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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Friends of Gualala River</title> <atom:link href="https://gualalariver.org/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://gualalariver.org</link> <description>Protecting the Gualala River watershed and the species living within it</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:49:38 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <item> <title>Ever-changing estuary & mouth of the Gualala River</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/tour/sightings/ever-changing-estuary-mouth-of-the-gualala-river/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ever-changing-estuary-mouth-of-the-gualala-river</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:47:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Sightings]]></category> <category><![CDATA[slider-front-page]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21451</guid> <description><![CDATA[Mouth of the Gualala River after heavy rain – Feb. 14, 2025 Storm waves overtop the barrier beach of the Gualala River – Feb. 14, 2025 Mouth of the Gualala River after a quieter week – Feb. 21, 2025 Gualala River estuary turns ‘steelhead green’ – Feb. 21, 2025 Photos courtesy of Jeanne Jackson]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="640" height="480" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-14-GR-mouth.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21452" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-14-GR-mouth.jpg 640w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-14-GR-mouth-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Mouth of the Gualala River after heavy rain –</em><em> Feb. 14, 2025</em></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="640" height="480" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-14-waves-breaking-over-barrier-beach.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21453" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-14-waves-breaking-over-barrier-beach.jpg 640w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-14-waves-breaking-over-barrier-beach-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Storm waves overtop the barrier beach of the Gualala River – Feb. 14, 2025</em></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-river-mouth-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21454" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-river-mouth-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-river-mouth-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-river-mouth-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-river-mouth.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Mouth of the Gualala River after a quieter week – Feb. 21, 2025</em></figcaption></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-estuary-steelhead-green-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21455" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-estuary-steelhead-green-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-estuary-steelhead-green-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-estuary-steelhead-green-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-estuary-steelhead-green-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21-GR-estuary-steelhead-green.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Gualala River estuary turns ‘steelhead green’ –</em><em> Feb. 21, 2025</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Photos courtesy of Jeanne Jackson</em></p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Feb. 7, 2025: Gualala River mouth is wide open</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/tour/sightings/feb-7-2025-gualala-river-mouth-is-wide-open/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=feb-7-2025-gualala-river-mouth-is-wide-open</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 23:17:06 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Sightings]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21434</guid> <description><![CDATA[After days of steady rain          Photos courtesy of Jeanne Jackson]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>After days of steady rain</em></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="373" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-5-2025-02-07-800x373.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21435" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-5-2025-02-07-800x373.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-5-2025-02-07-300x140.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-5-2025-02-07-768x359.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-5-2025-02-07-1536x717.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-5-2025-02-07.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure></div> <p> </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="800" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-1-2025-02-07-600x800.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21436" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-1-2025-02-07-600x800.jpg 600w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-1-2025-02-07-225x300.jpg 225w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-1-2025-02-07-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-1-2025-02-07-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-1-2025-02-07.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure></div> <p> </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-2-2025-02-07-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21437" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-2-2025-02-07-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-2-2025-02-07-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-2-2025-02-07-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-2-2025-02-07-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-2-2025-02-07.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure></div> <p> </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-3-2025-02-07-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21438" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-3-2025-02-07-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-3-2025-02-07-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-3-2025-02-07-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-3-2025-02-07-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-3-2025-02-07.jpg 2016w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure></div> <p> </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-4-2025-02-07-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21439" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-4-2025-02-07-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-4-2025-02-07-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-4-2025-02-07-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-4-2025-02-07-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GualalaRiver-mouth-4-2025-02-07.jpg 2016w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-center"> <br><em>Photos courtesy of Jeanne Jackson</em></p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE . . .</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/news/water-water-everywhere/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=water-water-everywhere</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:54:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21346</guid> <description><![CDATA[Introduction to Friends of Gualala River’s Annual Newsletter 2024 November 22nd, 2024. The mouth of the Gualala River opens while thousands of gulls ride out the atmospheric river on the bar. Photographer Laura Baker Winter arrived November 20th with an atmospheric river that swept over the coast, bringing record rainfalls to the Mendonoma area. Overnight, …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center">Introduction to Friends of Gualala River’s Annual Newsletter 2024</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/November-22-2024-the-mouth-of-the-Gualala-opens-while-thousands-of-gulls-ride-out-the-atmospheric-river-on-the-bar-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21348" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/November-22-2024-the-mouth-of-the-Gualala-opens-while-thousands-of-gulls-ride-out-the-atmospheric-river-on-the-bar-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/November-22-2024-the-mouth-of-the-Gualala-opens-while-thousands-of-gulls-ride-out-the-atmospheric-river-on-the-bar-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/November-22-2024-the-mouth-of-the-Gualala-opens-while-thousands-of-gulls-ride-out-the-atmospheric-river-on-the-bar-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/November-22-2024-the-mouth-of-the-Gualala-opens-while-thousands-of-gulls-ride-out-the-atmospheric-river-on-the-bar.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>November 22nd, 2024. The mouth of the Gualala River opens while thousands of gulls ride out the atmospheric river on the bar. Photographer Laura Baker</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Winter arrived November 20th with an atmospheric river that swept over the coast, bringing record rainfalls to the Mendonoma area. Overnight, the airborne river fell across our watershed, swelling the Gualala, sending huge logs hurtling down the chocolate-colored waters.</p> <p>At the coast the mouth of the lagoon—closed since last June— burst open and the lagoon was transformed once again into the estuary, with its ebb and flow of salty tides. Somewhere beneath the river’s rush, young steelhead moved out into the ocean to begin the sea-going part of their life cycle. And maybe, just maybe, a few adult coho salmon entered the estuary in their quest to spawn in their natal stream.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Steelhead-in-the-Gualala-estuaryby-Rozanne-Rapozo.jpg-800x533.