Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Geomorphology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Nature Conservancy presents 21-mile Sonoita Creek geomorphology study; two restoration projects advanced to concept designs
Summary
Bailey Winston of The Nature Conservancy presented a completed geomorphology study of a 21-mile reach of Sonoita Creek, finding channel incision and limited cottonwood regeneration; the study advances two projects to concept-level design and requests committee feedback.
Bailey Winston of The Nature Conservancy presented a completed geomorphology study of Sonoita Creek, covering a 21-mile reach between the SCC fairgrounds and PLSP above the dam. The study documents widespread channel incision (downcutting) and concludes that the absence of floodplain inundation is limiting natural cottonwood reproduction, undermining riparian recovery.
The study, which began in January 2025 and is now complete, focuses on perennial reaches between the town of Patagonia and Lake Patagonia and recommends measures to manage erosion, enhance base flow and improve floodplain connectivity. According to the committee agenda, two project concepts have been developed to concept-level designs with cost estimates; the minutes do not include the design details or cost figures.
Committee members were invited to submit written comments; the agenda lists Bailey Winston (bailey.winston@TNC.ORG) and Aaron Mrotek (aaron.mrotek@TNC.ORG) as contacts for feedback. The presentation was delivered as slides and summarized the geomorphic condition, the rationale for project selection and next steps toward detailed design and potential recommendations to the Patagonia Town Council.
The committee did not take formal action on the study at this meeting; the item will remain on the record for review and comment ahead of future agenda consideration. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 16, 2025, via Zoom.
