Napa County RCD MSR Phase One (2006)

C S OMPREHENSIVE TUDY OF THE N C R C D APA OUNTY ESOURCE ONSERVATION ISTRICT MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW Phase One Final Report December 2006 Prepared for: LAFCO of Napa County Prepared by: P&D Consultants Assisted by: The Planning Center Updated by LAFCO Staff (December 2006) T C ABLE OF ONTENTS Page I. INTRODUCTION............................................................................1 II. PLANNING CONTEXT.....................................................................3 III. DISTRICT OPERATIONS................................................................4 Mission.....................................................................................................................................4 Service Powers........................................................................................................................4 Governance and Staffing ......................................................................................................4 Services and Programs ..........................................................................................................5 Cooperative Efforts ..............................................................................................................5 Financial Statements and Issues ..........................................................................................6 IV. ANNUAL PROJECTS AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES......................7 NCRCD Conservation and Research Projects...................................................................7 Public Outreach and Education...........................................................................................8 Public Accountability.............................................................................................................8 LIST OF TABLES 1 Napa County Resource Conservation District: Profile.......................................1 2 Napa County Land Use Trends..............................................................................3 3 Association of Bay Area Governments Population Projections........................3 4 Balance Sheet, ending June 30, 2005......................................................................6 LIST OF FIGURES 1 Map of the Napa County Resource Conservation District................................2 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW TOC-1 FIRE SERVICES N C APA OUNTY R C ESOURCE ONSERVATION D ISTRICT I. INTRODUCTION The Napa County Resource Conservation District (NCRCD) is charged with protecting and restoring natural resources within a jurisdictional boundary that includes most of Napa County and a small portion of Solano County. The origins of resource conservation districts dates back to the national “Dust Bowl” crisis of the 1930s as drought and attendant soil losses destroyed millions of acres of cropland. On April 27, 1935, in response to the Dust Napa River Watershed Bowl, Congress established the Soil Conservation Service as part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the purpose of conserving natural resources on agricultural lands. To deliver these services locally, state governments began adopting legislation to allow for the formation of conservation districts to provide assistance and leadership in the management of soil and water resources. In 1945, NCRCD was formed under California’s Soil Conservation District Act to provide non-regulatory soil and water conservation services to farmers and ranchers in Napa County.1 Over the years the range of services provided by NCRCD have expanded to include soil erosion plans for non-agricultural lands and watershed management projects. Table 1 Today, NCRCD’s jurisdictional boundary NCRCD: Agency Profile includes most of Napa County with the Date Formed: 1945 exception of those portions of the City of Public Resources Napa that were incorporated as of 1945. Enabling Legislation: Code, Division 9 NCRCD’s jurisdictional boundary also District Type: Dependent encompasses a small portion of Solano District Size: 513,000 acres County known as “Cullinan Ranch.” This Staff: 12 approximate 2,000-acre area was annexed Adopted FY05/06 to NCRCD in 1952 and is comprised of $1.6 million Budget: tidal wetlands providing habitat for a Services Provided: Conservation number of native fish, plants, and wildlife species. Table 1 and Figure 1 provide a summary and map of the District. 1 This legislation was reorganized in 1975 as part of the Resource Conservation District Act. MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW 1 Napa County Resource Conservation District Figure 1 Napa County Resource Conservation District 2 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW Napa County Resource Conservation District II. PLANNING CONTEXT Napa County covers approximately 510,000 acres, of which 94% are unincorporated lands. Over two-fifths of all lands in Napa County are identified as “rural” according to a recent land use survey conducted by the County of Napa. Although it has jurisdiction throughout Napa County (except where noted in the City of Napa), NCRCD’s primary concern is the conservation, protection, and restoration Table 2 of agricultural, rural, grazing, farming, Unincorporated Land Use parks and open space land – which constitutes the majority of land in Napa % of Total Land Use Total Acres in County as shown in Table 2. Category Acres Napa County In recent decades, Napa County has grown Commercial 2,932 0.6 approximately 21 percent, increasing in Industrial 2,358 0.5 population from 110,765 in 1990 to Public 1,593 0.3 134,100 by 2005. Accordingly to the Parks and Open 139,821 27.5 California Department of Conservation, Space urban growth has resulted in the Urban/Suburban 4,270 0.8 Residential conversion of 4,758 acres of farm and Rural Residential 10,684 2.1 grazing lands in Napa County between Rural Lands 221,534 43.7 1992 and 2004.2 These trends are Agriculture 50,573 9.8 expected to continue over the next 20 Grazing 48,776 9.6 years as population growth in Napa Total 481,624 94.9 