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-21347" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Steelhead-in-the-Gualala-estuaryby-Rozanne-Rapozo.jpg-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Steelhead-in-the-Gualala-estuaryby-Rozanne-Rapozo.jpg-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Steelhead-in-the-Gualala-estuaryby-Rozanne-Rapozo.jpg-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Steelhead-in-the-Gualala-estuaryby-Rozanne-Rapozo.jpg.jpeg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Steelhead in the Gualala estuary. Photographer: Rozanne Rapozo</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>While it’s impossible to ignore this late seasonal spectacle of water around us, Friends of Gualala River has had its eye on our river water all year long. We have engaged in a number of different programs to address water quality, water flows, and the fate of stormwater that flows into our estuary. And, we are enlisting the help of talented local volunteers and a paid staff person to accomplish our goals. </p> <p>Read on to learn how FoGR continues its 30-year quest to protect the Gualala River and the natural resources of the entire watershed. But first a message from the President of our Board about our organization and the values we espouse.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Newsletter Articles</h2> <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://gualalariver.org/news/water-water-everywhere/">Water, Water Everywhere</a> <em>(this article)</em></li> <li><a href="https://gualalariver.org/news/note-from-the-president/">Note from the President</a></li> <li><a href="https://gualalariver.org/news/meet-our-new-conservation-analyst/">Meet Our New Conservation Analyst</a></li> <li><a href="https://gualalariver.org/news/how-excess-sediment-is-being-addressed-in-the-gualala-river-the-tmdl-program/">FoGR’s Campaign to Reduce Sediment in the River</a></li> <li><a href="https://gualalariver.org/news/how-local-citizens-play-a-role-in-monitoring-our-river-water/">How Local Citizens Play A Role in Monitoring Our River Water</a></li> <li><a href="https://gualalariver.org/news/whats-in-our-stormwater/">What’s In Our Stormwater?</a></li> <li><a href="https://gualalariver.org/news/2024-report-from-fogrs-treasurer/">Treasurer’s Report</a></li> </ol> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Note from the President</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/news/note-from-the-president/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=note-from-the-president</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:53:34 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[slider-front-page]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21350</guid> <description><![CDATA[FoGR Newsletter, December, 2024 As I sit down to write this year’s newsletter, I find myself reflecting on the essence of our organization and our collective impact on the Gualala River watershed. It’s a complex and ever-evolving landscape, requiring our constant attention and dedication. Gualala River lagoon after the rain, Nov. 15, 2024, photo by …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center">FoGR Newsletter, December, 2024</p> <p>As I sit down to write this year’s newsletter, I find myself reflecting on the essence of our organization and our collective impact on the Gualala River watershed. It’s a complex and ever-evolving landscape, requiring our constant attention and dedication.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21339" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Gualala River lagoon after the rain, Nov. 15, 2024, photo by Jeanne Jackson</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>How can we best express our gratitude to our supporters? How can we inspire more people to get involved and make a difference? How do we navigate the complex issues of land use, water rights, and environmental regulations? How can we honor the legacy of those who came before us and ensure a sustainable future for the river? What can we do to be more authentic in our intentions to care for the watershed?</p> <p>These are the questions that guide our work at FoGR, some of which is reflected below. As we continue to explore solutions to these challenges, we invite you to join us in this journey.</p> <p>Whether it’s volunteering your time, donating to our cause, spreading the word about our mission, or simply enjoying the watershed through kayaking, hiking, or fishing, your support is invaluable. Together, we can protect the Gualala River for generations to come.</p> <p>Sincerely,<br>Nathan Ramser<br>President, Friends of Gualala River</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="444" height="460" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2021-Nathan-Ramser.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-20696" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2021-Nathan-Ramser.jpg 444w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2021-Nathan-Ramser-290x300.jpg 290w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 444px) 100vw, 444px" /></figure></div>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Meet Our New Conservation Analyst</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/news/meet-our-new-conservation-analyst/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=meet-our-new-conservation-analyst</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:52:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[slider-front-page]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21352</guid> <description><![CDATA[Dylan Freebairn-Smith receives his B.A in Environmental Sciences from UC Santa Barbara, 2024. Photo by UCSB. My name is Dylan Freebairn-Smith, and I am FoGR’s new Conservation Analyst. I grew up in Gualala, spending my first 18 years exploring our magnificent Southern Mendocino Coast. In June of 2024, I graduated from the University of California, …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="535" height="800" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dylan-Freebairn-Smith-receiving-his-degree-in-Environmental-Studies-2024-535x800.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21353" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dylan-Freebairn-Smith-receiving-his-degree-in-Environmental-Studies-2024-535x800.jpg 535w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dylan-Freebairn-Smith-receiving-his-degree-in-Environmental-Studies-2024-201x300.jpg 201w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dylan-Freebairn-Smith-receiving-his-degree-in-Environmental-Studies-2024-768x1148.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dylan-Freebairn-Smith-receiving-his-degree-in-Environmental-Studies-2024.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 535px) 100vw, 535px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Dylan Freebairn-Smith receives his B.A in Environmental Sciences from UC Santa Barbara, 2024. Photo by UCSB.</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>My name is Dylan Freebairn-Smith, and I am FoGR’s new Conservation Analyst. I grew up in Gualala, spending my first 18 years exploring our magnificent Southern Mendocino Coast. In June of 2024, I graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a degree in Environmental Studies. As an avid surfer, hiker, angler, diver, and mushroom hunter, I want to bring my knowledge back to my community and help restore and preserve our local ecosystems. </p> <p>FoGR is an organization whose goals align with mine. Protecting the Gualala River and its watershed is integral to keeping abundance and biodiversity as characteristics of our lands and waters. I have seen a decline in these characteristics throughout my lifetime, and working for FoGR is the perfect avenue for me to use my education to uplift our beautiful North Coast environment.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dylan-headed-out-to-surf-the-waves-from-the-latest-storm-800x533.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21354" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dylan-headed-out-to-surf-the-waves-from-the-latest-storm-800x533.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dylan-headed-out-to-surf-the-waves-from-the-latest-storm-300x200.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dylan-headed-out-to-surf-the-waves-from-the-latest-storm-768x512.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dylan-headed-out-to-surf-the-waves-from-the-latest-storm.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Dylan headed out to surf the waves from the latest storm. Photo by Sutton Freebairn-Smith</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>How excess sediment is being addressed in the Gualala River: the TMDL program</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/news/how-excess-sediment-is-being-addressed-in-the-gualala-river-the-tmdl-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-excess-sediment-is-being-addressed-in-the-gualala-river-the-tmdl-program</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:51:33 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sediment (TMDL)]]></category> <category><![CDATA[slider-front-page]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21357</guid> <description><![CDATA[by Dylan Freebairn-Smith, Conservation Analyst One of the first projects that Dylan has tackled is analyzing the TMDL program for the Gualala. Summary The Gualala River has been listed as impaired under the federal Clean Water Act due to elevated sediment levels since 1993 and has exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s Total Maximum Daily Load …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center">by Dylan Freebairn-Smith, Conservation Analyst</p> <p><em>One of the first projects that Dylan has tackled is analyzing the TMDL program for the Gualala.