The Carmel Knolls Environment
Carmel Knolls has resource opportunities and constraints that are part of its broader setting within the Carmel Valley.
Water
The Carmel Watershed recieves a wide range of rainfall amounts, depending upon location. The ridges on the southern side of the valley receive up to 70 inches in a normal year, but they forma rain shadow, leaving approximatley 20 inches for the northern side of the valley. Rain that gradually makes its way to the Carmel River via numerous tributaries supports a run of steelhead (the migratory version of rainbow trout). Steelhead are on the list of federally threatened species. Because of its impact on steelhead (and other reasons) our water purveyor (California American Water Company) has been asked to reduce its impact on the Carmel River by reducing its extractions from the Carmel Valley aquifer. Cal Am's long search for other water sources will gradually raise water rates in Carmel Knolls.
There are many ways to conserve sater if you are concerned about "making ends meet" as the rates climb. Contact the board or the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District for water conservation tips, including creating lovely drought-tolerant gardens.
Fire
The joys of living in a semi-rural setting in a mediterranean climate are tempered by the seasonal threat of wildfire. The current drought, leaving the trees and understory especially dry, has left all of California at risk of fire. Wildfires in Carmel Knolls can start from lightening strikes, careless home accidents (leaving electrical appliances and stoves unattended), untended backyard fires, illegal fires in Hatton Canyon, etc. We all pay a fee to support fire hazard reduction.
Other than exercising common sense fire prevention, our greatest risk reduction strategy is to reduce the fuel from near our homes and from the slopes adjacent to them. If you have questions about fire prevention please contact the board, or the Cypress Fire Protection District at the Rio Road Fire Station. If you are unclear on your property boundaries, review the parcel map linked here, or contact the board for assistance.
Non-Native Invasive Species
The Carmel Valley is home to a wide variety of plants and animals that have developed co-dependences. In most areas, there is a diversity of plant species that, in turn, host a wide variety of animal species. Problems arise when non-native vegetation "takes over" forming a mono-culture with less habitat value. Our gardens and greenbelts can be home to invasive plant species that have proven difficult to eradicate in the region. We can help by selecting native plants, or non-natives that do not spraed out of control. If you want to help the regional vegetative ecosysyem....help control the following plants.....
French broom (some ornamental varieties are fine)
Ice plant
Pampas grass
Cape ivy