Compliance

DOCUMENTING COMPLIANCE

Photo-monitoring points are established as part of the Farm Conservation Plan. Annually, the farmer photographs winterization of the farm, including all vineyards and roads. Creek corridors are regularly photographed and records are kept of changes in the channel. All projects to control sediment, reduce water use, repair roads, revegetate creeks and retro-fit water supply facilities are photographed.	Aerial view of an off-stream reservoir

Photo-monitoring demonstrates how the farmer is implementing the Farm Conservation Plan and applying the BMPs. Photo-monitoring also demonstrated how the farmer is managing the site in compliance with the federal Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and California Fish and Game Code. These laws direct actions to reduce non-point source contaminants such as fine sediment from entering waterways, protection of habitats such as creeks and riparian corridors for listed fish species, reduction of water temperatures through shading from plantings along creeks, and increased summer flows through changes in water supply management.

For the property owner, the Farm Conservation Plan and photo-monitoring provide documentation of regulatory compliance, reduced risk, and the assurance that the Plan certified by three government agencies is the set of practices and projects needed for the property.