Napa River Watershed Manual

	Napa County Resource Conservation District
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Napa River Watershed Owner's Manual

Section III: Recommendations by Land Use:

Agriculture
Open Space and Watershed
Residential (urban and rural)
Commercial, Industrial, and Public Institutions
Recreation

J. Land Use:
Agriculture

Background

Napa County is the last primarily agricultural county in the Bay Area. The citizens of Napa have worked diligently to promote and protect the agricultural base of the Napa County economy. Political and social decisions to enhance the agricultural segment of Napa Valley, however, must be accompanied by a commitment to preserve and enhance the natural resources that support a healthy agricultural economy. The recommendations in this section are to help protect and enhance the environmental underpinnings of agriculture in order to ensure a continued ability to farm the lands in the watershed profitably.
The recommendations in this section are divided by general type of agriculture, to make use of the Manual easier. There are many general agricultural recommendations, however, which are presented below.
General Agricultural Recommendations

J1. Provide greater opportunities for technology development and exchange. Encouraging more communication among agricultural interests and between agricultural interests and urban interests will allow greater exchange of creative ideas and successful solutions for watershed protection.

J1.1. Community groups, government agencies and industry associations should form partnerships to provide field days, classes, educational brochures, and other assistance to increase public awareness of the connections and interactions of agricultural and urban interests in the watershed.
J1.2. Encourage greater communication between the agricultural and urban community through forums, exchange speakers, school programs, and field tours.
J1.3. Expand awareness of assistance programs available from UC Cooperative Extension Service; USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service; Napa County Resource Conservation District; Napa County Agricultural Commissioner's Office; and the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.
J1.4. Increase industry and community support for the agricultural education elements of the Napa school systems, including Napa Valley Community College.

J2. Encourage development and use of pesticide and fertilizer management plans. Applied chemicals are necessary and valuable tools for maintaining agricultural productivity. Planning for appropriate use of these tools includes monitoring to assess the need and proper application rate for fertilizer and pesticides, and follow up analysis to assess the effectiveness of their use on a site by site basis.

J2.1. Use only pesticides approved for the desired use, following label instructions
J2.2. Increase the use of Integrated Pest Management techniques for all types of agricultural and horticultural operations.
J2.3. Using the model developed by landowners and managers in Huichica Creek watershed, develop local endangered species habitat labels for pesticide use in areas of the watershed designated as endangered species habitat.
J2.4. Develop buffer zones and/or adapt application methods to avoid drift of fertilizers and pesticides into waterways.
J2.5. Include domestic and agricultural well head protection practices in pesticide and fertilizer management plans.
J2.6. Provide for proper discharge of shallow wells and sump pumps to avoid sediment and other pollutant intrusion into waterways.
J2.7. Incorporate soil and plant tissue analysis as a part of planned fertilizer and pesticide use.

J3. Utilize sound management practices to protect surface and groundwater quality. Agriculture in general is very dependent on sufficient supplies of good quality water. Protection of water quality must be a critically important component of any sustainable agricultural enterprise.

J3.1. Direct surface water flows away from well heads to avoid surface water movement into wells.
J3.2. Accurate application of ground applied pesticides and fertilizers is critical in Napa County. Whereas only two soil types (Cortina and Reyes) are listed by the USDA as having severe potential for leaching of chemicals into groundwater, two-thirds of the soils are listed as having severe potential for pesticide loss by water runoff. Assistance from the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner; the UC Cooperative Extension Service; and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service should be utilized to ensure proper application rates, times, and methods for ground applied pesticides and fertilizers.
J3.3. Monitoring of wells for pesticide and fertilizer residue in the Valley should continue, and be coordinated with any aquifer level monitoring that may be established.
J3.4. A well head assessment program should be provided for well users to assess well head protection status for all wells in the watershed. The program should provide recommendations to well users for well head protection planning.
J3.5. Regular use of the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) should be expanded, and utilized with on-site soil moisture or plant stress measuring devices to efficiently use irrigation water.
J3.6. Fuel, pesticides, fertilizers and other chemical should be stored away from wells and streams, and out of stream floodplains.
J3.7. Stream stabilization work and drainage ditch construction should utilize methods that reflect stable stream morphology.

J4. Reforest, afforest, and revegetate. One of the more significant cumulative changes in the watershed is diminished forest cover. The change has been not only in the total extent of cover, but in the spatial distribution of the remaining habitat, and the diversity within it.

J4.1. Reforest unused areas to the maximum extent feasible with native trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses, using seeds collected from the local area. Using local seed sources preserves the unique genetics of neighborhood species and guards against outbreaks of disease or insect infestation to which only local plants may be resistant.
J4.2. Manage existing ponds and watercourses as wildlife habitat.
J4.3. Enhance, restore, or rehabilitate wetlands in the watershed.
J4.4. Enhance habitat value of artificial drainage ditches with plantings on the ditch banks.
J4.5. Increase the use of hedgerows along field and property lines to provide migration areas for birds and small mammals.
J4.6. Where possible, develop contiguous habitats to include transition zones from one type of habitat to another, i.e.: riparian zone to gallery forest to upland.

Grazing

A major historical land use in Napa County is cattle grazing. It began nearly at the moment that Spanish settlers first arrived in the Bay Area. With a continually growing population, and changing agricultural economy, Napa Valley has seen a significant drop in grazing acreage. Housing, grapes, and other land uses have supplanted livestock operations in many parts of the watershed. Because of decreasing availability of good grazing lands, productivity per acre of the remaining lands is ever more critical. Many cattle interests have begun to investigate recently developed grazing management systems that can provide more feed per acre per animal unit, and also provide protection for water quality, soil integrity, and wildlife habitat. These integrated livestock management systems emphasize maximum forage production by protecting the integrity of the natural resource system of grass, trees, soil and water.
J5. Provide wider public assistance for rangeland planning to the cattle grazing industry through the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and the UC Cooperative Extension Service. Establish grazing plans for all major grazing areas of the Napa Valley to maximize forage production and minimize soil erosion.

J5.1. Develop economic analyses on a ranch-by-ranch basis to determine benefits and costs of instituting grazing management programs.
J5.2. Control or eliminate livestock access to streamside areas by providing alternate, dispersed watering sites; fencing; or other practices associated with a managed grazing program. Protect livestock stream crossings and lake access points to minimize bank degradation at those sites.

J6. Control noxious plant pests such as purple star and yellow star thistle. Star thistle was probably introduced to California from straw and hay brought from Europe on early sailing ships. Its life cycle allows it to grow in arid areas during a time when resident annual grasses are dormant and provide little competition. It is toxic to some livestock, and can make movement through heavy infestations nearly impossible because of its thorns. The past decade of dry weather has abetted its spread, and the various species now have become a very serious economic problem throughout northern California. Other species such as broom and tarweed compete with native plants, landscaping schemes, and commercial crops for water, soil, and space.

J6.1. Thistles, brooms, tarweed and other non-native species of plants have diminished range values considerably in the watershed. Adoption of a range rejuvenation program, followed by well planned range management will help control exotic species.
J6.2. A public-private partnership should be established to aid in funding a range rejuvenation and management venture, with particular emphasis on the Lake Hennessey, Garnet Creek, Jericho Canyon, and Jameson/American Canyon area watersheds.
J6.3. Support the trial and use of plant and insect species that may help with the control of noxious weeds in the watershed.

