DAILY DIGEST, 6/21: Mitigating domestic well failure for SGMA and drought in the San Joaquin Valley; California dairy’s journey toward climate neutrality; Is your home in a hazardous wildfire zone? Check this map; House to take big step on eliminating Trump-era rules; and more …


On the calendar today …

  • FREE WEBINAR: Collaborating Across IRWM and SGMA – Groundwater Recharge from 12pm to 1:30pm. Join us for a panel discussion to explore opportunities for collaboration on groundwater recharge across the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and the Integrated Regional Water Management Program (IRWM).  The panel will be moderated by Kamyar Guivetchi, manager of DWR’s Division of Planning, and explore how we can leverage IRWMs and Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to efficiently develop, fund, implement, and monitor recharge projects.  Speakers: Daniel Mountjoy, Sustainable Conservation; Rob Swartz, Regional Water Authority; and Mike Brinton/Dhyan Gilton, Stanislaus County Public Works  Click here to register.
  • WORKSHOP: California State Adaptation Strategy 2021 Update Regional Workshops- San Francisco Bay Area from 4pm to 6pm.  The Newsom Administration is updating California’s State Adaptation Strategy (Strategy) this year with the goal to deliver a 2021 Strategy that outlines the state’s key climate resilience priorities, includes specific and measurable steps, and serves as a framework for action across sectors and regions in California.  The Newsom Administration wants your help to ensure the state’s Strategy reflects and reinforces regional priorities; draws connections among our collective efforts; and serves as a useful resource for all Californians. Please join us virtually for a regional workshop.  Click here to register.

In California water news today …

Mitigating domestic well failure for SGMA and drought in the San Joaquin Valley

Geographic distribution of mitigation cost for groundwater management limit.

Domestic wells serve sizable potable water demands in California and much of the world. These wells tend to degrade and fail with declining regional groundwater levels. In areas of irrigated agriculture, impacts to shallower domestic wells may occur from ongoing groundwater use and worsen during drought when agricultural pumping increases to compensate for diminished surface water supplies. Impacts on domestic wells include increased pumping lift, pump cavitation, well screen clogging, and wells running dry. Our recent work examines the potential for managing these impacts in part of the San Joaquin Valley where groundwater sustainability plans were completed in 2020 as required by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. … ”  Read more from the California Water Blog here: Mitigating domestic well failure for SGMA and drought in the San Joaquin Valley

Next heat wave coming soon, centering on Northern California

The Bay Area enjoyed a significant cooldown on the first day of summer as the first major heat wave of the year subsided Sunday — but forecasters are predicting another record-breaking hot spell by next weekend.  Last week’s heat wave saw a strong area of high pressure build from the Southwest desert, strengthening as it baked the central and southern regions of California, said Matt Mahle, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Bay Area.  The upcoming one, by contrast, will center largely on Northern California. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here:  Next heat wave coming soon, centering on Northern California

Small farmers in California face tough choices amidst drought

Scott Chang-Fleeman has had a challenging couple of years. Even before the pandemic, his solo farming venture, Shao Shan Farm in Bolinas, California, had to contend with broken equipment and flash floods. Then, when the pandemic hit, Chang-Fleeman had to quickly pivot from supplying restaurants with his produce to selling it directly to consumers at farmers’ markets and through a community supported agriculture (CSA) program. It seemed like things were finally looking up for Chang-Fleeman—until this spring, when rainfall he has come to expect this time of year didn’t arrive, leaving the reservoirs on his property empty.  “It’s really disheartening,” he said. “I’m going into my third year of business, and every single year, there’s been not just a different crop, but a different business plan.” … ” Read more from Civil Eats here: Small farmers in California face tough choices amidst drought

California dairy’s journey toward climate neutrality

On the heels of the Leaders on Climate Summit in April, all eyes are on the U.S. to meet its newly set target to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. For the California dairy industry, however, this has been an ongoing objective for some time. … It’s no secret, there are growing concerns about water quality and supply. California dairy farms use water-smart management practices to both conserve and protect this precious and increasingly scarce resource.  Water recycling is commonplace on California dairies, with the same drop of water used up to five times. ... ”  Read the full story at GreenBiz here: California dairy’s journey toward climate neutrality

Lake Oroville’s depleted water levels may force power plant to shut down for the first time ever

