ITEM:		DISCUSSION ITEM
3.	DISCUSS WATERSHED TOURS
Meeting Date:			July 19, 2012
From:			David J. Stoldt,
			General Manager
Prepared By:			Rachel Martinez

SUMMARY: Participation and positive feedback from the District’s watershed awareness day in May, combined with the general misunderstanding of lack of knowledge on the District’s watershed activities has highlighted the potential success of regularly scheduled watershed tours.

The District’s senior fisheries biologist has a detailed tour itinerary that is often used to introduce new directors to the watershed. This itinerary can be polished and converted to a tour for members of the general public. The senior fisheries biologist has indicated he would be available to help host a tour on a quarterly basis; the community relations liaison could conduct more frequent tours if desired.

Understanding that tours can require a significant amount of planning effort and staff time, it may be beneficial to combine efforts with other organizations. The Carmel River Watershed Conservancy has created preliminary plans for 6- and 4-hour tours of the watershed. They have two pilot tours scheduled this summer and have invited the District to join them. Tour stops include San Clemente Dam, deDampierre Park, Garland Park and the Carmel Lagoon. These locations provide opportunity for the District to discuss and highlight various elements of the Mitigation Program, to include fish rescue/rearing, vegetation management and water quality monitoring.

RECOMMENDATION: The committee should discuss the benefits of watershed tours and provide guidance to staff on moving forward with the idea, either in a solo effort or joining with the Conservancy.

EXHIBITS

None

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