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
Raise a Glass for Opportunity Presented by: Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Location: Steele/Burnand Desert Research Center, 401 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Celebrate community and empowerment at the Fourth Annual Toast to Borrego , a wine tasting fundraiser supporting programs that help women and girls in Borrego Springs pursue education and economic independence. Funds raised provide: College and vocational scholarships for Borrego Springs High School seniors “Dream It, Be It” programs for girls in local schools “Live Your Dream” awards for women with dependents continuing their education Tickets: $75 presale | $100 at the door Contact: info@borregosoroptimist.com Website: borregosoroptimist.com Sponsorship Levels Grand Cru – $2,000 Four complimentary tickets with commemorative glasses Social media press release announcing sponsorship Linked logo on website Logo display at the event Champagne – $1,000 Two complimentary tickets with commemorative glasses Linked logo on website Mention on social media Logo display at the event Sparkling – $500 Logo on website Mention on social media Logo display at the event Supporters help make a lasting difference in the lives of Borrego Springs women and girls. Sponsors and attendees alike are part of a community that believes in investing in dreams. Learn More About Borrego Springs
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