CREEKC A R E

A Guide for Rural Landownersand Residents of Petaluma and

Sonoma CreekWatersheds

Sponsored by the

Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District

1301 Redwood Way

Suite 170

Petaluma, CA 94954

(707) 794-1242, ext. 3

Many thanks to those who helped review thecreek care guide:Bill Cox, California Department of Fish and Game; LeandraSwent, Paul Sheffer, Jennifer Allen, David Luther, SusanHaydon, Christine Molina, and Tish Ward of the SouthernSonoma County Resource Conservation District; Sean White,Sonoma County Water Agency; Vicki Mall; and MarjoriePeterson

Principal Writer: Martha Neuman, Prunuske Chatham, Inc.Graphic Design & Illustration: Lisa KrieshokPrincipal Editors: Leandra Swent and Tish Ward, SouthernSonoma County Resource Conservation District

Our thanks to the CalFed folks for providing funding for thisand many other local projects.

Copies of this guide can be obtained from:Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District1301 Redwood Way, Suite 170Petaluma, CA 94954707-794-1242, ext. 3www.SonomaMarinRCDs.org

INFORMATION USED BY PERMISSION• Portions of this Creek Care Guide were published in

Creek Care: A Guide for Rural Landowners © 1995 byU.C. Cooperative Extension and Creek Care: A Guide forUrban Marin Residents © 1997 by Marin County StormWater Pollution Prevention Program. The original guidewas developed as part of the Marin Coastal WatershedEnhancement Project, which was coordinated by U.C.Cooperative Extension. Marin Community Foundation isgratefully acknowledged for their permission to adaptthe original source material used in this guide.

• Versions of Fish Facts and Managing Woody Debrisappeared in How You Can Help Improve Salmon andSteelhead Habitat by Prunuske Chatham, Inc. © 1995by Marin Municipal Water District.

• Horse facility management information is drawn fromthe Equine Facilities Assistance Program fact sheets.1998. Council of Bay Area Resource ConservationDistricts.

• Information for Minimizing Soil Erosion is drawn fromGroundwork by Liza Prunuske. © 1987 by Marin CountyResource Conservation District.

DISCLAIMEREvery attempt has been made to assure that the informa-tion contained in this publication is accurate. The SouthernSonoma County Resource Conservation District assumes noresponsibility and disclaims any liability for any injury ordamage resulting from the use or effect of any product orinformation specified in this publication.

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Preface

Wherever you live, your daily activities can affectour creeks.

Recently, members of our local communities cametogether to look at the history of our creeks anddeveloped plans to make sure that they are welltaken care of into the future. An important goal ofthese plans is to let neighbors know about creekconcerns and how they can help. This creek careguide was created as a result.

This booklet covers what some of the issues are,how you can contribute to maintaining healthycreeks, and where you can get advice if needed.This guide will hopefully encourage and supportyour efforts.

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What is a Watershed?

A watershed is the entire area of land that drainsinto a distinct creek or river system. It includescreeks, drainage areas, ditches, storm drains, floodplains, and land that water flows over or under onthe way to a creek or bay.

Watersheds catch and store rain. Climate, elevation,soil, plants, steepness of the land, and size of thewatershed affect the rate at which stored water isreleased from the watershed into creeks.

Large watersheds often have distinct subwatershedsthat drain into a main creek or river. For example,San Antonio and Lynch Creeks are tributaries to thePetaluma watershed and subwatersheds to thePetaluma watershed. Graham and Calabazas Creeksare tributaries to Sonoma Creek and subwatershedsto the Sonoma Creek watershed.

Table Of Contents

What is a Watershed? .................................... 3A Healthy Creek, A Healthy Watershed ............ 6What’s Happening in our Watersheds? .............. 8Do we have Fish in Our Creeks? ...................... 9Fish Facts ...................................................... 10Plants Along the Creek .................................. 12Common Watershed Concerns....................... 14

How Can I Care For Our Creeks? ..................16Creeks and Creek Banks ................................ 17Tips for Planting Along a Creek ..................... 19Watch Out for Arundo donax ......................... 20How to Plant Willows..................................... 21Soil Protection ............................................... 23Ways to Prevent Soil Loss .............................. 24Guidelines for Repairing Erosion ................... 25Create a Riparian Pasture .............................. 27Vineyard Planting and Replanting Ordinance... 28Logs in the Creek .......................................... 29Landscaping and Yards.................................. 31Care of Household Waste .............................. 32Metal Matters ................................................ 35Animal Waste and Nutrients .......................... 36Ways to Minimize Animal Waste Impacts ....... 37Runoff Management ...................................... 38Ways to Minimize Runoff ............................... 39Ways to Keep Stormwater Clean .................... 40Septic Systems .............................................. 41

Resource Directory .......................................42Technical Assistance ..................................... 42Local Watershed Groups ................................ 43Useful Publications ........................................ 44Permitting Agencies ...................................... 46

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San Pablo Bay

Major Streamsand Creeks

WatershedBoundaries

Creeks

1 Arroyo Seco2 Schell3 Nathanson4 Agua Caliente5 Hooker6 Stuart7 Calabazas8 Bear

9 Sonoma10 Yulupa11 Graham12 Asbury13 Carriger14 Rodgers15 Champlin16 Tolay

17 Ellis18 Adobe19 Washington20 Lynch21 Willowbrook22 Lichau23 Petaluma24 San Antonio

PetalumaWatershed

Sonoma CreekWatershed

Natural conditions and human activities influencethe condition of a creek. What takes place in theupstream areas will affect the downstream area.Changes may happen suddenly as the result of astorm (such as new stream bank erosion), or accu-mulated problems in the watershed may takemany decades to develop (such as pools in thecreek becoming filled with soil that has washed offthe land). Plants and animals that live in or nearthe water are highly susceptible to changes causedby human actions.

