Program Categories:

Watershed Activities:

The RCD has projects underway or recently completed in several Contra Costa watersheds. It is active in building watershed awareness throughout the county.

  • In the East County Delta Drainages and the Kellogg and Brushy Creek Watersheds, an RCD watershed resource specialist worked with landowners to develop beneficial management practices (BMPs) to reduce polluted runoff from agricultural lands.
  • The Pinole Creek Watershed -
  • Lower Pinole Creek Steelhead Habitat Assessment (July 2009)
    The CCRCD obtained funding from the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee and contracted with Hagar Environmental Science and Pacific Biology to conduct a Steelhead Habitat and Mapping project through the incorporated portion of Pinole Creek (Lower Pinole Creek).  This study measured the quantity and quality of steelhead habitat present in Pinole Creek in the lower watershed and was in partnership with 7the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) which completed an identical habitat mapping protocol on Pinole Creek through their property in the upper watershed as part of their East Bay Habitat Conservation Plan (Upper Pinole Creek Watershed Salmonid Habitat Assessment).  These two analogous surveys provide the scientific data which is key to obtaining funding for construction of a fish passage improvement project at the I-80 culverts which are the only total fish barrier in Pinole Creek.

    • Pinole Creek is an historical Steelhead/Rainbow Trout stream and steelhead, now a threatened species, have occasionally been observed in recent years struggling to swim upstream in search of spawning habitat.  However, the 360 foot long I-80 double box culverts located 1 ½ miles upstream from San Pablo Bay have been identified as a depth and flow barrier to migration.  Since these culverts present the only total fish barrier in Pinole Creek, improving fish passage through these large cement structures would allow steelhead to reach good habitat in the upper watershed and improve the potential for successful spawning.  The CCRCD has applied for several grants to fund the design and implementation of techniques such as baffles and weirs to enable fish migration through the I-80 culverts.  The Coastal Conservancy and the US Fish and Wildlife Service have provided funds for design work.  The CCRCD, with assistance from its partners, has applied for a grant from the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Fisheries Restoration Grant Program to fund the construction.  Several organizations such as EBMUD, the Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed, the Contra Costa County Flood Control District, the City of Pinole, and consultants are supporting this project.  Many experts believe that Pinole Creek has the best potential in our county for re-establishing a sustainable population of native steelhead trout which would help to restore the genetic diversity and viability of the species. 
  • The Pinole Creek Watershed Sediment Source Analysis and Baseline Water Quality Study -The RCD and NRCS partnered with The San Francisco Estuary Institute to produce The Pinole Creek Watershed Sediment Source Analysis and Baseline Water Quality Study - The final report is now available online in PDF format at http://www.sfei.org/watersheds/reports/Pinole_Creek/PinoleCreekFinal.pdf . A poster summarizing the study and its recommendations was produced for the State of the Estuary Conference. This poster can be viewed at http://www.sfei.org/presentations_posters/SOE_05/05SOE_Poster_Pearce_MedRes.pdf. Contact Carol Arnold at carol.arnold@ca.nacdnet.net for more information on this study.
  • Pavon Creeks Assessment - As a follow up to the Pinole Creek Sediment Study, the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) worked with the Contra Costa RCD, NRCS, and the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) during the 2005-2006 wet season to complete an assessment of the Pavon Creeks sub-basin, a tributary to Pinole Creek to determine the causes of erosion in this sub-basin. These tributaries to Pinole Creek have been identified as the single largest point source of sediment in the watershed. The purpose of the assessment is to gain a better understanding of the processes and rates occurring within the sub-basin so that the stakeholders and land managers can make more informed decisions regarding current and future management of this area. The final report is now available online in PDF format at http://www.sfei.org/sfeireports.htm#WS .

  • In the Mt. Diablo Creek Watershed, the RCD led a watershed planning process. The RCD and NRCS partnered with the Natural Heritage Institute to conduct a biological resource inventory. Contact Carol Arnold at carol.arnold@ca.nacdnet.netfor more information.

