Technical Assistance

The Conservation Partnership collaborates with many partners including local, state, and federal agencies, organizations, and individuals to develop and implement a wide variety of conservation and agricultural strategies. The foundation of our collaboration is the development of sound Conservation Plans covering regions, areas, watersheds and individual parcels of land.

Serving as the link between landowners and public agencies and other organizations, we take leadership when necessary to get complex or controversial projects implemented by working in the middle. We seek opportunities to demonstrate progressive conservation techniques and facilitate the use of locally-appropriate and voluntary solutions to resource and agricultural challenges throughout Alameda County.

Biological Assessment
Biological assessments document species that exist within survey areas. They are often required when conducting conservation projects.

This includes:

Habitat Related Work

  • Habitat assessments and wildlife surveys for rare and listed species including CA Red-legged Frogs and CA Tiger Salamanders
  • Botanical surveys
  • Residual dry matter and productivity assessments on range lands

Restoration Project Planning and Implementation

  • Special status plant and animal species habitats
  • Streambank restoration projects
  • Planting plan development
  • Livestock pond restoration

Solar Panel
Through the Farm Bill and NRCS, farmers, ranchers, and land managers can apply for cost-share funding to promote projects with agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. Funding is also available through the RCD for conservation projects. View our Funding Opportunities webpage for a more detailed description of other forms of financial support.

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • Rangeland Management (cross-fencing, water developments, pipelines, tanks, troughs, prescribed grazing)
  • Cropland Management (water conservation, cover crop, pest management)
  • Wildlife Habitat improvement (pond enhancements, habitat management)
  • Carbon Farm Planning and Implementation
Download EQIP Application

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The RCD and NRCS can provide technical assistance on rangelands and grazing management. With our expertise in rangeland management we can provide assistance with a variety of rangeland ecology services.

Grazing Plans

  • Development of grazing plans by range conservationists with interdisciplinary expertise under guidance of a State-Certified Range Manager.

Infrastructure Improvements

  • Water resources and development – stock ponds & water troughs
  • Fencing and infrastructure improvements.

Rangeland Health and Corresponding Management

  • Assessment of plant composition and cover, including rare and invasive species
  • Assessment of erosion, riparian condition, and other soil and water quality parameters
  • Recommendations for stocking rate, timing, and other management practices
  • Residual dry matter (RDM) and productivity monitoring
  • Compliance with lease and regulatory requirements

Stream Hills Windmills
  • Storm water management
  • Upland habitat restoration
  • Stream and pond enhancement/improvements
  • Watershed health assessments
  • Mitigation assistance for watershed projects

Engineering
The NRCS offers engineering services including assistance with restoration and construction projects among others.

Restoration Project Planning

  • Stream restoration, stream bank protection and stream crossing improvements
  • Livestock pond design, repair and restoration for livestock and habitat improvement

Construction Project Planning and Oversight

  • Quantity and cost estimates
  • Grading models
  • Preparation of construction documents
  • Phase I Environmental Review
  • Construction inspections

Other Engineering Services

  • Topographic and geomorphological surveys and measurements
  • Engineering hydrologic and hydraulic calculations for sizing of water facilities and control structures

  • Conservation planning projects
    • Livestock operations, row crops, vineyards, hedgerows, watersheds
  • Conservation Plans
    • Best management practices to address erosion control, water quality, air quality, animal health, and species diversity
  • GIS mapping and analysis
  • GPS data collection and analysis
  • Oversight of Public Works related contracts
    • Preparation of construction documents and development of RFPs, oversight of public bid process, contract oversight and management