J7. Protect against introduction of new exotic plant types that may decrease forage value of rangelands. Most noxious weed pests in the Napa River watershed were introduced inadvertently or escaped from cultivated plantings. Many hundreds of acres of range land have been seriously impaired by invasions of exotic plants that do not provide high quality forage, and in some cases are actually injurious to livestock. While attempting to eradicate existing exotic problem plants, it is important to guard against introduction of new pests.

J7.1. To the maximum degree practicable, utilize hay, straw, and other forage from clean sources only.
J7.2. In conjunction with the UC Cooperative Extension Service and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, develop grazing management plans that will encourage the re-establishment of perennial grass range land.
J7.3. Investigate the feasibility of a voluntary, cooperative master grazing plan for the Napa Valley developed by grazing interests in the watershed.

Viticulture

Grape growing and winemaking are a very large part of the Napa Valley, especially since the late 1970's. With virtually all of the valley floor taken up with grapes, cities, and other development, the vineyard growth has been largely in the hills of the eastern and western ridges, and in the southern portion of the County known as Carneros. Vineyard acreage has increased from a total of 9,800 acres in 1965 to over 35,000 acres in 1994. Winery expansion has increased, as well, and there are over 100 operating wineries in the Napa Valley today.
The following recommendations are for development and management of both valley floor and hillside vineyards, and for winery operations, that will protect and enhance the Napa River watershed natural resources. Further recommendations and practices are found in Appendix B, the Hillside Vineyard Manual.
J8. Promote and improve the use of vegetative vineyard floor management. Cover crops, either permanent or annually planted, are a significant tool for the protection of watershed water quality and environmental health. Properly used, they can decrease operation costs and assist with vineyard pest control. Increased rainfall infiltration into the soil, enhanced gas exchange, and greater microbial activity in the rooting zone from cover crop development help to sustain a healthy soil environment for perennial crops such as grapes.

J8.1. Establish a cover crop data exchange at the UC Cooperative Extension, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, or Resource Conservation District offices to provide a central point for technology and experience sharing regarding cover crop trials.
J8.2. Increase the amount of technical and financial aid available for establishment and trials of different vegetative covers and management techniques in vineyards.
J8.3. Provide more extensive and frequent educational opportunities for cover crop development through cooperative joint ventures of grower organizations, UC Cooperative Extension Service, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Resource Conservation District.
J8.4. Support the operation and education outreach of the Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Vineyard at Huichica Creek Vineyards in Carneros.

J9. Develop buffers and setback areas from riparian zones, sensitive habitats, and critical erosion zones. Avoiding disturbance of sensitive areas and protecting riparian corridors have many benefits including protection of water quality and wildlife habitat and production and maintenance of pest predator habitats to decrease pest caused losses and expenses in vineyards.

J9.1. Utilize a "profit per farm" economic model that considers long term repair, maintenance, and rehabilitation costs relative to net profit per vine, rather than a "production per acre" model to determine economically reasonable setbacks from waterways and sensitive habitat areas.
J9.2. Provide technical and financial assistance to growers for installation of appropriate trees and other vegetation in otherwise unused portions of their vineyard parcels.
J9.3. Develop a specific suite of practices for riparian protection that can be supported by the Agricultural Conservation and Stabilization Service cost share programs.
J9.4. Store chemicals, fertilizers and fuel (including orchard heaters) in areas away from riparian zones and floodplains.

J10. Support an expanded program of riparian zone vegetation management trials to address the threat of Pierce's disease. Pierce's disease is caused by a bacteria found in plant tissue and transmitted to grape vines primarily through the feeding habits of the blue-green sharpshooter insect. It presents a significant long term threat to wine grape production in some areas, especially adjacent to riparian corridors.

J10.1. Support the cooperative program begun by the University of California, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and local growers to establish a trial and demonstration on Conn Creek.
J10.2. Encourage other efforts to establish management demonstrations and trials in the Valley.
J10.3. Promote the formation of a coordinated joint information and technology exchange among participants in Pierce's disease investigation throughout the watershed.
J10.4. Design project monitoring to be compatible with a GIS program for watershed assessment.

J11. Provide training and educational materials to encourage the adoption of erosion control techniques in existing vineyards. Many existing vineyards were installed when awareness of the hazards and negative consequences of soil erosion were not well recognized. Many of these vineyards can be protected from excess soil loss in an economically reasonable manner by installing simple practices or adopting a well planned maintenance program.

J11.1. Through cooperative joint effort of grower organizations, the UC Cooperative Extension Service, the County of Napa, and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, provide demonstrations and training in erosion control development to watershed grapegrowers. Many different practices have been designed to prevent soil erosion in perennial crop lands, but materials to help determine when and where to use the practices are not readily available.
J11.2. Investigate methods of increasing funding for voluntary adoption and installation of erosion control practices in existing vineyards.
J11.3. Encourage watershed grapegrowers to work with the UC Cooperative Extension Service and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to establish an erosion prevention technical committee to provide site assessment and erosion prevention advice to local growers.

J12. Increase water management efficiency in both irrigation and production. As the Napa Valley increases in population, water use is becoming a more important issue. Efficiency of use is critical to maintaining an adequate clean water supply for future operations.

J12.1. Increase the use of the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) in irrigation scheduling. There are three stations in the Napa River watershed: Oakville, Angwin, and Carneros.
J12.2. Continue and expand efforts to design water re-use methods for constructive use of winery waste water.
J12.3. Consider the feasibility of jointly operated area treatment plants for winery waste water, especially on the valley floor.
J12.4. Support the reuse of waste water from the Napa Sanitation District and other publicly operated waste water treatment plants, for displacement of potable water wherever economically and technically feasible.
J12.5. Calibrate and properly maintain frost sensors to ensure that sprinklers are used only when necessary, and only for the length of time necessary.
J12.6. Investigate the feasibility of establishing cooperative frost protection districts that may more efficiently provide frost control for areas based on topography, rather than on parcel lines.
J12.7. Encourage the use of buried drip tube irrigation to decrease water evaporation from irrigated fields.

Other Agriculture

There are many other forms of agriculture in the Napa Valley other than grazing and grapes. Small truck gardens for vegetables; flower production; small animal husbandry; horse breeding; specialized herb production; and hay production are some of the agricultural products found in the Napa Valley. Dairy production has declined dramatically in the past 20 years, with only one operating dairy left in the Valley.
J13. Protect streams and waterways from contamination and bank collapse caused by grazing animals. Heavy use of waterways by domestic animals can create large amounts of sediment and can contribute to such water pollution as high coliform and nitrogen content of stream waters.

J13.1. Use fencing, hedgerows, or other exclusion techniques to keep domestic livestock from streams and other waterways.
J13.2. Develop water sources for livestock away from concentrated surface flows.
J13.3. Protect well heads and surface streams from animal waste contamination from runoff.
J13.4. Direct wash water into safe areas or holding ponds for treatment before discharge into waterways.
J13.5. Provide hardened or protected stream crossings where necessary for livestock movement.
J13.6. Locate small confined animal facilities away from creeks and other concentrated waterways.