In suburban and urban areas, rooftops and roadscover much of the land. In these areas, rainwaterthat normally would have soaked into the soil isshed off (like water from an umbrella) and cancreate flooding in streams and increase erosion.

Healthy watersheds keep water quality high, pro-vide food and shelter for fish and wildlife, controlsoil from washing into the creek (erosion), maintaincreek flows in the dry season, and reduce flooding.

Locally, healthy watersheds keep San Francisco andSan Pablo Bays clean. Our stream and bay systemsprovide valuable nursery habitat for many fish, andcontribute to commercial and sport fishing indus-tries, as well as recreational activities.

In a healthy watershed, water quality and otherresources are maintained for the benefit of humansand wildlife.

Petaluma andSonoma CreekWatersheds

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A Healthy Creek,A Healthy Watershed

Healthy creeks reflect a healthy watershed. Creekchannels are constantly being reshaped throughnatural processes. All creeks are important,whether they flow year-round (perennial), part ofthe year (intermittent), or just during storms(ephemeral). Even the small grass-lined ditches,known as swales, are important because theyeventually carry water, soil, and food for aquaticanimals into larger creeks.

Creeks reflect what is happening on the surround-ing land. A healthy creek will have:

• Cool water. This is critical for water-lovingplants and animals. For example, steelhead andcoho salmon need water temperatures between40º and 60º F to survive. Cool water also helpsreduce toxic levels of ammonia that come fromdecomposing waste such as animal manure.

• Clean, clear water. Fast moving water instreams usually has plenty of dissolved oxygenfor fish to breath, but stagnant pools in thesummer or ponds may not. Also, salmon andsteelhead need clear water to see and capturetheir food (small fish and insects).

• A variety of slow and fast water, with abun-dant rocks and gravel for spawning and youngfish.

• A high level of groundwater, known as a highwater table.

• Thriving fish, amphibians (such as sala-manders), and insect populations that areimportant for fish food.

• Dense, overhanging native trees and otherplants along the creek with minimal streambank erosion and some undercut banks foraquatic habitat. Trees provide shade to keep thewater cool and provide homes for many insects.

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What’s Happening inour Watersheds?

Since the 1850s, the Petaluma Watershed hasbeen an agricultural center for eggs, poultry, dairy,and most recently, vineyards. Petaluma is the urbancenter and small rural communities and ranchettesare found throughout the watershed. Watershedresidents have set goals to establish a watershedcouncil, improve water quality and groundwaterrecharge, support the viability of agriculture, andconserve and enhance existing wildlife habitat.

The Sonoma Creek Watershed supports vine-yards, livestock ranching, croplands, state parks,open space, and urban activities. Wine grapes andtourism are key parts of the local economy.Sonoma and other small towns are found through-out the watershed. Citizen goals for the watershedinclude maintaining local control of watershedplanning and enhancement, conserving and improv-ing natural resources, managing streams for wild-life habitat and flood control, and educating thecommunity about the watershed.

Do we have Fish in Our Creeks?

Steelhead were historically found in thePetaluma watershed, including Lichau, Adobe,and San Antonio Creeks, and possibly Lynch,Willow Brook, and Thompson Creeks. Othertributaries were, and still are, too small and dryfor steelhead. The Petaluma watershed is notbelieved to have had historical coho salmonruns.

In the Sonoma Creek watershed, steelhead arefound in Sonoma Creek and the major tributar-ies of Calabazas, Stuart, Graham, Asbury, andBear Creeks. Coho salmon have been reportedin Sonoma Creek but are not officially docu-mented.

Chinook salmon seen in the Petaluma water-shed and Sonoma Creek are believed to behatchery strays from the Sacramento River.

In both watersheds, salmon and steelheadhabitat problems include lack of plant coverand shade, lack of summer water flows, toomuch soil in streambeds, fish passage barriers,lack of woody debris (big logs), non-nativepredatory fish, and poor water quality—includ-ing high temperatures.

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FISH FACTS

Salmon and steelhead are anadromous fish—mean-ing they are born in fresh water and mature at sea.Coho salmon spend their first year in freshwatercreeks, then migrate out to sea where they maturefor two years before returning to their native creekto lay eggs (spawn) and die. Steelhead have asimilar life cycle, but they live in fresh water forone or two years, spend one to four years at sea,and return to spawn as many as four times. Thisvariable life cycle and migration timing make steel-head more resilient to change.

The number of native coho salmon and steelheadhas dropped dramatically in the past 30 years.Many creeks have lost their entire runs of thesefish. Both are federally listed as threatened spe-cies—this means that they are at risk of extinction.

Good quality instream habitat is essential for thesefish. They need:

• A year-round supply of cool, high quality water(less than 60º F).

