New Signs Inform Travelers of Watershed to Prevent Littering

Author: Public Works
Date: 1/30/2026 9:48 AM

Newly installed signs to inform travelers of San Luis Obispo Creek watershed boundaries, thanks to a partnership between the City and County of San Luis Obispo, in coordination with Caltrans.

The signs are installed at geographic boundaries and travelers will see them as they enter the San Luis Obispo Creek Watershed, thanks to a partnership between the City and County of San Luis Obispo, in coordination with Caltrans.

"It can be hard to know what watershed you are traveling through because watershed boundaries don't match city limits and aren't obvious to most of us," said Freddy Otte, City of San Luis Obispo Biologist. "The purpose of these signs is to reduce litter by helping educate the travelling public that there is a big, diverse landscape where all runoff flows towards San Luis Obispo Creek."

Travelers and commuters can generate a lot of litter and pollution, even with the best intentions. Litter from the highways often end up in our creeks and watershed, harming wildlife, leaching toxins and degrading habitats. There are simple but important actions that all travelers, including commuters, can take that have a positive impact on the local watershed.

Community members and visitors traveling along our roadways are encouraged to help prevent pollution by:

• Firmly securing all cargo with netting or tie downs
• Removing lightweight objects and trash from open truck beds
• Fixing engine fluid leaks promptly
• Inflating tires to the recommended pressure

"Protecting the health and function of our waterways is paramount, and it's not a simple task," said Ann Fletcher, County Stormwater Program Coordinator. "Thousands of travelers drive through the watershed daily, and many more work, live and recreate in the watershed. But most people don't realize the roadways they're driving on are connected to San Luis Obispo Creek and our iconic coastline."

These signs are part of larger ongoing Sustainable SLO efforts to reduce the amount of pollution reaching San Luis Obispo Creek.

ABOUT THE SAN LUIS OBISPO CREEK WATERSHED
The San Luis Obispo Creek Watershed is a natural area that covers about 89 square miles, including San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly, and Avila Beach and portions of Highway 1, Highway 101, and Highway 227. Rainwater and runoff from up to about 2,500 feet above sea level in some areas is also collected in the creek and eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean in Avila Beach.

ABOUT SUSTAINABLE SLO
These educational signs are supported by the City of San Luis Obispo as a Sustainable SLO effort. Sustainable SLO refers to the region's combined efforts to achieve environmental sustainability and resiliency through strategic action. This includes preserving natural areas, reducing risks associated with a rapidly changing climate, reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water, and promoting sustainable tourism, business practices, and community engagement. The goal is to make the community and its economy more resilient while maintaining its quality of life for future generations. The City also works to create sustainable tourism with programs like Keys for Trees. For the City's Sustainable Tourism efforts, please visit www.visitslo.com/sustainable-slo. More information can be found at www.slocity.org/SustainableSLO.

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