Environment
The members of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians are committed to improving the environment on the Rancheria. The destination resort plan is undertaken with this same commitment to nature and the environment.
Monday, May 11, 2009
PROGRAMS EPA General Assistance Program (GAP) Provides general assistance grants (GAP) to Indian tribal governments and intertribal consortia to build capacity to administer environmental regulatory programs on Indian lands. EPA Clean Water Act Section 106 The Water Pollution Control Program assists federally recognized Indian tribes with developing institutional capacity for administering water quality programs and for protecting natural resources. EPA Clean Water Act Section 319 The purpose of the Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program is to assist federally recognized Indian tribes to develop and implement polluted runoff control programs that address critical water quality concerns. EPA Source Water Protection Program A Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) includes steps that when completed describe a Tribe's drinking water sources and possible contaminants that could degrade those sources. |
• The Tribe is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to restore Rancheria Creek by removing invasive vegetation and planting native species. Returning the creek to a stable, sustainable state benefits the greater community by improving Russian River water quality. • Recycling at the Dry Creek Rancheria soared 96% in 2005 compared to 2004. The Tribe is on track toward reaching its goal of recycling 50% of its total waste in 2007. • The 9,000 gallons of cooking oil used at the Rancheria's kitchen each year is converted to biodiesel fuel for wineries, farms, and nurseries throughout Northern California. • The Tribe's waste water facility treats water to the highest standard, and the Rancheria recycles its treated water. The plan for the new destination resort carries this dedication to the environment forward. The plan's design nestles the new facility into the Rancheria's hillsides, and the resort plan calls for LEED-certified construction following Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design "green building" practices that meet the nationally accepted benchmark for environmental design and construction. DEPThe Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was formed to protect the Dry Creek Rancheria's air, land and water from pollution and to provide a healthy and safe environment for visitors, residents and future generations. The DEP develops, plans, coordinates and monitors all tribal environmental programs and activities. This Department also oversees the Plant Operations Division, enforces the tribe's environmental ordinances, administers grant programs to fund environmental programs and manages the tribe's natural resources.
The DEP enforces the Tribe's environmental ordinances and manages the natural resources. The department administers and maintains the following grants:
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Native homelands for Pomos in the Dry Creek area were the streams and marshlands. Tribal members used regional plants and game for food. Stewardship of the environment was an important part of the Pomo balance of life. The Tribe's commitment to continuing that legacy is evident today in numerous ways.