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 three companies
in Petaluma: Dutra Materials, Jerico Products, 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.
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