CRWC will be undertaking an exciting wildfire management and education project in the second half of 2024, which will remain active through mid-2026. Funded by a $787,000 grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy, this initiative is a collaboration with the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County (RCDMC) and the Fire Safe Council for Monterey County (FSCMC). With matching funds totaling approximately $1.588 million, the project's total reaches nearly $2.4 million. The ultimate goal of this project is to reduce wildfire severity and risks to life and property.

The project's scope includes increasing organizational capacity, conducting education, outreach, and planning and management of wildfires in Monterey County. RCDMC funding will support the implementation of four subprojects led by RCDMC in partnership with FSCMC, which includes further vegetation mapping in the Carmel River Watershed. CRWC and the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association (CCPBA) will address the need to scale up wildfire resilience efforts in the county.

CRWC will utilize a new wildfire outreach position, funded at $90,000 over two years, to assist with educational events and materials focused on wildfire resilience and preparation, as well as watershed health and restoration. Emphasis on wildfire risk mitigation outreach will be directed toward residents of Carmel Valley. The FSCMC will use the position to augment wildfire preparedness education and outreach efforts in Carmel Valley and surrounding communities.

Additionally, CRWC will create vegetation mapping at a HUC10 level for the Carmel River watershed, in partnership with the Cal State Monterey Bay Watershed Institute. These updated wildfire regime and fine-scale vegetation map products will support a variety of local natural resource management goals, including more efficient management of the Carmel River Watershed and better utilization of grant funding to achieve and maintain wildfire resilience.
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This project also aligns with and supports a broader effort across Monterey, San Benito, and San Luis Obispo counties, led by Coastal San Luis Obispo RCD, to create a similar fine-scale vegetation map for all three counties, as well as several spatial data products.
Stay tuned for upcoming events, programs, and materials resulting from this project!

California Wildlife Day at Palo Corona Regional Park was a resounding success, drawing around 1,200 enthusiastic participants eager to engage with and learn about our state's rich biodiversity. Keynote speakers, including Kerry Frangioso, a researcher from Big Sur, and Cooper Leinhart, a beaver specialist and restoration ecologist, provided deep insights into their fields, highlighting the urgency of protecting our 'Species on the Edge,' such as the steelhead trout and the snowy plover.​

Antonio Balestreri, a master falconer, captivated attendees with demonstrations showcasing the intelligence and beauty of his birds, enhancing awareness about the importance of avian predators in our ecosystems. Meanwhile, children enjoyed a variety of activities, from butterfly art to obstacle courses, fostering a love for nature among our youngest conservationists.

Exhibitors, including the Santa Lucia Conservancy, provided invaluable resources and insights into current environmental efforts and ways everyone can contribute. A poignant highlight was the performance by the Rumsen Ohlone Tribal Community Dancers, whose traditional songs and dances, reconstructed from historical research, offered a glimpse into the cultural heritage intrinsically tied to California's landscapes.

This day was not just a celebration but a call to action, emphasizing the collective effort needed to preserve our natural world for future generations. We look forward to next year’s event on April 6, 2025!

Have you seen the updated StoryMap of the Carmel River Watershed Health Report Card? CRWC continues to support this science based monitoring effort with CSU Monterey Bay. New indicators coming soon: threatened species, and wildfire and suppression focusing on sedimentation, erosion and other ecological impacts. ​

Join us on March 24th from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM for another community event dedicated to our state's incredible wildlife. This year, our focus will be "Species on the Edge," highlighting the unique and vulnerable species that call California home. Engage with insightful speakers and activities that bring you closer to understanding and protecting our diverse ecosystem. As always, this event is free and open to all. Mark your calendars and meet us at Palo Corona Regional Park in Carmel Valley for a day of learning, discovery, and appreciation for the wildlife around us! ​

The Los Padres Dam in Carmel Valley faces safety issues from flooding, sedimentation, and capacity leading to two primary alternatives being considered by MPWMD and CalAm: upgrade the dam or complete removal. Upgrading the dam includes heightening it and improving fish passage facilities to meet safety and ecological standards. However, this option comes with higher costs and sediment management challenges. The impact on the local steelhead population is crucial, as only 20% of juvenile steelhead currently navigate downstream successfully.

Alternatively, removing the dam presents a cost-effective solution, eliminating substantial operational expenses. However, it would result in the immediate loss of water storage, affecting dry season water release, though potential storage expansion could alleviate some concerns. Removing LP Dam water storage could harm steelhead during summer dryback on the River, and would also require finding new water rights for those associated with the reservoir. ​Dam removal is also expected to transform the area into a lush riparian valley, potentially enhancing the ecosystem yet presenting potential flooding concerns. This complex decision requires stakeholders to carefully weigh ecological, economic, and hydrological factors to determine the dam's future. Read more in the Los Padres Dam and Reservoir Alternatives and Sediment Management Study.