• Diverse habitat with deep, quiet pools andshallow, rocky areas with faster moving waterknown as riffles.

• Clean spawning cobble (rounded rocks) andgravels without fine soil.

• Relatively stable creek banks.

• Dense shade canopy from creekside plants thatwill cool water, provide insect habitat, andcontribute nutrients.

• Lots of woody debris from fallen trees andbranches.

• Adequate food supply—primarily insects.

• Abundant cover for refuge from predators andstorm flows. This includes undercut banks,rocks, tree roots, overhanging creekside plants,deep quiet pools, and large logs.

This same habitat benefits other native speciesfound in the Petaluma watershed and SonomaCreek such as sticklebacks, sculpin, suckers, Sacra-mento squawfish, California roach, lampreys, andthe California freshwater shrimp. Many other nativewildlife species, such as herons, egrets, kingfishers,dragonflies, weasels, deer, muskrats, river otters,and raccoons rely on healthy creek habitat.

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Plants Along the Creek

A diversity of native trees, shrubs, and grasses area key part of creek health. Dense plants and rootsstabilize creek banks, help reduce soil loss, filtersoil, and slow flood waters. Trees and shrubs helpraise the water table, and their canopies cool thewater. They provide food, shelter, and shade forfish, amphibians, and other wildlife such as deerand birds. Leaves, fallen branches, and logs formthe base of the food chain by providing habitat forinsects. Healthy creek areas are used by morespecies of wildlife than any other type of habitat.

Common plants along creeks in our local water-sheds are:

Petaluma watershed. Willows, coast live oak,valley oak, California bay, buckeye, box elder, whitealder, and Oregon ash.

Sonoma Creek watershed. Willows, alders, buck-eye, and coast live oak.

In both watersheds, other typical creekside treesare California black oak, California black walnut,and big leaf maple.

Shrubs common to both watersheds include Califor-nia blackberry, blue elderberry, California hazelnut,coffeeberry, dogwood, ninebark, salmonberry,snowberry, spice bush, thimbleberry, twinberry,toyon, and western azalea.

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Common Watershed Concerns

Common, inter-connected watershed problems arewater quality, water quantity, and fish and wildlifehabitat. Typical concerns include the following.

• Excess nutrients from fertilizer or manure cancause algae to grow at a high rate. When algaedecompose, they use up oxygen in the water—stressing or killing fish.

• Excessive soil from bare ground fills in thecreek and reduces its ability to carry flood wa-ters, destroys habitat pools, smothers fish eggsin the gravel, and kills insects that fish eat.

• Pollutants such as metals, pesticides, oil,grease, and illegally dumped yard waste, trash,tires, and construction debris harm wildlife andtheir habitat. Excess landscape irrigation, house-hold water, swimming pool or spa water, as wellas sewage from leaking septic systems are alsoconsidered to be pollutants.

• Warm water (>60º F) from lack of shade willstress fish. Water over 75º F will kill both cohosalmon and steelhead.

• Bare, unstable stream banks with little or noplants do not provide overhanging shade orwildlife cover. Plants are often removed byagricultural operations, hobby farms, homebuilding, landscaping, or livestock. Creek chan-nels that have cut too wide or deep with verticaland actively eroding banks can signal a problem.

Loss of habitat can also occur from non-nativeplants or wooden or concrete walls alongstream banks.

• Illegal water pumps that take creek water fromsmall, instream pools (especially during the dryseason) destroy summertime fish habitat.

• Impervious (or hard) surfaces such as roofsand roads that reduce the amount of water thatsoaks into the soil for groundwater recharge.This can increase flooding and lead to erosionproblems.

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How Can I Care for Our Creeks?

Good stewardship is essential for healthy creeksand wildlife habitat. Whether or not you live rightnext to a creek, you can still be a good watershedsteward. Those who live along creeks can mosteasily help improve our creeks. Good land manage-ment, as well as landscape and home maintenance,will help improve wildlife habitat, reduce runoff andpollutants, and improve water quality. These guide-lines are a starting point for keeping creeks andwatersheds healthy.

Creeks and Creek Banks

Here are some basic ways to protect creek banksand riparian areas:

• Leave native plants on the banks. If clearingmust occur, leave as many plants as possible andreplant with native plants. Contact the ResourceConservation District (RCD) for assistance (seeresource directory in the back of this guide).

• Leave rocks in the creek. These are homes forcreek critters. Don’t remove for landscapingprojects.

• Divert water only if it is legal for you to doso. Water diversions have many legal require-ments. Contact the State Water Resources Con-trol Board, Division of Water Rights and theCalifornia Department of Fish and Game forinformation (see resource directory in the back ofthis guide).

• Avoid building structures such as sheds,barns, or decks near creeks. Check your localbuilding department for setback requirements.

• Avoid building livestock corrals and feed-ing and watering areas near creeks.

• Store manure and animal waste so thatrunoff doesn’t enter creeks.

• Restrict or control livestock and horseaccess to the creeks.

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• Leave a strip of trees and other plantsbetween buildings or pastures and thecreek to create a natural “buffer.”

• Graze seasonally in riparian areas.

• Plant woody plants such as native trees andshrubs to protect creek banks against the forceof flowing water. Contact the RCD for plantinformation (see resource directory).

