Ranch Water Quality Short Course Plan

Many ranchers are faced with water quality regulations, and may want to develop a water quality plan for their own ranch. Others that are in a watershed that is listed as impaired will need to develop a ranch water quality plan soon. One option is the California Rangeland Water Quality Management Plan.

The California Rangeland Water Quality Management Plan, adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board in July 1995, provides a voluntary and cooperative approach to complying with the requirements of the Clean Water Act and Coastal Zone Management Act.  The livestock industry was actively involved in this agreement and hopes to show its commitment to a quality environment while remaining a viable economic force in the state. 

This statewide voluntary program is supported by the California Cattlemen’s Association, California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, California Woolgrowers Association, California Farm Bureau Federation, the State Water Resources Control Board, and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards. 

This plan has been used in the Ranch Water Quality Short Course by UC and NRCS since 1995. However, there are not short courses currently planned.  If any group on the Central Coast, 15 or more, is interested contact Royce Larsen UC Cooperative Extension, relarsen@ucanr.edu for details about attending a Short Course. If you would like an electronic copy of the “Water Quality Plan” please contact me.