This is your river, my river, OUR RIVER. And our watershed. What do we love about living in the Russian River watershed, and what is our vision for its future?

March 24th, the community is invited to "confluence" at Shone Farm to discuss and create a vision worth working towards. The Russian River Confluence is a unique event intended to engage the region's stakeholders, encourage storytelling and identify actions to promote a holistic, 'beyond sustainability' approach to the watershed that ensures its resiliency and renewal. Local partners including the regional RCDs, Sonoma County Water Agency, Russian Riverkeeper, Dry Creek Rancheria, and Pepperwood Preserve are hosting.

Fallen wood in the creeks provide essential functions to the creek's hydrology and habitat for wildlife. Though there was a long tradition of "creek cleaning" to remove impediments to the creek's flow, we now know that wood and other rough elements are beneficial to the system.

On occasion, there is a need to remove wood to prevent the collapse of the stream bank, flooding, or to reduce damage that occurred at the time of the fall. If you have to remove wood from a creek, follow these instructions for notifying the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. If you removed the wood in an emergency, follow these instructions for notifying DFW within 14 days of removal. Learn more here. 

We are feeling inspired by the ideas and action displayed at the California Climate and Agriculture Summit at UC Davis and Capay Valley Farms on February 28 and March 1. We heard from Central Valley farmers who prioritize ecological diversity and make a profit, our national leader in conservation--the NRCS--about its charge on soil health, state organizers lobbying for accessible, abundant and innovative compost facilities, grazers who bring diversity to crop and orchard systems, and wool producers who make carbon-neutral sweaters. The message we heard was that the way forward is through supported collaboration, grower to grower networks, more research, thoughtful policy, and innovative leadership.  Learn more about the event.