Water lines on the banks of Lake Oroville in Butte County have depleted so rapidly that the reservoir’s hydroelectric power plant may have to shut down for the first time ever, straining an already encumbered power grid during the hottest part of the summer, California officials announced Thursday.   Since 1967, the Edward Hyatt Power Plant has been a crucial source of electricity for the area and usually has the capacity to power up to 800,000 homes, pumping water from the lake through its underground facilities, according to CNN. However, water levels are currently approaching 700 feet, exacerbated by a severe drought and triple-digit temperatures. ... ”  Read more from SF Gate here: Lake Oroville’s depleted water levels may force power plant to shut down for the first time ever

California Fish and Game Commission meets remotely

At its June meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from the two-day meeting.  The Commission voted unanimously to uplist Clara Hunt’s milkvetch from threatened to endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).  The Commission voted unanimously to list Upper Klamath-Trinity River spring Chinook salmon as threatened and to list northern California summer steelhead as endangered under CESA. … ”  Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife here: California Fish and Game Commission meets remotely

Congressman Josh Harder leads letter urging ongoing support for the water affordability assistance program

Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) led a letter to House leadership pushing for ongoing funding of the federal water affordability assistance program in any upcoming infrastructure or economic recovery package. In California alone, more than 1.6 million households hold $1 billion in water debt, with an average debt of $500 per person.  “Water is a basic human right. Every family deserves access to safe drinking water regardless of how much money they make,” said Rep. Harder. “As we put this pandemic behind us, we can’t forget about the families in the Central Valley currently dealing with thousands of dollars in water debt. We secured help for them through the American Rescue Plan earlier this year, and I’m determined to get Valley families what they need so they can go to sleep each night knowing the faucet will continue to run when they need to drink water, take a shower, or cook for their kids.” ... ”  Read more from Congressman Josh Harder’s website here: Congressman Josh Harder leads letter urging ongoing support for the water affordability assistance program

Newsom’s wildfire plan may have a problem when it comes to fighting big blazes

Before last year’s devastating fire season, Gov. Gavin Newsom directed firefighters to clear huge lines of trees and shrubs near more than 200 communities to help stop or slow a potential blaze. Much of the work was done in the Bay Area.  These widely promoted fuel breaks, a centerpiece of the governor’s billion-dollar strategy to protect California from catastrophic wildfire, however, have had limited success, according to data reviewed by The Chronicle. While state officials credit some of the breaks with helping contain fires, relatively few of the projects have been in locations that burned. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here:  Newsom’s wildfire plan may have a problem when it comes to fighting big blazes

‘Forever War’ with fire has California battling forests instead

Acre by acre, tree by tree, branch by gnarly branch, a handful of 12-person crews, armed with little more than chainsaws and axes, is attempting to thin out the California forest.  It is a Sisyphean task. The state is home to some 33 million acres of woodland. An efficient crew, working with hand tools under ideal conditions, can get through a quarter of an acre a day, give or take.  And yet, after a succession of horrific, record-setting wildfire seasons, this is where the state now finds itself: So desperate to stem the tide and contain the losses — of both lives and property — that it’s plunking down more than $500 million this fiscal year alone for an effort that includes clearing pines, firs and redwoods. … The question is whether this new push can be done at a pace and scale that’ll actually make a difference. … ”  Read more from the Desert Sun here: ‘Forever War’ with fire has California battling forests instead

Is your California home in a hazardous wildfire zone? Check this map

More than 2.7 million Californians live in very high fire hazard zones, according to a McClatchy analysis of statewide maps created by Cal Fire scientists to determine wildfire risks based on terrain, vegetation and weather.  These maps, created in 2007 and currently being revised to reflect new weather models and other improvements, have successfully predicted most major incidents in recent years. About 4 million acres burned in 2020, a record, but California is still building housing in high-risk areas. … ”  Read more and view map from the Sacrmento Bee here: Is your California home in a hazardous wildfire zone? Check this map

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In commentary today …

Timing of state reservoir activity warrants scrutiny

James Batchelder, a retired corporate vice president of environmental affairs, writes, “Re “California Drought sharpens perpetual water conflict”; Commentary, Dan Walters, June 15, 2021: Thank you for the excellent article setting the table for what’s coming politically, legally and in reality.  I think one paragraph deserves more elaboration. You state that “the export limit’s effect on Southern Californian water users would be relatively scant because reservoirs in that region are fairly full.” I have verified this. How interesting that up north, Oroville is currently at 35% and Shasta at 41%, according to the state’s Daily Reservoir Storage Summary.   I watch this report every day and have been appalled at the rate of outflow versus inflow this spring at the two reservoirs, despite water managers’ full knowledge of the poor snowpack and record low rainfall. ... ”  Read more from Cal Matters here: Timing of state reservoir activity warrants scrutiny