</em></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Summary</h2> <p>The Gualala River has been listed as impaired under the federal Clean Water Act due to elevated sediment levels since 1993 and has exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of sediment since 2001. This issue has powerful implications for the Gualala’s ecological, economic, and anthropogenic beneficial uses.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sediment-from-the-remains-of-a-timber-companys-summer-crossing-shedding-into-the-North-Fork-during-winter-flows-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21358" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sediment-from-the-remains-of-a-timber-companys-summer-crossing-shedding-into-the-North-Fork-during-winter-flows-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sediment-from-the-remains-of-a-timber-companys-summer-crossing-shedding-into-the-North-Fork-during-winter-flows-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sediment-from-the-remains-of-a-timber-companys-summer-crossing-shedding-into-the-North-Fork-during-winter-flows-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sediment-from-the-remains-of-a-timber-companys-summer-crossing-shedding-into-the-North-Fork-during-winter-flows.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Sediment from the remains of a timber company’s summer crossing sheds into the North Fork during winter flows. (Photo courtesy of FoGR)</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>The chief sources of sediment are roads, landslides, and legacy timber harvesting practices. FoGR’s successful 2021 litigation against the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board required the Gualala River’s Sedimentation issue to be amended to the Regional Basin Plan. Currently, Draft implementation documents are being prepared for public and board review. </p> <p>The Water Board is hiring new specialized staff to help design and implement the Draft plan. FoGR is following this issue closely so that our local community will be prepared to understand and comment upon the plan.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Details</h2> <p>A <strong><a href="https://www.epa.gov/tmdl/overview-total-maximum-daily-loads-tmdls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Total Maximum Daily Load</a></strong> (TMDL), put simply, is the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can endure while still providing its <strong><a href="https://waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdl/#:~:text=Water%2520quality%2520standards%2520are%2520comprised,implementation%2520plans%2520to%2520improve%2520them" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beneficial uses</a></strong>. When a waterbody exceeds the designated TMDL for a type of pollution, it is considered “impaired.” The Clean Water Act Section 303(d) then requires this waterbody to be added to the <strong><a href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb2/water_issues/programs/TMDLs/303dlist.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Section 303(d) List of Impaired Water Bodies</a></strong>.</p> <p>The <strong><a href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdls/gualala_river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gualala River</a></strong> is currently on this list due to sediment impairment, which affects the beneficial uses listed below.</p> <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li>Cold Freshwater Habitat</li> <li>Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Species</li> <li>Spawning, Reproduction, and/or Early Development</li> <li>Migration of Aquatic Organisms</li> <li>Commercial and Sport Fishing</li> <li>Estuarine Habitat</li> <li>Municipal and Domestic Supply</li> <li>Water Contact Recreation</li> <li>Non-Contact Water Recreation</li> </ol> <p>If you enjoy fishing for Steelhead or want to see Coho Salmon return to the Gualala River, items 1-6 of this list may concern you. If you enjoy a clean river to swim in, a healthy riverbank to lie on, and clean water to drink, items 7-9 may interest you. An explanation of each “beneficial use” can be found at <strong><a href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/water_issues/programs/basin_plan/180710/BPChapter2BeneficialUses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/water_issues/programs/basin_plan/180710/BPChapter2BeneficialUses.pdf</a></strong></p> <p>This is not new information; the Gualala has been considered sediment-impaired by the EPA <strong><a href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdls/gualala_river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">since 2001</a></strong>. The TMDL process is long and bureaucratic, but we are at a crucial point locally. <strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-04-Settlement-Agreement-FoGR-Water-Board.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FoGR’s successful 2021 litigation</a></strong> of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB), required the NCRWQCB to amend the <strong><a href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/water_issues/programs/basin_plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regional Basin Plan</a></strong> with Orders and an Action Plan to address the Gualala River Sediment TMDL impairment.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="460" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A-juvenile-steelhead-swims-in-the-rapids-of-the-Garcia-River-in-June-2024-800x460.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21376" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A-juvenile-steelhead-swims-in-the-rapids-of-the-Garcia-River-in-June-2024-800x460.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A-juvenile-steelhead-swims-in-the-rapids-of-the-Garcia-River-in-June-2024-300x173.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A-juvenile-steelhead-swims-in-the-rapids-of-the-Garcia-River-in-June-2024-768x442.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A-juvenile-steelhead-swims-in-the-rapids-of-the-Garcia-River-in-June-2024.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A juvenile steelhead swims in the rapids of the <a href="https://treesfoundation.org/2021/07/the-garcia-a-river-in-strong-recovery-after-a-30-year-effort/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Garcia River</strong></a> in June 2024.</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>The release of these documents for public review is approaching. The Draft Orders, to be published in April 2025, are part of the implementation plan and will require the inventory, assessment, and prioritization of road treatment to control sediment sources. </p> <p>In June 2025, the Water Board will release the Draft Action Plan and Staff Report for public review. The Action Plan and Staff Report will contain implementation actions to control sediment pollution and the required environmental documentation. Once released, these documents will include instructions for the public to submit comments.</p> <p>In other <strong><a href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdls/gualala_river/pdf/july2024_projectstatus_update.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">good news for the Gualala River TMDL</a></strong>, three new staff and a million dollars annually for 5 years have been provided to complete the Basin Planning Amendment, Order development, and subsequent implementation actions. </p> <p>As more details develop, we will keep you updated on the work the North Coast Water Board is doing to fulfill its mandate from the settlement. In the meantime, sign up for <strong><a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CAWRCB/subscriber/new?topic_id=r1_tmdl_gualala_river_watershed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarterly email updates from the Water Board</a></strong> on the Gualala River Orders and Action Plan. Community involvement is key.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>How Local Citizens Play A Role in Monitoring Our River Water</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/news/how-local-citizens-play-a-role-in-monitoring-our-river-water/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-local-citizens-play-a-role-in-monitoring-our-river-water</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:50:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[slider-front-page]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21361</guid> <description><![CDATA[by Laura Baker, Board Member Three years ago the non-profit, The Stream Team, landed a Whale Tail grant from the State Coastal Conservancy, to monitor water quality in the Gualala estuary. Friends of Gualala River and the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy have partnered with The Stream Team to teach local citizens how to collect and …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center">by Laura Baker, Board Member</p> <p>Three years ago the non-profit, <a href="http://www.thestreamteam.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Stream Team</a>, landed a Whale Tail grant from the State Coastal Conservancy, to monitor water quality in the Gualala estuary. </p> <p>Friends of Gualala River and the <a href="https://rclc.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Redwood Coast Land Conservancy</a> have partnered with The Stream Team to teach local citizens how to collect and test water from 4 different sites in the estuary for various conditions such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other variables. Meeting once a month between May and October, the group has developed 18 months of data that will be logged and available at CEDEN (<a href="http://www.ceden.