East Bay parks get $400K in state budget to restore stock ponds

The state budget package passed Sept. 1 includes $400,000 in funding for the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) to complete stock pond restoration projects across its grazed grasslands.

To reduce the risk of wildfires across more than 87,000 acres, the park district uses targeted grazing as a key component of its overall vegetation management strategy for wildfire prevention and the only practical means for maintaining safe levels of vegetation across such vast landscapes. Livestock ponds are essential to this work, keeping grazing animals healthy and hydrated.

“We sincerely thank Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson and Senator Jerry McNerney for their leadership and support of this budget request. With this action, the park district will have capacity to restore up to five livestock ponds, which will support prescribed grazing operations vital to vegetation management, wildfire prevention and safety of East Bay communities,” said Max Korten, the EBRPD’s general manager. “The co-benefits of wildfire risk reduction, groundwater recharge, endangered species habitat protection and the support of East Bay ranchers truly makes this a win-win for all.”

California Assemblymember Wilson, D-Suisun City, and state Sen. McNerney, D-Pleasanton, each submitted budget funding requests on behalf of the park district for stock pond restoration. The cost to restore each pond is about $75,000, while the park district has capacity to restore up to approximately five ponds a year.

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