It’s been a jammed packed first quarter for Friends; watershed conferences, river events, fish forums and environmental challenges have all played a big role in recent weeks. Here is the latest River news:
Fish Forum a huge success:
On April 9th Friends in collaboration with the Ca. Dept. of Fish and Game hosted a forum to present the results of habitat studies done on all the watershed’s major tributaries last summer. The survey team not only produced a good overview of conditions in most of the streams but reported on a wide variety of subjects including animals & plants present plus obstacles & threats to spawning and juvenile fish. Most importantly they found young steelhead living in the upper reaches of half a dozen creeks. To view a copy of the report click here.
|
|
|
| CA DFG’s Gail Seymour presents survey results | A full and appreciative audience pays attention |
A panel of experts answered questions from the audience after the presentation. One of the most compelling questions was “What would success look like?†It produced some thoughtful responses from the seven panelists. Their visions of success are summarized as follows:
1. Delisting of Salmonids
2. Natural characteristics restored to streams
3. Community access and use of stream corridors
4. Economic and environmental sustainability of land uses
5. De-regulation and self stewardship using “best practices†throughout watershed
6. Streams as showcases for habitat vitality
7. Appreciation for resources and passed on to future generations.
Other recent events:
North Bay Watershed Association Conference April 4th 2008: In a day long gathering titled “The Power of Water: water, energy, and climate changeâ€; many key government officials, scientists, and watershed leaders addressed the many threats to North Bay’s watersheds and discussed programs to protect them. The well attended event was held at the Sheraton/Petaluma this year. Friends hosted an information table for the attendees.
Petaluma River Row on April 5th was a colorful spectacle: This year the annual River Row helped celebrate Petaluma’s 150th Birthday! Participants were asked to dress as “Petaluma Pioneers†to reflect the early explorers who came up the River in small boats and stayed to found a town. Over 16 traditional small craft tied up in the Turning Basin to enjoy a sampling of wild game prepared by Friend’s volunteers. Many participants were in costume and everyone enjoyed the River’s charm under sunny skies.
|
|
|
| Assemblyman Jared Huffman, North Bay Watershed Conference keynote speaker | Colorful characters and boats attended this year’s River Row |
To view more photographs of the 2008 River Row, by Argus Courier reporter Corey Young, click here.
Friend’s presentation to Petaluma Park & Rec. on March 19th brought needed attention to the McNear’s Peninsula livery stable and rejuvenated the plan to create a Heritage Center.
 |
What is a “River Heritage Center�
It is a place to:
• Provide information, displays, workshops, and public programs about the River’s role in our cultural heritage and natural resources.
• Promote river access & recreation opportunities through;
• River tours and boat rentals
• Interactive learning, and stewardship activities
• Heritage related presentations and programs
• Improve the River’s connection to the community
Upcoming River Activities:
April 26—Petaluma’s Butter and Eggs Day Parade. Watch for Friends of the Petaluma River’s “Boat Float†celebrating “Petaluma’s Pioneersâ€.
April 25th (4th Fri.)—Nautical Mass. We have received several requests to revive the Nautical Mass, so we are proposing to do it on last Fridays of the month this year. The first one will be on Fri. April 25th and will be a trip to the turning Basin. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event the “Nautical Mass†is a freeform flotilla (based on bicycling’s Critical Mass) for folks who want to get out on the River at the end of the week. For non-motorized watercraft, it departs from the Petaluma Marina (781 Baywood Dr.) 6PM. Call 707-763-7756 for more information.
May 3rd—River Cleanup. The Petaluma River Cleanup Committee organizes this annual event. Meet at the Marina 8:30 AM to join this fun event. Music food & prizes will be provided for participants. For more information or to help out visit the great new website.
