INLAND EMPIRE ANNUAL REPORT RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Transcription

1 INLAND EMPIRE ANNUAL REPORT RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

2 Contents 3 4 Meet Inland Empire RCD Conservation & Restoration Water Conservation 7 Projects & Programs General 10 Education 11 Grant Programs Financial Report District Map Photo: Etiwanda Creek in winter

3 MEET INLAND EMPIRE RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Mission: The purpose of the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District is to promote the understanding that the quality of the environment determines the quality of life. In cooperation with landowners, local, state and federal agencies, the agricultural community, environmental and community groups, we will promote good stewardship of our soil, water and other natural resources. We will provide strong education programs that will encourage today s youth to accept the responsibility of conserving our natural resources for tomorrow s generations. BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Paul Williams Vice-President Cheryl Avent Secretary-Treasurer Tim Johnson Directors Alison Mathisen Terrie Andrews Brad Buller Jim Earsom Associate Directors Jim Harrington Molly Bogh IERCD STAFF District Manager Mandy Parkes Project Manager Katie Heer Field Ecologist Aaron Echols Education Coordinator Amy Bonczewski Conservation Educator Shari Tindall Education Assistant Alma Eichman Sr. Administrative Assistant Kate Warren Administrative Assistant Jennifer Arellano NRCS PARTNERS District Conservationist Kim Lary Forester Peter Hoagland Archeologist Daniel Grijalva Soil Conservationist Cindy Montepagano IERCD Annual Report 3

4 CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION Mitigation Program and General ISR The focus on conservation, enhancement, and restoration of a variety of habits for the benefit of dependent species is one of the key functions of the IERCD. As part of this mission cornerstone, IERCD field, project management, and administrative staff spent the bulk of furthering physical progress within current resource uplift projects and performing tasks required to advance projects that remain in the development phase. Departmental improvements in the operating period including elevated use of remote monitoring; increased accuracy and volume of species data through use of field laptops, ipads, and trail cameras; and elevated partnership with key District cooperators. Project highlights included: 2,485 native plants installed 115 acres conserved 462 acres enhanced and restored The IERCD is in its 11th year of project work, in partnership with the Santa Ana Watershed Association, on the acres of conservation, restoration, and education/outreach mitigation assigned in response to impacts from flood control improvements to San Timoteo Creek. Work in cooperation with this assignment began in 2004 with a focus on control of target invasives such as Arundo donax, Tamarix spp. and the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), in addition to comprehensive monitoring of key native species with a focus on the endangered least Bell s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus). Previous assignment of conservation of riparian property adjacent to the creek transitioned to active restoration of degraded habitat, and represented ongoing maintenance of the 2-acre Phase I, completion of 2-acre Phase II and design of 2-acre Phase III of this element of the project. Phase II consists primarily of establishment of riparian forest, while Phase III will be established with an eye to increased diversity and development of critical edges, both of which are projected to attract additional food sources for least Bell s vireo and other native wildlife in the region. 4 IERCD Annual Report SPECIFIC SITE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED: Reach 3B Phase II Enhancement and Restoration Projects Move Forward Approximately 1,060 mixed pole cuttings were installed as part of Phase II, which has also seen tremendous recruitment of a variety of native Atriplex spp. IERCD s 11-year efforts have transformed much of San Timoteo Canyon.

