approvals. Current coordinator contract ends September 20. Ads will be placed in local papers and committee is hopeful to have process completed by November. The RCD is providing clerical support for Steering Committee meetings in the interim. Motion to support establishing a small hiring committee to work with Mendocino County RCD to review candidates and select an interim coordinator passed with 15 ayes, 0 no, 0 abstain. CHAH MOTIONS --The workgroup motions were separated into three issues for approval. 1) On the proposal to endorse Sotoyome and Goldridge RCD 2004-05 local watershed workshops and use the events for RRWC outreach, the motion passed with 13 ayes, 2 abstain, 0 no. 2) The proposal for the RRWC to provide $100 to cover insurance costs for the Celebration of the Russian River passed with 13 ayes, 2 abstain, 0 no. 3) The proposal to establish a First Flush account with the Community Foundation to enable local donations passed with 13 ayes, 2 abstain, 0 no. SOTOYOME RCD BRAINSTORM FOR MILT BRANDT VISITOR CENTER AT LAKE SONOMA --Kerry introduced Nancy Rogers from the Army Corps of Engineers, Robert Garrison of Nature Tourism Planning, Rick Palmer of Dept of Fish and Game, Sandra Tannin of Milt Brandt Visitor Center supervisor. Bob Garrison explained how his firm would be managing the visitor center improvement plan. Inputs can be directed to him at bob@naturetourismplanning.com or (916) 440-0282. The team compiled the notes from the discussion that followed as such: Milt Brandt Visitor Center & Don Clausen Fish Hatchery Interpretive Plan Russian River Watershed Council Meeting Sept. 11, 2004 Input - Interpretive Themes 1. Theme: Watershed and Water Use - The Russian River watershed provides a finite amount of water for an increasing human population, endangered fish and increased needs of agriculture. Balancing these needs creates a complex challenge for water managers and raises questions about land use. • Interpretive signage - Connection to other watershed features/sites- use overlook and other satellite areas of watershed to tell story • Dam impact on water cycle and aquifer recharge • Need a 3-D watershed model • Take-home messages beyond visit- it's exciting to become involved and learn more 2. Theme: Endangered Coho - The science of genetics is critical to saving endangered native fish in the Russian River watershed. • Fish Rummy Game- activity for kids • Steelhead and Coho recovery program distinctions • Salmon is a wild animal vs. fed animals or domesticated 3. Theme: Pomo Indians- Native Pomo Indians have lived within the Russian River watershed for thousands of years. They possess rich cultural traditions that they continue to embrace in a modern world, and they have created new solutions to problems created by the long history of European settlement. a. How does Pomo/Native American story fit in the big picture of the project. • Artists renditions of other tribal groups and stories/migrations/territories 4 . Theme : Fire Management - Fire management within the Russian River watershed affects human land use, water quality and habitat for native species. Fighting wild fires is a complex and hazardous job. • History and benefits of fire in the watershed 5. Theme: Agency Stories/Coordination- A variety of agencies manage water within the Russian River watershed. Management issues include flood control, water quality and water supply for towns, agriculture, endangered or threatened species, and recreational users. • Watershed Council story/ community based 6. Theme: Recreation - The Russian River watershed is a recreation destination for many people. Fishing, boating, swimming, watching wildlife, picnicking, hiking and horseback riding are popular here. • Children's Reading Area • Better use of outside (building) spaces • Trail to dam • Self-guided tours without interrupting hatchery operations • Kids ladder analogy to fish ladder • Meld kids/adult orientation (integrate) into single exhibit • Fish ladder and amphitheater emphasis- make trail closer to stream where visitors go now anyway- small deck or overlook to see returning fish to hatchery. Rest areas. • Settlement ponds below bridge need aeration- use a unique pumping system powered by water from dam and solar energy to operate. • Make bridge more inviting-shade structures, interpretation of birds, etc. 7. Theme: Environmental Management/Fisheries Management - Many environmental issues within the Russian River watershed involve the survival of native fish species. Many agencies are working together to restore habitat, devise policies for watershed use, study local fish, and actively work to increase native fish numbers. • Restoration exhibit in hatchery should be expanded • Need fish perspective vs. human-ethical/philosophical • No human face- need to answer, "Why should I care"? Tell personal stories • How and where does parking lot drain- look for hidden teachable moments • Water to habitat restoration • More natural science exhibits- native plants, etc. • Tell the story of other fish species, animal species • Need to completely redesign and implement entire raceway and fish ladder access- closer to stream, restore to native plant species, remove exotics, plant native trees, shrubs around area- reduce non-native grass area- create shade and make more inviting to public 8. Theme: Hatchery Operations - California hatcheries, like the one here, produce millions of fish each year. They help to maintain commercial and recreational fisheries. Today, this hatchery is also involved in a program to restore native wild Coho salmon. • Main hatchery room too dark and very noisy • Not enough hatchery signage of operation- fish ladder, raceway, etc. • Alcove video of Coho recovery operation and non-disruptive observation opportunities • Fish point of view • Need hatchery interpretation in VC • How do we show Coho project when public doesn't have access? Other Suggestions: • Facility name seems to be an issue- not enough explanation of who namesakes are. • Fate of the bird exhibit is important- needs to be accurate, interpreted within bird habitat context and retained with care. • Strong suggestion for using Green Building design and then interpret it. • Use Q&A format for signage- especially for kids • Accommodate different learning styles and ages in design and signage.