Jake Hinton • March 14, 2024
Sustainable Borrego Springs: The Role of the Stewardship Council
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Borrego Springs Unites for Sustainability
In the heart of Borrego Springs, a collective commitment to a sustainable future has brought together diverse voices under the banner of the Borrego Valley Stewardship Council (BVSC). This council, formed in 2014, stands as a testament to the community's dedication to addressing pressing local issues, such as water conservation, air quality, and economic growth, all through the lens of geotourism.
The Stewardship Council's Vision:
- Community Engagement: Convening diverse community voices to address Borrego Springs’ most critical issues.
- Sustainability Goals: Enhancing the viability of Borrego Springs as a vibrant, resilient desert community.
- Geotourism: Promoting sustainable tourism that appreciates and preserves the unique geographical character of Borrego Springs.
Key Initiatives and Achievements:
- Educational Programs: Partnering with the Borrego Village Association to develop the Interpretive Host Program, offering training for tourism workers and high school coursework for students to become Certified Interpretive Guides.
- Water Sustainability: Direct involvement in forming the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) and developing a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) in response to SGMA legislation, aiming for a 75% reduction in water use by 2040.
- Integrated Planning: Facilitating integrated planning efforts to align groundwater management with land use, economic development, and community resilience, leading towards a sustainable future for Borrego Springs.
Challenges and Responses:
- Public Perception: Combating negative perceptions of Borrego Springs as a "dying community" by redefining it as a phoenix rising from adversity.
- Community Engagement in GSP Development: Ensuring community input in the GSP development process, setting a precedent for transparent and inclusive planning.
The Road Ahead:
- Interim Watermaster Board: Establishing governance and community representation to manage water resources effectively under the stipulated agreement awaiting DWR review.
- Community Plan Update: Collaborating with San Diego County to update Borrego’s Community Plan, integrating water management, economic development, and climate resilience into a cohesive vision for Borrego Springs.
The Borrego Valley Stewardship Council embodies the spirit of unity and perseverance, guiding Borrego Springs towards a future where sustainability and community thrive hand in hand.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
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A one-of-a-kind underground cocktail lounge beneath the hotel's iconic Olympic-size pool adds another reason to visit Borrego Springs.
A first paycheck becomes a lesson in financial independence.
Community leaders celebrate new park for Desert Shores families.
Finding Community in Borrego Springs
Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education & Training Awards for Women program is here to help women in Borrego Springs achieve their goals.
The Southern California architect explains how thoughtful design, floor-to-ceiling glass and the surrounding desert shaped one of Borrego Springs' most distinctive homes.
New Watermaster reports show measurable progress on groundwater conservation, alongside ongoing debate over the Mesquite Bosque.
By County News Center , County of San Diego Communications Office It’s getting hot out there. And when the heat is extreme — which can happen in the summer and even fall months in San Diego County — it can be dangerous for people and pets. Here are some tips to help you, your friends and loved ones stay safe when the temperatures spike. Remember, extreme heat can cause body temperatures to soar. And that can cause heatstroke, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache and even death. People who are particularly at risk are children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, someone who is pregnant, and outdoor workers. Cool Zones and Indoor Relief — Places to Stay Cool The County’s Cool Zones, including the County’s 33 branch libraries , community centers and other locations, offer people safe, air-conditioned sanctuaries from the heat. Here is a complete list of County Cool Zone sites , their hours and locations. You can also use the County’s interactive link that lets you search for Cool Zone sites by location, ZIP code, organization and by what animals are allowed. What to DO if Someone Shows Signs of Heatstroke Call 9-1-1 immediately. Signs of heatstroke include dizziness, nausea, confusion and headache. Begin cooling the person right away. Move them into the shade; spray them with cool water and fan them. If they are alert, place them in a cool shower and monitor their body temperatures. DO NOT give them fluids; a person with heatstroke may not be able to swallow safely. What to DO if Someone Shows Signs of Heat Exhaustion Signs include being faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool/pale/clammy skin, nausea/vomiting, rapid/weak pulse and muscle cramps. Get the person to a cooler, air-conditioned place. Have the person drink water if fully conscious. Place them in a cool shower or use cold compresses. Tips to Help People Avoid Heat-Related Problems Stay in an air-conditioned space during the hottest hours of the day. Don’t rely on electric fans alone when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Take cool showers. Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car — even briefly. Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Wear sunscreen and a wide-brim hat if you must be in the sun. Avoid using the oven to keep indoor temps lower. Tips to Keep Your pets cool in hot weather Keep your pets indoors if it is cooler inside. Exercise pets in early morning hours or early evening only. Keep your pets’ water supply in a tip-proof container, always topped off, and be sure it stays cool (pets will not drink water that is too hot). Consider a misting system to keep the outdoor areas cooler. Be sure your pet has shade ALL DAY, if they are outside. Remember, the sun’s position changes during the day. Avoid car trips; vehicles heat up dangerously fast. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward even with the windows down an inch or two. Check pavement temperatures; if it is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for paws. Offer a shallow wading pool or misting area. Watch for signs of heat stress: heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or stumbling. Seek veterinary help immediately if you notice these. The sun is beautiful, but dangerous in extreme heat. So, stay cool, check on vulnerable neighbors and keep pets safe!