• Use carefully placed rock around pipeoutlets.

• Avoid planting invasive non-native plants.They often crowd out native plants and do notprovide the same wildlife habitat. Some plantsto avoid are:

Giant reed (Arundo donax) Bamboo

Periwinkle (Vinca major) Pampas grass

Scotch, French, orSpanish broom Ice plant

German or English ivy Acacia

Himalayan blackberry Tree-of-heaven

If removing non-native plants, use caution to mini-mize erosion. Be sure to replant with native plants.

Tips for Planting Along a Creek

Although many creeks have not had riparian plantsfor decades, they were not always bare. Plants ortrees removed by humans, livestock, or high inten-sity storms should be replaced.

Use native species for replanting and select plantsthat already grow along the creek. Local plant stockis best adapted to specific local conditions and willbe the easiest to grow. For example, oak trees thatgrow in flood prone areas are better adapted tosaturated soil than oaks from drier upland areas.Local plants form the base of the food chain andare part of the complex web between insects, birds,fish, and other species.

Native plants often require less water and do notneed fertilizers and pesticides. They can be moreresilient to disease than many ornamental, non-native plants and many are good for erosion control.

Care for your new plants during the first few yearsto help them become established. Dry seasonwatering and regular weeding will increase survivalrates. Be sure to replant plants that die. For moreinformation sources, see resources directory inback of this guide.

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Watch Out for Arundo donax!

Arundo donax, or giant reed, is a dense, fastgrowing bamboo-like plant that originally camefrom Europe to the United States. It reachesheights of 25 feet and forms large, continuousroot masses. It consumes three times morewater than native plants, is a fire hazard, andcreates serious flood control problems. Arundodonax quickly chokes and kills other plants inits path, destroying wildlife habitat. Biologistsand land managers consider this invasive spe-cies to be one of the primary threats to healthystreams in the western United States.

Arundo donax is a major problem in both thePetaluma and Sonoma Creek watersheds. Con-tact the Sonoma Ecology Center for informationabout local eradication efforts (see resourcedirectory in the back of this guide).

How to Plant Willows

Historically, willows grew along most of the creeksin coastal California, and they still do. Willows arean effective and inexpensive way to armor creekbanks and gullies and to provide important wildlifehabitat.

Allowing trees to grow tall will help shade out thelower growing branches and reduce willow stemsgrowing into the creek. Lower branches may needoccasional pruning to prevent them from growinginto the bottom of the creek. Native red and yellowwillows are less likely to grow into the bottom ofthe creek than arroyo willows.

Adequate year-round water and sun are key forwillows to establish and survive. Even if a creekdoesn’t have year-round, above ground flows, theground water may be close enough to the surfaceto support willows.

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Willow cuttings can be harvested and planted frommature willow plants following these steps:

1. Cut willows in the fall as soon as the plant hasstopped growing for the season. This is indicatedby the leaves dropping to the ground. Theground should be soft and wet. It is critical toplant willows as early as possible. This givesthem a chance to develop good root systemsbefore they sprout leaves in the spring. Plantingtoo late is the most common cause of failure.

2. Willow cuttings should be at least 3/4 inches indiameter. Bigger is better. Cuttings should be atleast 14 inches long.

3. Plant cuttings by pushing the cut end into softsoil, or make a hole with a sharp stick or pick. Ifyou make a hole, be sure to compress soil tightlyaround the cuttings. They may need to bepounded in with a hammer. To give plenty of areafor root growth, bury at least two-thirds of thelength of the cutting. Angle sprigs slightly down-stream to prevent them from being underminedby storm flows.

4. Plant willows low enough on the bank to ensureadequate soil moisture during the summer. Evenif streams or gullies have year-round water,willows that are planted too high are likely to dryout and die. Cuttings should not need water ifthey are planted in an appropriate area.

Soil Protection

Erosion is a natural process by which soil is movedby wind or moving water. Some soil, also known assediment, is needed to bring nutrients to creeksand create habitat for aquatic plants and animals,but too much soil causes problems.

Erosion can occur in bare areas such as creekbanks, pastures, fields, roads, stockpiled soil, areascleared for the construction of new homes andbuildings, or other places where soil is not pro-tected from the erosive forces of rainfall, gravity, orwind. When water flows over bare ground, theexposed soil moves downhill and often ends up ina creek.

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Ways to Prevent Soil Loss

Basic strategies to prevent erosion are:

• Protect bare soil surfaces. Native trees,shrubs, grasses, and cover crops hold the soil inplace and allow water to soak into the soil. Useerosion control methods in construction areas.

• Minimize disturbing existing plants.

• Avoid concentrating water flows. Protect wateror pipe outlets by using carefully placed rock.

• Limit livestock and human use near creekbanks, gullies, seasonal drainage areas,unsurfaced roads, replanted areas, and landslides.

• Prevent heavy grazing. Use cross fencing tocreate pastures.

• Seed and fertilize pastures.

• Use no-till and minimum till cultivation.Planting seed through old stubble will not ex-pose soil to winter rains.

• Maintain plant and/or grass borders aroundhorse paddocks to act as a filter.

• Separate water and salt blocks to spreadanimals more evenly in grazed areas.

