by Kellyx Nelson

In October of 2007 the US Geological Survey (USGS) added a stream gage to the San Gregorio Creek as part of the National Streamflow Information Program, which is a network of around 7,500 stream gages nationwide. The gage is critically important to the work that the RCD and many others do to protect and improve the environment in and around the creek for the benefit of all who depend upon it, from salmon to residents and farmers. Not only do the streamflow measurements help us understand the health of the watershed; they are also required to obtain many permits that are required for projects that will enhance the aquatic habitat.

The stream gage provides important data to monitor stream habitat health. It is a continually functioning device that measures the daily mean discharge rate and gage height, which is are essential tools for water management, environmental research, hazard management and infrastructure design. An additional reason for its importance is that all the data is available to the public.

Many other organizations in the area have both relied upon and/or funded the stream gage, such as the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, San Gregorio Environmental Resource Center, Peninsula Open Space Trust, Trout Unlimited, and American Rivers, all of whom care deeply about protecting the watershed.

Annually, the stream gage costs about $21,000 to maintain. The USGS typically covers about 30 percent of the cost. Due to a lack of funds, the stream gage was taken off line on May 1st. The RCD is currently working with stakeholders to find a funding solution to make sure that the stream gage is always there and functioning.

If you have any questions about the San Gregorio Creek stream gage, or if you are interested in making a contribution to keep it going, please contact Kellyx Nelson at 650-712-7765 or email kellyx@sanmateoRCD.org

(Originally published in the La Honda Voice, September 2015)