Vision for Our Creeks

Brush Creek Sonoma County Water Agency is working to help our creeks evolve into waterways that not only provide good flood protection, but also provide good riparian habitat and water quality.

The ultimate goal is mature riparian canopy, with alders and other trees that grow tall and stretch their branches over the creek, cooling the water and shading out bushes, brush and less desirable species of trees that reduce the water-carrying capacity of the creek.

This transition will take time. By selectively thinning brush and willows and planting canopy-forming trees on stream banks (See Maintenance Option 3), we can encourage and monitor the progress toward a mature riparian canopy, while maximizing the flood protection provided by the creek.