Growing Green for the Yuba – April 30

SYRCL is proud to host the 3rd Annual “Growing Green for the Yuba” on April 30th, 2017. Sponsored by the Rose Foundation and co-hosted with Nevada County Cannabis Alliance, this all-day workshop is for anyone interested in learning more about best management practices in cannabis cultivation that protect the environment.

California’s current “Green Rush,” has attracted many people to grow medical marijuana, or cannabis, in the Yuba River watershed. With recent statewide legalization, most of the attention surrounding cannabis cultivation has focused on medical, economic, social impacts and regulation. SYRCL remains committed to sharing educational information that protects the river from potential negative impacts. SYRCL calls upon our community to make sure that the environmental impacts on the Yuba River are not overlooked.

The environmental impacts of unregulated, large-scale cannabis cultivation are real. The overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides pollutes the water and poisons wildlife. Illegal water diversions result in dry creeks. Deforested and poorly graded land damages habitat for native fish and wildlife. So-called “trespass grows” on public lands wreak havoc on the landscape.

It’s time for Nevada County to roll up its sleeves and develop proactive, local solutions to protect the environment. Nevada County has long been a center for organic, sustainable agriculture. The State of California is working to develop a comprehensive framework to regulate cannabis cultivation and protect our water that could serve as a model for the County.

This daylong informational workshop with local and regional experts will highlight best management practices for cannabis cultivation that will safeguard the Yuba watershed. The workshop presenters will address a variety of topics including regulation, water management systems, soil health, nutrient use, and pest management. There will also be a panel discussion focused on legal issues. Additionally, we plan to host monthly public “best management practice” workshops through the Summer.

SYRCL’s vision is that people will see that well-regulated agriculture – which is what cannabis cultivation could be – should not harm water quality, fish and wildlife. We’re addressing the sustainable cultivation issue through collaborative leadership, science, stewardship and education. As a community we can educate each other to ensure cannabis is grown in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way.

History teaches us that every new economic “rush” from hydraulic mining to clear-cutting has had profound impacts on the Yuba River over the past century and a half. Let’s be forward-thinking about sustainable solutions to regulate cannabis cultivation that will protect the watershed and comply with land use and environmental laws. Join us on April 30^th and learn how to protect the Yuba while managing your grow.

A huge thanks to our current and past sponsors! We couldn’t do it without the support of our local community and all of you!

We are currently accepting sponsors for the 3rd Annual Growing Green for the Yuba. If you’d like to get involved, please contact Julie Pokrandt at julie@syrcl.org or 530-265-5961 ext. 214.