LCWC and partners meets with Elk Grove Public Works to discuss Greening Elk Grove
Greening refers to incorporating or retrofitting environmentally friendly designs into new and existing development, both commercial and residential. It could include such changes as removing grass and replacing it with drought tolerant plants or in new development, not using grass in the first place. Such a simple change has numerous benefits: it keeps pollutants out of waterways, it minimizes stormwater runoff, it reduces greenhouse gas production, and it saves water.
A group of representatives from the LCWC, Ecolandscape California, and Greener Gardens met with Richard Shepard, Director of Public Works, and Darren Wilson, Stormwater Program Manager from the City of Elk Grove on Monday, June 28, 2014. All of these organizations have “greening” as part of their mission. We presented signatures of about 75 Elk Grove residents who would like to see the City establish a Cash for Grass program. How do these programs work? For each square foot of turf removed, the sponsoring agency reimburses the homeowner anywhere from $0.50 – 2.00, up to a pre-set cap. Such a program would help Elk Grove residents obtain the same benefits those living in Roseville or Sacramento currently have. Both cities have existing Cash for Grass programs. A newly released video illustrates the value of replacing grass with native/drought tolerant vegetation. You can see it HERE. We discussed other opportunities with the City, working in conjunction with our organizations and other partners, to provide support for homeowners, the development community, and others to adopt ‘greener’ practices. The LCWC proposed establishing a working group to discuss these issues further, prioritize opportunities, and identify sources of funding. We look forward to working with the City on these important issues! Future blog entries will report on the progress we make.
If you would like more information, have suggestions, or would like to participate in this effort, let us know by writing any member of the Board at info@lagunacreek.org.