Leveraging Funding from Other Sources: a Programmatic Approach Christopher Ott, P.E. Environmental Director Dry Creek Rancheria

Establish Your Big Picture What is the problem you want to address? What do you want to do about it? Who can help you? Asset mapping (this is most important piece) Use what you are already doing in a coordinated manner towards your Big Picture Document Success!

Program Funding Vs. Project Funding Program Approach Project Approach Definition of a program A critically important first step toward the programmatic approach is to clearly define what constitutes a program. A “programmatic approach” can be interpreted differently across different contexts. A program could be defined as a set of interlinked individual sub-projects or phases, unified by an overarching vision, common objectives and contribution to strategic goals, which will deliver sustained results.  The strategic goals of a program may be oriented around a particular theme or geography, though these approaches are not mutually exclusive. For instance, a program may be developed to address specific forestry and land use needs. Individual sub- projects would build around that vision, which have clear ties to the overall program. Defining principles are as follows: (a) Common and specific objective. (b) Coherence among sub-projects or phases. (c) Value of a program versus a project (or series of projects). Definition of a Project A programmatic approach may not be appropriate for all. A Project is an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned and designed to achieve a particular aim. Some projects may instead be better designed as standalone projects and presented as individual funding proposals. “One-Off”

Leveraging Example: Rancheria Creek Restoration Initiative Originally, the Rancheria Creek was envisioned as the life sustaining component for the Rancheria that would provide salmon for the Tribe. Rancheria Creek, was a perennial tributary to the Russian River, but is now intermittent from ground water use drawing down the water table lowering the spring output in the headwaters upstream of the Rancheria and sediment that has filled the channel vineyard reach. Springs in the upper watershed of Rancheria Creek provide cool water for steelhead, but land use changes have left the vineyard reach without any riparian vegetation cover and surface water temperatures have warmed. Although, Rancheria Creek supports steelhead, the resident population in Rancheria Creek is close to being lost without immediate action.

The Problem:

Temp. at 3 locations: Data is important!

Cooperation between the Tribe and Agencies Over the past six years over $650,000 in grants for restoration implementation and planning on the Dry Creek Rancheria. DCR has participated in the following programs: EPA General Assistance Program (GAP) EPA 319 and 106 funds USFWS Tribal Wildlife Grant Program BIA Landscape Conservation Cooperative Grant Program CDFW Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP) EPA Wildland Preservation Grant

Resulting Small Scale Restoration Project Large landslide blocked Rancheria Creek and filled in a portion of the canyon US Army Corps of Engineers emergency action installed a culvert through the landslide $650,000 grant funding from USEPA 319(h), USFWS and Others Restoration project stabilized the landslide to stop the chronic sediment source to Rancheria Creek and the Russian River Daylighted reach of the creek Replaced culvert that was a fish passage barrier with a natural bottom culvert

Large Scale Creek Restoration Initiative The Russian River is home to three species of salmonids: Coho salmon, Chinook salmon and Steelhead trout. All three species have experienced serious population declines and are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Additionally, Coho are listed as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act. Land use changes have contributed to bank erosion and poor water quality including high turbidity and low dissolved oxygen. The Russian River has been designated as a site of special interest for NOAA Fisheries while the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board has included the Russian River watershed on the 303(d) list for temperature and sediment.

Creek Restoration Initiative A Set of interlinked individual sub-projects or phases: Implement bioengineering treatments to stabilize the west bank of the Russian River and reduce sediment Remove arundo and plant native vegetation Excavate sediment transport channel, excavate inset floodplain, and realign channel in existing corridor

Set of interlinked Individual sub-projects or phases (Continued) Plant native riparian buffer Construct stormwater detention pond Construct bio-filtration swale Replace SR 128 culvert with embedded bridge Implement bioengineering treatments to stabilize banks, excavate inset floodplains, install fish passable grade control structures Replace Rancheria Rd culvert with open-bottom concrete arch culvert

Set of interlinked Individual sub-projects or phases (Continued) Implement bioengineering treatments to stabilize banks, excavate inset floodplains, install fish passable grade control structures Channel Erosion Protection Expand existing stormwater detention pond Reuse treated waste water Install million gallon water storage tank

Creek Restoration Initiative Pro $15,000,000 in grant application pending to complete an additional 15 miles of Russian River restoration $3,650,000 Awarded for this Project

Questions and Answers Christopher Ott, P.E. Environmental Director Dry Creek Rancheria