5 CONSERVATION, RESTORATION AND MITIGATION, continued from page 4 Chino-Bickmore Burrowing Owl Restoration Site preparation, including soil treatment, invasives removal, and determination of presence of small mammals took place throughout this 6.18-acre property owned by the IERCD, in advance of active enhancement and restoration for the benefit of area burrowing owls. Following this work, biologists from IERCD partner agency the Santa Ana Watershed Association (SAWA) installed artificial burrows which were then regularly monitored by SAWA in partnership with students from the University of Redlands. Site seeding was also conducted in an effort to reintroduce native shrub cover and forbs suitable for attracting and sustaining small mammals to support a future bur- Artificial burrow installation with IERCD partner SAWA rowing owl presence anticipated on site. Work in will include ongoing monitoring, additional seeding and container stock installation, and control of invasive plants for increased site function for the benefit of burrowing owls. Big Bear Trout Pond: Conservation, Enhancement and Restoration The IERCD partnered with the City of Big Bear Lake to acquire a conservation easement over this 6-acre property purchased by the City as part of their valley-wide trails project. While a portion of the property owned by the City will be used in trail development, the full site encumbered by IERCD s easement will be uplifted through a IERCD aims to improve the water quality and function of Rathbun Creek. combination of conservation, enhancement, and restoration work necessary, given the site s history as a commercial trout pond. Decades of artificial water retention and sedimentation have contributed to overall quality impairment within Rathbun Creek where this property is located, which is a major tributary to Big Bear Lake. Remediation of the site s functional impairment is critical for property and Lake function, and will range from elevated monitoring and prevention of site trespass to removal of invasives and trash to reintroduction of historic aquatic value prior to development of the pond. The work done on this property will also be monitored in perpetuity by IERCD and supported via underlying fee title ownership by the City. IERCD Annual Report 5

6 CONSERVATION, RESTORATION AND MITIGATION, continued from page 5 SECTION II: Enhancement and Mitigation Tables IERCD Mitigation Program: Enhancement and Restoration/New and Maintained Former Removal Areas Project Location Mitigation Type Size (Acres) 13th Street Sports Park Yucaipa Restoration 0.57 Alabama Street Culvert Jurupa Valley Restoration 0.11 Bella Strada Chino Restoration 6.16 CalNev Pipeline Cajon Pass Enhancement 1.08 Chino Hills - Custom Home Chino Restoration 0.7 ESRI Jurupa Valley Restoration 2.96 Highpointe San Timoteo Canyon Enhancement 0.5 Nevada Business Park Jurupa Valley Restoration ProLogis - Offsite Project Jurupa Valley Enhancement 0.55 Reach 3B San Timoteo Canyon Enhancement Reach 3B San Timoteo Canyon Restoration 10 RCFCD - Day Creek Stage 6, Phase 2 Jurupa Valley Restoration 2 RCFCD - Day Creek Stage 6, Phase 2 Jurupa Valley Enhancement 2.1 RCFCD - Day Creek Line J Jurupa Valley Enhancement 0.6 Rialto Channel Devil's Canyon Enhancement 3.3 Riverside Flume Pipeline Jurupa Valley Restoration 1 San Sevaine Devil's Canyon Enhancement 8.95 SCE - El Casco Jurupa Valley Restoration 0.42 SoCal Gas - Smith Creek Banning Restoration 0.4 Wilson Creek Turnout Banning Enhancement 1.2 YVWD - San Tim Outfall Jurupa Valley Restoration Total: acres 6 IERCD Annual Report IERCD Mitigation Program: Conservation Project Location Mitigation Type Size (Acres) Big Bear Pebble Plain Big Bear Lake Open Space Preservation 12 Big Bear Single Owner Mitigation Big Bear Lake Open Space Preservation 0.28 Big Bear Trout Pond Big Bear Lake Open Space Preservation 6 Centex Sycamore Heights Chino Hills Open Space Preservation 25 Chino Basin Desalter Authority Big Bear Lake Open Space Preservation 1 Chino-Bickmore Property Chino Open Space Preservation 6.18 Goose Creek Jurupa Valley Open Space Preservation 45 Joseph Nicholas Homes Redlands Created Habitat Preservation 6 Oak Glen Basins Yucaipa Open Space Preservation 2 ProLogis Logistics Coopers Creek/ Beaumont Created Habitat Preservation 8.45 Prologis Ontario Etiwanda Channel Created Habitat Preservation 4 Total: acres Mitigation Grand Total: acres

