What’s up with “Friends� Who’s making news on the River? Where’d the Tidings go in January? A lot has happened in 08 already and more will be happening soon. Here is the latest River news:
January Tidings:
With the heavy winter weather and post holiday madness perhaps many of you didn’t miss the Jan. Tidings. News of what’s happening on the river had to wait until now. Why? In January I recently took an intensive 80 hr. course to obtain a Captain’s license. This document will allow us to start offering boat outings for a fee and produce an income stream for Friends. We hope to provide educational tours of the marsh, program specific outings, and occasional water taxi services. There is still work to do in assembling a license application package for Coast Guard approval but a big step was accomplished by passing the written test.
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Aye, Aye Captain |
Its time to renew your membership:
We need you! If you haven’t done so yet now is the time to renew your annual membership. Friend’s has set a policy of renewing memberships at the beginning of each calendar year. While a lot of members joined or renewed at our celebration in November or in response to our year end appeal many original members have disappeared from our roles. We want you back. Without your constituency we are not able to grow and effectively carry out the plans and programs we have planned for 08. Easily renew your membership or make a contribution online by visiting our web site or clicking here.
Please pass along those DVDs:
Many of you received a copy of our wonderful “Friends†DVD last year. Now is a great time to dig it out, watch it one more time, and pass it along. Tell a friend about Friends! By spreading the word you can help our organization grow. If you haven’t seen this yet, look for it on out website or ask for a copy. with your membership; call Friends at 707-763-7756 or e-mail us.
Important River date:
March 19th, 2008 at 7:00pm
River Heritage Center presentation at City Hall
Parks and Rec. Commission: 11 English St. Petaluma
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Come support a River Heritage Center |
Friends will appear before the Park and Rec. Commission to present a plan for a new River Heritage Center in the City of Petaluma.
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
Join us at City Hall on March 19th . Please add your ideas and support this vital community asset or write to:
Recreation, Music, and Parks Commission
C/O Scott Brodhun – Director of Parks
320 N. McDowell, Petaluma 94954
More Exciting Dates in April:
April 4th – North Bay Watershed Association 2008 Conference
A day long gathering titled “The Power of Water: water, energy, and climate changeâ€; will feature key presentations by government officials, scientists, and watershed leaders and will be held at the Sheraton/Petaluma this year. Click here to learn more and register online.
April 5th – Petaluma River Row for traditional small craft
This year the annual River Row will help celebrate Petaluma’s 150th Birthday! Participants are 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. Anyone who has a wooden rowboat, canoe, or traditional type small craft is encouraged to participate. Click here for more information.
April 9th – Petaluma Watershed Salmon & Steelhead Forum
6:30 – 8:30 PM – Petaluma Community Center – 320 N McDowell
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Dept. of Fish & Game and Friends will present the highlights of recent habitat studies. Learn about:
• The presence of Steelhead and salmon in Petaluma’s watershed
• Review current stream conditions on major tributary creeks
• Meet resource experts, conservation leaders and local dignitaries
• See conservation programs and information at several displays
• Share personal stories & discussions
• Light refreshments will be served
Join us for a fun & informative evening!
New Petaluma River Coffee Blend
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Barista and roaster extraordinaire Tommy Smith |
“Fresh from the tidal slough! This full bodied, smooth blend of unique coffees was inspired by the Petaluma River estuary system and its tidal salt marshes.â€
Cost – $7.00 per 1/2 pound. For questions & orders contact Tommy via Email.
With every purchase of Petaluma River Coffee Blend, $1 will be donated towards education & conservation efforts in the Petaluma River’s wetlands and tributaries. Some packages are available for sale at Friend’s Hq. and events. The beautifully labeled containers can be returned and refilled for 0-waste.
New Asphalt Plant on the River?
Many of you know by now that The Dutra Corp. has applied for permission to build an asphalt production and recycling plant on the shores of the Petaluma River, at Haystack Landing (opposite Shollenberger Park).
The Draft Environmental Impact Report for this project was released in Jan. and comments can be made until Feb 27th.
The document is available for review at the Petaluma Library and online. Click here to view.
Although it is very large document, a summery of the environmental impacts is contained in the first few pages. We spoke at the Public Hearing before the County Planning Commission on Feb 7th along with other local citizens and expressed concern over significant & unavoidable impacts for Air, Noise, & Aesthetics. We also asked about cumulative phosphorous build-up in the river and inadequate emergency preparedness measures. We hope that the final EIR will address these concerns.
We also asked the Commission to extend the comment period and suggested they consider much safer site, like the one upstream at the former Pomeroy yard. This would be consistent with the County Planning Commission’s staff report which suggested the option of selecting an alternative site.
There is a feature article by in the Feb 21 Argus Courier Corey Young which you can view by clicking here.
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Site of the Dutra plant’s proposed asphalt loading dock. Plans available online. |
Dave Yearsley – Friends of the Petaluma River
Celebrate & Conserve