• Develop springs or water troughs for live-stock and horses that are located away fromthe creek.

Guidelines for Repairing Erosion

Not all erosion is harmful. Along streams, undercutbanks and fallen trees provide important habitat forsteelhead and other aquatic animals. Repairs maybe necessary if property, structures, roads, orriparian habitat are threatened.

Most creek repair work requires permits. Beforestarting work, contact the California Department ofFish and Game, Sonoma County, U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers, and Regional Water Quality Control Board.See the back of this guide for permit information.

The Southern Sonoma County RCD and the NaturalResources Conservation Service provide free techni-cal assistance and information about potentialfunding for projects (see resource directory formore information).

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When repairing erosion areas:

• Give priority to sites near creeks or thatbring excess soil into creeks. Vertical, ac-tively eroding creek banks and active gullies arelikely to need repair.

• Determine the severity of the problem. Treat-ing a problem early may prevent costly fixes later.

• Determine the cause of the problem. Watchproblems during storm events. Is surface wateror groundwater flow causing trouble? Haveriparian plants been removed? Has the creekchannel been changed on site or upstream? Arelawns being over-watered?

• Use native plants in the repair. Plant willowsand other plants in areas where rock has beenplaced to provide habitat.

• Don’t use old car bodies, tires, old appli-ances, or concrete debris. It’s illegal to use theseand they are not as effective as carefully placedrock and willow. They can be undermined by waterflows and may be hazardous to creek life.

• Be sure not to constrict the channel. Flood-ing is a potential problem on any creek.

• Monitor and maintain your projects. Be sureto water plants and make sure fences are in goodrepair. Taking before and after pictures is a greatway to show success.

• Consult with qualified professionals (civilengineers, biologists, and other restorationspecialists) for assistance.

Create a Riparian Pasture

Livestock (including horses) can destroy plants,trample creek banks, and reduce water quality. Insome situations, fencing canbe used to create ariparian pasture. Thisprotects the creekcorridor by keepinglivestock out of thecreek and allowsfor controlledgrazing.

After the fencing isinstalled, thepasture may needto be rested for afew seasons untilthe plants becomeestablished. Nativetrees and shrubs may need to be planted in bareareas. Developing other water sources and stablecreek crossings will create a successful riparianpasture. With short duration grazing, animals cantake advantage of late spring/early summer forage.During this time of year, creek banks are firm, thereis soil moisture for riparian plants to regrow beforewinter, and plants may still be green.

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Vineyard Plantingand Replanting Ordinance

Sonoma County’s Vineyard Planting and ReplantingOrdinance restricts vineyard development on steepslopes. All vineyards must register with the Agricul-tural Commissioner and erosion control plans arerequired for vineyards on steep slopes and erodiblesoils. A minimum 25-foot riparian setback is re-quired on each side of the creek. For information,contact the Sonoma County AgriculturalCommissioner’s Office.

Two resources for vineyard operators are The Vine-yard Manual: A Grapegrowers Manual for VineyardDevelopment and Maintenance (available from theSouthern Sonoma County RCD) and the FishFriendly Farming Farm Assessment and Conserva-tion Plan Workbook (available from Sotoyome RCD).See resource directory for contact information.

Logs in the Creek

Natural debris in the creek—branches, logs, and rootwads—creates food and shelter for fish and wildlife.This woody debris may need to be repositioned,removed, or partially removed if it threatens life orproperty. Because removing woody debris can harmfish habitat, it is important to observe a situationbefore taking action. It’s often best to take small,incremental steps toward resolving a problem.

Consider repositioning or removing woodydebris if it blocks creek flow and causesupstream flooding, or if it causes stream bankerosion by redirecting flow. This work requirespermits.

Tree blocking creek flow

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Leave logs in the creek unless they cause flood-ing or erosion that threatens life or property (ahouse, utility pole, or other structure) or speeds upnatural erosion processes.

Remember that most fish can swim throughor around debris barriers. If you know that fishcan’t swim through a barrier, contact the RCD orCalifornia Department of Fish and Game. Removingbarriers requires permits. For more information, seethe resources directory.

Landscaping and Yards

Managing your landscape properly will help keepcreeks healthy.

• Compost leaves, grass clippings, and otherorganic waste away from the creek. Neverdump leaves, grass clippings, or prunings ontocreek banks or into the creek. Although leavesand organic waste are biodegradable, addingthem to a creek system depletes oxygen in thewater. This can stress or even kill fish and otheraquatic life.

Yard waste pick up services are listed in theresource directory at the back of this guide.

• Keep leaves and litter out of street guttersand ditches so they won’t clog storm drains.

• Avoid or minimize use of fertilizers andpesticides (including insecticides and herbi-cides). Follow the directions. Many home garden-ers over-apply fertilizers and pesticides. Exces-sive nitrogen and phosphorous that wash intocreeks directly or through ditches and stormdrains can create algal blooms that deplete theoxygen supply in the water. Excessive amountsof some nutrients are toxic to aquatic life.

Use slow-release fertilizers to minimize nitrogenrunoff. Consider using more ecologically-friendlylandscape methods and products, includingnative plants and ground covers.

Avoid applying fertilizers or pesticides during therainy season or on windy days. Pesticide driftthreatens riparian plants and aquatic life.

