Landowner Resources
Tools and guides for sustainable land management in Madera County.
Tools and Guides for Landowners
Explore our comprehensive resources designed to assist landowners in managing and improving their properties. Access valuable tools, guides, and support to enhance land stewardship and conservation practices.
The MCRCD serves the unique conditions of the San Joaquin Valley across 552,135 acres in Madera County. Our resources are available to all landowners in the district — from small family farms to large ranch operations. Take advantage of our free irrigation evaluations and explore drought resources for water conservation guidance.
Available Resources
- Soil health assessment guides
- Water conservation fact sheets
- Irrigation efficiency manuals
- Cover cropping guidelines
- Pollinator habitat resources
- Erosion control best practices
What We Offer
Our resources cover the core areas of conservation that matter most to Madera County landowners.
Soil Health
Guides on soil testing, composting, cover cropping, and practices that build healthy, productive soils for long-term agricultural viability.
Water Conservation
Resources for reducing water use through efficient irrigation, soil moisture management, and water-saving strategies for farms and ranches.
Irrigation Best Practices
Technical information on drip irrigation, micro-sprinklers, scheduling, and system maintenance to maximize water use efficiency.
Sustainable Land Management
Comprehensive guides on integrated pest management, nutrient planning, erosion control, and sustainable farming methods.
Government Agencies and Regional Organizations
Connect with key agencies and organizations serving Madera County landowners on conservation, water, and agricultural matters.
Federal Agencies
(9)Bass Lake Ranger District
High Sierra Ranger District
NRCS — Bakersfield
NRCS — Fresno
NRCS — Hanford
NRCS — Madera
NRCS — Mariposa
NRCS — Merced
NRCS — Tulare/Visalia
State Agencies
(5)CA Department of Fish and Wildlife
CalFire
California Regional Water Quality Control Board
Department of Conservation
Department of Water Resources
County & City Government
(5)Madera County — Dept. of Water & Natural Resources
Madera County Transportation Commission
City of Chowchilla
City of Madera
Madera Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Water Districts
(6)Chowchilla Water District
Gravelly Ford Water District
Madera Irrigation District
Madera Valley Water District
Madera Water District
San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority
Resource Conservation Districts
(7)California Association of RCDs
Coarsegold RCD
Columbia Canal Company (RCD)
East Merced RCD
Mariposa County RCD
Sierra RCD
Tulare County RCD
Educational Institutions
(4)California State University — Fresno
California Water Institute
UC Cooperative Extension
UC Merced
Tribal Governments
(5)Buena Vista Tribe
Cold Springs Rancheria
North Fork Mono Rancheria
Picayune Rancheria/Chukchansi
Tule River Reservation
Fire Safe Councils
(4)Fire Safe Council — Eastern Madera County
Fire Safe Council — Highway 168
Fire Safe Council — Mariposa
Fire Safe Council — Oak to Timberline
Conservation & Environmental Organizations
(10)California Rangeland Conservation Coalition
Center for Collaborative Policy
Point Blue
Revive the San Joaquin
Sierra Nevada Alliance
Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Sierra Water Work Group
Upper San Joaquin River Watershed Council
Yosemite Area Audubon Society
Yosemite/Sequoia RC&D Council
Community Organizations
(7)Fairmead Community & Friends
Indian Lakes Home Owners Association
North Fork Community Development Council
SEMCU — South East Madera Citizens United
Self Help Enterprises
Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
Sierra/San Joaquin Noxious Weed Alliance
Regional Water Management (IRWM)
(6)Kings Basin IRWM
Madera Region IRWM
Merced Region IRWM
Southern Sierra Region IRWM
Yosemite/Mariposa Region IRWM
Inyo-Mono IRWM
Integrated Regional Water Management Program (IRWMP)
Connect with IRWM programs across the Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Valley regions.
Cosumnes, American, Bear, Yuba (CABY) IRWM
Izzy Martin, The Sierra Fund
Tahoe-Sierra IRWM
Lynn Nolan, South Tahoe Public Utility District
Yosemite-Mariposa IRWM
Melinda Barrett, Mariposa RCD
Lahontan Basins IRWM
Ian Sims, City of Susanville
Mokelumne/Amador/Calaveras (MAC) IRWM
Bob Dean, Calaveras County Water District
Madera IRWM
Carl Janzen, Madera Irrigation District
Yuba County IRWM
Elizabeth Betancourt, Forsgren Associates
The California State Water Plan
These state plans and reports are used by the RCD as a framework in which to address significant water resource challenges in our region.
Available Brochures and Guides
Access our collection of brochures and educational materials covering soil health, groundwater sustainability, and local conservation topics.
Healthy Soils Brochure
Learn about the California Healthy Soils Program and how it supports on-farm practices that build organic matter and sequester carbon in agricultural soils.
Download PDFSustainable Groundwater Brochure
Understand how SGMA affects Madera County landowners, what groundwater sustainability plans mean for your operation, and how to navigate compliance.
Download PDFDangers of Arundo in Madera California
Identify and manage Arundo donax, an invasive giant reed threatening waterways and riparian areas throughout Madera County and the San Joaquin Valley.
Download PDFMore About the Arundo Stream Invader
Additional resources and information about the Arundo donax invasive species and its impact on stream ecosystems in the San Joaquin Valley.
Download PDFAbout Septic Tanks
Best practices for maintaining your septic system to protect groundwater quality and ensure long-term system performance on rural properties.
Download PDFWelcome to the Foothills — Eastern Madera County
A guide for landowners in the eastern foothills of Madera County, covering local resources, conservation practices, and community information.
Download PDFAbout Chowchilla Red Top RCD (2017)
Learn about the Chowchilla Red Top Resource Conservation District, its mission, programs, and services for local landowners.
Download PDFAbout Chowchilla Red Top RCD (2018)
Updated information about the Chowchilla Red Top RCD including program highlights and conservation accomplishments.
Download PDFPrograms and Assistance
The MCRCD offers hands-on support and program access to help landowners implement conservation on their property.
Conservation Planning
Work with MCRCD staff to develop a personalized conservation plan for your property that addresses soil, water, and habitat goals.
Cost-Share Programs
Learn about USDA NRCS programs and other cost-share opportunities that can help fund conservation improvements on your land.
Educational Materials
Access fact sheets, guides, and publications on a wide range of conservation topics relevant to Madera County landowners.
Technical Assistance
Get one-on-one technical support from MCRCD staff for implementing conservation practices on your property.
Additional Support
The MCRCD partners with federal, state, and county agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions to provide comprehensive support for landowners in Madera County.
Whether you need help with conservation planning, water management, or sustainable agriculture, we can connect you with the right resources and expertise.
Government Agencies
Federal, state, and county partners for funding and compliance
Non-Profit Partners
Organizations dedicated to conservation and agriculture
Educational Institutions
UC Cooperative Extension and research universities
Regional Organizations
Local groups focused on Madera County resources
Need Assistance With Your Land?
Our team is here to help you find the right resources and connect with the appropriate agencies. Whether you own 5 acres or 5,000, the MCRCD has the expertise to help you manage your land sustainably.
Conservation Plans
Personalized property planning
Cost-Share Programs
USDA funding for improvements
Educational Materials
Guides, brochures & fact sheets
Technical Support
One-on-one expert assistance
Access Conservation Resources
Connect with the MCRCD for expert guidance and resources to help manage your land sustainably.