Current Projects – California Association of Resource Conservation Districts

The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts has several core program areas that we focus on to help build the capacity of individual RCDs and to increase the reach and influence of our statewide network.

Private Forest Landowner Assistance Workshop Recordings

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Small and Underserved Producers drought relief grants, administered by CARCD

Monarch Butterflies on tree branch in blue sky background at overwintering site

Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Conservation

California Farm Demonstration Network

CARCD signed an MOU with many state and federal partners to form the CFDN in 2017. This network was established through a locally-led, grassroots effort to increase the adoption of economically viable resource conservation strategies by California farmers.

RCD Directors standing in front of a small lake in Oakhurst, CA

Capacity Building

We are working together with RCDs to ensure that our statewide network is Relevant, Excellent, and Visible.

Strengthening the RCD Network

There is a broad spectrum of capacity among RCDs. We are leading an unprecedented effort aimed at elevating the statewide network so that districts can collectively achieve their vision of being go-to hubs for conservation in their communities.

Squares of paper with aspirational statements and drawings taped to a wall in the form of a quilt

RCD Trainings

CARCD provides opportunities for RCD board members and district staff to receive trainings on various relevant topics, from district operations to leadership development to advocacy and communications.

Conservation in Cannabis

We are assisting RCDs in the development of Fee-for-Service conservation programs in the cannabis sector by connecting local and state stakeholders, financial support, legal counsel, and partnership opportunities.

RCPP Sierra Nevada Tree Mortality

CARCD is the lead partner on a $10 million USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project to address the tree mortality crisis in the Central Sierra.

Field and white flowers in the foreground, mountains in the background

Technical Assistance

With CARCD as the lead, our network is able to contract with the State as a single entity while utilizing the expertise of RCDs to provide high quality local service throughout California.

Farmers participate in a compost workshop in San Diego

Outreach to Underserved Farmers

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has partnered with CARCD on an Outreach to Historically Underserved Farmers pilot program, which offers “mini-grants” to eligible non-profits and Resource Conservation Districts to conduct outreach to underserved producers.

Carbon Farming

CARCD has been building momentum and developing partnerships related to soil health and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. At the same time, RCDs around the state have begun creating and implementing Carbon Farm Plans in partnership with the Carbon Cycle Institute (CCI).

SWEEP Verifications

CARCD's network provides verifications under the Statewide Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) SWEEP Assistance Program.

Grazing Lands Coalition

CARCD houses the California Grazing Land Coalition (GLC), which seeks to support producers in the ranching community by concentrating on actions that promote quality technical assistance, education, and outreach.