RRWC Meeting of July 8, 2006

Russian River Watershed Council

Full Council Meeting

July 8, 2006

Veteran’s Memorial Hall, Cloverdale, California

Meeting Package

Approve Agenda of July 8, 2006 – Action Item

Agenda approval – Ayes: 11, Nays: 0, Abstains: 0

Approve Minutes of May 13, 2006 – Action Item

Brain Haines requested that the draft meeting minutes provide a short description of the presentations. The last page of the minutes was in advertently left out the meeting packet. Comment noted.

Agenda approval – Ayes: 11, Nays: 0, Abstains: 0

Agency Announcements – Discussion

Karen Rippey, USACE, announced that the RRW WMP Technical Review Committee will meet on Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 10:30-3:00 at the Windsor Library.

Karen provided information from Derek Acombe, DFG, that the files being loaded on RRIIS are the Stream Inventory Reports. The Reports follow the guidelines provided in CA Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual. The Reports are from 1994 to present. There are 2 helpful documents. The first is an Excel spreadsheet that shows every stream that has a report and the second is a read me file.

Karen also stated that the Russian River Watershed Study was funded by the House but we will have to wait until the budget passes before we are assured of funds for FY07.

Community Announcements – Discussion

SWiG is putting on an event called Our Water – Our Future at the Veteran’s Hall in Sebastopol on October 14, 2006 2P.M. to 10P.M.

Officer Reports – Discussion

Presidents Report: Tim Buckner reported that Marc Kelley and Carolyn Wasem attended the Steering Committee meeting representing the Sonoma County Salmonid Coalition. They were interested in working with RRWC to promote the RRWC mission and to ensure restoration of salmonids in Dry Creek and Alexander Creek. The Steering Committee support the effort and voted to be a part of the organization. The next SCSC meeting is on July 12 at SCWA office.

Treasurers Report: The RRWC insurance is due in one week. Annual premium is approx. $1200. Colleen will contact insurance company to see if the RRWC can pay quarterly.

Colleen, Rusty, Rue, Scott Stegman, Chuck Conner, and Tim met with SCWA to request financial support for RRWC activities. Randy suggested that the RRWC look at 3 sub-watershed for salmonid restoration. Randy is looking for restoration models that can be used as templates for community involvement in restoration and to broaden the potential for success. Randy provided verbal SCWA commitment of $4,000 for up front expenditures.

Because of the magnitude of the commitment Scott Stegman suggest that a vote be taken to record the RRWC support for the process.

Discussion: The RRWC should only take on a reasonable amount of work and to work collaboratively with other effort and not duplicate ongoing processes. The ongoing development of the Watershed Management Plan (WMP) may be able to provide a clearer picture of were restoration should take place. Karen Rippey suggested that Dan Smith will be filling data gaps soon and it may be possible to work collaboratively with Dan to fill the gaps.

This is an opportunity for the RRWC to produce a product to illustrate the RRWC legitimacy and to get the name of the RRWC out to the public.

Motion: Accept SCWA funds to meet RRWC immediate funding needs and identify and determine future opportunities for restoration funds.

Approval: 11 Nays: 0 Abstains: 2

Secretary Report: Scott Stegeman mentioned that the Financial Procedures document was development and will be discussed as an agenda item.

Financial Procedures Committee – Report of guidelines

The Financial Procedures and Controls, June 28, 2006, is a broader description of the operation procedures. The Fiscal Policies and Procedures, August 24, 2005, is a more detail description of procedures. One of these descriptions would be given to potential funders to provide comfort and assurance that the funds will be distributed correctly. A tax ID number is needed before funds can be provided directly to the RRWC. It was suggested to use the current approach of the Rose Foundation to receive and distribute funds.

Russian River Watershed Directory

Originally, the Directory was seen as a desk top publishing to be a highly visual product. After much iteration, an Access data base provided a clear process for changing, modifying, and updating the data base.

It was found that email was the best way to get and share information but some entities do not have email so other ways of contacting entities need to be maintained. The Directory is a valuable product but the data needs to be updated. Rick suggested that the Directory could be updated for approximately $2,000 annually.

A disclaimer should be added to state that the commercial entices listed should be hired at their own risk and that other commercial entities that would like to be named should contact…………………..

Karen will email Jen’s contact information to RRWC members.

Next Steps & September 16, 2006 Agenda Items – Discussion

Potential agenda items for September 16, 2006 RRWC meeting:

Public Outreach Contract

SCWA Project Funding

Potential presentation: Fish Friendly Farming and WMP Update

PRESENTATIONS

Laguna Foundation

Dan Schurman, Laguna Foundation Executive Director and Joe Honton, Watershed Outreach and Data Manager

The Foundation was founded 1989 with the mission to preserve the Laguna. The Laguna watershed is approximately 250 square miles. The Foundation is involved in restoration, education, research and developing opportunities for recreation. Joe provided an overview of the Restoration Management Plan (RMP), due to be completed in August of 2006. The RMP has been funded by State Coastal Conservancy and other local agencies/entities. The Plan focuses on self-sustaining ecosystem including invasive species (early detection/rapid response), habitat, bio diversity and structural diversity.

