Watersheds
John Wesley Powell, put it best when he said that a watershed is: “that area of land, a bounded hydrologic system, within which all living things are inextricably linked by their common water course and where, as humans settled, simple logic demanded that they become part of a community.
Watershed Management
The analysis, protection, development, operation or maintenance of the land, vegetation, & water resources of a drainage basin for the conservation of all its resources for the benefit of its residents.
Watershed management is managing land use, human activities to maintain the quality and quantity of water with watershed as a management unit.
Watershed management can provide a holistic approach and thus is a strong link to sustainability.
Working to Protect Our Watershed
Since its founding Petaluma Tomorrow has recognized the critical importance of a sustainable watershed on the long term health of our community. And, we are acutely aware of the impact of irresponsible development on the watershed. We continue to work to:
- Protect open space as one way to allow our aquifer to recharge
- Oppose development which fails to actively limit water use and efficiency
- Protect our waterways locally and within the county
Specific examples of our efforts include:
- Actively working to stop the Dutra Asphalt Plant along the Petaluma River at Shollenberger Park. Petaluma Tomorrow has been a strategic partner in ongoing efforts to stop Dutra and will remain a partner in developing legal options against Dutra;
- Lobbying to end gravel mining on the Russian River