• Properly irrigate lawns and gardens. Usemeters and timers to control water use. Over-watering adds excess water, fertilizers, pesti-cides, and soil to ditches and storm drains. It isalso a common cause of stream bank erosion.

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Care of Household Waste

Even in small amounts, hazardous materials such aspaint, motor oil, solvents, pool chemicals, batteries,and many cleaners will contaminate a creek andharm fish and wildlife. It’s illegal to dispose of ordump hazardous materials on roadways or intostorm drains or ditches. Violators are liable forcleanup costs and fines.

• Keep trash and dumped debris out of thecreek, off the street, and out of ditches andstorm drains. Remove trash that may havepiled up in the creek. (See the “Logs in the Creek”section of this guide for information about natu-ral debris).

• Take all hazardous items (paint, solvent,pesticides, etc.) to a household hazardouswaste collection event. Call the SonomaCounty EcoDesk for dates, times, and locations(see the resource directory).

• Use water-based paint and paint removerswhen possible.

• Place paint thinner or turpentine in a con-tainer to clean oil-based paintbrushes androllers. Allow the solids to settle out and care-fully transfer liquid to another container forreuse. Take the solids to a hazardous wastecollection event.

• Clean latex paint brushes so that wash waterdoes not reach a gutter, ditch, or creek.

• Dispose of water used to clean carpets,upholstery, or floors down sinks or toilets. Ifyou are on a septic tank, use septic safe products.

• Use non-toxic cleaning products in your home.

• Use mechanical methods to clean drainsthat are blocked by roots. Avoid copper-basedroot control products.

• Avoid hosing down paved surfaces likedriveways. Use a broom instead and put debrisin a trash can.

• Discharge water from your washing ma-chine away from creeks, ditches, or stormdrains.

• Drain water-filled mattresses to the sani-tary sewer. Waterbed chemicals can be toxic toaquatic life.

• Wash vehicles and equipment in a grassy orgravel area where soapy water can filterinto the soil. Soap—even biodegradable—canharm fish and other aquatic life. Commercial andcoin-operated car washes must recycle waterbefore discharging to a sewer system.

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• Properly care for pools and spas. Water andbackwash filter rinse water should be drained tothe sewer or be allowed to dissipate and draininto a field. Make sure discharges don’t reachcreeks or cause erosion. Chlorine and algaecidesused in pools and spas are toxic to plants andaquatic life. Use diatomaceous earth (DE) cau-tiously. If DE gets into the creek, it can cut thegills of aquatic animals, making them moresusceptible to infection and disease.

• Properly care for your cars and boats. Forproper disposal of used motor oil and otherautomotive products, call the Eco-Desk (seeresources directory in this guide). Motor oil cancoat fish gills (depriving them of needed oxy-gen) and bird feathers (interfering with theirability to keep warm and dry). Oil can alsopoison animals when they ingest it in an effortto clean themselves.

Metal Matters

Lead, nickel, cadmium, copper, and acid canbe found in household and automotive batter-ies. Metals are in antifreeze and in brake andtransmission fluids. Car exhaust, motor oil,grease, worn metal plating, and brake liningsdeposit lead, zinc, and copper onto roads andparking lots. Stormwater washes these metalsinto ditches and storm drains. Excessivelevels of some metals can lead to adversehealth effects in humans and wildlife.

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Animal Waste and Nutrients

Animal wastes, decaying plant matter (such assilage), and pasture fertilization can contributeexcess nutrients to creeks. Animal waste can comefrom a thousand cows or five dogs.

While nutrients are an important part of the foodchain, excessive amounts, especially when com-bined with warm water temperatures, will consumethe oxygen in the water and can cause harm oreven kill fish or other aquatic life.

Most animal waste contamination is from confinedlivestock areas where the waste is concentrated.Corrals, horse paddocks, and feeding or wateringareas are potential sources of water quality prob-lems, especially if these areas are located nearcreeks or where runoff could carry wastes intocreeks.

Ways to Minimize Animal Waste Impacts

• Apply manure and other fertilizers at ratesappropriate for the crop being fertilized.

• Store silage properly. Improper storage canallow highly concentrated nutrients to run offinto creeks or percolate into the groundwater.

• Relocate corrals, paddocks, manure orcompost piles, and feeding and wateringareas away from creeks.

• Manage horse waste by regular clean up andproper storage, maintaining moisture in pad-docks, diverting clean runoff around bare andmanured areas, and capturing runoff before itreaches grass-lined ditches and creeks. Considerdeveloping a compost program for horse wasteand used bedding.

The Equine Facilities Assistance Program is a BayArea-wide effort to work with horse owners toprotect the water quality in the San Francisco Bayarea. Contact the RCD for more information (seeresources directory at the back of this guide).

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Runoff Management

All water flowing off pastures, corrals, crop land,bare areas, lawns, gardens, roofs, and paved areascan flow directly into creeks, or it can flow throughditches and underground pipes before reaching acreek. This runoff can pick up soil, manure, chemi-cals, and garbage that is carried directly into creeksand then on to San Francisco and San Pablo Baywithout treatment.

It’s important to both minimize the runoff from yourproperty and keep stormwater runoff from pickingup pollutants such as soil before reaching a swaleor creek.

