What’s new on the “Petaloo”
Greetings all; here’s the latest River news from Friends of the Petaluma.

Events

Celebrate Friend’s first year Oct. 20th:
It was one short year ago, in Oct. 2005, that the first “Tidings” was sent to a small list of citizens interested in the river. In it I announced the end of my tenure as Petaluma Riverkeeper and introduced the idea of forming a new community organization to benefit the Petaluma River. The response was incredible and our growth has been phenomenal, capped by a successful Challenge Grant campaign in August & Sept. that raised over $20,000 for Friends. Now we want to celebrate; sharing our many successes with all of the members and supporters who made them possible.

Fall paddlers on the Petaluma

Our October meeting will be a Party!
When: Friday, Oct. 20^th
from 5 to 7 PM.
Where: PRBO’s public meeting room
3820 Cypress Dr. suite 11. Petaluma
What: Friends of the Petaluma River’s celebration of our 1^st year.

Enjoy free refreshments, meet other “Friends”, and learn about our activities and accomplishments.

The PRBO meeting rm. is on the West side of the Bldg. (facing Shollenberger Park & the river). Click for Map Quest directions »

Autumn on the River:
The Nautical Mass events are over for the year but there are still many reasons for getting out on the river; to experience the beauty of fall, to view the abundance of migrating birds, and just to have some good old fun!

One group whose river season never seems to end is Petaluma Paddlers. They are one of most active and fun kayak groups in the Bay area. You can find them most Saturday mornings on the Petaluma River; or join them for any number of other great paddling adventures. For information about joining contact Ray Thompson raythom@earthlink.net or meet them online at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Petaluma_Paddlers/

50’ tour boat Dolphinus

Dolphin Tours are returning to Petaluma:
Another fine way to experience the River’s fall beauty; and to learn about its wildlife and history is from superb naturalist Captain Ronn Patterson.

The 3 hour tours happen twice daily; Oct. 21 & 22 Nov 4 & 5: 9AM & 1PM.
The cost is only $35 and a portion of the proceeds will go to “Friends”.

You may remember that last spring most of their tours were sold out so don’t miss the boat this time. Call (510) 527-9622 for details & reservations.

Or visit them on the web at www.dolphincharters.com.

In the Community:

We had a wonderful turn out at the Petaluma Progressive Festival on Sept. 26th. Many folks stopped to visit our colorful display and we signed up over 2 dozen new “Friends”. Big thanks to Jaime Walking Bear for helping with the booth and to all of the wonderful people who offered support and donations. We received over $350 that day; a very encouraging response!

“River Rangers” take to the sloughs:
Friends is working with a group of McNear students to share knowledge about the River. This after school program, organized by Darcy Aston, will meet through the month of October to explore the wonders of the watershed. We hope to conclude the series with a trip on the river.

The Petaluma River Rangers		checking things out at Shollenberger Park

DVD on North Bay wetlands available:
A compelling 15 minute DVD featuring the beauty and value of tidal wetlands, using the Petaluma River for most its background, was recently donated to Friends by Novato residents John and Alexandra Dickerman. To borrow a copy contact us at (707) 763-7756 or e-mail.

Conservation News:

PRMD to help stop illegal grading and fill:
Responding to alerts from paddlers and river neighbors, Friends worked with County agencies and Supervisor Mike Kerns office to aid an investigation into fill operations along the Petaluma River. The grading of hillsides and deposit of loose dirt on land owned by the Dry Creek Pomo tribe south of Petaluma poses a hazard of erosion and contamination to the River and was not properly permitted. The project was halted by the County Permit Resources Management Department and cited for four violations:

site south of Petaluma		loose dirt along the river

In other news concerning this property, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat had a story on Friday Oct. 6^th citing Petaluma’s concerns of a casino being developed on the site and the ballot measure to oppose it.

River Dredging is happening downtown:
The City of Petaluma must close the Petaluma River Turning Basin from Oct. 13 - Oct. 24, 2006 for a total of 12 days while the dredging is taking place.

Redwood Landfill hearing put on hold:

The long anticipated public hearing on Landfill expansion plan, scheduled for Oct. 9^th, was postponed again; as Waste Management Inc. struggles to respond to overwhelming concerns of agencies and citizens. The new date is now expected to be in Jan 07. Friend’s director David Yearsley addressed the Ca. Integrated Waste Mgt. Bd. along with members of No Wetlands Landfill Expansion in September to alert them to our concerns about expanding a dump on the shores of a sensitive tidal marsh. To learn more about the issue visit www.noexpansion.org.

We hope to see you on the water and in the community

Dave Yearsley – Friends of the Petaluma River

Celebrate & Conserve

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