The Barbed Wire - February 19, 2016

Deadline For Introducing Bills Comes and Goes

Today marks the last day that members of the Legislature can introduce bills for the 2016 year.  However, lawmakers will utilize the amending process to advance their priorities throughout the 2016 Legislative Session.  In the past few days as Legislators race to the February 19th deadline, hundreds of bills have been introduced on a wide range of public policy issues.  

The Legislature will begin the process of reviewing bills in their respective policy committees beginning in March.  RCRC staff is currently reviewing each legislative proposal and will begin regular reporting on bills impacting California’s rural counties later this month.

Assembly Committees to Hear Testimony on Tree Mortality on Monday

On Monday, two Assembly committees are scheduled to hear various perspectives on California’s urgent tree mortality problem stemming from pest infestation as a result of the ongoing drought.  The joint hearing, to be held by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Resources and Transportation, will bring together representatives from federal, state, and local governments, as well as private land owners and resources conservation interests.  

The hearing is to gather information on State’s progress in dealing with the tree mortality problem, the challenges facing land managers as they try to mitigate the impacts of the bark beetle infestation, as well as an update on the activities of the Tree Mortality Task Force.  The joint hearing will take place on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in State Capitol Room 447.  Public comment is also welcome from those who attend the hearing. 

RCRC Officers Head East for NACo Legislative Conference

RCRC Officers and staff will be heading to Washington, D.C. for the annual National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference, scheduled February 20-24, 2016.  RCRC’s advocacy platform will specifically focus on Fee to Trust issues, the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, overall forest management reform issues and the Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Act, and Federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT).  The full conference schedule can be accessed here.

SGMA Legislative Hearing

The Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee will hold a joint oversight hearing on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 titled State Implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).  The hearing begins at 9:30 a.m. in Room 4203 at the State Capitol.  Audio of the hearing and related materials can be accessed here.

Adjudicated Basin Evaluation Report Released

The State Water Resources Control Board announced the release of a report titled An Evaluation of California’s Adjudicated Groundwater Basins.  Prepared under contract with the State Water Board, the report details the history, development, current management, and general condition of the state’s adjudicated groundwater basins, and evaluates accomplishments, challenges and how management practices could be improved.  

Overall the report found that sustainable groundwater management was not the primary objective of groundwater basin adjudications, which were principally focused on resolving conflicts among water users.  The full report can be accessed here.

BULLETIN BOARD

PPIC Flood Fact Sheet: Floods in California

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RCRC Hosts Lead Agency Review and Assistance Workshop

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Carpet Area Recovery Effort Public Workshops: Planning the Future of Carpet Recycling

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SALC Program Accepting Applications to Fund Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements

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State Water Board Seeks Public Comment on Prop 1 Groundwater Grant Program Funding Guidelines

The State Water Resources Control Board has scheduled five workshops in March for stakeholders to provide comment on the Proposition 1 Groundwater Grant Program Funding Guidelines.  Additional information on the guidelines can be accessed here.  Detailed information on the workshops can be accessed here.

Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program

The California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program application deadline is set for March , 2016.  The purpose of this effort is to fund recreational trail projects, including operations and maintenance, development, planning, restoration, law enforcement, etc.  Additional information can be accessed here.

Rural Business Development Grant

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development Grant application deadline is estimated to be April 21, 2016, contingent on appropriations.  The purpose of the program is to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues.  Additional information can be accessed here.

Community Development Block Grants

The California Department of Housing and Community Development Community Development Block Grant application deadline is estimated to be May 10, 2016.  The purpose of this effort is to fund housing activities, public works, community facilities, public service projects serving lower-income people, and planning and evaluation studies related to any activity eligible for these allocations, and set aside for Native American and Colonia.  Additional information can be accessed here.

Workshop on Distance Learning & Telemedicine

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is hosting a workshop for USDA’s Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant program on February 25, 2016.  The DLT program uses computer networks and telecommunications to improve telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas.  The application period is open until March 14, 2016.  Eligible applicants include the following:

• Federally-recognized Tribes
• Most state and local government entities
• Non-profits
• For-profit businesses
• Consortia of eligible entities

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.  Additional information can be accessed here.

CALED Annual State Conference

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) announced their 36th Annual Conference, entitled "Fresh: Ideas, Perspectives, Directions" where they will give CALED members and non-members the opportunity to gather together and discuss the latest trends in economic development.  Additional information can be accessed here.

KEEPING UP

Senator Dean Florez and Diane Takvorian Appointed to California Air Resources Board

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REGULATORY UPDATE

RCRC members are encouraged to submit comments on regulatory matters to state and federal regulatory bodies, and to provide a copy to RCRC’s Government Affairs staff.  Click “Read More” to access information related to the current status of regulations impacting California’s rural counties.  

Drought Mortality Amendments, 2015: Extends until December 2018 various exemptions to the forest practice rules allowing for the removal of dead, dying, and diseased trees due to the drought.  Agency: California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Status: Draft released for public review, comments due by 5 p.m. on March 28, 2016.  Hearing set for April 6, 2016.  Proposed regulatory language and related documents can be accessed here.  RCRC Comments: RCRC is seeking member county input.  RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org

Sierra Nevada Watershed Improvement Program Regional Strategy: Provides strategies and potential actions for the improvement of watershed health in the Sierra Nevada region.  Agency: Sierra Nevada Conservancy / USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region Status: Draft available for public comment, comments due March 18, 2016.  Draft strategy and related documents can be accessed here.  RCRC Comments: RCRC is seeking member county input.  RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org