Threats

Low Water Levels

Mark West Creek faces a lack of water annually, separate from the impacts of drought years. Low Water levels occur in the summer and fall, during the fish migration and spawning seasons. The wine industry, which includes vast agricultural properties and large venues, further stresses the watershed due to its water use during the summer and fall.

Contaminated Water

The Mark West Watershed faces threats from contaminated stormwater from roadways, industrial businesses, and streets. Stormwater is harmful when it contains a tire degradation product (6PPD). 6PPD causes salmon mortality at concentrations of less than a part per billion (Peter et al. 2018; Tian et al. 2021). Changing sediment dynamics and flooding add contaminants to the waterway. Trash from encampments and illegal dumping accumulates in the creek despite the strenuous efforts of the Russian River Watershed Cleanup (RRWCD) and Russian Riverkeeper, groups that remove the trash.

Fire Threats

With climate change, the risk of fires in California has increased. In October 2017, the Tubbs Fire burned 28.5% of the Laguna-Mark West Creek sub-watershed. Funneled by high winds and the vegetation in the areas along the creek, the fire destroyed property and the Mark West Bridge. The fire released ash, sediment, and debris into the creek, impacting water quality and damaging the habitats of threatened and endangered species.