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| Alpine Watershed Group protects, conserves, and restores the watersheds of Alpine County by promoting sustainable community and science-based collaborative solutions.
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| Upcoming Firewise Community Meetings & Presentations
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| State Water Board Requests Public Comments
The California State Water Board is currently taking comments for the draft Integrated Water Quality Report to be released in 2026. The Integrated Water Quality Reports typically come out in a two year cycle, and the 2026 report has recommended changes to water bodies in Region 6, which includes Alpine County. The draft report can be found on the website here, and the program's main page includes a helpful interactive map that lets you sort through the data to determine what changes are being suggested for specific waterbodies and why. Public comments are due April 2.
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Climate Corner Takeover
AmeriCorps Appreciation
During the month of March, there is an extra reason to celebrate the accomplishments and efforts of our Climate Action Fellows Kaitlyn Garber and Bella Kurtz: AmeriCorps Week is March 9 to 15. This provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of AmeriCorps programs around the country, which include trail building and maintenance on our public lands, education programs, disaster services, and more. Bella and Kaitlyn are part of the California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) program which focuses on urban greening, wildfire resiliency, and organic waste diversion and edible food recovery. We are so grateful to CCAC for the opportunity to assist in wildfire resiliency in Alpine County and for the opportunity to host Bella and Kaitlyn for two terms.
Bella and Kaitlyn have had the opportunity to assist with Forest Health Community Working Group meetings and events; lead watershed-focused education programs; learn monitoring protocols for streamflow, fuels management projects, vegetation, and beaver presence; lead presentations for several audiences; and network with partners throughout Alpine County. Kaitlyn has helped lead the past two planting events that were hosted by the Forest Health Community Working Group, as well as increased the knowledge base of AWG on regenerative agriculture practices. Bella led an invasive weed removal workday at Grover Hot Springs State Park and coordinated Creek Day 2024. Bella has also been instrumental in writing the Musser and Jarvis Assessment Report (stay tuned for more details).
Kaitlyn and Bella's list of accomplishments grows long, and all of us at AWG cannot express enough how beneficial this program and AmeriCorps have been to AWG and our community. We hope you take some time during AmeriCorps Week to learn more about AmeriCorps programs and their impacts. Bella and Kaitlyn will be serving with us through the middle of August, so look out for more outreach events, volunteer opportunities, and reporting on monitoring projects.
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| Check the Coast this Tax SeasonAs tax season is in full swing, we wanted to share something to consider when filing. The Check the Coast funding covers programs that directly impact residents of Alpine County. The Whale Tail grant that AWG secured and is using for our classroom and field trip programs depends on contributions to this funding source. Additionally, Creek Day is part of the larger Great Sierra River Cleanup and California Coastal Cleanup, which also receive support from the Check the Coast funding.
To take action for coastal access, stewardship, and education while filing state taxes, donate to the “Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund” on the CA tax form. The waves will thank you!
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| A New Way for Anglers to Give Feedback
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is rolling out their new platform for collecting and providing data for anglers. California Inland Recreational Angler Survey, or CIRAS, is currently available for use in Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lake, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sierra, Sutter, and Yuba counties, plus parts of Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Yolo counties. After the pilot testing, the hope is to expand this platform to be available throughout California. To learn more about what information the platform can provide and how to use the platform, see CDFW’s informational video.
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Speaking of angler feedback, the 2022 Kinney Reservoir Angler Survey Box Analysis published by CDFW is now available. Explore the report to learn about changes in overall angling experience at the reservoir from data collected between 2020 to 2022. If you are fishing in an area where there is an angler survey box, please consider completing a survey after fishing. When more individuals respond to these angling surveys, CDFW can obtain more data and information about angler success at specific fisheries which helps inform future management decisions.
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| Alpine County Bear Box Grant Program
In partnership with CDFW, Alpine County is offering up to $2,200 to residents on the East Slope (Mesa Vista, Woodfords, Markleeville, Markleevillage, Hope Valley, Hung-A-Lel-Ti, Chambers Lane, Carson River Corridor) to install a bear proof garbage receptacle or “bear box.” Funding is available for approximately 300 bear boxes. The application and further details can be found on the project website. For more information, please contact the Alpine County Community Development Department via email or call (530) 694-2140. See flyer.
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| All Things Watersheds
Winter Wildlands Alliance is aiming to collect data on how impacts to federal workforce and budgets are impacting outdoor recreation management and conservation projects. If you have feedback on impacts to organizations, please fill out this Google Form Survey.
National Groundwater Awareness Week is celebrated from March 9 to March 15. This annual observance was established in 1999 to highlight responsible development, management, and use of groundwater. Additionally, this event advocates for yearly well water testing and well maintenance. Private well owners can view more information here.
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| Upcoming AWG Events
Wednesday, April 23, 5:00 p.m. at Markleeville Library – AWG Board Meeting
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| We are grateful for the financial support of all who love Alpine County. We are able to lead volunteer workdays and field trips, support community science data collection, and host California Climate Action Corps Fellows because of your generosity.
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AWG has earned a 2024 Gold Seal of Transparency with Candid! Check out our Nonprofit Profile here.
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Ways to Connect or HelpWe always love to hear from our watershed community! Below are email links to reach AWG's staff, or reach us at AWG's office at (530) 694-2327. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Contact Us!
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| A quick note for Gmail users:
To get our monthly bulletin email sent to your "Inbox" instead of "Promotions,"
click and drag the email over to your "Primary" tab.
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