SPCWC Blog Site

With the scarcity of open space lands here in this heavily urbanized valley, the remaining lands along Stevens Creek are under more and more pressure for development. Multi-use trails, picnic areas, ball fields, community farms, BMX dirt jumps and dog parks are all being discussed as possible developments. At the same time, though, the creek and associated riparian and upland habitats are part of a vital, but shriking wildlife resource. Many people are not aware that the human disturbance associated with public access to creek areas affects habitat quality. In particular, impacts from the use of recreational trails are greatly underestimated.

We live in a valley full of bright, productive people who care about the quality of life in their community and are willing to put in many volunteer hours to achieve goals they believe important to community welfare. The differing goals for the limited remaing open lands along Stevens Creek make for a somewhat uncomfortable situation, but also offer opportunities for creative thinking. How can we both meet the needs of the community and protect needed wildlife habitat?

I know there are many folks out there with strong opinions about what we should be doing in and with the Stevens Creek Corridor. I hope you will share your thoughts here – it may be that nothing positive will come of it, but it may also be that something surprising, beautiful and original evolves

Joanne

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