Summary of objective implementation status
From 2021-2023, the County focused efforts on the procurement of a consultant and the preparation of the data synthesis/modeling effort that provides a baseline carbon inventory and sequestration potential study—including an analysis of climate smart practices which may be implemented on natural and working lands to increase carbon sequestration—that will help guide policy, program and project developments to achieve this objective.
With the completion of the report, County of Sonoma Carbon Inventory and Sequestration Potential Study, October 2023 (Carbon Study), the emphasis on this objective has shifted to digesting the results of the study in terms of its policy implications.
Key milestone update
The report, County of Sonoma Carbon Inventory and Sequestration Potential Study, October 2023 was finalized and accepted by the Board on November 7, 2023. During this report period, Permit Sonoma Natural Resources has prepared Carbon Sequestration Study Resummary and Reanalysis Tables (15 April 2024) (Resummary and Reanalysis) and performed a detailed review of the report and its implications for General Plan policies. The first phase of the General Plan update process is commencing in September 2024 with an extensive public outreach process over the next 12 months. The implementation of this objective will then be tied to the General Plan update process going forward.
Coordination and partnership update
To date, this objective has required collaboration between County departments and Special Districts, including the Climate Action and Resiliency Division in the County Administrator’s Office, Ag + Open Space, Sonoma Water, and Permit Sonoma. Based on the Resummary and Reanalysis of the Carbon Study several broad conclusions can be reached:
In terms of the policy implications of the results, the following is apparent:
Community, equity and climate update
An extensive public outreach process is commencing as part of the General Plan update over the next 12 months.
Funding narrative
The Climate Action and Resiliency Division received $500,000 from the Strategic Plan fund to complete the carbon sequestration study as well as an ongoing GHG inventory. Existing staff from the various County departments and special districts assisted in preparing this report and planning for next steps for implementing this objective
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