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Environmental Data Exchange Network</a>). </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="800" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Stream-Team-volunteers-run-water-chemistry-tests-on-river-water-at-Gualala-Point-Regional-Park-600x800.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21362" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Stream-Team-volunteers-run-water-chemistry-tests-on-river-water-at-Gualala-Point-Regional-Park-600x800.jpg 600w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Stream-Team-volunteers-run-water-chemistry-tests-on-river-water-at-Gualala-Point-Regional-Park-225x300.jpg 225w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Stream-Team-volunteers-run-water-chemistry-tests-on-river-water-at-Gualala-Point-Regional-Park-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Stream-Team-volunteers-run-water-chemistry-tests-on-river-water-at-Gualala-Point-Regional-Park.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The Stream Team volunteers analyze samples of estuary water at the Gualala Point Regional Park. Photographer: Laura Baker</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>The project teaches citizens proper monitoring protocols so that they can continue tracking estuary conditions to add to background information. When there is an episode of a large scale change in the river—such as a large landslide or a chemical spill—the baseline monitoring information can be compared for impacts. The program is part of FoGR’s commitment to documenting and improving the water quality in the river.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>What’s In Our Stormwater?</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/news/whats-in-our-stormwater/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=whats-in-our-stormwater</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:49:31 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stormwater]]></category> <category><![CDATA[slider-front-page]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21365</guid> <description><![CDATA[by Laura Baker, Board Member In 2021 FoGR learned of a chemical found in tire grit that pollutes stormwater and kills a number of different aquatic species. It is especially toxic to coho salmon— 40 parts per billion in a quart of stormwater kills juvenile coho. Information has been pouring out of the State of …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center">by Laura Baker, Board Member</p> <p>In 2021 FoGR learned of a chemical found in tire grit that pollutes stormwater and kills a number of different aquatic species. It is especially toxic to coho salmon— 40 parts per billion in a quart of stormwater kills juvenile coho. Information has been pouring out of the State of Washington where the effects of 6 PPD were first discovered as scientists race to learn more about how the compound kills and what can be done about it.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Where the Rubber Meets the Road, Tire Chemicals in the Toxicology of Stormwater" width="618" height="348" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pZsqLvX5ZoI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p></p> <p>The compound is intentionally added to tires as a safety measure to reduce wear when the rubber is exposed to ozone. The bad news is that this compound is found in tires, playground rubber mats, and anywhere that tires are recycled and re-used. While there are lawsuits aimed against tire manufacturers to find a substitute for 6 PPD (which becomes the more hazardous 6 PPD-Q when exposed to ozone), the short-term answer contains some good news: early research suggests that stormwater that is captured and allowed to percolate through different media like soil, compost, etc., can be cleaned of 6 PPD-Q.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Local scientists hone in on 'salmon killer'" width="618" height="348" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GRZU6sMl39w?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p></p> <p>Thanks to the collaboration between FoGR and The Stream Team (with whom we work to monitor water in the estuary), we began to investigate the fate of stormwater that flows untreated from downtown Gualala into our estuary/lagoon.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="800" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Timmarie-Hamill-of-The-Stream-Team-collecting-stormwater-from-a-downtown-Gualala-drain-600x800.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21366" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Timmarie-Hamill-of-The-Stream-Team-collecting-stormwater-from-a-downtown-Gualala-drain-600x800.jpg 600w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Timmarie-Hamill-of-The-Stream-Team-collecting-stormwater-from-a-downtown-Gualala-drain-225x300.jpg 225w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Timmarie-Hamill-of-The-Stream-Team-collecting-stormwater-from-a-downtown-Gualala-drain-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Timmarie-Hamill-of-The-Stream-Team-collecting-stormwater-from-a-downtown-Gualala-drain.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Timmarie Hamill of The Stream Team collecting stormwater from a downtown Gualala drain. Photographer: Laura Baker</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Virtually every drop of stormwater that originates above the estuary from the mobile home park down to the highway bridge across the river is conveyed through the stormwater system directly into the estuary. But does it contain 6 PPD/6 PPD-Q? Some people have expressed doubt that there’s enough vehicle traffic in Gualala to generate measurable amounts of 6 PPD-Q and other toxins.</p> <p>The answer to this important question lies in data that we have collected from 3 separate storm events (May 4th, October 12th, and November 1st, 2024). In every sample collected in accordance with the strict protocols established by the US Environmental Protection Agency, we detected 6 PPD-Q in significant amounts. In all but one sample, the amounts exceeded the LC 50 for juvenile coho. The LC 50 is the lethal concentration of a toxin that kills 50% of the population which, for juvenile coho, is 40 nanograms/liter with less than 24 hours of exposure. It’s hard to wrap one’s head around just how small an amount that figure represents, so here’s a simple example. One quarter of a teaspoon of sugar = 1 gram. Divide that by 1 billion to get 1 nanogram: in other words 40 billionths of a gram per liter which is about a quart.</p> <p>The laboratory tests for 6 PPD-Q are expensive. Fortunately, The Stream Team landed a small grant from the Rose Foundation to help pay for some of the initial costs associated with analyzing 6 PPD-Q and for updating their Monitoring Plan (MP) and Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) to ensure the data we collect is technically valid and informs management and restoration plans currently being developed for the Gualala River and estuary.</p> <p>Is there a way to intercept and treat the stormwater pouring into our estuary? The Gualala Streetscape Project offers an opportunity to look critically at how the current stormwater system might be modified to accomplish that. To that end, FoGR has hired Greg Kamman, an ecohydrologist with cbec engineering, and continues to partner with The Stream Team to devise a potential plan to address that issue. We will be releasing more information as it develops.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>2024 Report from FoGR’s Treasurer</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/news/2024-report-from-fogrs-treasurer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2024-report-from-fogrs-treasurer</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:48:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[slider-front-page]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21369</guid> <description><![CDATA[By Jeanne Jackson, Treasurer We Would Love to Have Your Support For nearly 30 years FoGR has relied solely on the hard work of volunteers who donated their time for the day-to-day operation of our organization. As mentioned above, we’ve now hired a part-time staff person to carry out the work of the TMDL program, …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center">By Jeanne Jackson, Treasurer</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We Would Love to Have Your Support</h2> <p>For nearly 30 years FoGR has relied solely on the hard work of volunteers who donated their time for the day-to-day operation of our organization. As mentioned above, we’ve now hired a part-time staff person to carry out <strong>the work of the TMDL program</strong>, among other projects. That program exists thanks to your previous generous donations, which paid for our attorney costs to negotiate the settlement with the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board as described in Dylan’s article above.</p> <p>Now more than ever, we will need your help. The combined costs of our stormwater consultant together with the expenses of on-going water quality monitoring in the estuary and the gathering of stormwater samples for lab analysis shared with The Stream Team are significant. We are gathering scientific knowledge that can help us in the future to continue with our mission to ensure that the Gualala water quality is improved and protected. Your donations will help us carry on these ambitious programs. Thank you for your continued support!</p> <p class="has-text-align-left">To donate by credit card (or Paypal):</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=E8V7T6WEH9M6Y" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="147" height="47" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/btn_donateCC_LG-21.