Storm water that flows off land without soakinginto the ground can add to creek flows and reducesground water recharge. The higher flows in thecreek can cause erosion of the creek bed and banksand flooding problems downstream.

Ways to Minimize Runoff

• Direct all gutters or downspouts to areaswhere the water can soak into the ground.

• Minimize paved or other hard-surfaced areas.Driveways, walkways, and patios increase theamount of water that flows into creeks, ditches,and storm drains. Instead of concrete, use woodendecks, brick or stone paths, gravel, paving stones,or concrete blocks so that water can permeatethrough spaces and soak into the ground.

• Keep water and pipes from flowing directlyto the creek or onto creek banks. Guidewater to the creek in a protected way and usecarefully placed rock at the outlet.

• Keep plants on stream banks. Roots of ripar-ian plants will help stabilize the banks.

For more ideas, consult Start at the Source: DesignGuidance Manual for Stormwater Quality Protection(see the resource directory at the end of this guide).

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Septic Systems

Most rural residences use septic systems for sew-age disposal. Septic systems operate by collectingsewage in a concrete tank and allowing the liquidportion to percolate into the ground through perfo-rated pipe (leach lines). Solids are pumped out ofthe collection tank and hauled off-site for disposal.

Septic systems are safe and effective, as long asthey are properly designed, installed, and main-tained. If not, they can be a source of groundwaterand surface water contamination. Leaky septicsystems can pollute domestic water systems bycontaminating the aquifer from which a residentialwell draws. Older homes may have a primitivesystem composed of a redwood or metal box withno leach lines. These systems are now illegal.

Human waste leaking from faulty septic systemscan be a source of water pollution. Like livestockwaste, human sewage contains nutrients andpathogens. Human sewage poses a more serioushealth risk than livestock waste because there is amuch greater chance that it contains human diseaseorganisms.

Septic tanks should be pumped regularly—usuallyevery two to three years. A licensed septic tankpumper can recommend appropriate service. Mini-mizing the amount of liquid that goes into thesystem and avoiding unnecessary solid waste (suchas paper towels, rags, diapers, etc.) helps a septicsystem operate properly.

Ways to Keep Stormwater Clean

Agricultural areas to be concerned about are milk-ing and loafing barns, waste storage facilities,paddocks, corrals, horse arenas, horse wash areas,and areas with bare soil.

• Direct runoff around areas that may containmanure or are bare. Make sure that runoff isn’tdiverted in a way that later causes erosion problems.

• Use gutters, downspouts, and drains to carryroof runoff away from manure or bare areas.

• Route runoff water that has picked up ma-nure or soil into a filter area with grasses,shrubs, and trees.

• Keep horse wash water from running intoswales and creeks.

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Watershed Management Advisor ... (707) 565-2621U.C. Advisors offer educational workshops, demonstra-tions of best management practices, and individualconsultation. The U.C.C.E. office has an extensive list ofpublications.

Sonoma County Master Gardeners .. (707) 565-2608www.mastergardeners.orgMaster Gardeners provide information on plant healthand gardening practices for vegetables, trees, soils,lawns, ornamental horticulture, insects, diseases, anduse of pesticides.

Sonoma County .............................. (707) 565-2371Agricultural Commissioner’s Office2604 Ventura Avenue, Rm. 101Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2810The Agriculture and Vineyard Conservation Coordinatormanages the Vineyard Erosion Control and SedimentControl Ordinance.

Sonoma Ecology Center .................. (707) 996-9744205 First Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476The Sonoma Ecology Center is an environmental groupworking in the Sonoma Creek watershed, providingguidance and technical assistance on a wide variety oftopics.

Sonoma County Waste Management AgencyEco-Desk Hotline ............................ (707) 565-3375www.recyclenow.orgComprehensive information on recycling programs andreuse programs for a wide variety of materials, as wellas hazardous waste collection events. They publish anannual recycling guide.

Local Watershed GroupsTo find out about the Sonoma Creek Conservancy andthe Petaluma Watershed Partnership, contact theSouthern Sonoma County Resource Conservation Districtat 794-1242, ext. 3.

Resource Directory

Technical AssistanceSouthern Sonoma County Resource ConservationDistrict (RCD) ...................... (707) 794-1242, ext. 31301 Redwood Way, Suite 170, Petaluma, CA 94954sscrcd@ca.nacdnet.orgwww.SonomaMarinRCDs.org

The RCD assists rural landowners with stewardship andconservation through technical assistance and fundingfor on-the-ground projects. The RCD sponsors andsupports outreach and educational programs, watershedplanning projects, and implementation projects toimprove water quality while supporting agriculturalviability. They have publications on a wide variety oftopics. The RCD serves residents in southern SonomaCounty, primarily in the Sonoma Creek, Petaluma, andStemple Creek watersheds.

U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) .................................. (707) 794-1242, ext. 31301 Redwood Way, Suite 170, Petaluma, CA 94954The NRCS can provide free technical assistance to agri-cultural landowners, as well as information about pos-sible financial assistance through U.S.D.A programs.

California Department of Fish and GameP.O. Box 47, Yountville, CA 94599 ........ (707) 944-5500Area Biologist: Bill Cox................... (707) 823-1001Biologists can also provide free practical advice onmaking effective repairs that reduce erosion and helpwildlife.

