We’ve added an Important Farmlands Inventory map to our watershed Map Atlas. The data for this map comes from the state’s Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, which produces maps and statistical data used for analyzing impacts on California’s agricultural resources. Agricultural land is rated according to soil quality and irrigation status; the best quality land is called Prime Farmland. The maps are updated every two years with the use of a computer mapping system, aerial imagery, public review, and field reconnaissance.
Oct. 3 – Special Agriculture-Focused Watershed Council Evening Meeting
The October 3, 2013 evening meeting of the Watershed Council is dedicated to the issue of agriculture.
One of the stated objectives of the Ventura River Watershed Management Plan, which is now under development, is to “support a viable agricultural industry that is compatible with watershed management goals.” This meeting is an opportunity to envision what that might look like, and to make sure that vision – along with specific, fundable projects and programs – get included in the watershed management plan. The next round of state water bond proposition funding will be available before too long, and projects included in the watershed management plan will be better positioned to secure some of that funding.
At the October 3 meeting, John Krist, chief executive officer with the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, will provide an overview of agriculture in the watershed; Rich Atmore, president of R.A. Atmore & Sons, will discuss ranching and rangeland management; Ron Merckling, water conservation manager with Casitas Municipal Water District, will talk about agricultural water demand, how it has changed and future challenges; Emily Ayala, fifth generation grower with Friends Ranch, and Kari Stenshol, Taylor Ranch manager, will both speak to the many on the ground challenges and issues growers in the watershed are dealing with; and then we’ll have a discussion.
The meeting will run from 6:00 – 8:30 pm, and will be held at the Oak View Community Center, 18 Valley Road, in Oak View. But plan to come early, because from 5:45 -6:00 pm we’ll have an eat the creek pre-meeting meet-and-mingle, which will feature some samples of the watershed’s harvest.
Here is the meeting agenda.
I hope to see you there.