To: Board of Directors, Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Water Agency
Staff Name and Phone Number: Chase Takajo (707) 521-1872
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Second
Title:
Title
Funding of Fisheries Biology and Field Studies Course at Casa Grande High School in Support of the Stream Maintenance Program
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize Sonoma County Water Agency’s General Manager to execute an agreement with United Anglers of Casa Grande, Inc., in a form approved by County Counsel, for funding of the fisheries biology and field studies course at Casa Grande High School in support of Sonoma Water’s Stream Maintenance Program through June 30, 2025, in the not-to-exceed amount of $105,000. (Second District)
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Executive Summary:
The Fisheries Biology and Field Studies course for students at Casa Grande High School (Program) includes field work and outreach related to Adobe Creek in Petaluma. Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) maintains easements throughout the Petaluma River Watershed (Flood Control Zone 2A) for the purpose of stream, creek, and channel maintenance. Sonoma Water will benefit from the Program through student internship development, stream and vegetation maintenance activities, and instruction in fisheries biology and watershed restoration.
Discussion:
HISTORY OF ITEM/BACKGROUND
In 1983, United Anglers of Casa Grande, Inc. (United Anglers) adopted Adobe Creek to rebuild Adobe Creek’s wildlife habitat. As part of this effort, United Anglers developed the Adobe Creek Restoration Project at Casa Grande High School (Project). Under the Project, students maintain a fully functioning fish research facility and conservation hatchery and also provide maintenance on Adobe Creek. The Project aligns with Sonoma Water’s fisheries and environmental programs.
As part of the Project, United Anglers conducts the Program. The Program field work curriculum includes field studies and stream maintenance, such as identification and removal of invasive species, canopy development, and debris removal. Students learn about fisheries and watershed management and conduct flood control and stream maintenance activities, including vegetation maintenance, planting, and debris removal. The Program outreach curriculum includes public outreach to educate riparian landowners about debris management issues.
Sonoma Water maintains easements throughout Flood Control Zone 2A for the purpose of stream, creek, and channel maintenance. Sonoma Water will benefit from the Program through student internship development, stream and vegetation maintenance activities, and instruction in fisheries biology and watershed restoration.
The cost will not exceed $105,000; the term end date is June 30, 2025.
SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED
Under the proposed agreement, United Anglers will conduct the following Program activities:
Field Curriculum: United Anglers will implement field work curriculum including field studies and stream maintenance, such as identification and removal of invasive species, canopy development, and debris removal; fisheries and watershed management; and flood control and stream maintenance activities, including vegetation maintenance, planting, and debris removal.
Outreach Curriculum: Upon notice from Sonoma Water, United Anglers will also conduct public outreach to educate riparian landowners about debris management issues and assist in the removal of detrimental debris and garbage in streams located in the Petaluma River Watershed, as directed by Sonoma Water. Sonoma Water will receive a summary report for each landowner contacted.
Presentations: United Anglers will give annual presentations to Sonoma Water summarizing work performed by students in the previous year.
The agreement includes two options for Sonoma Water to extend this agreement for a period of one year each by providing written notice to United Anglers thirty days in advance of the expiration date of the agreement and of the first extension option.
County of Sonoma Strategic Plan Alignment: N/A
Sonoma Water Strategic Plan Alignment
Flood Protection, Goal 1: Provide efficient and effective flood protection programs.
This agreement seeks to improve watershed involvement and stewardship by supporting the United Anglers of Casa Grande High School. The provided funds help run all of the United Anglers Fisheries work within the Petaluma River Watershed, as well as teach local students about management, restoration, and stewardship of the watershed.
Prior Board Actions:
05/21/2019: Approved agreement between Sonoma Water and United Anglers of Casa Grande, Inc., for funding of the fisheries biology and field studies course at Casa Grande High School in support of Sonoma Water’s Stream Maintenance Program. Cost $75,000; term end June 1, 2022.
06/06/2017: Approved agreement between Sonoma Water and United Anglers of Casa Grande, Inc., for funding of the fisheries biology and field studies course at Casa Grande High School in support of Sonoma Water’s Stream Maintenance Program. Cost $50,000; term end June 1, 2019.
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 22-23 Adopted |
FY23-24 Projected |
FY 24-25 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
$30,000 |
$40,000 |
$35,000 |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
$30,000 |
$40,000 |
$35,000 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
$30,000 |
$40,000 |
$35,000 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$30,000 |
$40,000 |
$35,000 |
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Budgeted amount of $30,000 is available from FY 2022/2023 appropriations for the Flood Control Zone 2A Fund. FY 2023/2024 and FY 2024/2025 appropriations will be budgeted in those fiscal years.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
None.
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.