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Yolo County Resource Conservation District reports habitat, wildfire and farm assistance work for 2023–24
Summary
Heather Nichols, executive director of the Yolo County Resource Conservation District, presented the RCD’s 2023–24 annual report highlighting invasive‑weed treatments, habitat plantings, farm water pump tests and community wildfire work including shaded fuel breaks and neighborhood chipping.
Heather Nichols, executive director of the Yolo County Resource Conservation District (RCD), presented the district’s 2023–24 annual report to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25, outlining work on open‑space management, farm and ranch technical assistance, community wildfire programs and planning and monitoring efforts.
Nichols said the RCD treats invasive species and plants native vegetation across public and private lands in the county and partners regionally where needed. During the 2023–24 fiscal year the RCD reported treating roughly 153 acres for invasive species and planting habitat on about 161 acres, and it completed 62 on‑farm water pump efficiency tests and 58 farm wildlife plantings in partnership with high schools.
On wildfire resiliency, Nichols said the RCD implemented shaded‑fuel breaks, neighborhood chipping programs and reflective address sign distribution. The RCD reported one mile of shaded fuel break on Road 128 near the Variesa (Varicesa?) Gap and described work that aided roughly 100 homes through chipping and other treatments.
Nichols described the RCD’s funding mix as primarily state grants (about 68% of funds), with county, regional and federal sources making up the remainder. She noted that many grants vary in length—some three‑year, some five‑year—and that farm and ranch technical assistance funding is a continuing concern if federal sources freeze or shift.
Board members asked about specifics of state funding streams and electric chippers; Supervisor Allen asked whether the RCD’s chippers are electric or gas and Nichols said the equipment purchased with early‑action funds was gas‑powered. Supervisor Frerichs and others thanked Nichols for coordination with local fire districts and for the RCD’s role in regional collaboration on soil and water projects.
Nichols outlined upcoming projects including Woodland Regional Park restoration, work at the Pacific Flyway Pond and continuation of a mobile, bilingual irrigation lab. She said the RCD would continue pursuing grant funding and partner opportunities to expand conservation and wildfire resilience work in Yolo County.
Nichols asked the board to consider ongoing state and federal funding uncertainty and potential opportunities under upcoming state bond programs.
