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Development
in the watershed threatens the survival of the Elkhorn Slough. Concern
for the health of the Slough is equivalent to concern about the well
being of the watershed. The number one threat to the watershed and to
the Elkhorn Slough is development. Runoff from a degraded watershed
will harm the Slough.
The Watershed The Elkhorn Slough and Watershed
encompasses approximately 44,500 acres of oak forests, maritime
chaparral, mudflats, agricultural lands, streams, and roadways
delivering water into its wetlands. The Elkhorn Slough at the
Crossroads report has a goal to preserve half or 22,000 acres. The
Elkhorn Slough Foundation and The Nature Conservancy believe that this
is an adequate acreage to keep the Slough healthy. To date
approximately 7,000 acres have been protected. FANS is a strong
proponent of this plan.
Erosion A healthy watershed:
 The Elkhorn Slough Watershed lies
on Ancient Sand Dune Formations, which are highly erosive. These
formations have the highest erosion rate west of the Mississippi.
Development equals soil disturbance that will increase an already high
rate of erosion.
 Moro Cojo Slough During
Development
Erosion increases the amount of sediment that flows down into the wetland areas. Sediment results in silting-over, which results in the loss of habitat and decrease in biodiversity. Even more dangerous, the sediment carries with it many chemicals, fertilizers, human and household wastes and other toxic compounds from both residential areas and farms. It then flows into the Slough and on out into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, leaving a trail of habitat and species devastation. Impervious surface is any surface
in a watershed that does not allow water to soak into the ground. All
developments, whether a shopping center or a new house, produce
impervious cover. Examples include roads, parking lots,
buildings, rooftops, sidewalks, patios, and driveways. According to the
PEW Oceans Report, if the amount of impervious surface in a watershed
is greater than 10% there is a negative impact on the health of the
watershed.
Impervious surfaces cause water to flow faster creating increased flooding and the need for costly flood control measures. This means even more soil disruption and more erosion. When water does not have a chance to soak into the ground it reduces the amount of recharge to the aquifer. This lack of recharge will exacerbate the existing 200% water overdraft and allow more sea water intrusion into the aquifer. At this time, it is estimated that over half of the ground water basin in this area is below sea level due to overdraft. In a matter of a few years, countless watersheds around the country have been transformed from a rural to a suburban condition, negatively impacting entire ecosystems. Please help us prevent that from happening here. JOIN/SUPPORT Elkhorn Slough farms are a vital
part of the local economy. Farms account for approximately 24% of the
watershed. About 8% of the plantings are for strawberries, which
represents close to 14% of the total strawberry acreage in California.
Properly managed farms that use Best Management Practices serve as buffers. This type of farming produces far less impervious surface, slows the rate of erosion and allows the aquifer to be recharged. These farms shield sensitive aquatic habitats from the impact of having residential, industrial and commercial neighbors. This is not just a matter
of destroying incredibly beautiful views. Ridge top developments
increase erosion, increase flooding, decrease recharge and disrupt
habitats. An estimated 300,000 visitors a year travel through this area
using the roadways and waterways to observe the scenic beauty of the
Slough and its watershed. All the while, absorbing the healing aspects
of nature, and the beauty of this area.
 What Happened to Harkins Slough |
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