Protecting Waterways – On and Off the Job
In Chase Takajo’s professional and personal life, streams and rivers are never far away.
The supporters of the Friends of the Petaluma River share a love of our community and the river landscape. For Petaluma resident Chase Takajo, waterways aren’t just a place for recreation or scenic outlooks – they’re what he works to protect every day.
Chase has loved the outdoors all his life. As an engineer with the maintenance division of the Sonoma County Water Agency, often known simply as Sonoma Water, he plays a key role in the agency’s stream maintenance and flood maintenance programs.
“We manage 150+ miles of engineered, modified and natural streams throughout Sonoma County,” explains Chase. “By maintaining those streams, we improve aquatic and riparian habitat, water quality and flood protection for local communities.”
While the streams are managed by professionals, their best inspiration and guide is the natural world itself. “Our work is grounded in a respect for nature because nature is the best designer we have around,” he says. Our goal is to take advantage of those natural processes, replicate them where we can, and protect the corridors from encroachment.”
In addition to the streams themselves, Sonoma Water pays close attention to riparian corridors: unique communities that consist of the vegetation growing near a river, stream, or other natural body of water. Those corridors help with flood control, preserve water quality, and provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife.
“Our approach is to balance flood benefits with the needs of the many plant, animal and aquatic species that call the streams home,” Chase says. “The Petaluma River is unique because it experiences tidal influence from the San Pablo Bay,” says Chase. “It’s an ecosystem that supports a wide range of biodiversity.”
While Sonoma Water plays a crucial role in our community, it keeps a low profile. “We joke that the more we stay out of the public eye, the better,” says Chase. “Our goal is to help prevent flooding and other water emergencies, and the less you hear about us, the more those efforts are succeeding.”
The stream areas are a natural draw for human recreation, and Chase and his family are no exception. One of their favorites is the Lynch Creek Trail.
“I enjoy that trail because it’s a part of everyday life for so many people,” says Chase. “It’s great for walking and biking, and since it follows the course of Lynch Creek, you can view aquatic life, birds, and a variety of vegetation.”
The Creek Trail is also a window into what the Upper Petaluma could be. “It’s a sliver of Petaluma that most people overlook, and it holds a lot of promise,” he says.
In addition to being a water engineer and community member, Chase is the father of young sons. His oldest is just getting old enough for walks, and the two are exploring local trails.
“With people so stuck on their screens, it’s important to me to introduce my boys to the natural world,” he says. “We’re exploring some small creek walks near our home, and my oldest is starting to ask questions about what he sees.”
When asked how local residents can support Sonoma Water and its efforts, Chase emphasizes the role of collective responsibility.
“We all need to take ownership for stewarding our streams and rivers and preserving them for future generations,” he says. “It’s the right thing to do for flood management, mitigating climate change, and the plants and wildlife we share our community with.”