Frequently Asked Questions
Who is RD 777?
Reclamation District No. 777 has been providing flood protection and public safety to residents, businesses, schools and agriculture since 1911. We are a special district formed by the California State legislature. Our job is to protect the lives and property in the Live Oak area from flooding. We maintain approximately 40 miles of canals in the area surrounding the Live Oak.
What is the best way to contact RD 777?
You may call the RD 777 District office at (530) 671-1008 or send an email to help@rd777.org
How is RD 777 organized?
The District is governed by a three member Board of Trustees elected by the property owner’s within the District. The District operates under the direction of the District Secretary who reports directly to the Board of Trustees.
What are the qualifications to become a board member?
Board members must own property and live in the RD 777 District.
When is board election held?
Only property owners in the District vote in the election that is conducted under the rules of the California Water Code for Reclamation Districts. Elections are held in November of odd number years. Nominating papers are available at the District office and must be submitted during August preceding an election.
Why am I paying an assessment to Reclamation District No. 777?
Your property is within the boundaries of Reclamation District 777 and receives a special benefit from our drainage operations and maintenance. Assessments are used to fund the day to day maintenance of the canals, small capital projects and the first response during a flood emergency.
How is my assessment calculated?
The assessment for each property is determined by its size of the parcel. The District has not raised its assessment rate since 1986. A typical single family home on an urban residential lot will pay $25 per year. This is less than assessments for library services or for lighting and landscape yet provides essential direct public safety benefits to you and your family. The District’s annual operations and maintenance costs are spread proportionally among the properties in the District.
Why do I pay a flood control assessment to both SBFCA and RD 777?
The assessment paid to SBFCA funds their planning effort plus the local share for capital costs of the major flood control projects including the Feather River Levee Improvement Project. Reclamation District No. 777 assessments, on the other hand, are used to fund the day to day maintenance of the canals, small capital projects and the first response during a flood emergency.
How can I get the ditch cleaned by my property?
The schedule for cleaning typically occurs in the summer and fall, prior to the flood season. However conditions vary from year to year which affects the schedule. If you are concerned about weeds or vegetation along the levees or canals, you may contact the District office (530) 671-1008 and our Secretary will provide the information to a Trustee for review.
How often do you spray for weeds?
We typically spray a pre-emergent during the winter to reduce weed growth the following spring. This is sprayed on access roadways and in areas where mowing or other means to control vegetation is limited. During spring and early summer, we spray post-emergent to slow weed growth or address vegetation in areas we cannot mow. In all cases, the herbicides are applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s labeled instructions, with a recommendation by a State licensed Pesticide Advisor and are applied under the direction of a staff member with a State Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate.
Is RD 777 responsible for the detention ponds in my neighborhood with pumps?
No, there are several City owned water detention basins in the Live Oak neighborhoods. Problems with operations at detention basins, plugged storm drain inlets, or flooded streets should be reported to the City of Live Oak (530) 695-2112.
Why do I need a permit to do work on my property along a District canal and where do I get the application?
Any work on or in a District canal will require an encroachment permit from the District and may also require a permit from the Central Valley Flood Protection Board. Information and permit applications are available from the District Office. Most canals within the District have a easement in favor of our District. The purpose of getting a permit is to insure any work done by homeowners does not interfere with our operations and maintenance responsibilities or ability to monitor and respond to emergencies during a flood.