Farmers and ranchers working through their county Farm Bureaus played a large role in developing the Agriculture and Rural Lands Plan and have formed the Central Coast Agricultural Water Quality Coalition (the Coalition) to coordinate the agricultural industry’s efforts to implement the plan.  The Coalition has organized groups of farmers throughout the Sanctuary watersheds and these groups are working to identify local water quality threats and learn about economically viable water quality protection practices. 

Each of the six counties has a Farm Bureau Watershed Coordinator (some Coordinators work in more than one county).  The Coordinators are involved in organizing groups of growers to begin discussion of how agricultural producers can protect water quality.  The Coordinators also organize Ranch and Farm Water Quality Planning short courses for groups of interested producers and assist with follow up to help participants complete their Water Quality Plan.  Coordinators also refer growers to appropriate AWQA technical assistance specialists who can work with growers to design and implement new management practices. 

To learn more about industry-led activities or to join a Watershed Working Group contact:

Coalition Program Coordinator

Agriculture Water Quality Program Coordinator MaryEllen Dick 16470 Twin Lakes Drive Watsonville, CA  95076 831.786.9225 maryellendick@sbcglobal.net