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This page is under construction and the text below is a placeholder only. Rock Creek Ranch will serve three functions: as home base for Smith River Alliance; as a “service learning” environmental education site; and it will host fee for service visitors and work parties. 1. A "Homebase" for the Smith River Alliance. Rock Creek Ranch (RCR) will serve as an office, meeting place and convening location for the Smith River Alliance. The SRA mission is to provide for long-term protection, restoration, and stewardship of natural resources in the Smith River watershed. Education and study about watershed science and the watershed's unique resources will occur through use by visitors, staff, donors and supporters. RCR will be used as a location to recruit and inspire watershed partners to collaboration on ambitious long-term programs. 2. An Environmental Education/Service Learning Facility. The education function will include day use, weekend and multi-day workshops. Day use is 6-20 day visitors, brown bag lunch, use of the house, deck and other areas of the property. During the spring, summer and fall, overnight the ranch can accommodate 20 or more, with six to eight adults sleeping indoors and up to twenty or more camping on the property. 3. Fees, Donations and Work Parties. Different levels of fee for use activities will be evaluated in order to determine a targeted level of such use for the Ranch. Fees will be used to meet annual operating expenses and capital improvements expenses scheduled over the next five years. It is anticipated that the use patterns would include weekly, weekend, overnight and daily visits. The organization will establish a fee structure with higher rates charged for larger groups (12 or more people). A fee schedule will be developed with a sliding scale for smaller groups and non-profits paying the lower daily rates and private groups paying fees at the higher end of the scale. This plan assumes that basic and essential Ranch improvements will be complete -- such as a caretaker cabin, improvements to the water/fire suppression system, a new roof, and an improved process for responding to inquiries from educators, visitors, and guests. 2000-03 ACTIVITIES
2002 was the third year that SRA co-hosted the Annual South Fork Smith Fish Count with the Humboldt Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. In addition, the RCR worked with Gateway Partnership to present two day camps for age levels 7-10 and 11-14 to participate in team-building and leadership skills exercises, study watershed sciences. SRA organizational use included board meetings, special tours and donor visits. The California Conservation Corps (CCC) use RCR for COMET (Corpsmember Orientation, Motivation and Educational Training) and as overnight accommodations while engaged in RCR service projects. 2002 CCC work projects included assistance with the water line replacement, preparation of the outdoor classroom area and brush cutting activities. Other users and contributors included the Bar-O-Boys Ranch, the Marin Academy the federal Youth Conservation Corp Program, and many volunteers. Bar-O-Boys Ranch, a successful Del Norte County vocational training, education and rehabilitation program serving at-risk youth, has been a frequent visitor and contributor to the Ranch. Click the left-side links on this page to learn more about Rock Creek Ranch and to view our useful Resources pages. Smith River Alliance © 2004-2007 Smith River Alliance |
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