  • Rodeo Creek Watershed Assessment for Bankfull Channel Geometry – the RCD and NRCS partnered with the Restoration Design Group to assess the bankfull channel geometry of Rodeo Creek at various locations within the watershed. This study contributed to the restoration design for the Muir Heritage Land Trust’s Fernandez Ranch portion of Rodeo Creek and also provided a watershed overview. Please contact Carol Arnold at carol.arnold@ca.nacdnet.net for more information.
  • A county-wide watershed signage program was implemented in 2004-2005, with the RCD taking a lead role. The goal of this project is to build awareness of our creeks and watersheds by identifying them with attractive signs on trails and roadways.
  • The RCD has sponsored citizen groups in five watersheds. (See RCD sponsored watershed groups below.)
    • Alhambra Creek Watershed,
    • Kirker Creek Watershed
    • Marsh Creek Watershed
    • Mt. Diablo Creek Watershed
    • Rodeo Creek Watershed
  • RCD sponsored watershed groups and contacts:
  • Alhambra Watershed Council (AWC) - This stakeholder group published a watershed plan in April of 2001 and is currently in the implementation phase. Activities include monthly meetings, outreach, restoration and stewardship. for more information on AWC, please contact Mary Grim at mary.grim@ca.nacdnet.net
  • Kirker Creek Watershed Advisory Group - The RCD sponsored this group from 2001-2007, and assisted in the development and publication of a watershed plan in January 2004. The group now meets independently on an ad-hoc basis to develop and implement projects. For more information contact Laura Wright (lwright@ci.pittsburg.ca.us) or Mitch Schweikert (mschweickert@losmedanos.net)
  • Partners for the Watershed - A group of educators and members of local government and industry who carry out stewardship and environmental education projects in the Kirker Creek Watershed.
    For information on the two groups above, contact Laura Wright (lwright@ci.pittsburg.ca.us) or Mitch Schweikert (mschweickert@losmedanos.net).
  • Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed (FOMCW)- Join this community group to help us identify activities, issues and projects to protect and restore the lower Marsh Creek Watershed. (Focusing in Brentwood and Oakley, downstream of the Marsh Creek Dam). Contact Mary Grim at mary.grim@ca.nacdnet.net
  • Mount Diablo Creek Watershed Planning Group – Has developed a watershed management plan that addresses the interests of diverse stakeholders in the watershed. Contact Carol Arnold at carol.arnold@ca.nacdnet.net.
  • Rodeo CreekWatershed Vison Planning Process - Spring 2008 marks the beginning of this several-month process. Contact Heidi Petty at heidi.petty@ca.nacdnet.net. 


    Local Weather Data Available Online from the CIMIS Network

    Farmers, golf courses, and landscape maintenance professionals can fine-tune irrigation to local weather conditions using weather data online. The Contra Costa RCD maintains a weather station in Brentwood that is part of the CA Department of Water Resources' CIMIS network. Other Contra Costa agencies maintain weather stations in Walnut Creek and Concord. You can view and download data for these stations, and stations state-wide, at the CIMIS website.


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    Programs for Teens

    Range and Natural Resources Camp - June 20-25, 2010 - at Elkus Ranch, Half Moon Bay

    Contra Costa RCD sponsors one high school student from Contra Costa County each year to attend the annual Range and Natural Resources Camp at Elkus Ranch near Half Moon Bay. Students spend a week sleeping in tent cabins and learning about watershed ecology and practical land management skills such as plant identification, wildlife conservation, livestock management, wildfire issues, and range analysis and improvement. See the Brochure for more details. Check out the Range Camp Website. Read about one student's experience at camp. Then fill out the Application! The deadline for scholarship applications is April 25, 2010. Got questions? contact Mary Grim (925-672-6522 x113).

    Speak-Off Contest

    Contra Costa County high school students can win cash prizes by competing in the annual speech contest sponsored each fall by the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD). Students prepare a 3-5 minute speech on a topic chosen by CARCD. This year's topic is: "How RCD's Can Assist Schools with Natural Resource Education?"

