Opinion

GROUNDWATER: At a recent Scott River Watershed Council meeting, Thomas Harter, Ph.D. of University of California Extension Dept. of Land and Water Management spoke about the groundwater study plan that he is producing for Siskiyou County. (This has been requested for the Scott River as part of clean water actions by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. See previous column.)

The goal of the study plan will be to “improve understanding of the groundwater dynamics and hydrology of Scott Valley in relation to water use.” Study objectives will include: (1) Understanding the interaction of riparian vegetation with groundwater; (2) Understanding the “cumulative effects” of groundwater and surface water on flow and temperature; and (3) Developing a tool to identify management practices that will improve groundwater flow to the stream as needed to reduce temperature.

The tasks to be done will include determining: the (non-precipitation event driven) base flows of surface waters; the topography (lay of the land) of stream sections; surveys to determine the upland rim of the aquifer; recharge action from irrigation and creeks; and the water balance of inputs and outputs. This will involve key groundwater monitoring with the voluntary participation of local landowners. Most of this monitoring will be done by a network of piezometers – two inch PVC pipe driven 20-30 feet down to the water table. How fast the water levels change will guide the frequency of measuring the depth to the water table.

The model produced will be a conceptual understanding of the groundwater in Scott Valley and will take into consideration geology, soils, and various boundaries to water movement. It could be used to predict base flow, water use and to assess the future impact of different kinds of management options. For instance, the model could predict the effects of management practices such as heavy irrigation in early spring to increase groundwater recharge. It could also be used to support the forbearance agreements under the New Water Trust.

The study will continue to include many educational and outreach opportunities for landowners to learn more and to ask questions. Participation in the study will be voluntary, but the results will be only as good as the scope of the data gathered.

ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARD: There are several vacancies on various boards that need to be filled. http://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/clerk/notices/notice_of_vacancies.htm Some appointments have remained vacant for a while. The Assessment Appeals Board is essential to the County. The term is for three years. Qualifications are that the applicant must have at least five years professional experience in California as one of the following: CPA or Public Accountant; licensed real estate broker; attorney; property appraiser who is accredited by a nationally recognized professional association or by the Board of Equalization; or a person who possesses competent knowledge of property appraisal and taxation. By law, individuals appointed to the board must file Conflict of Interest Form 700. Compensation is $100 a day plus reasonable per diem. Contact the Clerk of the Board for information at 842-8081.