J14. Utilize pesticides and fertilizers in a safe manner on small farms. Small area usage of some commercial chemical products is difficult because of low per-acre rates of application, and overuse of a chemical is more likely than with large acreage applications.

J14.1. Follow label instructions carefully when using and disposing of pesticides and fertilizers.
J14.2. Calibrate application equipment before use.
J14.3. Use laboratory analysis and other Integrated Pest Management techniques to schedule application rates and timing for pesticides and fertilizers.
J14.4. Use laboratory analysis to determine actual application rates when using animal manure for fertilizer.
J14.5. Properly compost animal and vegetable wastes for reuse as soil amendments.
J14.6. Use CIMIS information to schedule irrigation and pesticide applications.

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K. Land Use:
Open Space and Watershed

Background

Growth and development in the Napa Valley since World War II has gradually increased community awareness of the value of open space and undeveloped areas. The conditions of watersheds, especially those feeding into municipal water supplies, have taken on more importance as more people live on and use the limited amount of land available. Watershed functions such as non point source pollution filtration; rainfall percolation and groundwater recharge; vegetative climate moderation; storm water runoff control and flood attenuation; and biological balances, are left to fewer acres as community development grows. Careful stewardship of these open areas in combination with thoughtful management of developed areas, can help to keep a watershed in balance, with major physical and biological functions intact.
K1. Encourage the enhancement and expansion of oaks and oak woodland habitat. Oak woodlands and oak grasslands are a valuable but diminishing asset in the Napa River watershed. Blue oak habitat in particular, where trees can be as old as 30 years per inch of diameter, is in serious decline. Many areas have not had new oak generations for over 70 years, leaving no replacement trees when the older ones die.

K1.1. Provide protection for selected volunteer seedlings.
K1.2. Using locally collected acorns, plant new seedlings in areas that have no recent regeneration.
K1.3. Fence or otherwise protect areas of oak regeneration until seedlings are above grazing height.
K1.4. Increase the use of grazing management and controlled burns to encourage the return of perennial native grasses.
K1.5. Plant appropriate companion plant species to increase the diversity of oak habitats.

K2. Promote regional park areas to reduce random access to wildlife areas and other non-managed areas. Unmanaged trails frequently become concentrated water courses during the rainy season, causing erosion and sedimentation. By designating discrete areas for public access for recreation, those areas can be specifically developed and maintained to withstand concentrated traffic.

K2.1. Easily accessible public areas that are managed specifically for public recreation should be established, with protected areas for direct access in riparian zones. The areas should be constructed and maintained to allow stream and riparian use without unnecessary damage to the system.
K2.2. Provide a wide range of publicly accessible recreational experiences and environments, in order to minimize pressure on private property and unmanaged areas.
K2.3. Establish the use of signs and/or other passive deterrents to curtail trespass on private property, or unmanaged access to public property in areas not designed for public use. An educational outreach effort should be ongoing that describes the reasons for not allowing unrestricted access to portions of the Napa River watershed.
K2.4. Encourage golf courses, parks, and other public and private recreation areas to protect the streams through those properties by shielding them from direct access except in areas designed for access.

K3. Maintain corridors between open spaces. Establishment of wildlife corridors between existing open spaces encourages wildlife diversity and density. The connecting corridors also add to property values of those properties containing the corridors, and those adjacent to the corridors.

K3.1. Evaluate and promote intercity green belts on public land and/or with the participation of the Napa County Land Trust.
K3.2. Encourage coordinated riparian enhancement along Napa River's tributary streams.
K3.3. Encourage development of contiguous east-west habitat corridors across the Valley at several points, through cooperative efforts of adjacent landowners.
K3.4. Promote voluntary individual parcel planning that will connect enhanced riparian corridors on the eastern and western edges of the Napa Marsh, especially in Huichica, Carneros, Suscol, Sheehy, Fagan, and American Canyon Creek watersheds.
K3.5. Provide public technical assistance to help landowners enhance and maintain a riparian corridor along both banks of the Napa River.

K4. Establish and maintain streamside buffer strips, both at individual sites and along streams through contiguous properties. Vegetated buffer strips alongside waterways help stabilize stream banks; reduce sedimentation and introduction of pollutants into the stream by filtering runoff; provide valuable biological diversity of plant and animal species; decrease ambient summer water temperatures; decrease storm runoff peaks by increasing rainfall infiltration into the soil; increase between-storm stream flows through greater stream recharge; and provide valuable wildlife habitat throughout the year.

K4.1. Provide tree cover along streams to shade the stream, to decrease in-stream growth of vegetation (such as willows and tules) that may block flow in wet months; decrease water temperature; decrease evaporative losses of water; decrease algal bloom and subsequent eutrophication in dry months; and increase property values.
K4.2. Use native varieties of plants, or plants whose functions are equivalent to those developed in arid, hot summer, wet winter climates to revegetate riparian buffer zones.
K4.3. Enhance riparian cover that is contiguous across property lines to increase both wildlife habitat and real estate values.
K4.4. Utilize stream side areas for open space and parks in urban developments. Large developments, both agricultural and urban, should be designed to enhance and emphasize any natural riparian zones within the project.

K5. Reforest, afforest, and revegetate. One of the more significant cumulative changes in the watershed is diminished forest cover. The change has been not only in the total extent of cover, but in the spatial distribution of the remaining habitat, and the diversity within it.

K5.1. Reforest areas to the maximum extent feasible with native trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses, using seeds collected from the local area. Using local seed sources preserves the unique genetics of neighborhood species and guards against outbreaks of disease or insect infestation to which only local plants may be resistant.
K5.2. Manage existing ponds and watercourses as wildlife habitat.
K5.3. Enhance, restore, or rehabilitate wetlands in the watershed.
K5.4. Enhance habitat value of artificial drainage ditches with plantings on the ditch banks.
K5.5. Increase the use of hedgerows along field and property lines to provide migration areas for birds and small mammals.
K5.6. Where possible, develop contiguous habitats to include transition zones from one type of habitat to another, i.e.: riparian zone to gallery forest to upland.

K6. Use natural progressions and systems to increase water and soil retention, and to decrease long term maintenance costs of the watershed

K6.1. Stream stabilization work and drainage ditch construction should utilize methods that reflect stable stream morphology.
K6.2. Establish and promote a program to replace introduced annual grasses with indigenous perennial grasses in the watershed.
K6.3. Continue to seek technical and financial assistance to eliminate noxious exotic plant species such as star thistle and French broom through range management, in order to restore the productivity of watershed lands.
K6.4. Develop conjunctive use of water resources throughout the watershed, with emphasis on the upper Napa River and Carneros.
K6.5. Where possible and technically feasible, reestablish wetlands to filter storm runoff and attenuate flooding.
K6.6. Develop grazing management plans and controlled burning to manage fuel loads in fire hazard areas.