Klamath Dams removal in the midst of ‘water crisis’ – antithesis of water and wildlife conservation

The Siskiyou County Water Users Association writes, ” … The shocking truth is that; in the middle of a record period of historic drought and ‘water crisis’, the governors of Oregon (Kate Brown) and California (Gavin Newsome) have collaborated with Berkshire Hathaway’s profitable Pacific Corp and a relatively few minority stakeholders to circumvent a Congressional Act, the Klamath River Basin Compact, and wrongfully remove 4-dams during a drought that’s intensifying.  And in that process, deprive a super-majority of Americans of their beneficial rights to the water, recreation, wildlife and other resources provided by Copco and Iron Gate Lakes behind the dams.  “In addition to circumventing the Act without Congressional approval, this ill-conceived dam removal project arguably flies in the face of the Public Trust Doctrine (‘PTD’). … ”  Read the full press release at EIN Presswire here: Klamath Dams removal in the midst of ‘water crisis’ – antithesis of water and wildlife conservation

Letters to the Editor: Don’t even think about stealing Columbia River water, L.A.

To the editor: Lord help us in the Pacific Northwest if people in Los Angeles think like one of your letter writers who favors solving the drought by diverting water from the Columbia River through some sort of pipeline to Southern California. This idea is absurd on its face.  More importantly, the Columbia River, mighty as it once was, has been dammed beyond recognition and is also affected by climate change. Longtime native Oregonians recognize the dramatically receding flow of the river, the many exposed sandbars, the dead fish and the mile-long walk to reach the water in the Portland area. … ”  Read more at the LA Times here: Letters to the Editor: Don’t even think about stealing Columbia River water, L.A.

Watershed restoration is key to a climate-smart future

Laurie Wayburn, president of Pacific Forest Trust, writes, “California is in a megadrought, with its key reservoirs falling to their lowest points in history. Wildfire season is already here, and officials are bracing for yet another catastrophic year. Meanwhile, rural communities remain in desperate need of viable, sustainable economic futures. One climate-smart solution that addresses all these needs is watershed restoration.  As California lawmakers and state agencies figure out how to implement the state budget bill, they must include major investments to restore the natural infrastructure we rely on for our water, oxygen, and climate mitigation: forested watersheds. … ”  Read more from Cal Matters here: Watershed restoration is key to a climate-smart future

Editorial: As sea levels rise, California must increase Coastal Commission funding

The LA Times editorial board writes, “Sea level rise is not some future dystopian fantasy. It is here on the California coast. At high tide, water gushes over stairways leading down bluff trails to beaches and up to some oceanfront homes. Seawater routinely sloshes over Highway 1 between Eureka and Arcata along the northern coast. Homes in some towns already flood. Others perch precariously on crumbling bluffs. Sea walls erected to protect oceanfront homes (for a while) end up accelerating the erosion of public beaches on the other side of those walls.  The huge challenge of adapting to sea level rise stirs controversy in communities up and down the coast that are loath to modify their homes, roads and utilities to deal with this climate-change-induced rise in the ocean. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Editorial: As sea levels rise, California must increase Coastal Commission funding

California’s opportunity to shape worldwide biodiversity policy

Laura Friedman, Rosalind Helfand and Mike Young write, “California, like the rest of the world, must wrestle with a hard truth: Our climate has changed. As we face another water-shortage crisis, we must acknowledge a sobering reality: We’re not in a drought. This is our new normal. And we need to adapt.  It’s becoming increasingly clear that we can’t solve our drought, or the myriad other environmental crises, without protecting our ecosystems. And we can’t protect our ecosystems without acknowledging that this work is globally connected. That’s why we — as a member of California’s State Assembly, the political and organizing director of the California League of Conservation Voters, and an environmental policy advisor and community leader — believe our state must become a leading force for engagement in the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). … ”  Read more from the Revelator here: California’s opportunity to shape worldwide biodiversity policy

In regional water news and commentary today …

Klamath spring chinook receive new state protections

A decades-long effort to protect spring Chinook took a major step forward last week when the California Fish and Game Commission unanimously approved listing the fish as threatened under the state’s Endangered Species Act.  The June 16 decision was applauded by Karuk Tribe and Salmon River Restoration Council, which jointly filed a petition to list Upper Klamath-Trinity River spring Chinook with the commission in August of 2018, buoyed by new research that showed the so-call “springers” are genetically distinct from their fall counterparts. … ”  Read more from the North Bay Journal here: Klamath spring chinook receive new state protections

