Notice of Intent for Application of Aquatic Herbicides
The Resource Conservation District of Monterey County (RCDMC) was granted a General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Residual Aquatic Pesticide Discharges to Waters of the United States from Algae and Aquatic Weed Control Applications from the State Water Resources Control board on June 23, 2014. This permit covers the RCDMC’s arundo (Arundo donax) and tamarisk (Tamarisk sp.) control efforts in the Salinas River riparian corridor. The RCDMC manages these invasive plants to improve habitat for fish and wildlife and reduce flood and fire risk along the Salinas River.
Beginning in August 2026, the RCDMC will be applying a glyphosate and/or imazapyr-based aquatic-formulated herbicide to arundo stands and tamarisk shrubs in the Salinas River riparian corridor between Soledad and King City, CA. Applications may continue through November 2026.
Herbicide will not be applied directly into the water and best management practices should result in no water contamination. No adverse impacts to the Salinas River or receiving water bodies are expected, and there are no water use restrictions associated with this application.
For more information, please contact Emily Zefferman, RCDMC Ecologist, at (831) 975-7761.
ISMND for the Carmel Valley Fuelbreak Project
Click the link to read the Initial Study and Notice of Intent documents that evaluate the potential environmental effects associated with the RCDMC's Carmel Valley Fuelbreak Project located in Carmel Valley. The 30-day public review period for the IS/MND is from Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 to Wednesday, October 29th, 2025.
An Initial Study is an informational document prepared by a Lead Agency to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment, prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”).
Initial Study Carmel Valley Fuelbreak Project
The Notice of Intent (NOI) is to inform the public and interested agencies that the RCDMC is circulating an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the Carmel Valley Fuelbreak Project for public comment.
NOI_Carmel_Valley_Fuelbreak_Project.pdf
A hybrid virtual/public hearing will be held on October 27th, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Public comments will be heard during this session. Please email us at for the zoom link to attend virtually.
Location: Discovery Center, Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, 93923
Monterey County Public Works Plan (PWP)
Monterey County Forest Health and Fire Resilience Public Works Plan (PWP)
Notice of Project Specific Analysis (PSA) for the Alila Ventana Big Sur Fuels Treatment Project
Notice of Impending Development for Alila Ventana Big Sur
Alila Ventana Big Sur Project Specific Analysis - RCDMC Board Approved
- Attachment A - Scientist Biographies
- Attachment B - Coastal Vegetation Treatment Standards for Alila Ventana Big Sur
- Attachment C - Vegetation Management Prescriptions
- Attachment D - Invasive Species Management Plan (higher resolution copy available upon request)
- Attachment E - Placeholder for Goat Grazing Management Plan
- Attachment F - Maps of Project Management Units
- Attachment G - Specific Project Requirements and Mitigation Measures
- Attachment H - Special Status Species
Notice of Project Specific Analysis (PSA) for the Rancho Rico Community Fuels Treatment Project
Rancho Rico Project Specific Analysis- Final
Attachment A- Standard Project Requirements and Mitigation Measures
Attachment B- Rancho Rico Sensitive Biological Resources
Attachment C- Coastal Vegetation Treatment Standards for Rancho Rico
Notice of Impending Development for Rancho Rico
CEQA Notice of Exemptions
CEQA Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
East Pico Blanco Fuelbreak - Notice of Intent