The Russian River has flooded since the beginning of time. It was not until the human race started intruding on the land that the flooding became disastrous. In the realm of nature there is no flooding, only more water. Natural systems can adjust accordingly to this increase in water. Since man has been developing the land around the Russian River, the flooding has only become worse and will continue to worsen in the future. The channeling of creeks and tributaries by man only increase flood levels by speeding the flow of rain into the river. Also, land that has previously absorbed much of the rainfall in this area is being developed at a staggering rate, increasing runoff which in turn increases flood levels. Timber harvesting is another great cause that contributes to flooding. Redwood trees, which are abundant in this area, are like giant straws that hold tremendous amounts of water. When these trees are harvested, there is more water that will eventually run off into the river increasing water levels at a tremendous rate.
It was not until humans started developing this area that flooding caused pollution in the Russian River, in turn polluting our ocean. When flood waters reach such levels as to start to overwhelm homes, any pollutants in these homes are washed into the river. Simultaneously, any homes that are destroyed are washed into the river. This creates debris that will eventually come to litter our beaches.
Also during times of flooding, raw sewage from residences that are not able to use public sewage systems is spewed into the river. It is for this reason that residents are advised not to drink the water in the times of floods.
Although nature is the major cause of flooding, humans have also played a major part in making it worse. The only way to stop the flooding from worsening is to stop unneeded development in this area. We need to let nature do what it must in order to repair the damage we have caused.