Money available for creek cleanup

Debris threatening property or flooding targeted

The Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) received a welcome boost from the Sonoma County Water Agency on Feb. 23 when the Board of Supervisors approved a $28,000 grant to help remove storm debris from Sonoma Creek that threatens property or could cause flooding.

Mark Newhouser, Restoration and Stewardship Program Manager for the SEC, said they will work closely with property owners and the state’s Department of Fish & Game to identify and remove instream storm debris where appropriate.

Not everything that falls in the creek needs or should be taken out, Newhouser emphasized.

“Too often in the past, people have removed large wood from streams that provide valuable fish habitat. If it’s not potentially causing damage, we leave it in place to provide good fish and wildlife habitat.”

The SEC needs approval from Fish & Game, and sometimes permits are even required, before removing debris from the creek, Newhouser said.

“One of the objectives is to reduce sediments in streams that reduce water quality,” he said, “to reduce erosion, protect property and reduce flooding.”

The grant money will be applied to Sonoma Creek cleanup from Kenwood to Sonoma, but it is not for cleaning up back yard trash and litter. It is for storm-related debris.

Creekside residents who would like to know more about the program should call Mark at 996-0712, ext.103. You can also visit the SEC website at www.SonomaEcologyCenter.org.