    Deadline for Entry: Fri. Sept. 15th. Winner may compete at the regional and state level. Click here for Contra Costa Application. Click here for contest rules and judging criteria. Contact Mary Grim for more information<

    CCRCD Prizes and Contest Date: - Sept. 21st, 5:30 pm, Concord, CA:

    1st Place: $100
    2nd Place $50
    3rd Place: $30

    State Prizes and Contest Date - Nov. 19th, Ventura CA.

    1st Place: $300
    2nd Place $200
    3rd Place: $100

    The regional contest will be held on October 14th. The regional winner will have the opportunity to compete in the statewide contest at the Annual CARCD meeting in Riverside, CA on November 22th. For more information, please contact Mary Grim at the RCD.

    Field Days and Workshops

    Weed Identification and Management - DVD Available!

    Although Contra Costa County is blessed with much open land, weeds infestations can render this land useless for wildlife and dangerous for livestock. The RCD held two workshops on early detection and management of the top weeds of concern for Contra Costa County. To order a DVD of the 2008 workshop on ID and Mangement of Rangeland Weeds, Contact Mary Grim (View an excerpt of the Weeds DVD).

    These workshops were funded mostly by a grant from the CALFED Watershed Program and organized collaboratively by the Contra Costa RCD, the Contra Costa Department of Agriculture and UC Cooperative Extension.

    Workshop on Maintenance of Ranch Roads and Fire Trails held 2006

    The Contra Costa RCD, NRCS and Contra Costa Fire Protection District recently held a half-day workshop for ranchers to learn more about the fire trail maintenance program and to exchange ideas with fire trail program staff about ranch road management. Ranchers had the opportunity to meet the fire trail management program’s staff, learn about the Fire Trail Program and learn how to prevent or manage erosion problems. Thanks to the USDA-NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) for funding this workshop.

    If you missed the workshop but would like information on these topics or an on-site consultation at your property, contact the RCD and NRCS office at 925-672-6522 x102.

    Video: Yellow Starthistle: Managing an Invasive Alien Species

    With support from Contra Costa RCD, Leif Joslyn of Xenobiota Xposures completed an instructional video on yellow starthistle control methods. Landowners and resource managers applauded Joslyn's previous videos on pampas grass and other invasive species and CCRCD is pleased to have had a role in creating this new production. Funding for the video was provided by an EQIP Educational grant from NRCS as well as donations from California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Dow Elanco, and the California Native Plant Society.

    There are two versions of the video. The 26-minute version of the video covers yellow starthistle's history, biology, and several control methods, and is suitable for a general audience. For those who want more information, the 50-minute version has additional interviews with California's leading experts on yellow starthistle and delves into the broader issue of the threat of invasive species to California's biodiversity.

    The video and can be viewed at the offices of Contra Costa RCD, borrowed for presentation to groups, or purchased from Leif Joslyn. To purchase the video, call Mr. Joslyn at (510) 524-3031. For more information about his other videos, visit Xenobiota Xposure's website.

    Documents:

      Alhambra Creek Watershed Management Plan

      "Alhambra Creek Watershed, Our Natural Community" - a watershed map and natural history

      "Horsekeeping: A Guide to Land Management for Clean Water"; * a 100-page binder on manure and pasture management, erosion control, runoff management, and maintenance of trails, roads, and water sources.

      Kirker Creek Watershed Management Plan

      "Kirker Creek Watershed" - a watershed map and resource guide

      Kirker Creek Watershed Resources Inventory

      Marsh Creek Watershed Issues Catalog

      Marsh Creek Watershed Resources Inventory

      Know Your Septic System* - A two-page brochure on proper care for septic systems. (392 KB). Septic Tank information is also available at http://www.nowra.org/onsite_guide.html 

      Molasses Spraying* - A two-paged brochure on a Prescribed Grazing Method for Fire Fuel Management and Rangeland Conservation(127 KB)

      *These files are in PDF format. Please click here if you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader ®, which is available free.

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