FALLBROOK: District sees growing role during threat

Agency has spent more than 60 years urging residents to conserve

By TOM PFINGSTEN - Staff Writer | Thursday, November 20, 2008 6:08 PM PST ∞

FALLBROOK ---- A little-known special district in Fallbrook has been working for more than 60 years to urge water and energy conservation, and leaders said Thursday that its mission is more important than ever.

Judy Mitchell, coordinator of the Mission Resource Conservation District, encouraged residents to take advantage of the district's free services, many of which involve education on how to save water, electricity ---- and, in turn, money.

Mitchell said during a meeting of community leaders that all of the district's programs ---- from distributing low-energy light bulbs to advising agricultural growers on water use ---- have taken on new life as a regional water shortage looms.

"It's becoming much more urgent, particularly with the water issues," Mitchell said after the Revitalization Council meeting Thursday.

"I think that Fallbrook has always been a very aware community. But on the water issue, there is still a lot that needs to be learned ---- for instance, how much water outdoor landscaping needs. People do not need to water their lawns every day."

The resource district was started in 1944, and Mitchell said water was a primary concern even then.

"We've been through many droughts, and water has always been a serious issue here," she said. "But so many of the energy and water issues are tied together."

The district is a nonregulatory agency, meaning it does not impose fines as the water district might for wasteful water use during a shortage.

Rather, Mitchell said one of the resource district's main purposes is to inform.

Staffers provide free consultations with local property owners on energy efficiency and home irrigation, as well as on issues that affect the San Luis Rey and Santa Margarita watersheds.

The district has spent more than a decade eradicating the arundo donax weed from the San Luis River and the creeks that feed into it. Including work done this year, the district has spent about $4 million to clear 392 acres in Bonsall and Fallbrook of arundo.

Arundo is a grass that is similar to bamboo and can grow to heights of 30 feet, said the project's chief biologist, Carolyn Martus.

Mitchell said the resource district will keep trying to spread the word about conserving water and electricity, and will probably hand out a few more free light bulbs, too.

"The district has always taken the approach that it's a long-term change in people's attitudes" that makes a difference, she said.

The Mission Resource Conservation District is at 990 E. Mission Road and can be reached at (760) 728-1332.

Contact staff writer Tom Pfingsten at (760) 740-3516 or tpfingsten@nctimes.com.