Lakeport >> The Lake County Farm Bureau, Lake County Winegrape Commission, and UC Cooperative Extension are collaborating to present an in-depth seminar, “Water Stewardship in Drought Conditions,” on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Soper Reese Theatre.
Designed for farmers, ranchers, winegrape growers and others involved in agriculture in Lake County, this seminar expands on a previous drought-related forum, “Lake County Farm Drought Response,” which was held in February 2014 in response to the statewide drought declaration.
Speakers at this year’s event will coverater-related topics important to agriculture ranging from surface water to groundwater, from legislation and policy to water management technology. The morning session will kick off with a keynote presentation titled, “Water Storage and Lake Mendocino — Raising Coyote Valley Dam,” by Janet Pauli, chair of Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission.
California Water Law and Conservation Attorney Tom Hicks will present on the “State of Water Policy and Law in California.” Attendees also will hear from Lake County Water Resources Director Scott De Leon, Jack Rice of the California Farm Bureau Federation, Bruce Houdesheldt of the Northern California Water Association, as well as groundwater hydrologist Thomas Harter with UC Cooperative Extension.
The mid-day session will wrap with an informative panel discussion on “Water Use in Agriculture — Crop Water Estimation and Technology.” Panelists include Don Schukraft of Western Weather Group, Tom Shapland of Tule Technology and Bryan Rahn of Coastal Viticultural Consultants.
Representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, PG&E and American Ag Credit also will be on hand to discuss available programs and services.
Registration and coffee will be available beginning at 8 a.m. with the seminar beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m. Light mid-morning snacks will be available.
Space is limited and advance registration is highly recommended. Register online at: http://water2015.eventbrite.com.
For questions, contact the Lake County Winegrape Commission office at 279-2633.
The Soper Reese Theatre is located at 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport.
