HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

In 1959 Congress declared the Petaluma tidewater slough a river. This designation from slough to river authorized periodic dredging by the Corps of Engineers to remove sediment which accumulates on the river bottom due to runoff from surrounding uplands. Justification for the dredging comes from the commercial tonnage of four companies in Petaluma: Dutra Materials, Jerico Products, Pomeroy Corp., and Shamrock Materials. Dredging of the river is normally done every four years. However, because of funding problems, the dredging scheduled for 2000 was implemented in 2002 and completed in 2003. Removal of this sediment maintains navigability of the river and is important to the economic health of the city.

In 1975 an agreement was reached between the City of Petaluma and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) to create a dredge-spoils site at its present location, known today as Shollenberger Park. This agreement stated that the city would establish by 1995 a permanent open-space easement, protecting 65 acres fronting the river. Also the agreement restricted dumping of the spoils from the river bottom into the eastern part of the site.

In 1985 the city wanted to locate the Petaluma Marina at the site of the original Shollenberger County Park. The city and the county entered into an agreement whereby the city was to relocate Shollenberger Park to the dredge-spoils site and open the park to the public. In 1995 the new Shollenberger Park opened to the public. Shollenberger Park is technically just the parking lot, restrooms, and paved portion of the trail; however, most people consider the entire wetlands area as Shollenberger Park.