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State Groundwater Management May Require Metered Wells, Additional Fees

/in , /by /Kenwood Pressby Christian Kallen

The lengthy, multifaceted work of the Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency reached a benchmark in December 2021 when its board approved a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) and sent it off to the state for review and potential approval. The plan, including references and appendices, came in at a hefty 1,285 pages, though attentive readers can get the gist in the 28-page executive summary. The final plan is online at sonomavalleygroundwater.org, or available in hard copy at the Sonoma Valley Regional Library, 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma.

Probably the most notable part of the plan is the section dealing with potential groundwater user fees and permits — necessary steps to assure the plan is viable and effective.

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Local Farmers Sensitive to Drought, Water Needs for Crops and People

/in , /by /Daily Newsby Tehama County Farm Bureau

Tehama County Farm Bureau acknowledges the hard work of its members and their ability to feed the world during these difficult times.

“This past year has been a challenge for our local farmers and ranchers as the pandemic created a more difficult trading relationship resulting in lower prices for commodities,” said President Shelley Macdonald. “Add the drought and the export of surface water and it’s been a tough year for them.”

Tehama County agriculture leads the local economy by contributing $300,826,400 in total crop value in 2019.

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