About Us
Welcome to the Madera/Chowchilla Resource Conservation District. We are dedicated to preserving the natural resources and agricultural heritage of Madera County.
Preserving Our Natural Resources
The mission and vision of the Madera/Chowchilla Resource Conservation District is to provide education and technical guidance in sustainable resource conservation and management to our communities, landowners, and managers; both current and future.
Through sustainable practices and community collaboration, we work to protect the lands that sustain our community. The district covers 552,135 acres and consists mostly of lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada and the San Joaquin Valley floor, where ranching and productive agricultural activities are prevalent.
District Boundaries
The MCRCD boundary area is in western Madera County, Central San Joaquin Valley. The district totally surrounds the Picayune Rancheria Tribal RCD.
North: East Merced RCD and Mariposa County RCD
East: Coarsegold RCD
South: Sierra RCD
West: Columbia RCD and Poso RCD
Services We Provide
The MCRCD provides a range of services to support conservation and sustainable land management in Madera County.
Public Education
Information and public education on resource conservation for landowners and the community.
Water Quality Management
Surface and groundwater quality, quantity, and cost management to ensure sustainable water resources for future generations.
Technical Guidance
Technical, scientific, legal, and professional advice on conservation practices.
Invasive Species Control
Eradication of Arundo donax and other invasive plant species threatening native habitats.
Additional services include urban sprawl prevention and agricultural land protection, air quality research related to agricultural emissions, topsoil depletion mitigation from wind and water erosion, irrigation evaluations, and agricultural plastic recycling across the district.
Addressing Urban Sprawl
The district identifies urban sprawl as a main concern due to loss of prime agricultural land and water competition. The Cities of Madera and Chowchilla have plans where more than 10,000 acres of land is planned for development in each city through 2030–2040.
Agricultural Land Loss
Prime farmland converted to urban development, reducing productive acreage.
Water Competition
Growing urban demand competes with agricultural water needs.
Habitat Impact
Expansion threatens conservation efforts and native ecosystems.
Balanced Growth
Sustainable planning needed to protect resources while allowing development.
How We Got Here
From local soil conservation districts to a unified force for resource stewardship across Madera County.
Chowchilla and Red Top Soil Conservation Districts formed to serve local agricultural communities.
East Madera and Bonita Soil Conservation Districts formed in the eastern portion of Madera County.
Consolidation created the Chowchilla Red Top Resource Conservation District.
Madera RCD created from the consolidation of East Madera and Bonita districts.
Current Madera/Chowchilla RCD formed from the merger of Chowchilla Red Top RCD and Madera RCD.
Learn More About MCRCD
Join Us in Protecting Madera's Resources
Help preserve Madera County's natural resources for future generations. Get involved with our conservation efforts today.