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L. Land Use:
Residential

Background

Urban

The fastest growing land use in Napa Valley is urban housing and the tertiary commerce that it supports. Whereas a single home or parcel may not have a significant impact on the watershed, the growing cumulative impact of thousands of homes is substantial. Streets, roofs, parking lots and driveways all add to the amount of impervious surfaces that do not allow rainfall to percolate into the groundwater. Increased storm runoff changes the character of the receiving streams by increasing the peak flow during and immediately after storms, and decreases the amount of stream recharge from groundwater between storms and during the summer. In addition to cumulative changes in water runoff characteristics, urban development also adds to the amount of non-point source pollution that may find its way into our waterways, estuary and bay. It is important to know the possible impacts of urban growth, in order to plan for changes in the natural balance of the watershed, and to allow for adjustments to maintain watershed equilibrium and natural function.
The following practices will help to keep the balance intact in the watershed. Just as thousands of small decisions in a watershed can have a damaging cumulative effect, thousands of thoughtful decisions can have a very stabilizing effect on the watershed. Regular and consistent educational efforts in the schools and in the community at large are critical to successful stewardship of the natural resources of the Napa River watershed. When supported by a strong watershed monitoring program, informed individual action may be the most powerful tool available for natural resource conservation and enhancement.
L1. Adopt measures to decrease and eliminate sedimentation from construction sites. Urban and suburban construction sites can frequently be significant acute sources of sediment and other pollution into adjacent waterways. Several simple and inexpensive measures can markedly decrease the amount of sediment allowed to leave the site during construction and in the following months before vegetation can be fully established.

L1.1. Protect storm drains from sediment intrusion with the use of straw bales or silt fence.
L1.2. Sweep dirt and debris from streets in the construction zone before rainfall or project water can flush it into the storm drains.
L1.3. Establish temporary berms to contain wash water and irrigation installation overflows on site.
L1.4. Store waste concrete, cement, stucco, asphalt, etc. in non-riparian areas where the residue can be incorporated into the project, or removed for disposal elsewhere.
L1.5. Establish grass or other vegetative cover on the construction site as soon as possible after disturbance.

L2. Develop consistent and effective storm water runoff controls for urban areas. A significant source of non point source pollution of watershed streams is the cumulative pollutants washed from paved and covered urban areas into storm drains.

L2.1. Stencil storm drains to notify residents of the direct connection of the drains to the river. This stenciling program will have to be supported with long term maintenance and educational outreach.
L2.2. Encourage the removal and recycling of vegetative debris from landscape maintenance. Develop an education program that informs residents of the negative effects of disposing of leaves and clippings in streams and storm drains.
L2.3. Keep paints, solvents, pesticides, etc., away from waterways and storm drains. Dispose of such products in a safe manner as described in the product labels.
L2.4. Establish an information sharing method to allow coordination and mutual assistance for County, municipal, and other public entities to develop and manage required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits in the watershed.
L2.5. Provide access to the coordinated NPDES permit plans to private entities for use in development of project based NPDES permits.
L2.6. Where possible and technically feasible, drain roof tops and paved areas into underground dispersal pipes or vegetated percolation beds.
L2.7. Increase the amount of permeable surfaces in urban areas to increase rainfall infiltration into the soil.
L2.8. Maintain drainage functions of storm runoff ditches, pipes, and other conveyances.

L3. Increase awareness and use of efficient water management in urban areas. The share of water use by urban areas in Napa is increasing as the urban population grows. To help maintain the supply of local water, and to decrease the reliance on imported water, it is important to make the most efficient use of water wherever and whenever possible.

L3.1. Encourage the use of low water use plants in urban landscaping.
L3.2. Provide regular continuing information about water conservation techniques.
L3.3. Sweep, rather than wash paved areas and sidewalks.
L3.4. Continue conservation programs such as the low water volume toilet exchange.
L3.5. Minimize irrigated turf areas in parks and other recreation areas to only high traffic zones such as ball fields.
L3.6. Utilize CIMIS data to schedule amounts and timing of irrigation.
L3.7. Increase the use of permeable pavement surfaces to increase groundwater recharge.

L4. Implement practices that decrease threats to water quality from non point sources of pollution. Nonpoint source pollution has by nature a cumulative negative impact on water quality in receiving waters in urban areas. Widespread implementation of many small positive increments, however, can have an equally positive impact on the quality of those waters.

L4.1. Carefully measure all pesticides and fertilizers before use and follow label instructions for application.
L4.2. Utilize the periodic hazardous waste collection events sponsored by the County Agricultural Commissioner and other agencies to dispose of unused or unneeded toxic products.
L4.3. Keep motor vehicles in good repair to avoid loss of petroleum products, antifreeze, and other automobile fluids.
L4.4. Stencil storm drains and provide information to notify residents of the hazards of disposal of chemicals and other debris into storm drains.
L4.5. Keep irrigation of lawns, gardens and other areas to efficient levels to avoid runoff or excess leaching into groundwater.
L4.6. Establish neighborhood groups to help keep riparian corridors free of litter and other unnatural debris.
L4.7. Encourage neighborhood involvement with local schools in implementation of the school curriculum developed by the Resource Conservation District

Rural

Residential development in the rural areas of Napa Valley has seen a steady increase in the past two decades. The attractiveness of the valley makes a rural home in the watershed very desirable. Frequently, these rural homes have small agricultural enterprises associated with them, such as rearing horses or goats. One of the most significant steps a rural homeowner can take is to develop and implement a management plan for concentrated animal facilities. Simple steps to control erosion and runoff from domestic animal facilities can provide very significant improvement in downstream water quality.
L5. Promote environmentally sensitive site planning and development. Adequate assessment of a building site to determine the location and type of construction that provides the least negative environmental impact can help to maintain higher habitat values both on the site and in surrounding areas.

L5.1. Encourage development to utilize existing roads to minimize construction of new rural road cuts.
L5.2. Cluster homes on contiguous parcels to minimize impacts on open space and wildlife habitat.
L5.3. Make erosion control a priority when designing site access and building construction.
L5.4. Plan for plumbing to utilize gray water where appropriate.
L5.5. Avoid development of buildings or roads near sensitive habitats.
L5.6. Design and site adequate on site waste disposal systems that can be easily maintained.
L5.7. Emphasize protection of entire habitat units, instead of just single tree or single feature preservation.

L6. Minimize new road construction. One of the major sources of soil erosion, sediment production, and habitat loss in the watershed is roadways and fire breaks. Proper design and maintenance of watershed roads can eliminate thousands of tons of sediment from reaching the river each year.

L6.1. Utilize joint access wherever possible to minimize roadways into rural parcels.
L6.2. Erosion control and sediment reduction should be the highest priority in rural road design.
L6.3. Utilize USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service assistance to design roadway maintenance systems and erosion control practices for existing roads.
L6.4. Unpaved roads should have frequent waterbars or other storm water runoff controls, and controls should be kept in working order.
L6.5. Abandoned roads should be removed and revegetated.

L7. Protect streams and waterways from contamination and bank collapse caused by farm animals. Chronic use of waterways by domestic animals can create large amounts of sediment and can contribute to such water pollution as high coliform and nitrogen content of stream waters.