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-14035"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=E8V7T6WEH9M6Y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donate by credit card</a></strong></figcaption></figure></div> <p class="has-text-align-left">If you prefer to write a check, please send it to:</p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Friends of Gualala River, PO Box 1543, Gualala, CA 95445</strong></p> <p>We welcome volunteers as well. If you have a skill that you would like to share with us or if you are interested in participating in one of our programs, please contact us at <a href="mailto:info@gualalariver.org">i<strong>nfo@gualalariver.org</strong></a>.</p> <p>For more information about FoGR’s work, please visit our website at <strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org">gualalariver.org</a></strong>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-02-26-Gualala-River-finds-its-way-to-the-sea-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-20807" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-02-26-Gualala-River-finds-its-way-to-the-sea-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-02-26-Gualala-River-finds-its-way-to-the-sea-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-02-26-Gualala-River-finds-its-way-to-the-sea-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-02-26-Gualala-River-finds-its-way-to-the-sea-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-02-26-Gualala-River-finds-its-way-to-the-sea.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure></div>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Estuary mouth wide open as atmospheric river pours down rain – Nov. 21, 2024</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/tour/sightings/estuary-mouth-wide-open-as-atmospheric-river-pours-down-rain-nov-21-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=estuary-mouth-wide-open-as-atmospheric-river-pours-down-rain-nov-21-2024</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 23 Nov 2024 00:09:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Sightings]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21342</guid> <description><![CDATA[Gualala River mouth after atmospheric river pours down rain for 36 hours, Nov. 21, 2024, photo by Thomas Wolbarst, used with permission. Note: When the river mouth is closed by the sandbar, the lower part of the river is called a lagoon. When the mouth is open to the ocean, it is called an estuary.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="328" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-21-GR-estuary-Thomas-Wolbarst-800x328.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21343" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-21-GR-estuary-Thomas-Wolbarst-800x328.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-21-GR-estuary-Thomas-Wolbarst-300x123.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-21-GR-estuary-Thomas-Wolbarst-768x314.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-21-GR-estuary-Thomas-Wolbarst.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gualala River mouth after atmospheric river pours down rain for 36 hours, Nov. 21, 2024, <em>photo by Thomas Wolbarst, used with permission</em>.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Note: When the river mouth is closed by the sandbar, the lower part of the river is called a <strong>lagoon</strong>. When the mouth is open to the ocean, it is called an <strong>estuary</strong>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Lagoon full after the rain – Nov. 15, 2024</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/tour/sightings/estuary-full-after-the-rain-nov-15-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=estuary-full-after-the-rain-nov-15-2024</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 16 Nov 2024 23:48:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Sightings]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21338</guid> <description><![CDATA[Gualala River lagoon after the rain, Nov. 15, 2024, photo by Jeanne Jackson, used with permission. Note: When the river mouth is closed by the sandbar, the lower part of the river is called a lagoon. When the mouth is open to the ocean, it is called an estuary.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21339" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-15-GR-estuary-Jeanne-Jackson.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gualala River lagoon after the rain, Nov. 15, 2024, <em>photo by Jeanne Jackson, used with permission</em>.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Note: When the river mouth is closed by the sandbar, the lower part of the river is called a <strong>lagoon</strong>. When the mouth is open to the ocean, it is called an <strong>estuary</strong>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Buck Swimming in Gualala River lagoon</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/tour/sightings/buck-swimming-in-gualala-river-lagoon/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=buck-swimming-in-gualala-river-lagoon</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:07:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Sightings]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Video]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21331</guid> <description><![CDATA[Video by David Lichtman, October, 2024, used with permission]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Buck swimming in Gualala River lagoon" width="618" height="348" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7nBsz8reauU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Video by David Lichtman, October, 2024, used with permission</em></figcaption></figure> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Silva Ranch protected by Conservation Easement</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/news/silva-ranch-protected-by-conservation-easement/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=silva-ranch-protected-by-conservation-easement</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 05 Oct 2024 21:36:02 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21324</guid> <description><![CDATA[Western Rivers Conservancy and the California Rangeland Trust successfully protected a critical stretch of the Wheatfield Fork Gualala River and a series of cold-water salmon and steelhead streams in Sonoma County, at the heart of wine country. The partners accomplished this by placing a conservation easement over the 4,440-acre Silva Ranch, an extraordinary California Coast …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><a href="https://www.westernrivers.org/press/pr/conservation-partnership-saves-salmon-waters-redwoods-and-woodlands-in-wine-country" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Western Rivers Conservancy</strong></a> and the California Rangeland Trust successfully protected a critical stretch of the Wheatfield Fork Gualala River and a series of cold-water salmon and steelhead streams in Sonoma County, at the heart of wine country. The partners accomplished this by placing a conservation easement over the 4,440-acre Silva Ranch, an extraordinary California Coast Range property that contains a rare swath of old-growth redwoods.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Credit-Jason-Hartwick-Western-Rivers-Conservancy-6-800x534.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21325" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Credit-Jason-Hartwick-Western-Rivers-Conservancy-6-800x534.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Credit-Jason-Hartwick-Western-Rivers-Conservancy-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Credit-Jason-Hartwick-Western-Rivers-Conservancy-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Credit-Jason-Hartwick-Western-Rivers-Conservancy-6-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Credit-Jason-Hartwick-Western-Rivers-Conservancy-6.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Silva Ranch on the Gualala River</em><br><em>Photo credit: Jason Hartwick, Western Rivers Conservancy</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>In total, the easement conserves over six miles of stream frontage on small tributary creeks and the Wheatfield Fork Gualala, the largest of three major tributaries of the mainstem Gualala River. Together, these streams provide crucial habitat for winter steelhead and, historically, coho salmon, two species that have experienced rapid declines throughout the state.</p> <p>The easement protects a broad swath of mixed conifer forest, 41 acres of old-growth redwoods, and more than 2,600 acres of oak woodland and grassland—habitat that potentially supports wildlife like northern spotted owl, bald eagle and red-legged frog. The Silva Ranch is especially important because it lies adjacent to 75,000 acres of already protected lands. Adding the ranch’s unbroken open space to this assemblage improves habitat connectivity for wildlife at a landscape scale.</p> <p>Due to its prime location, the Silva Ranch had the potential for dozens of home sites and extensive grape production, both now severely limited or prevented by the conservation easement. The easement will allow only around three percent of the property to be used for vineyards or other intensive agriculture and add protections to streams throughout the ranch to conserve habitat and prevent water withdrawal. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="683" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2022-Silva-Ranch_Western-Rivers-Conservancy-1-800x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21328" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2022-Silva-Ranch_Western-Rivers-Conservancy-1-800x683.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2022-Silva-Ranch_Western-Rivers-Conservancy-1-300x256.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2022-Silva-Ranch_Western-Rivers-Conservancy-1-768x656.