CLIMATE RESILIENCE

PROTECTING OUR WATERSHED

“Healthy, resilient watersheds are the best insurance policy for a changing climate.”
- US Forest Service

water at river mouth

How Watersheds Support Climate Resilience:

A healthy watershed plays a vital role in climate resilience by naturally filtering and storing water, reducing flood risks, mitigating drought, and preventing wildfire spread. As climate change intensifies these threats, protecting and restoring watersheds becomes even more critical. However, effective stewardship requires collaborative efforts among multiple landowners and stakeholders with diverse interests.

For 25 years, CRWC has been a leader in collective action, serving as the backbone of watershed stewardship. From hosting the Carmel River Task Force (CRTF) to investing in river research, CRWC helps guide organizations and communities in sustainable watershed management. Recognizing the essential role of watersheds in disaster resilience, CRWC is expanding its River Wise stewardship program with cutting-edge research, community outreach, and collaborative initiatives to ensure a more climate-resilient future.

fire fighters

Stewardship for wildfire prevention and recovery

CRWC is partnering with the Fire Safe Council for Monterey County on an updated wildfire prevention guide and talk to help homeowners understand steps they can take to prevent wildfire in the Carmel Valley. Homeowners face conflicting advice in the watershed to clear cut everything as a fire break versus protecting and restoring the riparian corridor. Clear cutting native plants in the watershed can lead to problems in the long-term health of the watershed including faster growth of fire-prone invasive plants, erosion, and heating the soil, water, and uplands. This guide will be available here soon.

We also work to promote Firewise USA Communities and the Alert Wildfire cameras. This program is protecting human and wildlife communities. Learn more here. 

Working with CSUMB, the research we commissioned in 2024 studied the effect of wildfire on the river as well as predictors of wildfire. The full study can be found here.

aerial view of river

Key Roles of a healthy watershed

Climate change is fundamentally reshaping water systems, as the U.S. Forest Service notes: “Climate change is hydrologic (water) change.” The Carmel River watershed will increasingly face the pressures of drought, extreme flooding, and rising sea levels, threatening water supply, habitat health, and community resilience. However, a well-managed watershed can help buffer these climate-driven impacts by regulating water flows, sustaining ecosystems, and protecting against disasters.

  • Drought: Watersheds with healthy forests, uplands, and riparian vegetation can capture and store rainfall, allowing water to slowly recharge groundwater reserves and sustain river flows during dry periods.

• Flooding: Intact floodplains and wetlands absorb excess water, reducing destructive runoff and minimizing erosion, which protects water quality and soil health.

• Sea Level Rise: As coastal areas experience rising tides, functional estuaries and floodplains help buffer against saltwater intrusion, protecting freshwater supplies and critical habitat.

• Wildfire: Healthy forests and riparian zones create natural firebreaks, slowing the spread of wildfires and supporting faster ecosystem recovery after disturbances.

river at sunset

becoming riverwise

Becoming RiverWise means understanding your role in protecting and restoring a healthy watershed. As stewards of effective water management, we are all part of building watershed resilience. 

Wondering where to start?