Invasive Species –new publication

Presentation for City Planners and Elected Officials

The University of California Sea Grant/Cooperative Extension programs and the California Coastal Commission are pleased to offer a basic educational presentation about land use, water quality and low-impact development (LID).

As representatives of the California Water and Land Use Partnership (CalWaLUP), we are members of the National NEMO (Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials) Network and share the organization's goal to educate local decision makers about the link between land use and water resources.  You may be aware of NEMO programs that exist in many other coastal states (http://nemonet.uconn.edu/). Every NEMO program has a different target audience.  Our program focuses on land use planners and local elected officials.

The basic presentation is an hour long with an additional half hour for discussion.  If you are interested in attending a presentation or hosting one at your facility, please contact Monique Myers, D.Env., at UC Cooperative Extension, nicmyers@ucdavis.edu, or Tracy Duffey at the Coastal Commission, tduffey@coastal.ca.gov. 

Fact Sheets:  Water conservation in your own backyard

Water is a valuable resource in Southern California.  It is important that we capture rainwater and allow it to soak into the ground where it can water plants and replenish groundwater supplies.  Rain that falls on hard surfaces, such as buildings and asphalt, picks up pollutants as it flows.  This "stormwater" is then directed to storm drains and ultimately ends up polluting our streams and oceans.

Individuals can help conserve water and prevent polluted stormwater runoff through wise gardening and land-use practices.  These new information sheets (click on NEW! Green Building Info Sheets) provide useful tips for Southern California residents.