Californians for Alternatives to Toxins is an organization that is researching alternatives to using chemicals in order to preserve the environment. They have found that one of the largest agricultural areas of Sonoma County is 8,270 acres of vineyards that runs along both sides of the Russian River. This area covers a 43 mile-long stretch from Cloverdale southwest to near Guerneville. Seven miles from Geyserville to Lytton Road near Jimtown, pesticide use comes within ½ mile of the river. The use of pesticides is most intense in this area. There is a great mix of toxic chemicals used on grapes that can flow into the Russian River from storm runoff. This poses a great concern to governmental agencies and environmental groups (C.A.T.).
Many pesticides (toxic chemicals) are also used along the 43-mile stretch of the Russian River from Cloverdale to Guerneville including three of the pesticides listed above, plus 41 lb. of strychnine. These pesticides and many more are used right along side our source of drinking water, the Russian River (Californians for Alternatives to Toxins).
Through education and vineyard management, vintners can learn how to avoid the use of harmful chemicals that are affecting the environment (Californians for Alternatives to Toxins). In so doing, the environment can be preserved and wildlife, particularly the coho salmon and streelhead trout in and along the Russian River can be kept from going extinct.