L7.1. Use fencing, hedgerows, or other exclusion techniques to keep domestic livestock from streams and other waterways
L7.2. Develop water sources for livestock away from concentrated surface flows.
L7.3. Protect well heads and surface streams from animal waste contamination from runoff.
L7.4. Direct wash water into safe areas or holding ponds for treatment before discharge into waterways.
L7.5. Provide hardened or protected stream crossings where necessary for livestock movement.
L7.6. Filter runoff from confined animal facilities, including small horse pastures.

L8. Utilize pesticides and fertilizers in a safe manner on small farms. Small area usage of some commercial chemical products is difficult because of low per-acre rates of application, and overuse of a chemical is more likely than with large acreage applications.

L8.1. Follow label instructions carefully when using and disposing of pesticides and fertilizers.
L8.2. Calibrate application equipment before use.
L8.3. Use laboratory analysis and other Integrated Pest Management techniques to schedule application rates and timing for pesticides and fertilizers.
L8.4. Use laboratory analysis to determine actual application rates when using animal manure for fertilizer.
L8.5. Properly compost animal and vegetable wastes for reuse as soil amendments.
L8.6. Use CIMIS information to schedule irrigation and pesticide applications.

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M. Land Use:
Commercial, Industrial, Private and Public Institutions

Background

Large and medium scale developments can be designed and managed to avoid negative impacts on water quality and other environmental assets. Industrial parks, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, etc., usually have large paved or covered areas that can collect pollutants over the dry season which then are flushed directly into storm drains or nearby waterways with the first rains. Activities such as landscaping, construction, and debris disposal can have cumulatively serious impacts on watershed resources. Thoughtful development and management can add both economic and ecologic value to such areas, while protecting water quality in the basin.
M1. Encourage commercial and residential developments to utilize riparian corridors through the projects as amenities. Attractive riparian corridors through developed areas can add to real estate values in the area, in addition to the natural resource enhancement the corridors represent.

M1.1. Open space designed into development projects should be established along existing streams or drainages to enhance the riparian values of the waterway and the attractiveness of the project.
M1.2. Adjacent projects should be encouraged to develop green belts, open space, or other park improvements in such a manner as to provide continuity with neighboring natural habitat improvements.
M1.3. Sensitive habitat areas should be considered in the design phase of projects to encourage their protection and enhancement.
M1.4. Landscaping should consider low water use native plants that are compatible with any nearby open or natural areas.

M2. Adopt measures to decrease or eliminate sedimentation from construction sites. Urban construction sites can frequently be significant acute sources of sediment and other pollution into adjacent waterways. Several simple and inexpensive measures can markedly decrease the amount of sediment allowed to leave the site during construction and in the following months before vegetation can be fully established.

M2.1. Protect storm drains from sediment intrusion with the use of straw bales or silt fence.
M2.2. Sweep dirt and debris from streets in the construction zone before rainfall can flush it into the storm drains.
M2.3. Establish temporary berms to contain wash water and irrigation installation overflows on site.
M2.4. Flush concrete, cement, stucco, etc. onto areas where the residue can be incorporated into the project, or removed for disposal elsewhere.
M2.5. Keep paints, solvents, pesticides, etc., away from waterways and storm drains. Dispose of such products in a safe manner as described in the product labels.
M2.6. Establish grass or other vegetative cover on the construction site as soon as possible after disturbance.

M3. Develop consistent and effective storm water runoff controls for urban areas. A significant source of non point source pollution of watershed streams is the cumulative pollutants washed from paved and covered urban areas into storm drains.

M3.1. Stencil storm drains to notify residents of the direct connection of the drains to the river. This stenciling program will have to be supported with long term maintenance and educational outreach.
M3.2. Encourage the removal and recycling of vegetative debris from landscape maintenance. Develop an education program that informs residents of the negative effects of disposing of leaves and clippings in streams and storm drains.
M3.3. Establish an information sharing method to allow coordination and mutual assistance for County, municipal, and other public entities to develop and manage required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits in the watershed.
M3.4. Provide access to the coordinated NPDES permit plans to private entities for use in development of project based NPDES permits.
M3.5. Maintain drainage functions of storm runoff ditches, pipes, and other conveyances.

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N. Land use:
Recreation

Background

The increasing population of Napa Valley increases the demand for more recreational activities. Parks, golf courses, trails, waterways and other recreational areas are subject to growing popularity and use. In order to preserve the opportunity for watershed residents to experience the natural assets of the Napa Valley, recreation sites must be planned and maintained in an efficient manner. Many of the needs of the recreation sites can be met through community efforts such as expanding education opportunities and regular volunteer work to support the public and private entities that manage recreation areas.
Providing a wide range of recreation options also helps to acquaint the community with the diversity of natural assets in the watershed. Careful maintenance and sensitive use will help ensure the long term availability of recreation experiences ranging from hiking on Mt. St. Helena to exploring the sloughs and wetlands of the Napa Marsh State Wildlife Area. Responsible use of hunting and fishing areas of the watershed will preserve those options for generations yet to come, as well.
N1. Promote regional park areas to reduce random access to the river, while controlling access (including trespass) to non-managed areas. River and stream riparian zones do not naturally accommodate heavy traffic without damage. Unmanaged trails down riverbanks, for instance, frequently become concentrated water courses during the rainy season, accelerating bank erosion and collapse. By designating specific areas for public access for recreation, those areas can be specifically developed and maintained to withstand concentrated traffic.

N1.1. Easily accessible public areas that are managed specifically for public recreation should be established, with protected areas for direct access to the river. The areas should be constructed and maintained to allow river and riparian use without unnecessary damage to the system.
N1.2. Provide a wide range of publicly accessible recreational experiences and environments, in order to minimize pressure on private property and unmanaged areas.
N1.3. Establish the use of signs and/or other passive deterrents to curtail trespass on private property, or unmanaged access to public property in areas not designed for public use. An educational outreach effort should be ongoing that describes the reasons for not allowing unrestricted access to portions of the Napa River and its tributaries.
N1.4. Encourage golf courses, parks, and other public and private recreation areas to protect the streams through the properties by shielding them from direct access except in areas designed for access.

N2. Manage public areas to minimize soil disturbance and threats of erosion. Trails, picnic areas, parking lot perimeters and roads all present possible erosion source sites.

N2.1. Design trails with waterbars and other erosion prevention techniques.
N2.2. Maintain erosion control practices as a priority fall activity in public trail areas.
N2.3. Provide informational signs to inform the public of erosion hazards.
N2.4. Control vehicle access to limit vehicles in unpaved areas.
N2.5. Provide sediment control for areas cleared by heavy foot traffic, such as picnic areas and meeting sites.
N2.6. Carefully design trails to minimize damage from mountain bicycles and horse traffic.

N3. Increase awareness of the impacts of aquatic recreation, particularly in the estuary. The use of boats and other water craft is rapidly increasing in the Napa Valley, with most of the increase occurring in the Napa estuary below the Third Street bridge in the City of Napa. With increased use comes increased exposure to environmental hazards, and a need to increase the awareness level of recreational boaters.