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2022-Silva-Ranch_Western-Rivers-Conservancy-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Silva Ranch; map by Western Rivers Conservancy</em></figcaption></figure></div>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Copper Top logging plan on Old Stage Rd. Approved</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/news/copper-top-logging-plan-on-old-stage-rd/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=copper-top-logging-plan-on-old-stage-rd</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 02 Oct 2024 20:40:59 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Copper Top THP]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21297</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Copper Top timber harvest plan (THP 1-24-00103-MEN) was filed by Gualala Redwood Timber (GRT) on July 17, 2024. The plan calls for logging redwood and Douglas fir trees in 163 acres adjacent to Old Stage Road, just north of the Gualala Arts Center. Agency review team, chaired by CalFire, recommended plan approval on September …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>The Copper Top timber harvest plan (THP 1-24-00103-MEN) was filed by Gualala Redwood Timber (GRT) on July 17, 2024. The plan calls for logging redwood and Douglas fir trees in 163 acres adjacent to Old Stage Road, just north of the Gualala Arts Center.</p> <p>Agency review team, chaired by CalFire, recommended plan approval on September 5, 2024. Public comment period ended on September 16. Director’s Decision (final approval) was published on <strong>September 19, 2024</strong>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="579" height="800" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec5_Copper-Top-p93-map-579x800.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21311" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec5_Copper-Top-p93-map-579x800.jpg 579w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec5_Copper-Top-p93-map-217x300.jpg 217w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec5_Copper-Top-p93-map-768x1062.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec5_Copper-Top-p93-map-1111x1536.jpg 1111w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec5_Copper-Top-p93-map.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 579px) 100vw, 579px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Copper Top THP location</em></figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copper Top Timber Harvest Plan documents</h2> <p><strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copper Top THP Section 1</a></strong> – [1 MB, 8 pages] <strong>Legal description</strong>: Cover pages, signatures.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copper Top THP Section 2</a></strong> – [16 MB, 112 pages] <strong>Operations</strong>: Silviculture, Yarding, Erosion Hazard Rating, Winter operations, Roads & landings, Watercourse & lake protections, Alternative Watercourse & lake protections (in lieu of standard rules), Wildlife observances & enforceable provisions, Maps</p> <p><strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec3.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copper Top THP Section 3</a></strong> – [1 MB, 29 pages] <strong>Supporting materials</strong>: General Site Description, Analysis of Alternatives, Silvicultural Methods, Ground-based equipment on steep slopes, Roads, Landings and Skid Trails, Archaeological survey methods and procedures</p> <p><strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec4.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copper Top THP Section 4</a></strong> – [6 MB, 161 pages] <strong>Cumulative Impacts</strong>: Past, present and future projects, assessment of cumulative watershed effects, soil productivity, biological resources, recreational, visual, traffic, greenhouse gas impacts, wildfire risks, noise</p> <p><strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec5_edit.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copper Top THP Section 5</a></strong> – [36 MB, 223 pages] <strong>Attachments</strong>: Including soil erosion hazards, Erosion Control Plan, slash treatment, Northern Spotted Owl information, botanical survey; list of adjacent landowners who received domestic water supply letters (pp11-67) removed to protect privacy.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec6.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copper Top THP Section 6</a></strong> – [0.1 MB, 1 pages] <strong>Archeological </strong>information: (confidential)</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="623" height="800" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec2_Copper-Top-pp87-map-623x800.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21310" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec2_Copper-Top-pp87-map-623x800.jpg 623w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec2_Copper-Top-pp87-map-234x300.jpg 234w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec2_Copper-Top-pp87-map-768x986.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec2_Copper-Top-pp87-map-1197x1536.jpg 1197w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717_1-24-00103-MEN_Sec2_Copper-Top-pp87-map.jpg 1239w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 623px) 100vw, 623px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Copper Top THP location detail</em></figcaption></figure></div> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em><strong>To download additional documents</strong></em> for this logging plan,<br>visit the <strong><a href="https://caltreesplans.resources.ca.gov/caltrees/urlrouting.ashx?type=1000&Module=TH_Document&capID1=REC24&capID2=00000&capID3=005N8&agencyCode=CALTREES" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copper Top THP page on the CalTREES website</a></strong>.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>The public comment period has ended.</strong> Below are instructions on<br>how to submit comments during the public comment period.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em><strong>To submit your comments </strong></em>on a logging plan,email your comments to: <a href="mailto:santarosapubliccomment@fire.ca.gov"><strong>santarosapubliccomment@fire.ca.gov</strong></a><br>or send your comments via U.S. Mail to:</p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Forest Practice</strong><strong><br>California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection<br>135 Ridgway Ave.<br>Santa Rosa, CA 95401</strong></p> <p class="has-text-align-center">In the subject line of your email message, or at the top of your letter,<br>be sure to reference the THP number and name, for example:<br><strong>THP 1-24-00103-MEN “Copper Top”</strong></p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Yellow-legged Frog in the Gualala River</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/tour/sightings/yellow-legged-frog-in-the-gualala-river/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=yellow-legged-frog-in-the-gualala-river</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 24 Sep 2024 20:44:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Sightings]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21321</guid> <description><![CDATA[Yellow-legged Frog in the Gualala River, photo by Amy Ruegg “Down by the Gualala River near the Hot Spot, we enjoyed seeing a variety of small aquatic creatures like water beetles, tiny fish, and a foothill yellow-legged frog! It was just a small one in the water blending in perfectly with the rocks. No more …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="791" height="800" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Yellow-legged-Frog-in-the-Gualala-River-by-Amy-Ruegg-791x800.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21322" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Yellow-legged-Frog-in-the-Gualala-River-by-Amy-Ruegg-791x800.jpg 791w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Yellow-legged-Frog-in-the-Gualala-River-by-Amy-Ruegg-297x300.jpg 297w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Yellow-legged-Frog-in-the-Gualala-River-by-Amy-Ruegg-768x777.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Yellow-legged-Frog-in-the-Gualala-River-by-Amy-Ruegg-1518x1536.jpg 1518w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Yellow-legged-Frog-in-the-Gualala-River-by-Amy-Ruegg-2024x2048.jpg 2024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Yellow-legged Frog in the Gualala River, photo by Amy Ruegg</em></figcaption></figure> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p>“Down by the Gualala River near the Hot Spot, we enjoyed seeing a variety of small aquatic creatures like water beetles, tiny fish, and a foothill yellow-legged frog! It was just a small one in the water blending in perfectly with the rocks. No more than an inch or so long. – Amy Ruegg</p> </blockquote> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>A look at the beautiful and full Gualala River Lagoon, as photographed by Anthony Cuesta</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/tour/sightings/a-look-at-the-beautiful-and-full-gualala-river-lagoon-as-photographed-by-anthony-cuesta/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-look-at-the-beautiful-and-full-gualala-river-lagoon-as-photographed-by-anthony-cuesta</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:40:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Sightings]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21286</guid> <description><![CDATA[Gualala River Lagoon, June, 2024, photograph by Anthony Cuesta, reprinted with permission “When the sandbar stops much of the river water from entering the Pacific Ocean, the mouth of the river floods beautifully into its natural floodplain. Anthony Cuesta photographed the Gualala River from Gualala Point Regional Park, showing Mill Bend. You can see a …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="360" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-06-14-The_full_Gualala_River_by_Anthony_Cuesta-800x360.