May 13th, 6 PM—NEW EVENT—Volunteers’ pizza party! Friends needs your help. In order to grow and become a better organization our, committees, programs and offices all need assistance. If you have any time or talent to contribute please come the inaugural volunteer meeting on the 2nd Tues. of May at Friend’s Hq.; 755 Baywood Dr. #190
May 17th & 18th—Petaluma river Cruises offered by Dolphin Charters.
These 3 hr. narrated cruises that feature the River’s cultural and natural history have proven very popular fill up fast so make The cost is $35 per person (children must be 8 or over). Call Dolphin charters at (510) 527-9622 or visit www.dolphincharters.com <http://www.dolphincharters.com/>
May 31—PSC3 and Friends of the Petaluma River offer free boating rides at the second annual Day on the River. Click on http://www.starbirdcreative.com/PSC3/ for information.
June, July, August—PSC3 hosts week-long canoe/kayak/rowing camps for young people 12 and older. Click here to request more information.
Aug. 10th—Mark your calendars for the Mayor’s (non-motorized) Boat Ride in conjunction with the Petaluma River Festival, 10:00am starting at the Marina!
 |
|
2007 Mayor’s Boat Ride |
Redwood Landfill Expansion Hearing Set
Marin County Planning Commission ~ April 28, 2008 ~ 1:00 pm
Greetings from “Friends†and the Green Coalition for Responsible Waste Mgt.,
We are writing to alert you that the Marin County Planning Commission will be hearing public comment regarding Waste Management Inc.’s Redwood Landfill expansion project on April 28 at the Marin County Civic Center, Room 330, at 1:00 pm. This will be a critical hearing for the public to express its views. (A second hearing date, May 5, has also been set.) The Green Coalition, representing 25 major environmental, health, and social justice groups, has proposed Four Principles that should be addressed in the Environmental Impact Report and Expansion Permit.
We need your help!
This dump was built on historic tidal wetlands in the Petaluma Marsh just north of Novato. If you believe, as we do, that the North Bay’s wetlands are precious, that our health and the health of the Bay are worth preserving, and that taxpayers
should not be expected to pay for a potential toxic cleanup when the dump is closed, then we urge you to attend this hearing to express your concern and support for the Green Coalition.
For detailed information on Waste Management Inc.’s expansion request, the Environmental Impact Report, the Green Coalition, and the Four Principles, please visit our website.
|
|
|
| Redwood Landfill in historic tidal wetlands | Filling the Petaluma Marsh |
For more information about Redwood Landfill expansion click here.
New Merchandise Available
A new shipment of River Wear and other products has arrived and can be seen or purchased at our offices and events as well as at Clavey River Equipment 409 Petaluma Blvd. So. Be sure to check out the new water resistant “Boat Totes†for hauling your gear.
FRIENDS RIVER EMPORIUM
Paddlers’ Map – 11†x 17â€
Two sided, water proof map of the Petaluma River — $20.00
Petaluma River Coffee – hand roasted blend 1/2 lb. — $ 7.00
Boat Totes – lightweight & water resistant — $ 7.00
Celebrate and Conserve – “boat†stickers — $ 1.00
River Wear
River Hats—Bucket & Brim Caps (all cotton or nylon blend) — $15.00
Fleece vests — $30.00 Cozy and stylish, with Petaluma River logo — sizes – XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
River Jackets — $35.00 (Dave’s favorite)
Nylon windbreakers – with warm flannel lining
& inside “phone†pocket – sizes S, M, L, XL
Celebrate & Conserve Bookmarks – always free
Corporate Sponsorships:
To help expand our community recognition Friends of the Petaluma River is offering a limited number of annual “Corporate Sponsorships†to businesses and individuals. We will make sponsorship opportunities available at three different levels with possibilities for logo placement at our events, in our newsletter, or on our boat. If you would like your business to be recognized as a key supporter of a respected and highly visible River related organization – contact Program Chair Elizabeth Howland (707) 781-7421. See your name here!
Dave Yearsley – Friends of the Petaluma River
Celebrate & Conserve
