Water Quality on the Lower Russian River

Managing water quality on the Russian River between Guerneville and the Pacific Ocean is a complex process involving multiple stakeholders. The two primary issues are controlling the flow of the river - through reservoir releases and managing the mouth at Jenner - and limiting discharges into the river with tighter regulation of wastewater systems. Friends of Villa Grande members are engaged in the decision process in both issues.

Russian River Estuary Management - "Low Flow"

The Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) in September 2016 approved a plan to alter the mouth of the Russian River specifically to “create a more productive environment for young steelhead.” The plan calls for SCWA to “adaptively manage a lagoon outlet channel” at the mouth of the river in Jenner to reduce tidal flows and raise the water level throughout the lower Russian River.

As a result of this plan much of the riverfront beach areas in Patterson Point Preserve is inundated occasionally without notice for five months, starting May 15 of each year. The Board of FoVG is advocating modifications to the plan, citing concerns of reduced recreational opportunities, degraded river water quality and negative impact on wildlife health.

In April, 2014, the FoVG Board published a Fact Sheet: available here.

On November 11, 2016, the FoVG Board sent a letter responding to the DEIR: FOVG Comments on Fish Habitat Flows and Water Rights DEIR _11-11-16.pdf

For background on the process and the parties involved, check the links on the Russian River Estuary Management Project - Main web page