Formed in 2003 in response to a major development proposal on Saddle Mountain adjacent to St.Helena Road, Friends of the Mark West Watershed joined the Audobon Society to voice our concerns about the 30 year old environmental impact report which did not address,among other things,endangered steelhead and salmon,water issues,and increased After many hearings,lobbying and concerted effort by many,recent news from the Open Space District indicates that they are very close to purchasing the 1,200 acre property and thereby preserving it as a “forever wild ” nature preserve.

At our general meeting in the spring we voted to formalize our organization in order to continue the effort to preserve the beautiful natural environment in which we live,ridge top to ridge top.

In addition to keeping a watchful eye on the Saddle Mountain project we organized a 2 day road and creek clean-up which filled 5 dumpsters with trash,car parts,water heaters,electronic equipment and 37 tires.More than 20 volunteers showed up to walk the roads and creekside to gather the litter.

In response to our education outreach we have been able to assist local residents with questions about creek stewardship and also organized to give them a hand when they needed help to prevent the erosion of sediment into the When fingerling (baby)steelhead have been found trapped in pools this summer due to lower water levels,we moved them to a more protected area before their pool dried up in order to advance the steelhead population.

We are also collecting water quantity and quality data on the Mark West Creek and working towards establishing historical information from the past and present to help understand what happens in the future.We are working with Trouts Unlimited to obtain our own scientific instruments to measure all pertinent data.The equipment will belong to the community and will be available along with the necessary training.

Also,we have been able to obtain a non-profit status under the umbrella of the Friends of the Russian River.

Since its inception, FMWW has raised over $15,000, much of which was spent in the effort to protect the Saddle Mountain property from subdivision and developing.In order to attract necessary grant money,we must continue to demonstrate our ability to raise funds locally.To that end,we sponsored a Spring Garage Sale in Spring 2003 and 2004 and the Harvest Moon Dinner and Dance in 2003-2007.We thank all who have contributed time, money and energy to any of these events,and are humbled by your continuing support!