Rural Road Construction
http://www.co.larimer.co.us/engineering/devel/roadweb.htm

Streambanks and wetlands can serve as an effective filter for runoff from adjacent lands.  They can also threaten water quality if vegetation is lost and banks begin to erode.  There are numerous methods and theories on how to approach Streambank and Wetland Protection and Restoration projects.  AQWA and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) promote the use of vegetation and soil biotechnical engineering, when possible. 

Evaluating Your Stream
When contemplating a project, it is to the Landowner’s advantage to accurately evaluate the current condition of the subject area.  This will provide both insight into the cause of the problem and a basis from which improvement can be measured from.  Below are three links to help landowners access their current stream conditions.

Stream Visual Assessment Protocol
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/ECS/aquatic/svapfnl.pdf

The Practical Streambank Bioengineering Guide, Sample Monitoring Sheet
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/pubs/idpmcpustguid-appC.pdf

USGS, Surface Water Data for California
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis?program=sw&office=ca

Streambank Protection
Protecting a streambank against erosion is extremely critical.  When streambanks erode fertile farm land can be lost, roadways can be consumed, and structures, livestock and human life can be put in danger.  The two links below provide information on streambank protection methods.

Shoreline and Streambank Protection
ftp://ftp-nhq.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/pub/outgoing/jbernard/CED-Directives/efh/EFH-Ch16.pdf

The Practical Streambank Bioengineering Guide, Bioengineering Techniques
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/pubs/idpmcpustguid-appA.pdf

Stream Restoration
If a stream is in a degraded state, restoration is necessary.  Restoration can enhance and improve wildlife habitat, water quality, and aesthetics, while reducing erosion.  Additionally, restoration projects can protect or increase the property value.  Restoration can take the form of vegetative plantings, soil bioengineering systems, or structures.  Below are three links that provide information on stream restoration.

Stream Corridor Restoration, Principles, Processes, and Practices
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/stream_restoration/

Stream Corridor Restoration, Principles, Processes, and Practices--Case Studies
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/stream_restoration/casestudy.htm

California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/nafwb/pubs/manual3.pdf

Wetland Restoration
Wetlands are a significant resource.  In addition to providing critical wildlife habitat for numerous threatened and endangered species, wetlands can also act as floodplains.    

Wetland Restoration, Enhancement or Creation
ftp://ftp-nhq.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/pub/outgoing/jbernard/CED-Directives/efh/EFH-Ch13.pdf

Vegetation for Protection and Restoration Projects
Vegetation is a vital component in any stream or wetland project.  Vegetation provides habitat for wildlife and its root systems can act as soil anchors to reduce erosion.  Using vegetation that is native to the area helps ensure success of the project. 

The Practical Streambank Bioengineering Guide, Herbaceous and Woody Plant Datasheet and Illustrations

http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/pubs/idpmcpustguid-appB.pdf

For further information, please contact your local NRCS office.

Assessing Water Quality
This link covers aspects of evaluating sediment loss and water quality (chemical, physical and biological). It explains protocols and procedures, constituents of water pollution, and how to estimate stream flow.

websites:

http://www.epa.gov/volunteer

http://www.crcwater.org/wqmanual.html

http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/wqg/

http://montereybay.noaa.gov/monitoringnetwork/protocols.html

http://dep.state.ct.us/wtr/volunmon/rbvpt2.pdf

Rangeland Monitoring
This UC Davis website is specific to rangeland monitoring. It covers topics such as water quality monitoring, plant and residue management, mapping, and record keeping.

website:

http://agronomy.ucdavis.edu/calrng/monitor.htm

Riparian Stewardship
An estimated 65 percent of the West’s wildlife depends on riparian areas for their survival. This link provides the public and ranch managers with general information and easy-to-use assessment protocols to evaluate the condition of aquatic ecosystems in relation to land use management.

website:

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/ECS/aquatic/svapfnl.pdf

The Legality of Water Resources in California
This UC Davis website provides an array of expertise, support and educational material related to groundwater hydrology. Excellent articles pertaining to “Water Law in California” and “Water Pollution Control Legislation” can be found on the homepage.

website:

http://groundwater.ucdavis.edu/#ucce-publications

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) – explaine
This website fully explains the elements and requirements of the TMDL process as established by section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act.

website:

http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/decisions/dec1c.html

California Agriculture for the Classroom
This website is sponsored by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. This organization works with teachers, students, and community leaders to enhance education using agriculture examples. The “Resource Materials” link provides a “Teachers Guide” with “Lesson Plans and Classroom activities.”

website:

http://www.cfaitc.org