Riverside landscaping is more important than ever for many reasons – Marin Independent Journal

Recently, there have been many calls for changes to Marin County’s riparian conservation area (SCA) ordinance.

Some of it even came from the IJ editorial board, which called for “balance” between the needs of endangered coho salmon and the needs of San Geronimo Valley residents in a recent editorial (“Building rules near San Geronimo Creek must strike effective balance,” Nov.). .7).

The final regulations, which come into force in July 2022, were the result of months of discussions. Many concessions were made, including concessions that many parcels in that area were considered small. This resulted in a 35-foot setback even though science requires a minimum of 100 feet. Nearly all environmental organizations supported the long-delayed commonsense regulation.

Central California coho salmon remain endangered. These fish were first listed as threatened in 1996 and moved to the endangered category in 2005. Although only two years have passed since the SCA regulations, there is currently no scientific basis to consider downgrading them. Extinction lasts forever.

The main reason why these beautiful animals continue to be threatened is the cumulative loss of streamside habitat and degradation of the environment on which they depend. Amid calls for “reconciliation,” we continue to see a widespread failure to appreciate the concept of “death by a thousand paper cuts.”

Small effects add up. Deterioration occurs over years, slowly but surely, on a time scale that is difficult to notice. If you’re considering cutting down a tree, the right question is not: “Will anyone be able to tell the difference?” The right question is: “Will the forest survive if everyone cuts down one or two trees?”

Similarly, illegal construction near streams increases the amount of impervious surface; This increases flow rates after rain events, channels stream beds, increases erosion, aggravates floods, and drags young fish downstream, causing their extinction. Frankly, this is bad for humans and fish.

The legal aspect of this concept of cumulative impact assessment is as required by state law, specifically the California Environmental Quality Act. CEQA exists to look at the big picture and protect communities. If we don’t take cumulative effects into account, we’re like the proverbial frog in a pot of hot water: We don’t realize the slowly increasing threat until it’s too late.

Septic issues that appear to be relevant to the compliance cases mentioned are not included in the SCA regulations and are not part of the negotiations. This separate issue needs to be addressed.

Currently, our streams are contaminated with toxic fecal coliform, which is affecting the health of children and families swimming in pools near Lagunitas, known as Inkwells. It is worth noting that a healthy streamside regulation helps filter pollutants before they enter our streams.

We are facing a climate and extinction crisis. Of course, we are already seeing more extreme weather events due to climate change, implying that we need to work on positive steps for mitigation and resilience rather than returning to business as usual. Recent national election results highlight the importance of local governments and communities acting autonomously to protect the environment.