N3.1. Limit boat speeds in the estuary or near lake shores to protect against bank erosion from boat wakes.
N3.2. Provide adequate public restroom facilities in recreation areas expected to be regularly utilized by the public.
N3.3. Promote regular volunteer litter control programs in all public recreation areas.
N3.4. Store petroleum and other potentially hazardous supplies away from aquatic areas.
N3.5. Perform boat maintenance and cleaning above the waterline, and dispose of waste from cleaning in a proper manner.
N3.6. Maintain engines in good repair, to avoid loss of fluids or excess exhaust into waterways.
N3.7. Properly dispose of septic wastes in approved facilities only.
N3.8. Subdrains from fertilized areas should be drained across a vegetated filter strip before entering the stream.
N3.9. Clearly mark sensitive and shallow areas to notify boaters of sensitive habitat zones.
N3.10. Provide signage in the estuary to warn of tidal fluctuations and to give instruction on the proper means of anchoring vessels or securing boats to shore in the tidal zone.

N4. Data management and public outreach Communication, education, and monitoring are critical aspects of systems management. More complete knowledge of watershed conditions allows more creative options for maintaining system balance. A community that has a high degree of awareness of the condition and trends of their watershed is better equipped and more likely to manage the watershed in a thoughtful, sustainable manner.

N4.1. Increase public awareness of sensitive and endangered species in the watershed through brochures, trail signs, lectures, and press releases.
N4.2. Maintain public awareness of the impacts of poaching on watershed resources.
N4.3. Encourage the expansion of regular community volunteer maintenance of public parks and recreation areas.
N4.4. Develop a sponsorship program to establish greater signage in wildlife areas to identify natural resources, such as vegetation species, wetland types, geologic phenomena, and animal habitat types.
N4.5. With the cooperation of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, develop an erosion hazard inventory and management recommendations for all public recreation areas in the watershed.

© Copyright Napa County Resource Conservation District, 1996.

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Napa River Watershed Owner's Manual

Section III: Recommendations by Land Use:

J. Land Use:
Agriculture

Background

General Agricultural Recommendations

Grazing

Viticulture

Other Agriculture

K. Land Use:
Open Space and Watershed

Background

L. Land Use:
Residential

Background

Urban

Rural

M. Land Use:
Commercial, Industrial, Private and Public Institutions

Background

N. Land use:
Recreation

Background

J1.1.	Community groups, government agencies and industry associations should form partnerships to provide field days, classes, educational brochures, and other assistance to increase public awareness of the connections and interactions of agricultural and urban interests in the watershed.
J1.2.	Encourage greater communication between the agricultural and urban community through forums, exchange speakers, school programs, and field tours.
J1.3.	Expand awareness of assistance programs available from UC Cooperative Extension Service; USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service; Napa County Resource Conservation District; Napa County Agricultural Commissioner's Office; and the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.
J1.4.	Increase industry and community support for the agricultural education elements of the Napa school systems, including Napa Valley Community College.

J2.1.	Use only pesticides approved for the desired use, following label instructions
J2.2.	Increase the use of Integrated Pest Management techniques for all types of agricultural and horticultural operations.
J2.3.	Using the model developed by landowners and managers in Huichica Creek watershed, develop local endangered species habitat labels for pesticide use in areas of the watershed designated as endangered species habitat.
J2.4.	Develop buffer zones and/or adapt application methods to avoid drift of fertilizers and pesticides into waterways.
J2.5.	Include domestic and agricultural well head protection practices in pesticide and fertilizer management plans.
J2.6.	Provide for proper discharge of shallow wells and sump pumps to avoid sediment and other pollutant intrusion into waterways.
J2.7.	Incorporate soil and plant tissue analysis as a part of planned fertilizer and pesticide use.

J3.1.	Direct surface water flows away from well heads to avoid surface water movement into wells.
J3.2.	Accurate application of ground applied pesticides and fertilizers is critical in Napa County. Whereas only two soil types (Cortina and Reyes) are listed by the USDA as having severe potential for leaching of chemicals into groundwater, two-thirds of the soils are listed as having severe potential for pesticide loss by water runoff. Assistance from the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner; the UC Cooperative Extension Service; and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service should be utilized to ensure proper application rates, times, and methods for ground applied pesticides and fertilizers.
J3.3.	Monitoring of wells for pesticide and fertilizer residue in the Valley should continue, and be coordinated with any aquifer level monitoring that may be established.
J3.4.	A well head assessment program should be provided for well users to assess well head protection status for all wells in the watershed. The program should provide recommendations to well users for well head protection planning.
J3.5.	Regular use of the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) should be expanded, and utilized with on-site soil moisture or plant stress measuring devices to efficiently use irrigation water.
J3.6.	Fuel, pesticides, fertilizers and other chemical should be stored away from wells and streams, and out of stream floodplains.
J3.7.	Stream stabilization work and drainage ditch construction should utilize methods that reflect stable stream morphology.

J4.1.	Reforest unused areas to the maximum extent feasible with native trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses, using seeds collected from the local area. Using local seed sources preserves the unique genetics of neighborhood species and guards against outbreaks of disease or insect infestation to which only local plants may be resistant.
J4.2.	Manage existing ponds and watercourses as wildlife habitat.
J4.3.	Enhance, restore, or rehabilitate wetlands in the watershed.
J4.4.	Enhance habitat value of artificial drainage ditches with plantings on the ditch banks.
J4.5.	Increase the use of hedgerows along field and property lines to provide migration areas for birds and small mammals.
J4.6.	Where possible, develop contiguous habitats to include transition zones from one type of habitat to another, i.e.: riparian zone to gallery forest to upland.

J5.1.	Develop economic analyses on a ranch-by-ranch basis to determine benefits and costs of instituting grazing management programs.
J5.2.	Control or eliminate livestock access to streamside areas by providing alternate, dispersed watering sites; fencing; or other practices associated with a managed grazing program. Protect livestock stream crossings and lake access points to minimize bank degradation at those sites.

J6.1.	Thistles, brooms, tarweed and other non-native species of plants have diminished range values considerably in the watershed. Adoption of a range rejuvenation program, followed by well planned range management will help control exotic species.
J6.2.	A public-private partnership should be established to aid in funding a range rejuvenation and management venture, with particular emphasis on the Lake Hennessey, Garnet Creek, Jericho Canyon, and Jameson/American Canyon area watersheds.
J6.3.	Support the trial and use of plant and insect species that may help with the control of noxious weeds in the watershed.

J7.1.	To the maximum degree practicable, utilize hay, straw, and other forage from clean sources only.
J7.2.	In conjunction with the UC Cooperative Extension Service and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, develop grazing management plans that will encourage the re-establishment of perennial grass range land.
J7.3.	Investigate the feasibility of a voluntary, cooperative master grazing plan for the Napa Valley developed by grazing interests in the watershed.

J8.1.	Establish a cover crop data exchange at the UC Cooperative Extension, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, or Resource Conservation District offices to provide a central point for technology and experience sharing regarding cover crop trials.
J8.2.	Increase the amount of technical and financial aid available for establishment and trials of different vegetative covers and management techniques in vineyards.
J8.3.	Provide more extensive and frequent educational opportunities for cover crop development through cooperative joint ventures of grower organizations, UC Cooperative Extension Service, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Resource Conservation District.
J8.4.	Support the operation and education outreach of the Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Vineyard at Huichica Creek Vineyards in Carneros.

