County of Lake and UCCE Extend Partnership

The Regents of the University of California (UC), on behalf of the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), and the UCCE, have collaborated with the County of Lake since 1963. Barnes explained, “The 1963… Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) founded the grounds for how we work together. With the new MOU presented, we hope to provide an advanced structure and plan that will ensure an enduring impact over the next five years. Building off this, we will strengthen Lake County’s agriculture [and] youth development into sustainable land stewardship.”

To read the MOU, click here.

Barnes shared “Beginning in January 2025, we will launch our “Next 100 Years Campaign” in Lake County. Notably, the partnership with the County of Lake will be the first for the UCCE, out of the 58 counties in California, to include emergency response support.” Barnes explained the partnership will include the following:

• Post recovery services, such as fires and earthquakes.

• Environmental impacts, such as soil and water testing.

• Agricultural Impact Assessment.

• A designated viticulture advisor, who is already doing current studies on smoke taint for grape vines, which has been common.

Another trailblazing first among California’s 58 counties is inclusion of “...Tribal Nation collaborations. The UC ANR [will] remain in an advisory role, respecting Tribal sovereignty and building collaborative efforts with the Tribes of the County of Lake. Doing this [will] facilitate collaborative projects and [the UC ANR] can be the bridge between environmental impact projects.”

The UC ANR and UCCE pledge to do the following:

• Deliver UCCE knowledge to county residents through educational and applied research programs.

• Continuously improve the UCCE by incorporating new research that is accessible to advisors.

• Provide regular progress updates to the County of Lake Board of Supervisors.

• Allocate a portion of UC ANR and UCCE funds (such as state, federal, and grants) to enhance local programs.

• Hire, supervise, and fund an advisory team to operate UCCE in Lake County.

• Outline upcoming public service and research programs in the UCCE Plan of Work.

• Detail yearly activities and impact in the UCCE Report of Work.

UCCE will implement such vital programs as:

• Agriculture and natural resources: research and education to enhance agriculture and address emerging issues with local partners.

• Nutrition, family and consumer services: supporting health and independence while preventing obesity and diabetes.

• Master gardeners: university-trained volunteers to offer research-based advice on horticulture and pest management, assisting Lake County gardeners with expert guidance and resources.

• 4-H program: a youth development program founded on research-based and educational activities that promote youth citizenship, science literacy, and leadership skills.

• Tribal national collaborations: with Tribal nations to address resource management, agriculture, and conservation, respecting cultural practices and ensuring sovereign rights.

Barnes noted, “It has been six months since [I] have been [serving as Director], and Lake County has been very collaborative, from the pear alliance and walnut boards to the wine alliance. There is a bright future in collaboration.”

To watch the presentation, click here.

Ron Montes, an elder from the Cabo Tribe, also known as the Big Ranch Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, commented, “There is a lack of collaboration and meaningful involvement with Tribal communities in existing processes. For example, in agriculture, our role is often limited to manual labor, with no say in decisions about crops like walnuts or grapes. We want to be involved and offer input to build unity and move forward together as one people. How can we work together to ensure greater collaboration and representation?”

Barnes agreed, emphasizing, “I understand and share your concerns. The University recently published the 'Land Grab' document, detailing the origins of the UC Cooperative Extension system. Including this understanding in the MOU is vital. Our priority is to listen first to Tribal communities, identify opportunities for collaboration, and then find ways to add value tailored to each Tribe’s needs.”

Supervisor Bruno Sabatier added “...the value of [regular] reporting is that [Barnes] can come and report on [the collaboration with Tribal communities].”

To read the resolution, click here.