Project Clean Water News

Working Group to Update WRC Displays
For nearly ten years the South Coast Watershed Resource Center has served as an educational learning center for teaching the community about the need to protect and enhance our local watersheds and ocean environment.  In order to expand awareness and increase visitation to the center we feel it’s time to re-evaluate and update several of the displays.  We invite you to bring your expertise and join our working group to identify our priorities and develop new display ideas.  If you are interested in joining the working group please contact Lindsay Johnson, Watershed Resource Center Manager at 884-0459 ext. 16, education@artfromscrap.org or Fray Crease, Project Clean Water at 568-3546, fcrease@cosbpw.net

Watershed Resource Center Is Open!
The South Coast Watershed Resource Center at Arroyo Burro Beach is now open on Sundays from 10:00am-4:00pm. Read the full press release. Community members can visit the WRC to learn about Santa Barbara's unique watersheds. One of the most eco-friendly buildings in the Santa Barbara area, the Watershed Resource Center is open for self-guided tours. Contact the WRC Manager, Lindsay Johnson, at 884-0459 ext. 16, education@artfromscrap.org

Notes from Hydromod Panel Discussion
On January 15th, 2009 Project Clean Water hosted a panel discussion on hydromodification design of new development. The discussion was of great value to all who attended. By popular demand we are posting the notes from that meeting, which can also be found on our Stakeholders page.

Recycling Resource Guide
The 08-09 edition of the Recycling Resource Guide for Santa Barbara County is now available in hard copy and through the County recycling website  www.LessIsMore.org. To obtain a copy of the Guide, please contact the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division at (805) 882-3600 or send an e-mail message to sgallas@cosbpw.net 

Green Business Program
Green Business Santa Barbara County is a multi-jurisdictional effort to encourage businesses to implement actions to protect, preserve, and improve the environment above and beyond what is required by law. The program is voluntary and offers assistance and incentives, including an official Green Business certification upon completion of the recommended actions. The Green Business Program will initially certify qualifying hotels, restaurants, automotive, and office/retail businesses. Once the Green Business Program is established, additional businesses will be included in the certification process. Contact the Program Director for more information.

Green Gardener Certification Program
The Green Gardener Certification Program for Santa Barbara County educates local gardeners in resource efficient and pollutution prevention landscape maintenance practices. The Green Gardener Certification Program is a regional program designed to offer education, training, and promotion of participating gardeners and landscape maintenance contractors. Se habla espanol: 805-564-5460.

Construction Program Evaluation
Click here for a recent evaluation of the County’s Construction program, and how the program protects water quality from construction activities through permits, inspections, and enforcement.

South Coast Watershed Task Force
As directed by the Board of Supervisors in 2007, Project Clean Water will be taking the lead in compiling an inventory of current and past watershed planning efforts along the South Coast. The goal of this task force is to develop a regional approach to watershed planning in the South Coast by bringing together South Coast agencies to assess what is taking place within the watersheds. Read the Action Summary on Page 15 of the Board minutes.  To view the initial inventory as presented to the Task Force on June 2, 2008 click here.