Tour Three Coastside Horse Ranches

People who treasure the tide pools at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and Coastside residents concerned about marine water quality are invited to a March 9 open house and site tour of three upstream horse ranches — two in Moss Beach and one in Montara.

Ranch managers, working with the Livestock and Land Program, recently made significant improvements that protect stream water quality, preserve the health of the horses, and are smart investments for the property owners.

“We invite you to come see what your fellow equestrians and upstream neighbors are doing to improve the water quality of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve,” said Kellyx Nelson, executive director of the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District (RCD). “We’re excited to show you the innovative ways they’re managing their ranches.”

The Livestock and Land Program helps horse and livestock owners understand and apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their properties. Using BMPs can improve water quality and provide other benefits to property owners. Smart management decreases erosion and the creation of dust and mud. It also decreases manure runoff to local streams.

Owners enjoy lower maintenance costs, higher property values, and improved community relations. The ranchland is enhanced, becomes more beautiful, and is safer for horses, livestock and people.

This event is hosted by the owners of the ranches and the San Mateo County RCD. The Livestock and Land Program is a partnership among the RCD, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Ecology Action of Santa Cruz. Funding for the improvements and the tour come from the State Water Resources Control .

IF YOU GO
Tours are from 10 a.m. to noon on March 9, 2013. RSVP to Holly Van Houten, at 650-712-7765 ext. 104 or holly@sanmateorcd.org. Addresses and directions to the three ranches will be provided when you RSVP.

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