SMPL Update - Site Visits Well Underway

Phil Stevens, Executive Director of the Urban Creeks Council writes:

"UCC has met with 31 Ross Valley homeowners to date (14 in Fairfax and 17 in San Anselmo). A large majority of those visited so far ranked the severity of the issues they face in the highest category. We've been impressed with how knowledgeable Marin residents are in general about issues with their creeks. They've given us a warm welcome and we have already lined up several possible projects that we hope will go to construction this summer and fall.

Next stop: Ross and Larkspur. We hope to complete 50 visits by the end of this month, and believe we will be able to do considerably more within the funding provided by the current contract."

APPLY HERE for the Streamside Management Program for Landowners (SMPL)

NOTE: DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH STREET ADDRESS FORMAT ERRORS, PLEASE USE YOUR PARCEL NUMBER ON THE LOOKUP PAGE (CLICK ON "LEARN MORE" BELOW TO GET THERE)

On Tuesday, September 16, 2008, the Board of Supervisors approved a contract with the Urban Creeks Council to provide free assistance to creekside property owners in the Ross Valley with erosion and vegetation managment problems. The program is called the Streamside Management Program for Landowners, or SMPL. The Urban Creeks Council, a non-profit located in Berkeley, will offer free assistance to creekside landowners in understanding their erosion problems, offering solutions that support the creek environment and provide guidance and help with the permitting process. This program is finally ready to launch in February 2009. To apply, click.... Learn more...

Detention Basin Feasibility Study - 2/17/09

The Marin County Flood Control District received proposals from two teams of consultants in response to our Request for Proposals. Interviews and presentations were conducted by a panel of professional staff of the Flood Control District. The panel unanimously selected Stetson Engineers of San Rafael and their team of Marin-based consultants to carry out the feasibility study. The other team members are: Miller Pacific Engineering, Noble Consultants, Geomorph, Water Resource Associates, MIG Inc., Michael Rex and Associates, and Studio Green Landscape Architects. The contract will go before the Board of Supervisors on March 3, 2009 and Stetson will begin work immediately after. Stetson has already started gathering data and preparing to launch this study. The study is expected to take one year and will examine the feasibility of using detention basins for flood flow reduction and look at solutions for maximizing creek flow capacity and sediment removal in the lower, tidal area of the watershed.

How Do I Fix My Creek Bank?

When I read this article by Mike Vukman of Berkeley's Urban Creek Counsel, I wished I'd had it in front of me for many of the phone calls I get from concerned landowners. Mike explains clearly and simply how some common treatment of eroding creek banks often makes things worse. See this article here.... Learn more...

Board of Supervisors Approves a Program for Ross Valley-Flood Zone 9

This action by the Board will continue the planning process and launch a property owner assistance program. Learn more...

Flood Preparation Videos

We’ve added a few helpful videos that share the experience and wisdom of our neighbors in Napa who have developed simple and reliable methods to protect their stores and merchandise.

Flooding Solutions: The Door Dam - A Napa merchant has developed a unique way to prevent flooding in his store that is simple, inexpensive, and works!

Flooding Solutions: More Tips - The Executive Director of the Napa Merchants Association on what can be done to minimize flood damage.

Flooding Solutions: Sandbagging - Staff at the City of Napa's Public Works Department offers valuable advice on how to prepare for flooding.

All videos were produced by Jerry Kay of MediaINTERCHANGE, under contract with the Marin County's Channel G.

Flood Safety Brochure Now Available

This handy brochure can help you protect your home, business and loved ones from flooding with important information on how best to prepare for the rainy season, and how to react during an emergency. Be prepared - Don't wait until it's too late! Learn more...

Watch the 12/31/2005 Flood Video

Click here to watch a clip of footage taken during the dramatic and devastating flood on December 31, 2005. That flood was a “100 Year Event”, making it equally as disastrous as the 1982 Ross Valley flood. (Movie is 17.5 MB, please allow 30-45 seconds to load). Learn more...