J9.1.	Utilize a "profit per farm" economic model that considers long term repair, maintenance, and rehabilitation costs relative to net profit per vine, rather than a "production per acre" model to determine economically reasonable setbacks from waterways and sensitive habitat areas.
J9.2.	Provide technical and financial assistance to growers for installation of appropriate trees and other vegetation in otherwise unused portions of their vineyard parcels.
J9.3.	Develop a specific suite of practices for riparian protection that can be supported by the Agricultural Conservation and Stabilization Service cost share programs.
J9.4.	Store chemicals, fertilizers and fuel (including orchard heaters) in areas away from riparian zones and floodplains.

J10.1.	Support the cooperative program begun by the University of California, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and local growers to establish a trial and demonstration on Conn Creek.
J10.2.	Encourage other efforts to establish management demonstrations and trials in the Valley.
J10.3.	Promote the formation of a coordinated joint information and technology exchange among participants in Pierce's disease investigation throughout the watershed.
J10.4.	Design project monitoring to be compatible with a GIS program for watershed assessment.

J11.1.	Through cooperative joint effort of grower organizations, the UC Cooperative Extension Service, the County of Napa, and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, provide demonstrations and training in erosion control development to watershed grapegrowers. Many different practices have been designed to prevent soil erosion in perennial crop lands, but materials to help determine when and where to use the practices are not readily available.
J11.2.	Investigate methods of increasing funding for voluntary adoption and installation of erosion control practices in existing vineyards.
J11.3.	Encourage watershed grapegrowers to work with the UC Cooperative Extension Service and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to establish an erosion prevention technical committee to provide site assessment and erosion prevention advice to local growers.

J12.1.	Increase the use of the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) in irrigation scheduling. There are three stations in the Napa River watershed: Oakville, Angwin, and Carneros.
J12.2.	Continue and expand efforts to design water re-use methods for constructive use of winery waste water.
J12.3.	Consider the feasibility of jointly operated area treatment plants for winery waste water, especially on the valley floor.
J12.4.	Support the reuse of waste water from the Napa Sanitation District and other publicly operated waste water treatment plants, for displacement of potable water wherever economically and technically feasible.
J12.5.	Calibrate and properly maintain frost sensors to ensure that sprinklers are used only when necessary, and only for the length of time necessary.
J12.6.	Investigate the feasibility of establishing cooperative frost protection districts that may more efficiently provide frost control for areas based on topography, rather than on parcel lines.
J12.7.	Encourage the use of buried drip tube irrigation to decrease water evaporation from irrigated fields.

J13.1.	Use fencing, hedgerows, or other exclusion techniques to keep domestic livestock from streams and other waterways.
J13.2.	Develop water sources for livestock away from concentrated surface flows.
J13.3.	Protect well heads and surface streams from animal waste contamination from runoff.
J13.4.	Direct wash water into safe areas or holding ponds for treatment before discharge into waterways.
J13.5.	Provide hardened or protected stream crossings where necessary for livestock movement.
J13.6.	Locate small confined animal facilities away from creeks and other concentrated waterways.

J14.1.	Follow label instructions carefully when using and disposing of pesticides and fertilizers.
J14.2.	Calibrate application equipment before use.
J14.3.	Use laboratory analysis and other Integrated Pest Management techniques to schedule application rates and timing for pesticides and fertilizers.
J14.4.	Use laboratory analysis to determine actual application rates when using animal manure for fertilizer.
J14.5.	Properly compost animal and vegetable wastes for reuse as soil amendments.
J14.6.	Use CIMIS information to schedule irrigation and pesticide applications.

K1.1.	Provide protection for selected volunteer seedlings.
K1.2.	Using locally collected acorns, plant new seedlings in areas that have no recent regeneration.
K1.3.	Fence or otherwise protect areas of oak regeneration until seedlings are above grazing height.
K1.4.	Increase the use of grazing management and controlled burns to encourage the return of perennial native grasses.
K1.5.	Plant appropriate companion plant species to increase the diversity of oak habitats.

K2.1.	Easily accessible public areas that are managed specifically for public recreation should be established, with protected areas for direct access in riparian zones. The areas should be constructed and maintained to allow stream and riparian use without unnecessary damage to the system.
K2.2.	Provide a wide range of publicly accessible recreational experiences and environments, in order to minimize pressure on private property and unmanaged areas.
K2.3.	Establish the use of signs and/or other passive deterrents to curtail trespass on private property, or unmanaged access to public property in areas not designed for public use. An educational outreach effort should be ongoing that describes the reasons for not allowing unrestricted access to portions of the Napa River watershed.
K2.4.	Encourage golf courses, parks, and other public and private recreation areas to protect the streams through those properties by shielding them from direct access except in areas designed for access.

K3.1.	Evaluate and promote intercity green belts on public land and/or with the participation of the Napa County Land Trust.
K3.2.	Encourage coordinated riparian enhancement along Napa River's tributary streams.
K3.3.	Encourage development of contiguous east-west habitat corridors across the Valley at several points, through cooperative efforts of adjacent landowners.
K3.4.	Promote voluntary individual parcel planning that will connect enhanced riparian corridors on the eastern and western edges of the Napa Marsh, especially in Huichica, Carneros, Suscol, Sheehy, Fagan, and American Canyon Creek watersheds.
K3.5.	Provide public technical assistance to help landowners enhance and maintain a riparian corridor along both banks of the Napa River.

K4.1.	Provide tree cover along streams to shade the stream, to decrease in-stream growth of vegetation (such as willows and tules) that may block flow in wet months; decrease water temperature; decrease evaporative losses of water; decrease algal bloom and subsequent eutrophication in dry months; and increase property values.
K4.2.	Use native varieties of plants, or plants whose functions are equivalent to those developed in arid, hot summer, wet winter climates to revegetate riparian buffer zones.
K4.3.	Enhance riparian cover that is contiguous across property lines to increase both wildlife habitat and real estate values.
K4.4.	Utilize stream side areas for open space and parks in urban developments. Large developments, both agricultural and urban, should be designed to enhance and emphasize any natural riparian zones within the project.

K5.1.	Reforest areas to the maximum extent feasible with native trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses, using seeds collected from the local area. Using local seed sources preserves the unique genetics of neighborhood species and guards against outbreaks of disease or insect infestation to which only local plants may be resistant.
K5.2.	Manage existing ponds and watercourses as wildlife habitat.
K5.3.	Enhance, restore, or rehabilitate wetlands in the watershed.
K5.4.	Enhance habitat value of artificial drainage ditches with plantings on the ditch banks.
K5.5.	Increase the use of hedgerows along field and property lines to provide migration areas for birds and small mammals.
K5.6.	Where possible, develop contiguous habitats to include transition zones from one type of habitat to another, i.e.: riparian zone to gallery forest to upland.

