Policies
Our Policies
Listed immediately below are position papers on specific issues that the board of Friends has adopted.
Dredging
Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed recognizes the need to dredge certain areas in certain situations. We do not oppose dredging when it meets the criteria outlined in this position paper:
- DredgingPolicy.pdf (2002)
Integrated Pest Management to Control Invasive Plants
Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed recommends the adoption of IPM strategies designed by qualified professionals for invasive plant infestations. It also recommends the inclusion of techniques normally employed in IPM, and it strongly opposes proposals to eliminate any of these techniques as potential tools in IPM strategies.
Playing Fields
When building new, remodeling existing or maintaining playing fields, watershed ecosystem issues must be addressed, including floodplain functions, water quality, adequate freshwater flows in the creeks and wetland areas and wildlife habitat. To this end, Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed recommends that all playing fields follow the criteria outline in this position paper:
- PlayingFieldPolicy.pdf (2008)
Ross Valley Watershed
Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed strongly supports a watershed-wide approach to actions and plans that affect the health of the watershed and all its residents. These include flood management, habitat enhancement, land use planning, and other creek-related issues. This position paper describes the results that we hope to see from the coordinated effort underway, the Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program.
Open Space Trails and Roads
Friends is an organization focused on the protection of natural resources; therefore, we do not support any use of trails that excessively compromises the environment and natural resources. Notwithstanding their recreational, all roads and trails through open space also have deleterious effects on the natural environment, e.g., they can create breaks in plant communities and wildlife habitats; destroy stands of rare or endangered plants; cause soil erosion and excess sedimentation in creeks; disturb animal activities, including nesting; facilitate the spread of invasive non-native plants, plant pathogens, and littering; and facilitate vandalism and illicit camping.
Vegetation Management
Friends advocates the planting of native plant species on private parcels, as some wildlife may benefit even from fragmented habitat. 3. Friends supports the removal of invasive vegetation and its replacement with appropriate native planting. The following are invasive species of particular concern in our area: acacias, French broom, Scotch broom, cherry plum, cotoneaster, Cape ivy, English ivy, Algerian ivy, blue gum eucalyptus, giant reed (Arundo donax), hawthorns, Himalaya blackberry, pampas grass, jubata grass, Harding grass, periwinkle and privet.
Conflicts of Interest
No member of the Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed Board of Directors, or any of its Committees, shall derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly, by reason of his or her participation with Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed. Each board member shall disclose to the Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed any personal interest he or she may have in any matter pending before the Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed and shall refrain from participation in any decision on such matter.
Whistleblowers
The Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed (Friends) requires directors and officers to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As representatives of the Friends, they must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling their responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.