Barbara Kossy

Key discussions during the meeting included amending the agenda to move the Fiscal Year 2025 Draft Financial Statements to the regular agenda. The Board approved the consent agenda as modified. The tabling of the Fiscal Year 2025 Draft Financial Statements was approved pending further discussion on proposed copyedits regarding clarity, financial presentation, property tax revenues, and the reporting of the operating reserve. The Board unanimously approved a 9% allocation of 2025 earnings for eligible employees' Employer Sponsored 401K Plan. The Board also unanimously approved beginning an annual rotation of the presidency starting at the next regular meeting in February, following extensive discussion on rotation models, capacity building, and responsibilities. Directors shared experiences regarding the annual appeal, noting donation amounts, barriers such as fees and non-501(c)(3) status, and strategies for future appeals. The Executive Director's Report covered the success of the dredge project in reducing flooding impacts, updates on Brown Act requirements for remote participation, progress on the Regional Priority Plan for forest health, updates on coho salmon releases, and concerns regarding state budget deficits and Marble Murrelet avoidance guidance. The USDA NRCS report detailed soil health testing opportunities through a regenerative agriculture pilot program, noting a high level of local interest despite funding uncertainties for the tractor replacement program. Directors also reported on personal engagements and updates regarding ongoing projects.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and introductions. Public comment was heard, though no action was taken on non-agenda items. The consent agenda included approval of draft minutes from August and October 2025, and Fiscal Year 2026 First Quarter Draft Financial Statements. Key regular agenda items involved considering a resolution to express appreciation for Laura Silvestri, a staff showcase by Field Ecologist Maaya Hensman presenting fieldwork photos, and the consideration for purchasing property in Pescadero for conservation purposes. The Board also reviewed the USDA NRCS report, determined voting positions for the California Association of RCDs election, and decided to reschedule the January 2026 meeting.

The Board meeting addressed the approval of the agenda, introduction of guests, and public comments on non-agendized items. The consent agenda included approvals for the June 2025 and July 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes, the August 8, 2025 Draft Special Meeting Minutes, proposed amendments to the 2025-2029 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Plan, and a recommendation to contract with Bay Area Tree Specialists for the Wavecrest Fire Resiliency Project. Regular agenda items featured a presentation and discussion on advancing carbon farming at scale in San Mateo County, the Executive Director's report covering project updates like the Pescadero Marsh restoration and La Honda Shaded Fuel Break completion, and reports from the USDA NRCS and Directors.

The meeting commenced with a Closed Session to discuss the potential purchase of real property located at 0 Pescadero Creek Road. During the Open Session, the agenda included a presentation on the Compost Broker Program, a partnership designed to streamline compost sourcing and distribution to meet SB 1383 mandates and support local agriculture. The Board reviewed and prepared for potential votes on several resolutions for the upcoming California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) annual conference, focusing on governance, bylaws amendments, and establishing committees. The Executive Director's report detailed progress on forest health projects, fish passage enhancements, water storage advancements, and acknowledged staff efforts through the Nature Champion recognition program, while also raising significant concerns about business model sustainability due to restricted funding and overhead limitations. Directors also provided updates on various committee activities, administrative tasks, and upcoming community events.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and an introduction of guests and staff. Key discussions involved expressing appreciation and gratitude for Laura Silvestri through the approval of Resolution 2025-4, with staff and partners highlighting her mentorship and effectiveness. A staff showcase featured Field Ecologist Maaya Hensman presenting photos from fieldwork, including habitat assessments and monitoring projects. The Board approved Resolution 2025-05 for the purchase of property at 0 Pescadero Creek Road, contingent upon Board approval, with plans to transfer the parcel to State Parks for inclusion in the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. The USDA NRCS representative provided an update on staffing constraints, new partner biologists, and changes to cooperative agreements, prompting discussion on accessing engineering support. Directors discussed the concept of a rotating Board President position. Updates were provided on the RCD website redesign, an annual appeal drive, and CARCD election items. The Board also determined its votes for the California Association of RCDs election and agreed to reschedule the January 2026 meeting.