K6.1.	Stream stabilization work and drainage ditch construction should utilize methods that reflect stable stream morphology.
K6.2.	Establish and promote a program to replace introduced annual grasses with indigenous perennial grasses in the watershed.
K6.3.	Continue to seek technical and financial assistance to eliminate noxious exotic plant species such as star thistle and French broom through range management, in order to restore the productivity of watershed lands.
K6.4.	Develop conjunctive use of water resources throughout the watershed, with emphasis on the upper Napa River and Carneros.
K6.5.	Where possible and technically feasible, reestablish wetlands to filter storm runoff and attenuate flooding.
K6.6.	Develop grazing management plans and controlled burning to manage fuel loads in fire hazard areas.

Napa River Watershed Owner's Manual

Section III: Recommendations by Land Use:

J. Land Use: Agriculture

Background

General Agricultural Recommendations

Grazing

Viticulture

Other Agriculture

K. Land Use: Open Space and Watershed

Background

L. Land Use: Residential

Background

Urban

Rural

M. Land Use: Commercial, Industrial, Private and Public Institutions

Background

N. Land use: Recreation

Background

J. Land Use:
Agriculture

K. Land Use:
Open Space and Watershed

L. Land Use:
Residential

M. Land Use:
Commercial, Industrial, Private and Public Institutions

N. Land use:
Recreation

L1.1.	Protect storm drains from sediment intrusion with the use of straw bales or silt fence.
L1.2.	Sweep dirt and debris from streets in the construction zone before rainfall or project water can flush it into the storm drains.
L1.3.	Establish temporary berms to contain wash water and irrigation installation overflows on site.
L1.4.	Store waste concrete, cement, stucco, asphalt, etc. in non-riparian areas where the residue can be incorporated into the project, or removed for disposal elsewhere.
L1.5.	Establish grass or other vegetative cover on the construction site as soon as possible after disturbance.

L2.1.	Stencil storm drains to notify residents of the direct connection of the drains to the river. This stenciling program will have to be supported with long term maintenance and educational outreach.
L2.2.	Encourage the removal and recycling of vegetative debris from landscape maintenance. Develop an education program that informs residents of the negative effects of disposing of leaves and clippings in streams and storm drains.
L2.3.	Keep paints, solvents, pesticides, etc., away from waterways and storm drains. Dispose of such products in a safe manner as described in the product labels.
L2.4.	Establish an information sharing method to allow coordination and mutual assistance for County, municipal, and other public entities to develop and manage required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits in the watershed.
L2.5.	Provide access to the coordinated NPDES permit plans to private entities for use in development of project based NPDES permits.
L2.6.	Where possible and technically feasible, drain roof tops and paved areas into underground dispersal pipes or vegetated percolation beds.
L2.7.	Increase the amount of permeable surfaces in urban areas to increase rainfall infiltration into the soil.
L2.8.	Maintain drainage functions of storm runoff ditches, pipes, and other conveyances.

L3.1.	Encourage the use of low water use plants in urban landscaping.
L3.2.	Provide regular continuing information about water conservation techniques.
L3.3.	Sweep, rather than wash paved areas and sidewalks.
L3.4.	Continue conservation programs such as the low water volume toilet exchange.
L3.5.	Minimize irrigated turf areas in parks and other recreation areas to only high traffic zones such as ball fields.
L3.6.	Utilize CIMIS data to schedule amounts and timing of irrigation.
L3.7.	Increase the use of permeable pavement surfaces to increase groundwater recharge.

L4.1.	Carefully measure all pesticides and fertilizers before use and follow label instructions for application.
L4.2.	Utilize the periodic hazardous waste collection events sponsored by the County Agricultural Commissioner and other agencies to dispose of unused or unneeded toxic products.
L4.3.	Keep motor vehicles in good repair to avoid loss of petroleum products, antifreeze, and other automobile fluids.
L4.4.	Stencil storm drains and provide information to notify residents of the hazards of disposal of chemicals and other debris into storm drains.
L4.5.	Keep irrigation of lawns, gardens and other areas to efficient levels to avoid runoff or excess leaching into groundwater.
L4.6.	Establish neighborhood groups to help keep riparian corridors free of litter and other unnatural debris.
L4.7.	Encourage neighborhood involvement with local schools in implementation of the school curriculum developed by the Resource Conservation District

L5.1.	Encourage development to utilize existing roads to minimize construction of new rural road cuts.
L5.2.	Cluster homes on contiguous parcels to minimize impacts on open space and wildlife habitat.
L5.3.	Make erosion control a priority when designing site access and building construction.
L5.4.	Plan for plumbing to utilize gray water where appropriate.
L5.5.	Avoid development of buildings or roads near sensitive habitats.
L5.6.	Design and site adequate on site waste disposal systems that can be easily maintained.
L5.7.	Emphasize protection of entire habitat units, instead of just single tree or single feature preservation.

L6.1.	Utilize joint access wherever possible to minimize roadways into rural parcels.
L6.2.	Erosion control and sediment reduction should be the highest priority in rural road design.
L6.3.	Utilize USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service assistance to design roadway maintenance systems and erosion control practices for existing roads.
L6.4.	Unpaved roads should have frequent waterbars or other storm water runoff controls, and controls should be kept in working order.
L6.5.	Abandoned roads should be removed and revegetated.

L7.1.	Use fencing, hedgerows, or other exclusion techniques to keep domestic livestock from streams and other waterways
L7.2.	Develop water sources for livestock away from concentrated surface flows.
L7.3.	Protect well heads and surface streams from animal waste contamination from runoff.
L7.4.	Direct wash water into safe areas or holding ponds for treatment before discharge into waterways.
L7.5.	Provide hardened or protected stream crossings where necessary for livestock movement.
L7.6.	Filter runoff from confined animal facilities, including small horse pastures.

L8.1.	Follow label instructions carefully when using and disposing of pesticides and fertilizers.
L8.2.	Calibrate application equipment before use.
L8.3.	Use laboratory analysis and other Integrated Pest Management techniques to schedule application rates and timing for pesticides and fertilizers.
L8.4.	Use laboratory analysis to determine actual application rates when using animal manure for fertilizer.
L8.5.	Properly compost animal and vegetable wastes for reuse as soil amendments.
L8.6.	Use CIMIS information to schedule irrigation and pesticide applications.

M1.1.	Open space designed into development projects should be established along existing streams or drainages to enhance the riparian values of the waterway and the attractiveness of the project.
M1.2.	Adjacent projects should be encouraged to develop green belts, open space, or other park improvements in such a manner as to provide continuity with neighboring natural habitat improvements.
M1.3.	Sensitive habitat areas should be considered in the design phase of projects to encourage their protection and enhancement.
M1.4.	Landscaping should consider low water use native plants that are compatible with any nearby open or natural areas.

M2.1.	Protect storm drains from sediment intrusion with the use of straw bales or silt fence.
M2.2.	Sweep dirt and debris from streets in the construction zone before rainfall can flush it into the storm drains.
M2.3.	Establish temporary berms to contain wash water and irrigation installation overflows on site.
M2.4.	Flush concrete, cement, stucco, etc. onto areas where the residue can be incorporated into the project, or removed for disposal elsewhere.
M2.5.	Keep paints, solvents, pesticides, etc., away from waterways and storm drains. Dispose of such products in a safe manner as described in the product labels.
M2.6.	Establish grass or other vegetative cover on the construction site as soon as possible after disturbance.