Managing our land for healthy streams

Moisture-loving trees, shrubs, and other plants adjacent to streams are vital ecosystems that provide habitat for diverse wildlife, stabilize stream banks, and protect water quality. These streamside corridors have been damaged in the past by urban development and farming in the valley, and poor forestry practices and livestock management.

Paving our paradise damages streams

Most rain falling on forests and grasslands infiltrates the soil. This water flows slowly to streams via underground pathways that act as natural filters. Streams receive a steady supply of clean water. However, extensive areas of pavement and rooftops in urban areas prevent infiltration. Instead, unfiltered rainwater flows quickly into streams, causing high flows that damage stream life. Between rains, stream flow can almost disappear. This cycle of floods and low flows makes urban streams stressful places for fish and other organisms.