The Yuba County Resource Conservation District (YCRCD) partners with local landowners to promote sustainable environment management. The origins of Resource Conservation Districts go back to the Dust Bowl times when severe drought and poor land management practices led to the erosion of the top soil over vast swaths of the midwest and forced the migration of thousands to other states.
This prompted Congress to create the Soil and Conservation Service (now NRCS) which supports farmers to create local conservation districts. NCRCD and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provide landowners with up-to-date scientific information and know-how to best manage their natural resources.
The Yuba County Resource Conservation District was formed in 1957. After becoming dormant for some time it was reinvigorated in 2019. The district’s mission is to identify and address the diverse natural resource needs of Yuba County by securing grant funding for natural resource conservation and land management. This includes supporting small private landowners with projects focused on agriculture, habitat restoration, grazing, and wildfire mitigation, both in the valley’s agricultural areas and the foothills.
Resource conservation districts are interlinked with their communities to provide a unique role in local natural resource conservation efforts. The district strives to develop robust working partnerships with community members, private landowners, non-profits, and all levels of government to provide a range of solutions to the challenges of resource conservation.
The resource conservation district is a “special district” authorized under the California natural resources code. The is made of a board of local landowners appointed by the Yuba County supervisors. The district is dedicated to educating the community on sustainable agriculture
Throughout California, resource conservation districts maintain a special relationship with each other. CARCD, the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, provides critical support to the local districts.
The Yuba County Resource Conservation District’s vision is a safe and healthy rural environment, a biologically diverse landscape, a healthy economy, and a vibrant community. The district continues its tradition of conservation, partnering with landowners and working to enhance and preserve Yuba County’s natural beauty and resources.
The team at the district combines people with diversified talents and expertise who can make purposeful relationships with the community. Each person brings their unique skills, understandings, and a motivated passion for conservation. The team members are:
President Alyssa (Lisa) Lindman. As President, for the past five years, Alyssa has been responsible for bringing strategic vision and bold leadership to the district. Alyssa’s extensive experience with land conservation and stewardship provides an invaluable contribution to the Resource Conservation District.
Board member Gary Fildes. Gary is our Treasurer. Gary brings extensive experience regarding best forest management principles, he was a Forest Duty Officer and is a founding and current member of the Yuba Watershed Protection and Fire Safe Council.
Board member Deborah Neilson. Deborah is our Secretary. Deborah’s background as a marine biologist, data collection, and technical writing skills provide critical support to the district. She recently retired from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife but continues as a volunteer to the CDFW.
Board member Charles Sharp. Charles is currently a Director on the Dobbins/Oregon House Fire Protection District Board. Charles has served on the Yuba-Sutter Lodging Association Board has long been active with public outreach and promotional efforts in the Yuba Foothills. Charles is working on developing a robust public outreach effort for the Resource Conservation District.
Executive Director DJ Baker. Known by just DJ, he has been a volunteer firefighter with the Loma Rica/ Browns Valley Fire Department. DJ has a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife and Fish Conservation Biology from U.C. Davis. This is a paid position. DJ makes the YCRCD work, among many other tasks, he researches grants and follows through with the necessary paperwork. DJ is critical for the district to realize its mission.
Thomas Branaman. Thomas is retired from the Operating Engineers, regularly attends meetings, and wants to help the community he is part of.
The district works diligently to bring conservation efforts to rural communities in Yuba County. For more detailed information about our current programs and how you can be put on our list of property owners to contact, please visit our website at www.yubarcd.org