Historic lows in Lower Eel require the county to protect it, says Friends of the Eel River to Supes

The Eel River is facing one of the most challenging years in the county’s history. Below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures over the last two years have left flows in the Eel at historically low levels, threatening critical public trust values including fisheries and recreation.  While we have just received a bit of very welcome rain on the coast, flows in the Eel River remain the lowest on record. … As currently written and implemented, the County’s well permitting program fails to comport with the County’s duty to employ its powers to ensure that, to the extent feasible and consistent with the public trust, pumping is curtailed from wells that will contribute to the extraction of water from the lower Eel River and its disconnection from its estuary this coming summer and early fall. … ”  Read the full article at the Redheaded Blackbelt here: Historic lows in Lower Eel require the county to protect it, says Friends of the Eel River to Supes

Water: Lake Pillsbury Alliance: Part 2

In April of 2017, PGE began moving forward with its plans to relicense the Potter Valley Project (PVP)—with, as of yet, no designs to remove any of the infrastructure—and in August of 2019, Congressman Jared Huffman created the PVP Ad Hoc Committee, a Two Basin Solution for the Eel and Russian River basins, whose more than 20 members were tasked with the relicensing process of the PVP to improve fisheries and fish migration, minimize adverse impacts to water supply reliability, respect tribal rights and minimize and mitigate adverse impacts to Lake County including Lake Pillsbury.  In its beginning stages, the Committee had no representation from the Lake Pillsbury basin and Frank Lynch, as president of one of its four homeowners’ associations, attended meetings and requested a seat at the table. He was refused. … ”  Read more from the Ukiah Daily Journal here: Water: Lake Pillsbury Alliance: Part 2

The ‘secret garden’ of the Sierra has been off-limits for a century. Until now.

Just a couple miles north of Truckee, a pristine mountain meadow was bursting with wildflowers, stretching below snowcapped peaks and mixed conifer forests for hundreds of acres. I was setting eyes on it for the first time ever, and it was every bit as beautiful as I had dreamed.  The meadow was saturated in green. Willows dotted the horizon. A quiet creek bent in horseshoe-like shapes, flowing downstream to the Truckee River. Black bears, bobcats, mountain lions roam this land, as do deer, beavers, squirrels and many species of birds. This valley is habitat for endangered species and hundreds of species of plants. The landscape is unaltered, appearing much as it did before European settlers first arrived in the Sierra Nevada in the early 1800s. … ”  Read more from SF Gate here: The ‘secret garden’ of the Sierra has been off-limits for a century. Until now.

What Islais Creek tells us about rising sea levels in San Francisco

Islais Creek is an unassuming waterway along San Francisco’s eastern industrial shoreline, meandering its way inland and providing a natural border between The City’s Bayview and Dogpatch neighborhoods.  There’s a nice little park there, tucked under a bridge, that locals visit. But it’s not the kind of place most people think about much. Environmentalists and urban planners, on the other hand, think about it a lot.  Here’s why: Rising sea levels and flooding. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Examiner here: What Islais Creek tells us about rising sea levels in San Francisco

Debate on future of water in Pleasanton erupts as council reviews plan for treating PFAS contamination in city wells

A presentation on the next steps needed to clean up Pleasanton’s contaminated groundwater wells to the tune of $46 million morphed into a broader discussion about finding regional alternatives and maintaining local control over water resources at the City Council meeting last Tuesday.  “I thought we were going to have a conversation about contract design, but it almost appears that right there with it is a question about Pleasanton’s future as a water provider directly,” Councilmember Jack Balch said before voting at the June 15 meeting. … ”  Read more from Pleasanton Weekly here: Debate on future of water in Pleasanton erupts as council reviews plan for treating PFAS contamination in city wells

New Campbell mural highlights pollution of local waterways

A new mural along the Los Gatos Creek Trail is intended to raise awareness about the environmental degradation of local waterways.  The City of Campbell, in partnership with the South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition and West Valley Clean Water Authority, selected local artist Drew Roulette to paint the mural under the Creekside Way Bridge in Campbell. The mural illustrates the importance of properly disposing of trash, reducing waste and preventing water pollution. ... ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: New Campbell mural highlights pollution of local waterways