7 WATER CONSERVATION PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS The IERCD s geographic position in the state in combination with its organizational mission and goals placed water conservation programming near the top of District priorities. Existing partnerships with seven separate water providers continued in , in the form of youth classroom programs, adult service club presentations, installation of drought-tolerant demonstration gardens, and focused invasive vegetation removals. In addition to water provider partner-funded work, the IERCD also performed District-funded supplemental education, outreach, and invasive control work within its nearly 1,300-square-mile service area. Ongoing drought and increasing mandates for conservation resulted in elevated need for water use efficiency education and outreach, both in this current and in future fiscal years. The following section details reporting period projects and programs, designed and implemented by the IERCD to address the urgent need for water conservation. YOUTH WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS/EVENTS: Classroom Water Conservation Programming for Youth Classroom programming focused West Valley Water District, and the Yucaipa Valley Water District. on water conservation continued for all requesting districts within the IERCD service area, including those within the boundaries of water provider partners. These include the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District, the City of San Bernardino Municipal Programs are offered to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade, and are designed and presented consistent with the Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools. Each program includes in- Water Department, the San teractive Prezi presentations and Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, the games, engaging with the hands-on water conservation watershed model and/or planting native climate-appropriate seeds to take home, and a post-program content quiz. Total water conservation classroom presentations: 13,350 students reached in 445 programs Water Poster Contest Conservation Educator Shari Tindall shows students how to be water-smart. In addition to general classroom programming, the IERCD partnered with the City of San Bernardino s Municipal Water Department to facilitate their annual water poster calendar contest. The IERCD performed outreach and coordination between the water department and schools within the San Bernardino City Joint Unified School District, which ultimately resulted in a very successful contest with hundreds of entries spanning 1st to 12th grades. IERCD Annual Report 7

8 WATER CONSERVATION PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS, continued from page 7 ADULT WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS/EVENTS: Adults attend a water conservation educational event at the Smiley Library in Redlands jointly presented by the IERCD and San Bernardino Valley MWD. During the fiscal year the IERCD continued to offer water conservation outreach programs to local community groups through a renewed partnership with San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and a new partnership with West Valley Water District. Between both service areas, 18 presentations were given to groups including the Redlands Horticulture Club, the Yucaipa Women s Club, and the Rialto Lion s Club. These presentations outline drought conditions, California water capture and provision history, and provide updated information on conservation need and individual provider incentives and policies for residents. At the end of the presentations, all attendees are entered into raffles for drought tolerant plants or copies of native/ climate-appropriate landscaping books, and also receive informational handouts and small giveaways such as native seed and reusable bags. These programs focus on engaging residents in understanding critical need for increased resource conservation, and to increase connection between residents and water provider partners. The IERCD remains excited to provide such a core service for area water retailers and wholesalers as they attempt to gain resident cooperation in reduction in residential and commercial use as mandated throughout California. Total direct adult outreach: 18 presentations, 488 Attendees Drought-Response Activities Table: Adult Water Conservation Presentations Group Date City Attendees Rialto Rotary Club 11/4/2015 Rialto 30 Redlands Evening Kiwanis 1/29/2015 Redlands 20 Colton Rotary Club 1/16/2015 Colton 15 Redlands Lions 2/12/2015 Redlands 15 Rialto Business and Professional Women 8 IERCD Annual Report 2/17/2015 Rialto 20 Feldhym Library 2/19/2015 San Bernardino 20 Redlands Democratic Club 2/21/2015 Redlands 40 Rowe Library 2/24/2015 San Bernardino 20 WVWD Hosted Event 3/14/2015 Rialto 50 Grimes Elementary Parents Group Redlands Horticultural Society 3/18/2015 Rialto 40 3/19/2015 Redlands 40 Villasenor Library 3/24/2015 San Bernardino 10 Torch Club 4/6/2015 Redlands 28 Highland Library 4/22/2015 Highland 40 Redlands HOA 5/22/2015 Redlands 15 Redlands Rotary 6/4/2015 Redlands 40 Rialto Lions Club 6/12/2015 Rialto 20 Cali-Caipa Lions Club 6/17/2015 Yucaipa 25

9 WATER CONSERVATION PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS, continued from page 8 During this reporting period, the IERCD was able to continue the execution of drought tolerant gardens through new and expanded partnerships with San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District (SBVWCD) and West Valley Water District (WVWD). Contracts with both districts combined to result in six gardens established at schools through shared service areas, each of which received 25 to 35 drought tolerant plants, mulch, and IERCD staff time in planning and implementation. Each participating classroom also received an in-class lesson on water conservation to prepare the students for their garden activity. Interest this fiscal year was high, which resulted In the reporting period, the IERCD began working with local resident Molly Bogh on facilitation of free presentations for residents based on her Life After Lawns book. These presentations are designed to provide interested residents with the tools necessary for conversion of traditional sod-based landscapes to those focused on inclusion of primarily native, climate-appropriate species. Two presentations took place with area water provider partners one half-day with the East Valley Water District in Highland and one full day presentation with the Yucaipa Valley Water District in Yucaipa. The DROUGHT-TOLERANT DEMONSTRATION GARDENS in elevated requirements for participation including formal application process to ensure interest in participation and long-term garden stewardship and use prior to selection. LIFE AFTER LAWNS:TEACHING NATIVE REPLACEMENT former presentation brought just over 20 interested residents to learn about the benefits of landscape conversion in water savings and wildlife support, while the latter drew over 60 attendees for an in-depth look at the sod removal and native replacement process. The development of student-focused school gardens is accompanied by a diverse suite of associated benefits, including establishment of useful habitat for local wildlife, decrease in water usage over similar areas of landscaping, and elevated soil health. For students, these gardens represent outdoor classrooms capable of illustrating a number of standards-based concepts in a variety of subjects. These demonstration gardens also allow parents to get a better understanding of landscaping options available to them as traditional grass turf landscaping is becoming impractical with the drought conditions facing Southern California. Drought Response Activities Table: Native Plant Mini-Garden Grant School Location Water Provider Partner Students Bloomington Christian School Bloomington West Valley Water District 40 Moore Middle School Redlands San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District 120 Morris Elementary Colton West Valley Water District 35 North Verdemont Elementary San Bernardino San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District 40 Zimmerman Elementary Bloomington West Valley Water District 40 Totals 275 In addition to focused presentations, the IERCD has also featured Ms. Bogh s expertise at events in the past fiscal year including the Inland Empire Resources Fair and the annual Sustainability Festival, both held at the University of Redlands. Drought Response Activities Table: Life After Lawns Activity Event/Location Partner Est. Reach Presentation Highland East Valley Water District 21 Presentation Yucaipa Yucaipa Valley Water District 62 Booth Sustainability Redlands Sustainability Network 800 Festival Booth Inland Empire Resources Fair IEfficient 150 Totals: 4 events; 1,033 residents reached IERCD Annual Report 9

10 GENERAL EDUCATION EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Performance of free classroom presentations that are standards-correlated and conservation-themed is one of the longest-standing elements of IERCD s education and public outreach programming. The total programming performed in , excluding water programs and students reached (which is accounted for in a separate section of this report) included 525 presentations to 15,750 students. YOUTH GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS Program Topic Programs Performed Residents Reached Wonders of Wetlands 118 3,540 Toil of Soil 77 2,310 Stormwater Pollution 40 1,200 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 114 3,420 Growing Native 72 2,160 Energy Conservation Backyard Conservation 74 2,220 Totals ,750 On November 1st, the IERCD hosted its 2014 Speak-Off competition, an annual event inviting high school students within the District s service area to address a rotating conservation topic in a 3-5 minute speech. The current SPEAK-OFF COMPETITION topic invited contestants to discuss increasing fuel loads statewide and implications on potential for catastrophic wildfire and impacts on dependent species. Students from Colton, Highland, Mira Loma, Rancho Cucamonga, and Finalists in the IERCD Speak-Off competition pose at the Frontier Project. San Bernardino participated, with senior Valerie Kwee from Eleanor Roosevelt High School taking first place. Following the competition, students and their families were invited to tour the competition location, Cucamonga Valley Water District s Frontier Project located in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. This LEED platinum building was constructed with many interior and exterior conservation features including heating/cooling systems and climate-appropriate landscaping, and was selected for the competition location given its dual environmental and conservation education focus. Following the IERCD s competition, Ms. Kwee took first at the SoCal Inland Region competition before moving on to the statewide contest at the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts conference in Ventura. 10 IERCD Annual Report