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21292" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-06-14-The_full_Gualala_River_by_Anthony_Cuesta-800x360.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-06-14-The_full_Gualala_River_by_Anthony_Cuesta-300x135.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-06-14-The_full_Gualala_River_by_Anthony_Cuesta-768x346.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-06-14-The_full_Gualala_River_by_Anthony_Cuesta-1536x691.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-06-14-The_full_Gualala_River_by_Anthony_Cuesta.jpg 1800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Gualala River Lagoon, June, 2024, photograph by Anthony Cuesta, reprinted with permission</em></figcaption></figure></div> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p>“When the sandbar stops much of the river water from entering the Pacific Ocean, the mouth of the river floods beautifully into its natural floodplain. Anthony Cuesta photographed the Gualala River from Gualala Point Regional Park, showing Mill Bend. You can see a portion of the Gualala River Bridge on the far right. It’s part of Highway One.</p> <p>Any fish that were in the river when it closed are now trapped in luxury until the river reopens in autumn with enough rain.</p> <p>Thanks to Anthony for allowing us to share his beautiful photo with you.”</p> <cite>– Commentary by Jeanne Jackson, <a href="https://www.mendonomasightings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MendonomaSightings.com</a></cite></blockquote> </blockquote> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>A Walk along the Wheatfield Fork</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/tour/sightings/a-walk-along-the-wheatfield-fork/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-walk-along-the-wheatfield-fork</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2024 22:53:33 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Sightings]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21278</guid> <description><![CDATA[June 9, 2024 by a Friend of the Gualala River We walked the Wheatfield Fork of the Gualala River under the second twin bridge off Annapolis Road. What a beautiful and peaceful walk! We couldn’t photograph any birds as they were mostly in the canopy and quickly catching insects. However, we saw and heard the …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-text-align-center">June 9, 2024 <br><em>by a Friend of the Gualala River</em></p> <p>We walked the Wheatfield Fork of the Gualala River under the second twin bridge off Annapolis Road. What a beautiful and peaceful walk!</p> <p>We couldn’t photograph any birds as they were mostly in the canopy and quickly catching insects. However, we saw and heard the following: Black-headed grosbeak, red-breasted sapsucker, acorn woodpecker, Allen’s hummingbird, cliff swallows, Wilson’s warbler, Swainson’s Thrush, killdeer (including an eggshell from a killdeer), song sparrow, Pacific slope flycatcher, Pacific wren, Stellar’s jay and chestnut-backed chickadee.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Common-Buckeye-Wheatfield-Fork-800x534.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21280" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Common-Buckeye-Wheatfield-Fork-800x534.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Common-Buckeye-Wheatfield-Fork-300x200.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Common-Buckeye-Wheatfield-Fork-768x512.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Common-Buckeye-Wheatfield-Fork.jpg 1055w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Common Buckeye</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>And plenty of butterflies: Satyr commas, Western tiger swallowtail, common buckeye, Mylitta crescents and Echo Azure butterflies. </p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="791" height="528" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Echo-Azure-sipping-Wheatfield-Fork.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21282" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Echo-Azure-sipping-Wheatfield-Fork.jpg 791w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Echo-Azure-sipping-Wheatfield-Fork-300x200.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Echo-Azure-sipping-Wheatfield-Fork-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Echo Azure, sipping</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Saw quite a few Exclamation damselflies. Didn’t see any reptiles or amphibians.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Exclamation-Damselfly-800x534.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21281" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Exclamation-Damselfly-800x534.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Exclamation-Damselfly-300x200.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Exclamation-Damselfly-768x512.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Exclamation-Damselfly.jpg 1055w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Exclamation damselfly</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Plenty of wildflowers. The purple foxglove was about 10 feet tall. Have not seen these Cardinal catchfly flowers previously.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cardinal-Catchfly-Flowers-Wheatfield-Fork-800x534.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21279" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cardinal-Catchfly-Flowers-Wheatfield-Fork-800x534.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cardinal-Catchfly-Flowers-Wheatfield-Fork-300x200.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cardinal-Catchfly-Flowers-Wheatfield-Fork-768x513.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cardinal-Catchfly-Flowers-Wheatfield-Fork.jpg 1406w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Cardinal Catchfly Flowers</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>Wonderful walk!</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>River Mouth Closed Today</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/tour/sightings/river-mouth-closed-today/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=river-mouth-closed-today</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2024 03:39:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Sightings]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21274</guid> <description><![CDATA[Mouth of the Gualala River on June 6, 2024; photo courtesy of Efi Benjamin, River Bend Kayaks]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Gualala-River-closed-6.6.24-by-Efi-Benjamin-of-River-Bend-Kayak-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21275" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Gualala-River-closed-6.6.24-by-Efi-Benjamin-of-River-Bend-Kayak-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Gualala-River-closed-6.6.24-by-Efi-Benjamin-of-River-Bend-Kayak-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Gualala-River-closed-6.6.24-by-Efi-Benjamin-of-River-Bend-Kayak-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Gualala-River-closed-6.6.24-by-Efi-Benjamin-of-River-Bend-Kayak-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Gualala-River-closed-6.6.24-by-Efi-Benjamin-of-River-Bend-Kayak.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Mouth of the Gualala River on June 6, 2024; photo courtesy of</em> <em>Efi Benjamin, <strong><a href="https://riverbendkayak.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River Bend Kayaks</a></strong></em></figcaption></figure></div>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Permit issued to replace failed retaining wall behind Surf Market</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/river/estuary-lagoon/permit-issued-to-replace-failed-retaining-wall-behind-surf-market/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=permit-issued-to-replace-failed-retaining-wall-behind-surf-market</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2024 00:10:51 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Estuary / Lagoon]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21262</guid> <description><![CDATA[On May 16, 2024, the California Coastal Commission issued a permit to Bower Limited Partnership for replacement of the failed retaining wall behind the Surf Market and directly above the Gualala River estuary. The Surf Market building was built too close to the bluff edge in 1983, in violation of coastal development permit CDP No. …]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>On May 16, 2024, the California Coastal Commission issued a permit to Bower Limited Partnership for replacement of the failed retaining wall behind the Surf Market and directly above the Gualala River estuary.</p> <p>The Surf Market building was built too close to the bluff edge in 1983, in violation of coastal development permit CDP No. NCR-80-P-75, which is why the developer needed a retaining wall, even though that wall had to be constructed without legally required minimum setback from the environmentally sensitive habitat area (ESHA) of the Gualala River estuary — <em>see Permit History, below.</em></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SurfMarketSlideIMG_6553-800x600.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-21263" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SurfMarketSlideIMG_6553-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SurfMarketSlideIMG_6553-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SurfMarketSlideIMG_6553-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SurfMarketSlideIMG_6553.jpeg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The current landslide is a shallow failure of unstable, unconsolidated fill placed on the bluff decades ago (in violation of the coastal development permit), rather than a deep, structural slope failure of the cliff itself.