- Author: Chris M. Webb
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a USDA initiative designed to address significant natural resource concerns. While eligible farmers and ranchers may apply at their local Natural Resources Conservation Service office for the program at any time, those that meet the initial deadline receive top funding consideration.
In 2008, the latest figures currently available, California farmers and ranchers received $66.7 million through this program. The EQIP general program initial deadline will be January 15, 2010. Those applying to EQIP Organic Initiative and the Combustion Engine Emissions Reduction Initiative will have until January 29, 2010 for top consideration.
For more information, forms and contacts, please click here.
As a reminder, beginning next week the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office will be hosting a series of continuing education opportunities in laws and regulations. Classes are free of charge.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Our Coastal Community Development Advisor, Monique Myers has a fascinating job. Recently she has been working with local officials and emergency service professionals, mainly fire marshals, in an effort to lessen urban storm runoff.
What is the link between emergency service professionals and reducing urban storm runoff?
In an effort to conform to state and federal regulations requiring a reduction in volume and rate of urban runoff, communities are exploring ways to achieve these goals. One way to reduce runoff is to reduce the use of hardscape materials (hard surface like concrete and asphalt) in urban development design. Another way to achieve these goals is to reduce the runoff is to get the storm water into the ground. This can be achieved in a variety of ways including: porous asphalt and cement; infiltration landscape areas; wetland ponds and green roofs.
Emergency service professionals’ number one goal is to maintain the highest level of public service possible. This is the place were reducing urban storm runoff and emergency service professionals concerns meet. There is a concern that narrow streets that would reduce runoff would not be wide enough for emergency vehicles. In addition there are also questions about the ability of pervious cement and/or asphalt to handle the weight of an emergency vehicle. Landscape infiltration systems were of less concern to emergency service providers, but they did provide some insight and suggestions to minimize potential problems.
Many possible solutions and combinations of solutions are in progress as we work towards meeting regulatory runoff reduction requirements and maintaining the high quality emergency service response we have become accustom to. You can read the Low Impact Development Green Sheet about this project, including potential solutions, here. Additional Green Sheets by Monique can be found here.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Ventura County Cooperative Extension’s Monique Myers has written a Green Sheet titled “Drought Tolerant Plants”.
In addition to the benefits of drought tolerant plants, Dr. Myers explains general drought information; history on the use of drought tolerant plants; as well as the characteristics, selections and maintenance of these plants.
Benefits of drought tolerant plants include:
- Lower water bills
- Reduced water use
- Attractive plants with less maintenance
- More wildlife habitat
- Less plant disease and more pest resistance
- Deeper roots help to stabilize slopes
- More groundwater recharge
- Less polluted runoff flowing to the ocean
Other Green Sheets on a variety of green subjects can be found here.
Drought tolerant plants such as this Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) lend a colorful tone to this Southern California garden.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The 2009 Winter issue of Farm Water Quality News is now available. This newsletter is geared towards agriculture industry personnel; however, the issue of water quality is important for all of us. The research update is of particular interest as the research was conducted locally.
Topics in the new issue include:
- Regulatory Update
- Industry Update
- Technical Tip
- Research Update
Past issues of Farm Water Quality News and other Ventura County Cooperative Extension Newsletters can be found on our website.
Water sampling allows irrigation water to be evaluated for undesirable constituents that can affect crop growth.
Fertilizer mixing operations should be located on an imperable surface far away from water sources.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Dr. Jim Downer, Ventura County UCCE’s Environmental Horticulture Advisor has recently written an interesting and informative article, Drought, “water-wise” gardens and saving water in landscapes. The article appears in the current edition of Landscape Notes and includes:
- Stats on statewide water usage
- Misconceptions and facts about drought tolerant plants
- Practical, easy and pain-free ways to save water
These great tips can be used by both home gardeners and industry personnel. The entire article can be found here. Previous versions are also available.