Creek Report

The beautiful upper Mark West Creek and some of its tributaries
are still supporting populations of migratory steelhead. Spawning
steelies have been witnessed in the upper reaches of the Mark
West Watershed last winter and even once in mid-April.

However, as of mid-July according to some long-time creekside
residents, the creek flow levels are the lowest witnessed in
decades. Also the lower stretches of M. W. Creek, particularly
where it joins the Laguna de Santa Rosa, are choked with aquatic
plants robbing dissolved oxygen from the streams. Plus high
levels of nutrients from effluent discharge and fertilizer runoff is
evident. To address these concerns and improve the health of this
watershed, the FMWW is expanding its effort to include concerned
neighbors downstream.

Working toward these goals, FMWW has officially partneredup
with the Laguna Foundation to help each other in developing
and implementing restoration and conservation plans. FMWW is
also working with Dept. of Fish and Game, RCD and the Sonoma
County Water Agency to collect data and assess the watershed’s
health as regard to steelhead and coho habitat.

Last fall, before the rains, an official “fish count” was done in
the main stream of M. W. Creek and an active tributary, Weeks
Creek, led by Ca. Dept. of Fish and Game with the help of Pacific
States Marine Fisheries Commission. Dozens of 1, 2 and 3 year
young steelhead were revealed and documented, along with other
aquatic life. Plus water conditions and other riparian habitat were
monitored and mapped, resulting in a favorable report.

The So. Co. Water Agency has loaned FMWW five “hobo
temps” [digital thermometers that read and record stream temperatures
around the clock]. In early summer they were placed in
the upper M.W Cr., plus two active tributaries, Weeks and Alpine Creeks.

Before the winter rains, they will by removed and data
down loaded. FMWW is also collecting data with monthly instream
water monitoring thanks to Grif Okie and CCWI.

Although this was a low rainfall year, health of the watershed
is evident by the return of many spectacular wild flowers [native
orchids-- spotted coral root and calypso bulbosa--leopard lily,
scarlet monkey flower, Ca. Indian pinks, sidalcea], plus flowering
dogwood and western azalea creekside. Many reported wild life
sightings of raptors, owls, red-breasted sapsucker, downy woodpecker
and fox. Mountain lion sitings were reported by Sherry
Soleski, Janis Jordan and Richard Baril. However, some watershed
residents [coyote and otter] sightings are down.

This is some of the good and bad news as we learn more about the wildlife
community of which we are all a part. With stream flows so
low, one of the best things we can do right now as good stewards,
whether on well water, springs or public or community water systems,
is to practice stringent water conservation. We must continue
to be aware of our impact upon the wildlife community and
indeed this planet of which we are a part and hopefully educate
each other toward good stewardship of this critical habitat area
and important natural resource. Call me with any concerns or
ideas. Richard 538-2673.