‘Communities know best’: Climate solutions in the South Bay start with listening

As the South Bay grapples with the impacts of climate change, people there are creating solutions by relying on arguably the most fundamental element of conversation: listening.  This process began in East Palo Alto, where community groups and scientists are helping residents understand how warming temperatures are raising water levels in the bay — already half the city lies in a federal flood zone. And the idea is now spreading to nearby communities like North Fair Oaks, a small unincorporated area of mostly neighborhoods. Soon, it will expand into a regional science project where hundreds of residents will document how climate change is altering their lives over the next five years. … ”  Read more from KQED here: ‘Communities know best’: Climate solutions in the South Bay start with listening

Once declared extinct, Owens pupfish finds fresh hope in long-awaited new habitat

In early April, just over 700 Owens pupfish were relocated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to River Spring Lakes Ecological Reserve in Owens Valley. The move is seen as a significant step forward for the rare North American fish, once declared extinct in 1940, that has been considered on “life-support” since it was re-discovered in 1964.   “Prior to this most recent reintroduction project, [Owens pupfish] were occupying less than a quarter acre of habitat total, for a species that once occupied probably 200,000 acres or so of wetland marsh in 1900,” said Nick Buckmaster, an environmental scientist with CDFW. “We’ve reintroduced Owens pupfish to somewhere around 100 different locations in the Owens Valley before, with all but two of them having failed.”  A significant challenge for Owens pupfish, which only grow to about four or five inches, is that they are particularly prone to predation, especially from bass. … ”  Read more from the Sierra Nevada Ally here: Once declared extinct, Owens pupfish finds fresh hope in long-awaited new habitat

Ridgecrest: IWVGA orders cease and desists, court orders possible

Last week, the IWV Groundwater Authority ordered two major valley pumpers – Mojave Pistachios and Searles Valley Minerals – to cease groundwater pumping for nonpayment of the GA’s replenishment fee.  Both entities have pursued legal action against the GA and are refusing to pay the $2,130-per-acre-foot fee, which results in millions of dollars annually for both organizations.  The order against Mojave Pistachios is effective immediately, while Searles has until July 1 as the GA sorts out how a cease in SVM’s operations will impact the delivery of domestic water to the Trona community (see previous issue:http://www.news-ridgecrest.com/news/story.pl?id=0000012282). While the GA admittedly lacks any authority to physically cut off water to any organization, it can seek a court order to enforce such demands. … ”  Read more from the News and Review here: Ridgecrest: IWVGA orders cease and desists, court orders possible

Planning group’s Schmidt says San Diego Gas & Electric violating state water board waiver

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E) appears to be violating a water discharge waver by the California Water Quality Control Board issued earlier this month by the board, according to Larry Schmidt of the VC Planning Group, whom The Roadrunner contacted Saturday.  Schmidt is the lead for the planning group on this issue after being appointed Monday night to head the group’s subcommittee investigating the utility’s work on Cole Grade Road that is near Cool Valley Road.  Monday night several residents told the group they feared they were losing water from their wells because the utility is pumping it from the ground as part of its undergrounding project. An estimated 100,000 gallons per day is being pumped. On Wednesday The Roadrunner was told by a County spokesman: “County staff has notified SDG&E to stop dewatering.” As of Saturday the dewatering hasn’t stopped. … ”  Read more from Valley Roadrunner here: Planning group’s Schmidt says San Diego Gas & Electric violating state water board waiver

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Along the Colorado River …

Drought-stricken communities push back against data centers

On May 17, the City Council of Mesa, Arizona, approved the $800 million development of an enormous data center — a warehouse filled with computers storing all of the photos, documents and other information we store “in the cloud” — on an arid plot of land in the eastern part of the city.  But keeping the rows of powerful computers inside the data center from overheating will require up to 1.25 million gallons of water each day, a price that Vice Mayor Jenn Duff believes is too high.“This has been the driest 12 months in 126 years,” she said, citing data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “We are on red alert, and I think data centers are an irresponsible use of our water.” ... ”  Read more from CNBC here: Drought-stricken communities push back against data centers

Conservation groups want recreation water right tied to Colorado’s natural river features

Three conservation groups aiming to keep more water in rivers for recreation are working on a revision to a state law.  American Whitewater, Conservation Colorado and Western Resource Advocates are proposing an amendment to legislation that would allow natural river features such as waves and rapids to get a water right. Under the state’s current statute, in order to get what is known as a recreational in-channel diversion water right, it must be tied to a man-made structure in the river, such as a design feature that creates the waves in many kayak parks. … ”  Read more from the Aspen Times here: Conservation groups want recreation water right tied to Colorado’s natural river features

