Sonoma Ecology Center launches Sonoma Creek streamflow study

Five water gauges have been installed so far on Sonoma Creek and its tributaries, and the SEC is looking for three more locations by next summer.|

The Sonoma Ecology Center has begun collecting information on streamflow – the amount of water running through the Sonoma Valley’s natural watercourses over the length of the year – in a new program in partnership with Trout Unlimited they hope will lead to enhanced streamflow management in the upper Sonoma Creek watershed.

“Better streamflow would not only support steelhead and other aquatic wildlife, but improve the water supply for the Valley’s human residents as well,” reads a statement from the organization.

To that end they’ve installed five water gauges so far on Sonoma Creek locations, and are looking for three more locations by next summer. The landowners who host these gauges – including Morton’s Warm Springs in Glen Ellen – say they’re happy to take part in solving the problem of low streamflow, which bedevils Sonoma Creek every summer.

“All of us here at Morton’s Warm Springs are honored to be partnering with the Sonoma Ecology Center and Trout Unlimited in their Streamflow Stewardship Program,” said Morton’s co-owner Sean Wadsworth, who added that he was happy to “support more broad education efforts aimed at how we can better steward our local watersheds for a resilient and prosperous future.”

The streams in the study include Sonoma Creek, Yulupa Creek, Graham Creek, Zen Creek and Calabazas creek, all in the upper Sonoma Creek watershed. Landowners with streamside property in these locations who wish to participate may contact Melissa Roberts, Sonoma Ecology Center watershed science technician, at 996-0712, ext. 123, or at melissa@sonomaecologycenter.org.

For more information visit sonomaecologycenter.org/streamflow.

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