News & Events
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Save the Date for the 19th Annual Riverfest!
Save the date for Saturday, September 25th at Burke’s Canoes in Forestville and join us for an outstanding dinner, a great time with friends on the River, incredible music by The Cahoots and world class organic wine and beer. 4:30-7:30. Advance tickets will be available online in July for $20.
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Ludwigia in the River
The invasive waterweed, Ludwigia Hexapetla, that green floating plant with yellow buttercup flowers that grows along the banks of the Russian River, is taking over beaches in parts of the River. Some residents are wanting to remove it to preserve access. Careless removal could help spread ludwigia so please follow these precautions if trying to remove it (download PDF).
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Dry Farming
Until the 1960 and 70's, all grapes were dry farmed in Sonoma County. It's something a few vintners are returning to, driven by factors ranging from concerns over dwindling water supplies, the belief it produces more intensely flavored fruit or to forge a link with old traditions. This online video was produced by Russian Riverkeeper and was recently shown at the Napa Environmental Film Festival .
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Proposed $11 Billion Water Bond Will Not Solve California’s Water Challenges
California Coastkeeper Alliance (CCKA) and its 12 member Waterkeeper organizations advocate for clean, abundant water flows from San Diego to the Oregon border. The California Waterkeepers work daily to address California’s water problems using science, law and policy tools. Based on their extensive expertise with waterway health, and with local and state water needs, they do not believe that the $11.14 billion water bond package slated for the November 2010 ballot will effectively address the water challenges facing California.Read more...
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Help Restore Foss Creek!
Join the effort to restore the native plant community on Foss Creek in Healdsburg to improve wildlife habitat and make Foss Creek a healthier place! We provide tools, gloves and training - please wear sturdy shoes and long pants. We meet at Foss Creek and North Street and start at 8:30am and work until 11:30 a.m. Our next scheduled work days are July 3, 17, 31, August 21, September 4 and 18.Heavy rain cancels.Call us with any questions and we hope to see you down by the Creek! More info on our Foss Creek page.
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Riverkeeper Park Volunteer Work Days
Wednesdays 8:30am-11:30am
in Guerneville
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Riverkeeper Park Plans are available for your input.
Our concept is to create a natural pedestrian park with access to the Russian River in downtown Guerneville that reflects and demonstrates the goals of restoring the native plant community and proper ecological stewardship of the river banks. Take a look at the plans here and give us your input!
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Clean Water Laws Neglected
Almost four decades ago, Congress passed the Clean Water Act to force polluters to disclose the toxins they dump into waterways and to give regulators the power to fine or jail offenders.But in recent years, violations of the Clean Water Act have risen steadily across the nation, an extensive review of water pollution records by The New York Times found.Read more...
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Shop for Eco-friendly products and help the Russian River at the same time!
http://www.letsgogreen.biz/
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The 2007 & 2008 First Flush Reports are available here
Read other Riverkeeper Water Monitoring reports here.
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Map of Polluted Waters of California
To see a map of polluted waters in California, click on map above. Select a region to learn more about water pollution in your area, where it comes from, how it can affect your health and the environment, and how you can help stop the pollution!
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Agricultural Water Stewardship Online Resource Center
The California Institute for Rural Studies issued a new report, California Water Stewards: Innovative On-farm Water Management Practices(PDF), showcasing ten California growers implementing arange of water-saving practices on their farms.These agricultural water stewardship approaches help buffer farm operations against insecure water supplies while enhancing the environment, reducing costs, and conserving increasingly scarce water resources. The report is available online at http://www.cirsinc.org/Documents/Pub0109.1.pdf
They've also made available an Agricultural Water Stewardship Online Resource Center. Especially interesting to us is an article on dry farming. With vineyards using so much water in Sonoma County, along with the current drought conditions, it may be time to return to the old methods of dry farming.
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Our updated list to report river problems is available
It includes phone numbers to report stormwater and construction site run-off, discharge of pollution w/o a permit, injury/death to wildlife, problems with vineyard development, hazardous spills, dumping along the river, dead birds, poaching, flood watches, etc. Please report any problems you may see!
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Donate Your Car to Support Russian Riverkeeper !
http://www.cars4causes.net/charity-car-donation/russian-riverkeeper.asp
Cars4Causes will pick up your unwanted vehicle and donate a percentage of the proceeds to Russian Riverkeeper. Another way to support the Russian River!
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Russian River ESA Biological Opinion released
National MarineFisheries have released their final Biological Opinion that evaluates the effects of US Army Corps and Sonoma County Water Agency activites at Lake Mendocino & Sonoma to the Russian River Estuary. This document will outline actions required to protect listed Steelhead , Coho and Chinook Salmon.
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See the Russian Riverkeeper on You Tube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CAhUHCJtuI
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New Waterkeeper Video:
The Waterkeeper Alliance has produced a new public service announcement: OURS TO PROTECT. We also invite you to preview The Russian Riverkeeper documentary available on DVD.
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