NASA and the Laguna Foundation are exploring the possibility of developing a watershed-scale model using GIS modeling software developed through NASA Ames Research Center, Chris Potter principal researcher. The USGS is developing a sediment transport model in 2006-2008 under the lead of USACE and SCWA.

Recreation in the Laguna may include additional hiking/biking trails, improved access for paddlers, and a car tour.

Important elements for the future planning are a State of the Laguna Conference, a Laguna Report Card and a permanent Laguna Stakeholder Council.

Dan discussed efforts to control Ludwigia in the Laguna… Ludwigia is choking water corridors, prevents successful mosquito abatement efforts, impedes water flow/flood control, traps sediment, threatens biodiversity, and pulls oxygen out of the system.

Also discussed was the Laguna Learning Center. The project to restore and convert the historic structures on Stone Farm is expected to cost approximately $5,000,000. This will include the restoration of the house, two barns and the construction of an additional building. The house will be the new home of the Laguna Foundation and the new structure will house an interpretive center and research station; the barns will be used for ag history education programs as well as other public events.

Dr. Andrew Collison, Philip Williams & Associates,

Rutherford Dust Project

The restoration planning for the Rutherford Dust project encompasses four and a half miles of the Napa River, from Zinfandel Lane Bridge to the Oakville Cross Road Bridge. The project reach is aligned with the Rutherford Dust appellation society. Each property owner contributed to the conceptual plan’s cost which was based on the footage of river frontage. After the concept plan was complete, the group was able to receive funds from State Coastal Conservancy and Napa County (Measure A funds) to create a restoration plan. One goal was to determine if the downcutting of the channel was a system or localized problem. Currently the river is downcut between 12 to 20 feet. This affects ground water levels and separates the river from its natural floodplain, reducing back channel areas and concentrating flood water in the main channel. Over hundreds of years the river would create a new floodplain at the lower level. The plan is to enhance the natural process by constructing a new floodplain where possible.

Vineyard land values have pushed the developed land close to top of bank in many locations. To provide adequate river restoration in some of the more narrow and incised reaches it was determined that approximately 75 foot setbacks were needed.

The restoration concept focused on reducing excess erosive stress, rather than simply increasing resistance by hardening the banks. This approach is being promoted by State and Regional Water Quality Control Board staff, and PWA has provided training for Resource Agency staff in this technique across the State of California. Another aspect of the approach was to develop an understanding of river evolution and trajectory. This was done using the Schumm channel evolution model for incised rivers. Andy also used an example of erosion on the Russian River to illustrate how erosion and water movement will affect adjacent banks.

Russian River Watershed Council	Full Council Meeting
July 8, 2006	Veteran’s Memorial Hall, Cloverdale, California


