CBC In Chico

Cooperative Watershed Resource Management: CRMP

By Dana Helfer, CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts

Coordinated Resource Management Planning (CRMP, prounounced crimp) is a community–based model process used and adapted by a wide range of groups to best address their particular resource interests.

This process emphasizes direction participation in natural resource management in a given planning area. The CRMP designation offers recognition by the community of both open membership and the diversity of stakeholders all intent on developing consensus–based management. CRMP is used by many watershed groups in California and each one is organized and managed differently depending on the needs of the community. These watershed groups undertake challenging issues, such as improving fish and wildlife habitat and water water quality, implementing erosion control practices, and reducing wildfire hazard and flood risks.

CRMP groups have an additional resource in the California CRMP Program (CaCRMP), which provides organizational and technical assistance. The CaCRMP is supported by a growing list of 15 state and federal natural resource agencies and 14 private organization sponsors.

In October, Dana Helfer was hired as the new CaCRMP Program Director, replacing Catriona Black, previous Program Director since 1998. Recently moving from Colorado to California, Dana brings experience in project management, event planning, volunteer coordination, fund raising, computer savvy, and a passion for wise resource management.

Resources available through the program include a free CRMP Handbook, technical assistance, a newsletter, email newsletter, and CRMP workshops and presentations to interested parties. This spring, CRMP will host a workshop on the successful navigation of the permitting process for restoration projects. For more information, contact Dana by email at cacrmp@ca.nacdnet.org, by phone at (916) 447-7237, or fax (916) 447-2532.