University of California Cooperative Extension2604 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403Farm Advisor.................................. (707) 565-2621

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Restoration Design and Management Guidelines for thePetaluma River. Vols. I & II. 1996. Questa EngineeringCorporation and Waxman Environmental Consulting &Services for the City of Petaluma and the Sonoma CountyWater Agency. Call SSCRCD at 794-1242, ext.3, to reviewa copy.

Informational Manual: Riparian Vegetation Managementfor Pierce’s Disease in North Coast California Vineyards.2000. The Pierce’s Disease/Riparian Habitat Workgroup.Contact the RCD at 794-1242, ext.3, to review or pur-chase a copy.

The Vineyard Manual: A Grapegrowers Manual forVineyard Development and Maintenance. Revised July,1999. Southern Sonoma County Resource ConservationDistrict. Reference manual for environmentally-soundvineyard design, development, and maintenance. Con-tact the RCD at 794-1242, ext.3, to purchase a copy.

Equine Facilities Assistance Program Fact Sheets. 1998.Council of Bay Area Resource Conservation Districts.Covers a range of topics for both small landowners andlarge-scale operations. Contact the RCD at 794-1242,ext.3, for more information.

Horsekeeping: A Guide to Land Management for CleanWater. 2001. Council of Bay Area Resource ConservationDistricts. Contact the RCD at 794-1242, ext.3, for moreinformation.

Start at the Source: Design Guidance Manual forStormwater Quality Protection. 1997. Tom Richman andAssociates. Bay Area Stormwater Management AgenciesAssociation (BASMAA). New York: Forbes Custom Publish-ing. Resource on stormwater management in the greaterBay Area and north coast. Contact www.basmaa.org formore information.

Fish Friendly Farming Certification Program and FarmAssessment and Conservation Plan Workbook. SotoyomeResource Conservation District. Program and workbookfocus on vineyards. Contact the Sotoyome RCD at(707) 569-1448.

Useful Publications

Groundwork: A Handbook for Erosion Control in NorthCoastal California. 1987. Liza Prunuske for the MarinCounty Resource Conservation District. To review a copy,contact the Southern Sonoma County Resource Conserva-tion District at 794-1242, ext. 3.

Rangeland Watershed Program Fact Sheets. U.C. Coop-erative Extension and U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conser-vation Service. For an order form, call the U.C.C.E. officein Santa Rosa at (707) 565-2621. The fact sheets cover awide range of topics, some of which include water qual-ity, different monitoring techniques, grazing manage-ment, ranch plans, and riparian areas.

Ranch Plan Workbook. 1995. U.C. Cooperative ExtensionService. Copies are available from U.C.C.E. in Novato at(415) 499-4204 or Santa Rosa at (707) 565-2621.

Simply the Facts. 1995. NRCS and AmeriCorps WaterQuality Fact Sheets. This clear, easy to follow informa-tion on conducting different types of water quality tests isavailable from the NRCS at (707) 794-1242, ext. 3.

Handbook for Forest and Ranch Roads. 1994. WilliamWeaver, PhD., and Danny Hagans for the MendocinoCounty Resource Conservation District. This $20 book isavailable from the Mendocino County Resource Conserva-tion District. Call (707) 468-9223.

Sonoma Creek Watershed Enhancement Plan. 1997.Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District.Call RCD at 794-1242, ext.3, for more information.

Petaluma Watershed Enhancement Plan. 1999. SouthernSonoma County Resource Conservation District. Call theRCD at 794-1242, ext.3, for more information.

Stemple Creek/Estero San Antonio Watershed Enhance-ment Plan. 1994. Prunuske Chatman, Inc. for the MarinCounty and Southern Sonoma County RCDs. Call the RCDat 794-1242, ext.3, for more information.

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Permitting Agencies

Sonoma County .............................. (707) 565-1900Permit and Resource Management Department2550 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403PRMD issues any necessary grading permits for streambank stabilization in unincorporated areas. The Well andSeptic Division provides information on septic manage-ment issues and County requirements.

San Francisco Bay Conservation andDevelopment Commission ............. (415) 557-877830 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102BCDC requires a permit for levee maintenance or workwithin 100 feet of Bay waters.

San Francisco Bay RegionalWater Quality Control Board .......... (510) 622-23001515 Clay Street, Suite 1400, Oakland, CA 94612RWQCB issues water quality certifications for all projectsrequiring a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-neers. They also issue permits for animal facilities.

California Department ofFish and Game ................................ (707) 944-5500P.O. Box 47, Yountville, CA 94599Area Biologist: Bill Cox ........................... (707) 823-1001CDF&G requires a 1600 series permit for stream bankalterations.

State Water Resources Control BoardDivision of Water Rights ................ (916) 341-5300P.O. Box 2000, Sacramento, CA 95812-2000www.waterrights.ca.govSWRCB provides information on water rights anddiversions.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ........ (415) 977-8462333 Market Street, 8th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105

The ACOE issues permits for work done in waters undertheir jurisdiction, which includes most creeks, rivers,and wetlands.

National Marine Fisheries Service .. (707) 525-6050777 Sonoma Ave, Suite 325, Santa Rosa, CA 95404The National Marine Fisheries Service has authority oversalmon and steelhead resources.