As landscapes are developed it’s very common for creeks and streams to be straightened, tunneled underground, or shunted into concrete diversion channels and for waterside banks to be built up into levies. Though support for environmentally friendly practices is increasing, many developers still “manage” waterways adjacent to urban or suburban areas to lessen the likelihood of flood damage instead of avoiding construction in areas prone to flooding. Such past and present practices leave many waterways in severely unnatural states that support fewer plant species, provide little valuable habitat to local wildlife, and provide fewer water cleansing services.
Bummer. Luckily folks like The Permanente Creek Alliance, also known as “Permanente Re-Imagined,” are stepping up to make a difference. The Alliance is working to restore the health of Permanente Creek. Specifically, they want to modify a 1.5-mile diversion channel (think concrete ditch) to allow for steelhead trout passage. This is a big deal as critically endangered steelhead live in the sea but spawn (i.e. make babies) in fresh water. Coastal development and drought have restricted many historic steelhead breeding creeks and rivers. Find out more about the Permanente Creek Alliance and their work online.
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