Resource Conservation District outlines $10.5M grant‑funded work and asks county to restore interagency partnerships

Stephanie Sierra, executive director of the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District (RCD), briefed the Board on RCD activities and partnership opportunities. Sierra said the RCD is a special district, is nearly entirely grant‑funded and has a recently adopted budget of approximately $10.5 million supporting nearly 70 active projects countywide.

RCD staff described program areas: sustainable agriculture and pollinator hedgerows, forestry health and wildfire resilience projects (roughly $18.3M implemented or in progress), water resources and stream restoration including large rainwater tanks for cannabis cultivators, invasive species monitoring, and land stewardship and mitigation work at the Willits bypass mitigation property (about 2,080 acres under long‑term management after the interim period sunsets).

RCD leaders urged the Board to re‑establish a county point of contact and regular interagency meetings to rebuild prior contracting relationships. They said interagency agreements can avoid lengthy RFP processes, save county staff time and bring proven local contractors onto projects quickly. Board members and county staff acknowledged past staffing changes and agreed to explore improved communication and possible contract support, with staff noting the RCD could also tap Title 3 and other county funding sources during upcoming public comment periods.

Supervisors thanked RCD for the presentation and suggested avenues for improved coordination, including matching Title 3 funding and outreach on potential sales‑tax measures that include conservation components.