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You CAN Burn CLEAN - This is a RENEWABLE RESOURCE Firewood is the by-product of tree services. Pressed logs and pellets are the byproduct of lumber. USE this valuable resouce!
Every community in Sonoma County has creeks that run slow or dry up in summer but rush with water in winter. Trees and shrubs not only provide habitat for critters, but they also provide shelter for homeless people who camp near water during our warm, dry summers.
These individuals - and more - lead teams of hundreds who carry gloves, tools and bags to pick up trash along creeks, rivers and beaches they patrol. If they can’t haul the trash off in their pickup trucks, they hire dumpsters or work with local officials to provide dumpstes at the worse sites. Hazardous materials becomes an issue, especially when encountering large camps.
HEROES cont’d from page 1
Watershed Awareness
One landowner removed tons of soil to sell because he could. That winter rushing water took the path of least resistance and ran across fields instead of down the creek. Soil, silt, rocks, gravel all made its way downstream. In the last few decades what was once a 9 foot deep creek is now less than 2 feet deep, increasing the risk of floods.
One of the largest rivers in Sonoma County starts up in Mendocino County, wends its way through our central valley, then takes a turn west toward the ocean...the Russian River. Along its path people consider it a resource for water, wildlife and humans.
This is how creeks lose habitat for fish to spawn, shade to keep the water cool, and creek side habitat for critters. It’s why the rules have changed.
Don McEnhill, our official Russian Riverkeeper (russianriverkeeper.org) heads an entire organization of people dedicated to the health of this river. Chris Brokate of Clean River Alliance (www.cleanriveralliance.com) is a janitorial service (Brokate Janitorial Services) by trade but an avid clean-up man when he is not working. Keary and Sally Sorenson are also in the clean-up business (Everclean North) are part of Beach Watch (beachwatch. farallones.org) of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary that patrols and cleans beaches while documenting the impact of human behavior on wildlife.
Environmental consciousness and concern for all life has altered how we do things. But it doesn’t mean we wait for “the government” to do everything. There are areas where we can take action - without permits - that do no harm. In fact, they do good.
Creek Clean-Ups
12 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 11/15
These camps do not have toilets, and they do not have trash service so people find a way to function in ways that harm creek and river habitat. If they are neat and tidy, they take their trash out and find a way to dispose of it. If not, they leave it right where they live and it piles up over summer. When winter rains force people to leave these camps, they leave their trash behind. But it’s not just trash. It’s also human waste, buried in holes, that cause problems during the rainy season.
Last Chance
In the Gazette September edition we had a full calendar for waterway clean- ups that get organized prior to our rainy season. But that is just one month of weekends. The rest of the year avid creek and beach lovers are out there every weekend and even weekdays, trying to get waterways clear of debris before the rains hit. Our calendar lists these year-round clean-ups, but they also happen spontaneously when someone finds a huge mess that needs more help. This is where social media - Facebook - comes in handy for instant access to volunteers....people who care.
Rains could start any time now so the more people helping the better we will survive potential floods. If you can, please connect via social media and our Volunteer and Outdoor Stewardship calendars to work with an organized group. If you can only work during brief breaks in your schedule, consider the value of taking care of right where you live. Clean out a ditch, open culverts, cut back blackberries and haul off green waste to open waters passage.
Nov 5 ~ Russian River trash clean up.
MEET at Fire Mountain Lodge, between Safeway and Johnsons Beach Downtown Guerneville on First St. 9am to 12 INFO: Chris 707-322-8304 or www.cleanriveralliance.com
Hand tools, clippers, rakes and brooms do not require permits. Only when you create sawdust in a creek bed, move large amounts of soil, or remove trees along a riparian corridor are you required to obtain permits.
Please consider BEING a Creek Hero as we get ready for - hopefully - a wet winter. Bring a trash bag when you walk - every bit you pick up counts.