Strategic Plan
Charting a course for sustainable conservation across 552,135 acres of Madera County through landowner support and addressing priority resource concerns.
A Roadmap for Conservation Excellence
The MCRCD Strategic Plan 2022-2027 provides a comprehensive roadmap for the district's conservation efforts across 552,135 acres in Madera County. By focusing on landowner support and addressing critical resource concerns, we aim to build a more resilient and sustainable future. The plan was developed through collaboration with community stakeholders, conservation partners, and board members to reflect the priorities and needs of the district.
Key Focus Areas
- Soil health improvement
- Groundwater quality and quantity
- Wildlife habitat restoration
- Agricultural air quality
- Community education and outreach
- SGMA compliance support
Vision & Mission
Our Mission
“Working to become a resource for conservation practices and agriculture on private and public lands in our county.”
Our Vision
“The 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.”
We envision a future where our natural resources are protected and sustainably managed with resilient ecosystems and lasting community partnerships.
Support Our Local Landowners
Support our local landowners to identify and address their conservation priorities, including creating conservation programs for landowners navigating SGMA and collaborating with neighboring RCDs, NGOs, NRCS, and government agencies.
Objective 1: Create Conservation Programs for SGMA Navigation
Create Connections with Local Landowners
- Collect customer needs from conservation plans
- Review and analyze options to identify top ten priorities
- Provide support and research on SGMA, soil health, and conservation benefits
Strengthen and Diversify the RCD Client Base
- Network with local agencies for outreach events
- Develop 3-4 outreach events annually
- Prioritize outreach to disadvantaged communities and underserved landowners
Actively Work with Partnering Agencies for Funding
- Meet with local partners monthly
- Search for conservation grants through portals and websites
- Create programs based on specific community needs
Objective 2: Collaborate with RCDs, NGOs, NRCS & Government Agencies
Network with Local Conservation Agencies
- Monthly meetings to discuss priority resource concerns
- Collaborate on projects and outreach events
- Build relationships with new agencies
Share BMPs and Innovative Solutions
- Work with partners on science-based farming knowledge
- Identify and apply best practices from funded projects
- Collaborate with agencies serving disadvantaged communities
Continue Aligning Efforts with Partners
- Coordinate conservation goals collaboratively
- Identify common resource goals
- Create working groups for ongoing conservation discussions
Address Priority Resource Concerns
Support agriculture in Madera through addressing priority resource concerns including soil health, groundwater sustainability, wildlife habitat, and air quality.
Objective 1: Improve Soil Health
Increase Cover Crop Acreage
- Incorporate cover cropping in conservation planning
- Share scientific resources on cover crop benefits
- Work with UC Advisors and RCDs on water infiltration research
Share Soil Health Science Through Education
- Host minimum of 3-4 workshop events yearly
- Maintain updated website resources on soil health benefits
- Create monthly newsletter featuring farmer experiences
Integrate Soil Health in Conservation Planning
- Discuss resource concerns and integrate soil practices
- Utilize RCPP (Regional Conservation Partnership Program)
- Use soil health field assessment tools
Objective 2: Protect Groundwater Quality and Quantity
Reduce Groundwater Depletion
- Promote on-farm recharge and recharge basin projects
- Work closely with Madera County on SGMA outreach
- Utilize DOC land repurposing plan for recharge options
Enhance Surface and Groundwater Quality
- Meet with organizations including FloodMAR network
- Utilize CDFA Mobile Irrigation Lab for irrigation evaluations
- Conduct distribution uniformity testing to conserve water
Prevent Nitrate Overuse
- Meet with landowners on risks of over-application
- Host workshops on CV salts and resources
- Promote Chowchilla Nitrate Control Program
Objective 3: Improve and Promote Wildlife Habitat
Increase Conservation Planning for Wildlife
- Promote habitat projects through conservation planning
- Work with CARCD and other RCDs on habitat knowledge
- Implement projects for at-risk and prioritized species
Incorporate Habitat in Education Programs
- Increase awareness through school pollinator gardens
- Host educational workshops for school gardening programs
- Plan collaborative restoration projects with communities
Collaborate on Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
- Coordinate with partners on restoration projects
- Provide employee training on wildlife conservation practices
- Participate in SJV Monarch Working Group and habitat enhancement groups
Objective 4: Improve Air Quality Related to Agriculture
Support Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Promote projects addressing GHG reduction
- Reduce emission sources
- Coordinate with local agencies on GHG reduction resources
Examine and Take Action on Air Quality Issues
- Promote wise farming practices using crop rotation
- Encourage practices proven to reduce wind erosion
Work with SJV Air Pollution Control District
- Keep landowners updated on current regulations
- Share incentives and grant opportunities
- Assist with transition to air pollution-reducing practices
Available Projects
These active projects put our strategic plan into action, delivering measurable conservation outcomes across Madera County.
Help Us Achieve Our Goals
Your support is essential in implementing our strategic plan. Whether through volunteering, donations, or attending workshops, every contribution helps us serve Madera County better and advance conservation for generations to come.
Soil Health
Cover crops & field assessment tools
Water Security
On-farm recharge & SGMA support
Habitat Restoration
Wildlife corridors & pollinator gardens
Clean Air
GHG reduction & erosion control
Help Shape Our Conservation Future
Get involved with the MCRCD and contribute to the district's 2022-2027 strategic goals for sustainable conservation.