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The Cosumnes River Task Force
Why There Is a Cosumnes River Task Force
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| Why there is a Cosumnes River Task Force |
HistoryOn January 2, 1997, the Cosumnes River experienced one of the most extensive flood events ever recorded. The flow was estimated to exceed a 100-year storm event and triggered numerous levee breaks that flooded over 24,000 acres. Over 80 homes were inundated, public roads and infrastructure was damaged, and watershed health was impaired. The Governor's Flood Emergency Action Team (FEAT) recommended that the County of Sacramento and Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) form a Task Force to explore options for flood management. |
| What the Cosumnes River Task Force does |
PurposeThe primary purpose of the Cosumnes River Task Force is to develop a Coordinated Resource Management Plan (CRMP) that stakeholders can use as a guide to identify resource concerns, plan and implement improvements, and collaborate on common goals to improve watershed health. Through the CRMP, stakeholders are made aware that any potential solutions for improved flood management must also address concerns beyond the immediate impacts associated with flooding. The Task Force will also be examining resource issues such as land use; infrastructure; water quality and supply; riparian and terrestrial wildlife habitat needs; channel maintenance; channel management including levee, floodway, easement, non-structural options; and other issues identified during the planning process. A major objective of the Task Force planning process is to provide a forum for discussion, education and understanding with regard to the complex issues surrounding watershed management. During the planning process, the Task Force hopes to develop consensus, form partnerships and provide opportunities to collaborate on alternative solutions for watershed improvement. The Task Force's efforts will not preclude any existing program or agency/private group's efforts to manage resources within the watershed. |
| How the Task Force does what it does |
OrganizationThe Cosumnes River Task Force (CRTF) is chaired by a Sacramento County Supervisor and includes members from several local agencies involved in the watershed's management. However, during the formation of the CRTF, the local Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) suggested that as most of the watershed is privately owned and will require significant commitment by landowners to implement various alternatives, key stakeholders should also assist in guiding the planning process. As a result, the CRTF also includes representatives from various landowner groups. FundingThe Sloughhouse Resource Conservation District applies for grants to assist the Task Force in accomplishing its goals. The Department of Conservation provided funding during 1998-1999 to develop a database of watershed landowners and stakeholders within the Cosumnes River Watershed. This same funding also covered costs for preparing Task Force agendas and minutes and to acquire the equipment needed to develop and prepare a semiannual newsletter. The State Water Resources Control Board has provided funding during the 1998-2001 period to update the Cosumnes River Watershed landowner database, create and distribute four newsletters, organize and conduct three public workshops and to develop a Cosumnes River Task Force Plan. The Sloughhouse Resource Conservation District will continue to seek funding on behalf of the Cosumnes River Task Force so it may sustain its efforts towards creating a healthier watershed health and improved flood management. |
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
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