Help Win Strong Protections for Sonoma's Creeks and Russian River

By Teri Shore (Open Post)

Next week, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will finally vote on a new ordinance that will determine what activities are allowed along river banks and streams where trees, bushes, and other plants grow.

In recent years, Sonoma Valley Creek, Russian River and other important streams and creeks have suffered from expanding vineyard development, gravel mining, grazing, road building and development. Now is the time to reverse this trend and protect our waterways for the good of all.

Please take action by writing a letter in support of a strong riparian corridor ordinance to the Board of Supervisors by Friday, Nov. 21. If you can, please join us at the public hearing at 2 pm, Monday, Nov. 24, at 575 Administration Drive., Santa Rosa. See sample letter and email addresses below.

Photo courtesy Russian Riverkeeper.

Background

Healthy riparian zones are important to people and the environment because they:
Provide natural water cleaning and recharge
Prevent erosion and flooding
Provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife
Provide open space and recreation

Endangered salmon and steelhead rely on cool rivers and creeks to grow and spawn.

An incredible 70 percent of all wildlife either lives in the riparian corridor or are frequent visitors.

The streamside regulations as proposed were approved by the Planning Commission and developed by a Citizens Advisory Committee. The regulations are fair and balanced, and if anything should be strengthened towards the environment.

The need for a riparian ordinance was spelled out in the current Sonoma County General Plan that was passed in 2008. So it is now six years overdue. Waiting any longer jeopardizes the long-term health of our rivers, creeks and streams.

TAKE ACTION NOW

Please send a letter to the Board of Supervisors by Friday, November 21.
Please attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Monday, November 24, at 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa.

Sample Letter

Dear Sonoma County Board of Supervisors,

As a resident of Sonoma County who cares deeply about the health of Sonoma Valley Creek, the Russian River and all of our important streams and waterways, I am writing to strongly urge you to adopt the Riparian Corridor Ordinance on Monday, November 24.

It is essential that Sonoma County protect and preserve the trees, bushes and plant life that grow along our waterways to ensure that our environment, agriculture, and economy are viable for the long-term. Riparian corridors provide natural water cleaning, recharge and flood control for our communities.

Endangered salmon and steelhead rely on Sonoma County’s rivers and creeks. And about 70% of all animals either live in the riparian corridor or are frequent visitors.

In recent years, the condition of our rivers and creeks has suffered from expanding vineyard development, gravel mining, grazing, road building and development. Now is the time to reverse this trend and protect our waterways for the good of all.

The streamside regulations as proposed were approved by the Planning Commission and developed by a stakeholder working group. The regulations are fair and balanced, and if anything should be tilted further towards the environment.

In particular, the riparian setbacks should be consistent for all types of activities including agriculture.

Please vote yes on the proposed Riparian Ordinance. Do not delay any further.

Sincerely yours,

Address the letter to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors:

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
575 Administration Drive, Room 100A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Email: drabbitt@sonoma-county.org 2nd District
Email: Susan.Gorin@sonoma-county.org 1st District
Email: ecarrillo@sonoma-county.org 5th District
Email: szane@sonoma-county.org 3rd District
Email: mikemcguire@sonoma-county.org 4th District