Meeting Package Approve Agenda of July 8, 2006 – Action Item Agenda approval – Ayes: 11, Nays: 0, Abstains: 0 Approve Minutes of May 13, 2006 – Action Item Brain Haines requested that the draft meeting minutes provide a short description of the presentations. The last page of the minutes was in advertently left out the meeting packet. Comment noted. Agenda approval – Ayes: 11, Nays: 0, Abstains: 0 Agency Announcements – Discussion Karen Rippey, USACE, announced that the RRW WMP Technical Review Committee will meet on Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 10:30-3:00 at the Windsor Library. Karen provided information from Derek Acombe, DFG, that the files being loaded on RRIIS are the Stream Inventory Reports. The Reports follow the guidelines provided in CA Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual. The Reports are from 1994 to present. There are 2 helpful documents. The first is an Excel spreadsheet that shows every stream that has a report and the second is a read me file. Karen also stated that the Russian River Watershed Study was funded by the House but we will have to wait until the budget passes before we are assured of funds for FY07. Community Announcements – Discussion SWiG is putting on an event called Our Water – Our Future at the Veteran’s Hall in Sebastopol on October 14, 2006 2P.M. to 10P.M. Officer Reports – Discussion Presidents Report: Tim Buckner reported that Marc Kelley and Carolyn Wasem attended the Steering Committee meeting representing the Sonoma County Salmonid Coalition. They were interested in working with RRWC to promote the RRWC mission and to ensure restoration of salmonids in Dry Creek and Alexander Creek. The Steering Committee support the effort and voted to be a part of the organization. The next SCSC meeting is on July 12 at SCWA office. Treasurers Report: The RRWC insurance is due in one week. Annual premium is approx. $1200. Colleen will contact insurance company to see if the RRWC can pay quarterly. Colleen, Rusty, Rue, Scott Stegman, Chuck Conner, and Tim met with SCWA to request financial support for RRWC activities. Randy suggested that the RRWC look at 3 sub-watershed for salmonid restoration. Randy is looking for restoration models that can be used as templates for community involvement in restoration and to broaden the potential for success. Randy provided verbal SCWA commitment of $4,000 for up front expenditures. Because of the magnitude of the commitment Scott Stegman suggest that a vote be taken to record the RRWC support for the process. Discussion: The RRWC should only take on a reasonable amount of work and to work collaboratively with other effort and not duplicate ongoing processes. The ongoing development of the Watershed Management Plan (WMP) may be able to provide a clearer picture of were restoration should take place. Karen Rippey suggested that Dan Smith will be filling data gaps soon and it may be possible to work collaboratively with Dan to fill the gaps. This is an opportunity for the RRWC to produce a product to illustrate the RRWC legitimacy and to get the name of the RRWC out to the public. Motion: Accept SCWA funds to meet RRWC immediate funding needs and identify and determine future opportunities for restoration funds. Approval: 11 Nays: 0 Abstains: 2 Secretary Report: Scott Stegeman mentioned that the Financial Procedures document was development and will be discussed as an agenda item. Financial Procedures Committee – Report of guidelines The Financial Procedures and Controls, June 28, 2006, is a broader description of the operation procedures. The Fiscal Policies and Procedures, August 24, 2005, is a more detail description of procedures. One of these descriptions would be given to potential funders to provide comfort and assurance that the funds will be distributed correctly. A tax ID number is needed before funds can be provided directly to the RRWC. It was suggested to use the current approach of the Rose Foundation to receive and distribute funds. Russian River Watershed Directory Originally, the Directory was seen as a desk top publishing to be a highly visual product. After much iteration, an Access data base provided a clear process for changing, modifying, and updating the data base. It was found that email was the best way to get and share information but some entities do not have email so other ways of contacting entities need to be maintained. The Directory is a valuable product but the data needs to be updated. Rick suggested that the Directory could be updated for approximately $2,000 annually. A disclaimer should be added to state that the commercial entices listed should be hired at their own risk and that other commercial entities that would like to be named should contact………………….. Karen will email Jen’s contact information to RRWC members. Next Steps & September 16, 2006 Agenda Items – Discussion Potential agenda items for September 16, 2006 RRWC meeting: Public Outreach Contract SCWA Project Funding Potential presentation: Fish Friendly Farming and WMP Update PRESENTATIONS Laguna Foundation Dan Schurman, Laguna Foundation Executive Director and Joe Honton, Watershed Outreach and Data Manager The Foundation was founded 1989 with the mission to preserve the Laguna. The Laguna watershed is approximately 250 square miles. The Foundation is involved in restoration, education, research and developing opportunities for recreation. Joe provided an overview of the Restoration Management Plan (RMP), due to be completed in August of 2006. The RMP has been funded by State Coastal Conservancy and other local agencies/entities. The Plan focuses on self-sustaining ecosystem including invasive species (early detection/rapid response), habitat, bio diversity and structural diversity. NASA and the Laguna Foundation are exploring the possibility of developing a watershed-scale model using GIS modeling software developed through NASA Ames Research Center, Chris Potter principal researcher. The USGS is developing a sediment transport model in 2006-2008 under the lead of USACE and SCWA. Recreation in the Laguna may include additional hiking/biking trails, improved access for paddlers, and a car tour. Important elements for the future planning are a State of the Laguna Conference, a Laguna Report Card and a permanent Laguna Stakeholder Council. Dan discussed efforts to control Ludwigia in the Laguna… Ludwigia is choking water corridors, prevents successful mosquito abatement efforts, impedes water flow/flood control, traps sediment, threatens biodiversity, and pulls oxygen out of the system. Also discussed was the Laguna Learning Center. The project to restore and convert the historic structures on Stone Farm is expected to cost approximately $5,000,000. This will include the restoration of the house, two barns and the construction of an additional building. The house will be the new home of the Laguna Foundation and the new structure will house an interpretive center and research station; the barns will be used for ag history education programs as well as other public events. Dr. Andrew Collison, Philip Williams & Associates, Rutherford Dust Project The restoration planning for the Rutherford Dust project encompasses four and a half miles of the Napa River, from Zinfandel Lane Bridge to the Oakville Cross Road Bridge. The project reach is aligned with the Rutherford Dust appellation society. Each property owner contributed to the conceptual plan’s cost which was based on the footage of river frontage. After the concept plan was complete, the group was able to receive funds from State Coastal Conservancy and Napa County (Measure A funds) to create a restoration plan. One goal was to determine if the downcutting of the channel was a system or localized problem. Currently the river is downcut between 12 to 20 feet. This affects ground water levels and separates the river from its natural floodplain, reducing back channel areas and concentrating flood water in the main channel. Over hundreds of years the river would create a new floodplain at the lower level. The plan is to enhance the natural process by constructing a new floodplain where possible. Vineyard land values have pushed the developed land close to top of bank in many locations. To provide adequate river restoration in some of the more narrow and incised reaches it was determined that approximately 75 foot setbacks were needed. The restoration concept focused on reducing excess erosive stress, rather than simply increasing resistance by hardening the banks. This approach is being promoted by State and Regional Water Quality Control Board staff, and PWA has provided training for Resource Agency staff in this technique across the State of California. Another aspect of the approach was to develop an understanding of river evolution and trajectory. This was done using the Schumm channel evolution model for incised rivers. Andy also used an example of erosion on the Russian River to illustrate how erosion and water movement will affect adjacent banks.