County is projected to increase 0.6 percent annually according to the Association of Source: County of Napa Conservation, Development, and Planning Department (September 2006) Bay Area Governments. According to the California Association Table 3 of Resource Conservation Districts,3 ABAG Population Growth Projections, the primary focus in the next five years 2005-2025 will be building the capacity of a local Jurisdiction 2005 2015 2025 delivery system of conservation services American Canyon 14,200 18,300 19,700 that protects and restores natural Calistoga 5,200 5,300 5,300 resources in a manner that recognizes Napa 80,300 85,700 89,800 the rights of landowners. Critical local St. Helena 6,100 6,200 6,300 resource issues include soil and water Yountville 3,400 3,500 3,600 conservation, air quality, and the Unincorporated 24,900 25,800 26,400 presence of threatened and endangered Total 134,100 144,800 151,100 species and non-native plants. Source: ABAG, 2005 Projections 2 This includes lands classified by the California Department of Conservation as prime farmland, farmland of statewide importance, unique farmland, and farmland of local importance. 3 CARCD Strategic Plan, 2003 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW 3 Napa County Resource Conservation District Napa County, like many other regions in California, is subject to significant residential and commercial development to accommodate demands of a growing population. Although local policies have slowed the premature encroachment of urban uses onto open space and agricultural lands, the gradual expansion of urban boundaries and intensification of development underscores the need for the NCRCD to contend with population growth and urban encroachment in a conscientious method that addresses watershed conservation and agricultural needs. III. DISTRICT OPERATIONS Mission NCRCD is a non-regulatory agency whose mission is to promote responsible watershed management through voluntary community stewardship and technical assistance. Stated goals of NCRCD are: • Promotion of watershed based land stewardship, including sustainable agriculture • Protection and enhancement of waterways and water quality • Reduction of soil erosion • Preservation and restoration of wildlife habitat • Fostering of an informed and knowledgeable community Service Powers Pursuant to Division 9 of the State of California Public Resources Code, NCRCD is authorized to control runoff, prevent and control soil erosion, develop and distribute water, improve land capabilities, and coordinate resource management efforts for watershed restoration and enhancement. Governance and Staffing The NCRCD is governed by seven board members and seven associate board members. Board members serve voluntarily and are appointed by the Napa County Board of Supervisors. The Board appoints a District Manager that is responsible for managing services and overseeing staff. Staff for NCRCD currently comprises: • District Manager • District Administrator • Senior Hydrologist • Hydrologist • Soil Conservationists (2) • Restoration Program Managers (2) 4 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW Napa County Resource Conservation District • Education Coordinator • Development Coordinator • Field Technician • Bookkeeper Services and Programs NCRCD provides services in conjunction with the USDA’s local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. This includes sharing an office space, equipment, and staff resources. The two agencies work together in their outreach efforts to introduce emerging conservation technologies to landowners and community leaders in Napa County. These agencies also work together in providing leadership in facilitating community and land management forums to encourage the formulation of effective and practical conservational policies and practices. The services that NCRCD provides to landowners include erosion control plans and information regarding resources and regulations, watershed management, and other relevant data. Technical services for government agencies cover surface and ground water monitoring, soils analysis, and habitat assessments. NCRCD also works with local schools and community organizations to educate students and the public about natural resource functions and conservation practices. Cooperative Efforts The NCRCD participates in a number of cooperative efforts with public, private, and volunteer organizations with respect to protecting and restoring natural resources in Napa County. The organizations NCRCD regularly works with include: • County of Napa* • Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District • California Department of Fish and Game • California State Coastal Conservancy • California State Regional Water Quality Control Boards • California Department of Conservation • United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service • Napa County Farm Bureau • Land Trust of Napa County • Watershed Information Center and Conservancy Board of Napa County * Since 1991, the NCRCD has had a contractual agreement with the County of Napa to perform technical reviews of agricultural erosion control plans and to make recommendations to its Planning Department as to their technical adequacy. NCRCD MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW 5 Napa County Resource Conservation District also provides the County with watershed education materials, trainings, and workshops, and conducts specific watershed assessment and monitoring studies. Financial Statements NCRCD had revenues of $1.5 million and expenses of $1.5 million for a total operating income of $0 during FY04-05. The District receives 86% of its revenue from federal, State, and local grants and contracts. The remaining portion of NCRCD’s revenue is drawn from its proporational share of property tax assessments. Approxiamtely 80% of NCRCD’s expenditures are dedicated to salaries and subcontractor expenses. The remaining 20% of NCRCD’s expenses are for equipment and supplies. As of 2005, NCRCD had $1,112,921 in total assets and $224,269 in total liabilities. Table 4 NCRCD had $711,075 in current assets