On Friday morning, June 20th, neighbors living near the Atascadero (Graton) Wetlands just south of the town of Graton heard and saw an excavator operating in an area of undeveloped wetlands adjacent to Atascadero Creek. Neighbors, who reportedly spoke with the operator, were told that a trench was being excavated for the purpose of draining the wetlands to Atascadero Creek. Concerned citizens immediately contacted local and State agencies. The work was finally stopped some time later by County PRMD staff. Photos of the trenching in the wetlands are posted at:
http://www.atascaderogreenvalleywatershed.net/desecration.htm
Cal Dept of Fish and Game, the Regional Water Board and Sonoma County PRMD have been notified and are working to investigate the incident and evaluate the damage.
If you are concerned about this incident, please contact 5th District Supervisor Mike Reilly at :
mreilly@sonoma-county.org
or by phone at 707 565-2241
Express your concerns and ask Supervisor Reilly to support a full investigation.
For more information about the Atascadero wetlands, attached is a description prepared in 2006 when a number of local citizens tried unsuccessfully to find a conservation buyer to save and protect this sensitive area.