11 GENERAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH, continued from page 10 NATIVE PLANT WORKSHOP: REDLANDS SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK In October of 2014, the IERCD put on the second annual native plants workshop in partnership with the Redlands Sustainability Network (RSN). More than 125 participants arrived to listen to a lecture by local native plant expert Linda Richards, who then took audience questions on multiple aspects of use of climate-appropriate native species in landscaping. Following the lecture, participants were invited to attend a plant sale adjacent to the presentation area, where an assortment of species best-suited for this region of California had been provided for sale by Riverside-based Mockingbird Nursery. All participants received lecture booklets, native seed mixes, and an assortment of native plant information for use in post-lecture implementation. The final product of the IERCD- RSN collaboration was multiple levels of information and example conveyance to attendees on need for and methods for installation of native landscaping, both for wildlife benefit and increased water conservation. IERCD Outreach Events (excluding water conservation) Event Location Residents Reached Arbor Day Mary Vagle Nature Center, Fontana 275 Earth Day Frontier Project, Rancho Cucamonga 175 Earth Day Chino Wetlands Earth Day 75 Earth Day Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga 125 Healthy RC/ Earth Day Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, Rancho Cucamonga 125 Highland Trail Days Historic Iron Bridge Trailhead, Highland 100 Huerta Del Valle Community Event Huerta Del Valle Community Garden, Ontario 75 Kid s Day San Timoteo Canyon, Redlands 75 Landscape/Water Conservation Festival Chino Basin Water Conservation District 125 Morongo Earth Day Potrero Park, Cabazon 175 National Public Lands Day Mary Vagle Nature Center, Fontana 125 Native Plant Workshop Redlands 125 Reach Out Event Sam Alba Park, Ontario 100 Rialto Pollution Prevention Fair Rialto City Hall 200 Totals: 14 events. 1,875 people reached IERCD GRANTS PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS) The IERCD entered into a cooperative agreement with federal partner entity the NRCS, to cover District work on behalf of Service programs focused on assistance for adoption of practices to elevated health and function of forested areas and agricultural lands within their shared service areas. The agreement enabled training of multiple IERCD employees and partner agencies to enable provision of assistance in areas including but not limited to biological monitoring, mapping, outreach to eligible participants, and administrative items including documentation and meetings with partners. Assistance from the IERCD proved critical in advancing the work necessary for success in improving the health and function of key regions of the San Bernardino National Forest, and also improved Service communications with Spanish-speaking producers, through bilingual District staff help. Additional cooperative agreement work between the District and Service is planned for future fiscal years. IERCD Annual Report 11