Balance Sheet including cash, accounts receivable and ending June 30, 2005 short term investments. Long-term assets Assets Amount total $406,302 ($350,000 is land, which is Current Assets $711,075 not depreciable), of which $401,846 is net Land $350,100 of depreciation. NCRCD has sufficient Other capital assets, net current assets to meet current liabilities $51,746 of depreciation with a ratio of 5.8:1. Long-term debt is in Total Assets $1,112,921 the form of a note payable and compensated absences. The note payable Current Liabilities $121,535 consists of a loan agreement with the State Non-Current Liabilities $102,734 Revolving Fund Loan Program, dated May Total Liabilities $224,269 23, 1997 and is due in annual installments Invested in Capital $308,687 of $9,248 on July 23 at a 2.8% interest rate. Assets, net of related debt Loan proceeds were used for District Unrestricted equity $579,965 improvements, which include the purchase Total Net Assets $888,652 of a demonstration vineyard and Source: NRCD Audited Financial Statements, 2005 equipment. NCRCD’s current reserve balance is $93,160. Financial Issues A key financial issue for NCRCD is that its revenue stream is primarily dependent on grants. The dependency on grants to fund its service operations requires extensive work by NCRCD to continually apply and maintain due to increasing competition. This also makes NCRCD financially reliant on a revenue stream that is subject to fluctuations. Other revenue streams include property tax based assessments that increase slowly and may be subject to budget cuts. 6 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW Napa County Resource Conservation District IV. ANNUAL PROJECTS AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES NCRCD provides a service-oriented function within the community that emphasizes public education and information. As such, NCRCD does not have the typical infrastructure associated with other special districts. NCRCD Conservation and Research Projects NCRCD provides individual services to landowners primarily in conjunction with NRCS as well as other organizations. Special demonstration projects, applied conservation research, and general community outreach are used to introduce emerging conservation technologies to landowners and community leaders. NCRCD prepares an Annual Plan to identify and promote the services and education programs identified as being in line with their Long Range Plan and with the public’s need. The 2005-06 Annual Plan is organized by goals as well as the focus areas that follow: Goal 1: Promotion of Land Stewardship and Sustainable Agriculture A. Identify and promote sustainable farming and other land management practices through newsletters, workshops and the website. B. Support the NSWG and its program workshops and outreach. C. Coordinate and facilitate watershed stewardship planning workshop(s) for Napa Valley residents. D. Coordinate and facilitate a cooperative education workshop(s) to provide appropriate conservation information to urban and rural resident landowners. E. Pursue efforts to draw in new volunteers through the stewardship groups, schools, and community at large. Goal 2: Restoration and Protection of Waterways and Water Quality A. Expand the local system of measurement of rainfall and tributary flows and develop accurate estimates of runoff based on hydrologic modeling. B. Carry out scientific studies of water and sediment dynamics in channels and floodplains. C. Track hydrologic changes within the Napa River watershed and assist Napa County in flood and land use planning. Goal 3: Reduction of Soil Erosion A. Provide technical assistance to Napa County through the Conservation Regulations Joint Powers Agreement. B. Coordinate and facilitate cooperative erosion control technical workshop(s) in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, UC Cooperative Extension, trade organizations and other interested agencies and groups. C. Coordinate the preservation and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat through in- stream, riparian, and upland restoration activities. MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW 7 Napa County Resource Conservation District Goal 4: Preservation and Restoration of Fish and Wildlife Habitat A. Coordinate volunteer monitoring program and monitor habitat and water quality. Public Outreach and Education Public outreach and education are achieved through an annual plan and long range plan that prioritize public outreach and educational needs. The following are the 2005-2006 public outreach and education programs: • County of Napa Joint Powers Agreement (Conservation Regulations Watershed Educational Workshops) • Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District: NPDES Storm Water Education Effort • Department of Fish and Game: Central Watershed, Organizational Support for Dry Creek, Rector Creek, Sulphur Creek and Carneros Creek Watersheds, RDRT, Heath Canyon • Department of Conservation: Watershed Coordinator Grant • EPA: Wetlands Monitoring • State Coastal Conservancy: Rutherford Dust Society – Napa River Restoration • City of Napa: Napa River and tributaries Hydrology • Napa Sustainable Winegrape Growing Group • RWQCB: Sediment and Stewardship Grant, SEP Grant • SWRCB: Green Certification Implementation • Huichica Creek Vineyard NCRCD adheres to a public education program consisting of newsletters, website, participation in demonstrations, tours and education programs, presentations to schools and community groups, develops educational fact sheets, and other educational activities. In addition, NCRCD pursues interest from local news media and invites media representatives to workshops and events. Public Accountability NCRCD maintains a website http://www.naparcd.org/ as a resource for a broad range of service information. Board meetings are conducted on the second Thursday of each month at the NCRCD office and are open to the public. NCRCD provides an annual summary of past and projected projects for each annual year in accordance to their long-term plan. 8 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW