Welcome to Coastal San Luis RCD
The Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District (CSLRCD) offers a variety of programs to assist farmers, ranchers, landowners and other watershed users in improving and protecting soil and water resources.
The CSLRCD has a strong relationship with the Natural Resource Conservation Service helping the local community through technical assistance, funding opportunities and permit coordination. This partnership has facilitated implementation of hundreds of conservation projects in Coastal San Luis Obispo County.
Watersheds Map of the District
Current Projects
Since 2011 the Agricultural Water Quality Enhancement Program supported installation of 30,700 feet of creek fencing on four ranches, erosion reduction improvements at 5 sites on ranch roads, and implementation of irrigation and nutrient management practices in Los Osos and Chorro Valleys. These outcomes represent over 600 acres of irrigated agricultural land. In addition, four years of surface water quality sampling were completed. The Morro Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) is a key project partner supporting stream data collection. They also provided additional support by installing creek fencing within the watershed. “The NEP and RCD have a long history of partnering to promote sustainable agriculture practices in our watershed. We are excited the RCD has the ability to provide technical assistance to growers to examine water and fertilizer efficiencies. Working together our community can sustain water quality that supports wildlife, recreation, and well-balanced economic uses”, says Adrienne Harris, MBNEP Executive Director.
Given the small size of the Morro Bay watershed and the ability to focus on problem areas, it is anticipated that completed projects will result in measurable reductions in pollutant loading along affected stream reaches. The Program will continue through 2015 and is supported by a grant from the State Water Resource Control Board.
The CLSRCD is always building new partnerships and strengthening old ones to develop soil and water quality projects. We are currently offering free technical assistance to growers and ranchers in the Los Osos and Chorro Valleys to improve water efficiency, budget nitrate applications, reduce sedimentation and address other agricultural concerns. “Growers are starting to evaluate their operations and their ability to meet the Agricultural Order passed by the Regional Water Quality Control Board this year. The RCD’s Agricultural Water Quality Program will provide technical recommendations, designs and cost share funds to implement priority projects. We encourage people to give us a call to determine exactly how the Program can support their projects”, said District Engineer, G.W. Bates.
To learn more about project accomplishments and activities, go to our Watershed Activities pages