NORTH COAST, Calif. – The State Water Resources Control Board and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are jointly hosting a public meeting for landowners in the Russian River Watershed on Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Staff from the two departments will provide information about residents’ water rights, the reliability of their water supply and actions they can take to reduce impacts on salmon and steelhead fisheries.

A variety of representatives from state, federal, county and local agencies will be on hand to answer questions, including the Sonoma and Gold Ridge Resource Conservation Districts and other entities with knowledge of the area.

Key topics include compliance with water reporting requirements and grant funding opportunities for water conservation and water storage projects.

The meeting will take place at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Hearings Room, 5550 Skylane Blvd., Suite A, Santa Rosa.

It is an “open house” format and attendees may stop by anytime between 3 to 7 p.m. Please RSVP at 916-319-0631 (reservations are not required, but are appreciated).

Despite recent rains, the state remains in drought status. The Russian River Watershed is critical habitat for endangered coho salmon, and water usage impacts the species.

Late last summer, some residents and area businesses took actions to enhance creek flows in some areas. Their efforts were a welcome contribution to the state’s efforts to help the salmon, and scientists hope to encourage others to take similar measures.

To receive additional information, subscribe to the State Water Board’s “California Water Action Plan/Statewide Instream Flows” email list located under “Water Rights” at the following webpage: www.waterboards.ca.gov/resources/email_subscriptions/swrcb_subscribe.shtml .