Tehachapi Resource Conservation District Stewardship Policy

The Tehachapi Resource Conservation District (TRCD) facilitates a diversity of resource conservation projects, including soil and water conservation projects, wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration, control of exotic plant species, watershed restoration, conservation planning, and education, among others.

Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) function throughout the state as leaders in the conservation community.  The TRCD renders assistance to public and private landowners within our watershed wishing to conserve soil and water and manage their resources on a sustainable basis. TRCD acts as a focal point for local conservation efforts and continuously promotes educational efforts to teach children and adults the importance of conserving resources through individual actions and volunteer activities.

The TRCD also promotes public awareness through links between concerned citizens, Tehachapi, special districts and Kern County’s government on issues related to conservation. The TRCD Board functions independently of county government as a special district, and derives its power and purpose from state law. Division 9 enables the District to have 5, 7, or 9 volunteer directors, who serve as voting members of the Board of Directors. TRCD is allowed a 5 member board. Decisions or actions of the TRCD Board are approved by majority vote of the full board.

The TRCD Board is meant to represent a broad spectrum of resource conservation interests and perspectives in the greater Tehachapi area. The TRCD Board members vary in their interests, experience and conservation philosophies, yet the structure of the TRCD Board offers a way for the District to form sound conservation policies and programs that balance diverse interests and represent the broader spectrum of conservation stewardship within the greater Tehachapi community.

The TRCD Board, meets publicly once a month to discuss local conservation issues, and makes decisions or takes actions on these issues. The TRCD Board may use specialists and contractors to carry out board policies and projects. Board members implement district policies and frequently serve as conservation educators to landowners, schools, and the public to raise awareness of conservation in the local community.

Directors also educate and inform state government representatives regarding resource conservation both locally and on a state-wide basis. The TRCD works to conserve resources within the District by implementing projects on public and private lands and educating landowners and the public about resource conservation.