12 GRANT PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS, continued from page 11 HABITAT CONSERVATION FUND Students take a break and compare notes at the North Etiwanda Preserve In the current period, the IERCD continued its collaboration in the current period with the County of San Bernardino on implementation of the K-12 field trip program at the North Etiwanda Preserve (NEP), a 1,700-acre, and growing, open space in the hills above Rancho Cucamonga. Fourteen trips consisting of 454 students were facilitated over the fiscal year, with an additional eight trips cancelled due to extreme heat and presence of dangerous wildlife in proximity to the Preserve s trail system. Students from nine schools in cities including Bloomington, Chino Hills, Colton, Rialto, and San Bernardino participated, all of whom engaged in age-appropriate, standards-correlated pre-hike stations focusing on various biological and culturally significant aspects of the Preserve. Following station participation, students engaged in variations of the 3.25-mile Preserve loop, during which time trail docents facilitated activities focusing on use of GPS and compass equipment; scavenger hunts; and wildlife monitoring and documentation. Planning for the academic year is projecting a significant increase of total field trips performed, with accompanying goals regarding diversity of school location and grade level to ensure participation remains open to all area residents interested in the property. SEMPRA ENERGY GRANT Hands-on learning is a big part of the Backyard Habitat instruction. The IERCD continued work on the funding provided by Sempra Energy for performance of educational programming in the Creative Afterschool Programs for Success (CAPS), the subsidized aftercare in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. This grant was originally requested in 2009 in cooperation with IERCD partner the Santa Ana Watershed Association, and it is the Association who continues maintenance and oversight of these grant funds with IERCD charged with primary implementation of activities. Major updates to IERCD Sempra programming this year included performance of bilingual presentations, continual refinement of Prezi message and formatting, and inclusion of outdoor activities accompanying IERCD programs such as insect capture and identification as part of Backyard Habitat instruction. The IERCD also increased coordination with CAPS management staff to better design and facilitate presentations for maximum content reception and retention from students. The grant remains active for the next academic year. 12 IERCD Annual Report

13 IERCD Audited Financial Statements Summary Statement of Net POSITION for Year Ending June 30, 2015 ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents $9,367,289 Due from Other Governments 67,408 Interest Receivable 2,940 Taxes Receivable 6,029 Other Receivables 73,280 Prepaid Expense 6,508 Restricted Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents 92,774 Net Pension Asset 63,953 Capital Assets, Net of Depreciation 1,489,646 Total Assets 11,178,794 LIABILITIES Accounts Payable 86,120 Deposits 53,564 Accrued Payroll 2,663 Compensated Absences payable 19,690 Total Liabilities 162,037 NET POSITION Invested in Capital Assets 1,489,646 Restricted for Mitigation Projects 3,410,119 Unrestricted 6,073,537 Total Net Assets $10,973,302 Statement of Activities for Year Ending June 30, 2015 PROGRAM EXPENSES Salaries and Benefits $422,578 Services and Supplies 639,561 Depreciation 9,330 Total Program Expenses 1,071,469 PROGRAM REVENUES SAWA Projects 110,876 Mitigation Funds 880,875 Capital Contributions 17,495 Reimbursable Grant Revenue 65,007 Total Program Revenues 1,008,996 Net Program Revenue - $62,473 GENERAL REVENUES Property Taxes 1,167,946 Investment Earnings 18,742 Other 6,150 Total General Revenues 1,192,838 Change in Net Position 1,223,139 Net Position- Beginning 9,750,163 Net Assets- Ending $10,973,302 IERCD Annual Report 13

14 Today s IERCD The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District is a special district responsible for the preservation and wise management of the resources of 823,390 acres, or approximately 1,286 square miles, of public and private land in the Inland Empire of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Our 21st century resource conservation district emerged from the multiple area soil conservation districts, the first of which was the Mira Loma SCD, established in Area SCDs merged together to form the Inland Empire West End Resource Conservation District and the East Valley Resource Conservation District. On July 1, 2005 the Inland Empire West Resource Conservation District and the East Valley Resource Conservation District were consolidated by the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAF- CO) to form what is now the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District. Today, the board and staff of the Inland Empire RCD work tirelessly to preserve both the original mission of the Soil Conservation Act of 1935 and the additional resource concerns since identified, including increasing numbers of invasive species, loss of wildlife habitat, and diminishing water supply and quality. Continuing to find new ways of efficiently confronting resource issues is an ongoing challenge, addressed primarily through restoring natural wildlife habitat, eliminating exotic species and putting increasing emphasis on conservation-focused public outreach and youth education. 14 IERCD Annual Report

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16 Additional Information is available by request or online at: K Business Center Drive, Redlands, Ca ) Printed on 100% Recycled Paper