Press Release
20-acre Prescribed Burn to Reduce Fuel Loading and Promote Biodiversity at John Muir Land Trust’s Fernandez Ranch
The John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) and Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) are partnering to burn 20 acres of grassland at Fernandez Ranch near Martinez, California. At 1,185 acres, the property has gone through significant changes over the last two hundred years. Bringing a practice of good fire back to the landscape will work to honor past stewardship principles. The prescribed burn, tentatively scheduled for the morning of October 6th, 2025, will reduce fine fuel loading, promote nutrient cycling, and encourage native plant germination at the property.
Some light smoke may be visible in nearby areas during the prescribed burn. If you or someone in your household is sensitive to smoke, we recommend keeping windows and doors closed and limiting outdoor activity during the operation.
JMLT and CCRCD also welcome local fire practitioners to participate in or observe the prescribed burn. Please contact James Wilson, the Stewardship Director at JMLT, by Monday, September 15th if you would like to provide support for or observe the burn.
For more information about the planned prescribed burn at Fernandez Ranch, please contact James Wilson at james@jmlt.org or Zoë Fung at wildfire@ccrcd.org.
JMLT and CCRCD wish to thank our funder, Coalitions and Collaboratives (COCO), for the Action, Implementation, and Mitigation Grants Program that makes this project possible.
Press Release
East County VTP Press Release
The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) and partners are beginning a project to increase wildfire resilience in Eastern Contra Costa County. Under the California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP), and in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), East Bay Regional Park District, California State Parks, Contra Costa Water District, and Contra Costa Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the CCRCD will develop a Project Specific Analysis (PSA) for 16,000 acres of grassland and oak woodland habitat. The PSA will act as a compliance tool for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and allow for expedited implementation of wildfire resilience projects such as prescribed burning, prescribed herbivory, and mechanical fuel reduction treatments. Click below to view entire release.
Press Release
New Irrigation Services from the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District Will Bring Water Efficiency and Cost Savings to Farms and Farmers
Through a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) is proud to announce a new Irrigation and Water Conservation Services program. Across the state, many other local Resource Conservation Districts offer irrigation and water conservation advisory services. For many small farmers, these services have provided numerous benefits, such as trainings on repairs and irrigation scheduling, reduced water and energy costs, and cost-saving improvements to their irrigation efficiency. CCRCD is proud to announce that these free services will be available to our land stewards in Contra Costa County. Click below to view entire release.
CURRENTS Annual Report
2021-2022 was another year of adaptation, but also growth, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) staff diligently grew our programming, which led to bringing on more staff. Throughout the pandemic, CCRCD staff showed resilience and adapted to change.
Hiring new staff members has increased our capacity to serve the needs of our communities and partners. Staff members have added new skills to their skill sets and have been wearing multiple hats.
Get all the CCRCD updates and insights by downloading the report below.