</em></figcaption></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental Issues</h2> <p>Construction of the proposed wall would disturb <strong>existing native vegetation</strong> and soil, making it vulnerable to increased invasion and dominance by non-native plants, reducing native biological diversity.</p> <p>Construction would disrupt public access to a portion of the <strong><a href="https://www.rclc.org/gualala-bluff-trail-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gualala Bluff Trail</a></strong>, which was built by, and is maintained by, the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy.</p> <p>The runoff of <strong>polluted stormwater</strong> from the parking lots, buildings, gas stations, and roads in the downtown area needs to be managed to avoid pollution entering the environmentally sensitive Gualala River estuary and to avoid runoff causing more shallow landslides of the unconsolidated fill.</p> <p>The new permit requires “soil stabilization and drainage improvement plans prepared in consultation with the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy, the Dorothy King Young Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, and the Mendocino Coast Cooperative Weed Management Area. . . [and] shall include inline drains to capture runoff from the parcel that flows towards the bluff and an on-site infiltration interceptor to capture any pollutants contained in the run-off. The system shall be designed to treat or filter stormwater runoff from each storm, up to and including the 85th percentile, 24-hour storm event.” [<strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Issued-CDP-1-83-270-A1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDP 1-83-270-A</a></strong>, p2] <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Larger Project</h2> <p>The landowner is required to replace the failed retaining wall. But instead of simply doing so, in 2008 the landowner proposed a much larger and more complex 390-foot retaining wall using Geoweb (polyethylene plastic cell construction). The proposal was in two parts: a 105-foot Geoweb wall to replace the failed retaining wall, connecting to a new 285-foot Geoweb wall between the unpaved, uncompacted fill parking area and the bluff. The Coastal Commission approved the first, and determined that a <em>de novo</em> hearing was required to consider the second (but that hearing was never held).</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="530" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/BowerWallAerial-800x530.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8759" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/BowerWallAerial-800x530.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/BowerWallAerial-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Mockup of proposed 390 foot Geoweb retaining wall; photo by Craig Tooley</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>The landowner has explained publicly that this proposal is part of a larger project to demolish existing buildings, create a large paved parking lot, construct new commercial buildings and expand the Surf Supermarket on the bluff overlooking the Gualala River estuary / lagoon.</p> <p>The landowner proposed to extend the bluff top by as much as 12 feet toward the Pacific Ocean by building a 390 foot long wall. Construction of the wall would obliterate the upper one third to one half of the natural bluff face. We believe that the project should fit its development to the existing property, rather than expanding the property to fit the development. Because the bluff is stable and does not need a huge retaining wall, we oppose the larger (390 foot) wall.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Permit History</h2> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>(excerpted from the <strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1-83-270-A1-Bower-Limited-Partnership_ADOPTED_FINDINGS_with_Exhibits.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adopted Findings</a></strong> accompanying new permit CDP 1-83-270-A)</em></p> <p>“In 1981, the North Coast Regional Commission approved [coastal development permit] CDP NCR-80-P-75 . . . for the building of the Surf Supermarket located on the subject parcel . . .</p> <p>As a condition of approval, [the permit] required recordation of an offer to dedicate a 25-foot-wide easement for public access and passive recreation along the bluff [now known as the Gualala Bluff Trail]. John J. and Ida L. Bower recorded the offers to dedicate required by the permit and the Commission issued the CDP for the construction of Surf Supermarket. . .</p> [The permit] specified that the supermarket building would be set back 35 feet at its northwest corner and 55 feet at its southwest corner from the bluff edge. However, when the building was constructed in the early 1980s, the structure was constructed such that the southwest corner is set back only 24 feet from the bluff edge. Thus, the constructed building was therefore placed directly within the area offered for public access along the bluff constituting a violation of [the permit].</p> <p>In an effort to protect the public access required by [the permit], the Commission subsequently approved CDP 1-83-270 authorizing a 120-foot-long wood retaining wall west of the market along the edge of the bluff . . . Special Condition No. 1 of [that permit] requires that the retaining wall be maintained for the life of the development on the site.</p> <p>To comply with Special Condition No. 1 of CDP No. 1-83-270, the subject coastal development permit amendment application has been submitted to the Coastal Commission by Bower Limited Partnership to replace the failing retaining wall behind the supermarket. Specifically, the proposed amendment requests authorization to (1) replace the constructed 70-foot-long wooden retaining wall with an approximately 105-foot-long “Geoweb” retaining wall extending across the subject property with an approximately 30-foot-long concrete block end wall at the southern end of the retaining wall, (2) install 118 linear feet of 12-inch storm drain with a storm drain manhole, and (3) replace an existing underground septic tank.</p> <p>In a related action, the applicant proposes to extend the replacement retaining wall that is proposed under Permit Amendment 1-83-270-A to the north across the top of the bluff face of APN 145-261-13 within the area of Mendocino County’s coastal permit jurisdiction. The portion of the wall proposed on APN 145-261-13 is the subject of related Appeal No. A-1-MEN-05-015, an appeal of the decision of Mendocino County to grant local CDP Permit No. 55-2006 for construction of this portion of the retaining wall. . .</p> <p>On April 11, 2008, the Coastal Commission found that the appeal of the County’s approval of Permit No. 55-2006 raised a substantial issue with respect to the grounds on which the appeal was filed, pursuant to Section 30625 of the Coastal Act and Section 13115 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. As a result, the County’s approval is no longer effective, and the Commission must consider the project <em>de novo</em>. The Commission has not yet acted on the project <em>de novo</em>.”</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">California Coastal Commission documents:</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Issued-CDP-1-83-270-A1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coastal Development Permit Amendment CDP 1-83-270-A</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1-83-270-A1-Bower-Limited-Partnership_ADOPTED_FINDINGS_with_Exhibits.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adopted Findings for CDP Amendment 1-83-270-A</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Letter-issuing-1-83-270-A-Bower-Limited-Partnership.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Letter from CA. Coastal Comm. to Bower Limited Partnership re: issuance of CDP 1-83-270-A</a></strong></li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> For more information:</h2> <p><strong><a href="https://gualalariver.org/river/retaining-wall/">Gualala River – Retaining wall</a></strong> – <em>summary of the issue from 2006 to 2010</em></p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Gualala River mouth is open – just barely</title> <link>https://gualalariver.org/tour/sightings/gualala-river-mouth-is-open-just-barely/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gualala-river-mouth-is-open-just-barely</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gualala River]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2024 20:28:37 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Estuary / Lagoon]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sightings]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://gualalariver.org/?p=21256</guid> <description><![CDATA[Mouth of the Gualala River on May 20, 2024; photo courtesy of Bob Rutemoeller]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-20-Gualala-River-mouth-800x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21257" style="width:800px;height:auto" srcset="https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-20-Gualala-River-mouth-800x600.jpg 800w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-20-Gualala-River-mouth-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-20-Gualala-River-mouth-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gualalariver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-20-Gualala-River-mouth.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Mouth of the Gualala River on May 20, 2024; photo courtesy of Bob Rutemoeller</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>