We need every grower’s help!

  Use of water for frost protection is at risk, and we need information from every grower in Sonoma County. This includes growers who do not frost protect – perhaps the most important group – and  who only use wind machines. New regulations have been proposed that limit the use of water for frost protection unless you can prove you are not adversely affecting stream flows. This includes water from wells that are near streams!

The issue: In 2008 and again in 2009 there were takes of endangered Coho salmon in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. The assumption is take is occurring on many streams due to vineyard frost protection. We need information on vineyard acres, acres frost protected with water and the source(s) of water used. We need this for the entire county because the Water Board wants 100% grower participation, which the proposed regulation will require.

Please complete this Vineyard Survey- Excel or Vineyard Survey - Word doc

Please return completed form to the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. They will hold the data and provide aggregate data to the State and Federal Agencies.

Surveys should be mailed to SCFB, 970 Piner Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, e-mail to info@sonomacountyfarmbureau.com or fax to 707-544-7452.

A grower meeting will be held on January 14, 10:00 a.m. SRJC Shone Farm, 6225 Eastside Rd, Forestville. You will be provided information on the issues, the industry proposal for self-regulation (that is why we need 100% grower participation), funding sources for cost sharing programs to install reservoirs or other mitigation measures to reduce the instantaneous demand on stream water during frost events, and crop insurance as a risk management strategy to consider in 2010.  

For more information, all growers should review the proposed regulations found at this link -http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_info/agendas/2010/jan/011910_7.pdf .