What is the CRWC?

Introduction - History

            In January of 1999, Congressman Sam Farr, of 17^th District, called a meeting in Carmel Valley Village in response to federal agency concerns about enforcing terms of the endangered species act. Steelhead in the Carmel River have been reduced to a few hundred fish and demands for water from the Carmel River exceed that available. Congressman Farr’s goal was to bring together federal, state and local interests to develop a meaningful, enforceable policy based on a community response. Fifth District County Supervisor David Potter was charged by Congressman Farr to help form a watershed council on the Carmel River. Such watershed councils have been effective elsewhere in California and in other states to develop community-based conservation policy and cooperation with regulatory agencies. Supervisor Potter then facilitated a series of public meetings held once a month, at various locations throughout the watershed. These meetings allowed citizens to participate in identifying stakeholders and to prioritize specific issues. The most important issues identified by the public outreach process include; water quality and quantity, riparian habitat for native species, erosion, sediment transport, infiltration and runoff, communication, flooding/drainage, education, cultural resources, and quality of life. Various community organizations and private businesses hosted the larger watershed council meetings, often with 100 or more people in attendance. From those attending the meetings, individuals were selected to represent identified stakeholder groups. A steering committee was formed in December 1999 consisting of 12 people, each representing one of the diverse interest groups. These included; 1) the hospitality businesses,  2) grazers,  3) agricultural growers,  4) organizations with natural lands,  5) environmental groups,  6) recreationists,  7) residential groups,  8) educational and cultural resource organizations,  9) riparian floodplain residents,  10) businesses including builders, developers and contractors,  11) The Cachagua Area of Carmel Valley, which includes National Forest Lands, 2 reservoirs, residences, ranches and vineyards., and 12) water companies (purveyors).

        In 2002 the Homeowners for Effective Lagoon Management (HELM) joined the Council, making in all 13 stakeholder groups.

       The Council was dissolved on April 6th 2005 having fulfilled its primary objective the Carmel River Watershed Assessment and an Action Plan. This took place over a two and half year period. Funding for this project was provided in full or in part through a contract with the California State Water Resources Control Board (CSWRCB) (agreement number 02-041-235-2) pursuant to the Costa-Machado Water Act of 2000 (Proposition 13).

        For those interested in learning of the events that ultimately lead to the decision to dissolve see    Diverse Interests

        Much of the original aims & objectives of the Council continue through the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, a 501 C3 non-profit corporation formed in 2000 as the financial arm of the Council.

        Publication of the enforcement rules under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as it affects the listed Steelhead trout in the Carmel River occurred in 2000. Federal agencies have worked with watershed conservancies in other states to develop land uses by private landowners and public agencies to protect listed species, avoiding confrontational enforcement actions. David Potter noted that the public response and cooperative spirit evident from many diverse points of view coming together to form the watershed council had been the highlight of his years in public service.

        Mission Statement:

            The primary mission of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy (CRWC) is protection of the natural resources that form the Carmel River Watershed. 

         Statement of Intent:

            The Conservancy will promote environmental protection, education and balance the diverse needs of the community.        

The CRWC will pursue grants and donations sufficient to fund community education, science, and research related to its mission,  and has established a library in which these resources will be available for use in the community. The office will also serve as operational headquarters of the CRWC

For further information please e-mail us     crwc@redshift.com

Copyright (C) 2000- 2005 Carmel River  Watershed Conservancy   All rights reserved.

Last updated 21 Sep 2005 by Clive Sanders.