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In national water news today …

What’s a 100-year flood? A hydrologist explains

A 100-year flood, like a 100-year storm, is one so severe it has only a 1% chance of hitting in any given year.  Unfortunately, many people believe that if they experienced a 100-year flood this year, they will not see another one like it for 99 years.  It just doesn’t work that way. In reality, the chance of being flooded next year, and the year after that, is the same as it was when the house flooded the first time – 1%. … ”  Read more from The Conversation here: What’s a 100-year flood? A hydrologist explains

House to take big step on eliminating Trump-era rules

The House is gearing up for votes this week to undo three Trump-era rules, using a special legislative tool to repeal some of the previous administration’s agency actions.  Democrats will draw on the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to take aim at rules governing methane regulations, lending practices and employment discrimination cases.  The three resolutions, which made it through the Senate on simple majority votes that included Republicans crossing the aisle on two of the measures, all have a good chance of clearing the House. ... ”  Read more from The Hill here: House to take big step on eliminating Trump-era rules

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And lastly …

Kayak San Francisco Bay: How to spend an amazing day out on the water

I’ve spent my whole life near San Francisco Bay. But the amount of time that I’ve actually spent out on the water has been minimal — a few ferry rides, a dinner cruise or two, a trip to Alcatraz and back in grade school. That’s it.  I like to blame my yacht-less friends, who have been amazingly inconsiderate over the decades and never bought fancy sailboats to take me out on the water.  The real reason, of course, is that I’d never explored some relatively inexpensive ways to explore this area’s most famous feature. Turns out it’s pretty easy to do, especially if you like to paddle. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Kayak San Francisco Bay: How to spend an amazing day out on the water

The water lover’s new adventure bucket list

It’s hard to go wrong when you’re spending the day on the water. And if you’re like us, you’re always looking for that new favorite zone. From fishing clear blue water in Central America to paddling splashy rapids in the desert to spending a chill day at the lake, we’ve got you covered with bucket-list-worthy recommendations for every kind of waterman and -woman. ... ”  Read more from Outside Online here: The water lover’s new adventure bucket list

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More news and commentary in the weekend edition of the Daily Digest …

  • With fish on the brink of extinction, tribes say government must act
  • A Bundy-linked group is rallying farmers in drought-stricken Oregon. Things are getting weird.
  • OID and SSJID revive water sale to West Side farmers after rechecking conditions
  • Two Central Coast water organizations fight over new restrictions
  • Cooking food in a Sacramento shipping channel?
  • The record temperatures enveloping the West are not your average heat wave
  • The American West is drying out. Things will get ugly
  • Here are some things to know about the extreme drought in the Western U.S.
  • Photo gallery: Take a look at some of the lakes in California that have been swallowed up by the ‘megadrought’
  • Reduced humidity increases wildfire threat in Southwest United States
  • Fire-proofing forests is not possible
  • And more …

Click here for the weekend edition of the Daily Digest.

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Today’s featured articles …

DELTA STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: Staff Draft Determination for Lookout Slough appeal released for public comment

Draft determination upholds portions of the appeal; denies other parts

Last Friday, the Delta Stewardship Council posted for review and comment the Staff Draft Determination for the Appeals on the Certification of Consistency for the Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration and Flood Improvement Project.  The Staff Draft Determination is a mixed decision, supporting portions of the appeal while denying other parts.

On July 15-16, 2021, the Council will conduct a public hearing to consider the adoption of the Staff Draft Determination and make its findings on the appeals.  To be considered for the revised Staff Draft Determination presented to the Council at the July 15-16, 2021 hearing, written comments on the Staff Draft Determination must be received no later than 12:00 pm on June 28th, 2021.

Click here to read this article.

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Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

ESTUARY NEWS: Thinking like a beaver; Scanning for ancient channels; Cooking fish food in a ship channel? and more …

GRA HYDROVISIONS: Toxic terra, Knowing your aquifer, PFAS, well development programs, and more …

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About the Daily Digest: The Daily Digest is a collection of selected news articles, commentaries and editorials appearing in the mainstream press. Items are generally selected to follow the focus of the Notebook blog. The Daily Digest is published every weekday with a weekend edition posting on Sundays.