On the calendar today …
- WEBINAR: Resilience Through Restoration – A Collaborative Approach for California from 1pm to 2:15pm. For the past few years, Sustainable Conservation has collaborated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Restoration Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and State Water Resources Control Board to develop new statewide authorizations for restoration that were recently completed. This is a huge step forward for restoration in California and a massive milestone in Sustainable Conservation’s many years of work. Please join us for Resilience Through Restoration: A Collaborative Approach for California as we celebrate these accomplishments and the partnerships that make them possible. We’ll hear from agency representatives at various levels as we highlight the impact these new permitting pathways will have on ecosystem restoration in California and why collaboration across sectors is essential to building a healthy and climate-resilient future. Click here to register.
In California water news today …
How decades of hard-earned protections and restoration reversed the collapse of California’s treasured Mono Lake
“When Rose Nelson camped along lower Rush Creek in the summer of 2017, the water was flowing as high and fast as anyone could remember. The rumble and roar of the creek, she said, was the joyful sound of nature healing. … High flows are a big part of restoring a landscape marred by decades of water diversions from the creek to Los Angeles, she said. … Equally important, the flows raised the level of Mono Lake, a bird haven and the centerpiece of an ambitious restoration project that includes Rush Creek and other streams feeding the lake. In 1994, under court orders, the state finalized a plan to repair the damage to the 780-square mile Mono Basin watershed driven by the human-caused drought. Without protection, the lake’s ecosystem probably would have collapsed sometime early in the 2000s under the combined pressure of water diversions and global warming. Its persistence suggests that protected ecosystems are more resilient than vulnerable ones, and that helping nature heal itself more effectively prevents their decline than drastic technological and engineering interventions. ... ” Read more from Inside Climate News here: How decades of hard-earned protections and restoration reversed the collapse of California’s treasured Mono Lake
Easing the drought: The answers can be found right in front of our eyes
“With longer and more frequent droughts happening around the globe, technologies are advancing to help ease the effects of drought and bring fresh water to dry climates. Fog catching, desalination and atmospheric water harvesting are three techniques used to help mitigate water shortages around the globe. … ” Read more from Spectrum 1 here: Easing the drought: The answers can be found right in front of our eyes
Spawning of the living dead: understanding how salmon pass thiamine deficiency to their young
“This is no ordinary witch’s brew. It’s one part of the recipe to study thiamine deficiency in our California Central Valley Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations. In 2019, hatcheries noticed an eerie and shivering change in juvenile Chinook salmon. Offspring were laying on their side at the bottom of tanks, swimming in corkscrew motion (see video below), or not surviving at all. In other words, for many juvenile salmon, they were not quite dead, only slightly alive. After much deliberation and study by pathologists from USFWS, CDFW and UC Davis, it was diagnosed that salmon were experiencing thiamine deficiency (lacking in Vitamin B1). When fish received a bath in thiamine, individuals went from mostly dead to fully alive! But now, we are left with a major question: how did these fish became thiamine deficient in the first place? ... ” Read more from the California Water Blog here: Spawning of the living dead: understanding how salmon pass thiamine deficiency to their young
Malibu couple makes water from thin air
“With climate change accelerating, drought is becoming the norm in the west as our rivers, aquifers, and reservoirs dry up; we need not only to take water conservation seriously, but to start looking at alternative sources of water. The mobile water generator being developed by David Hertz and Laura Doss-Hertz’s Skysource company produces fresh drinking water via a novel source: air. David and Laura split their time between the western hills of Malibu on a property called Xanabu and their Paradise Cove mobile home park “surf shack.” Both are lifelong surfers. David is a third-generation Malibu native — his grandfather and father built the western town at Paramount Ranch (which is now being rebuilt after the Woolsey Fire). He’s also a well-known architect in the local area with 40 years of experience building sustainable and fire-resilient buildings. … ” Read more from the Malibu Times here: Malibu couple makes water from thin air
Colorado could become first US state to approve direct potable reuse
“Colorado’s water quality agency recently gave early approval to rules about direct potable reuse. It is a process of treating sewage and sending it directly for use without first putting it in a large water body. Should the move be approved in a final vote in November, the western state would become the first in the United States to adopt direct potable reuse rules, state and federal officials say. … ” Read more from Voice of America here: Colorado could become first US state to reuse water
California’s conifer collapse: 30% of forests in Sierra Nevada have been wiped out in the last decade due to historic drought and violent wildfires plaguing the state
“California’s Sierra Nevada conifer forests are bearing the brunt of natural disasters that have plagued the state for more than a decade – historic drought and violent wildfires have killed 30 percent of the woodlands. A new study, conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, evaluated declines in conifer forests that cover the southern region by using spatially comprehensive forest structure estimates, wildfire perimeter data and forest disturbance tracking algorithms. In addition to the overall decline, the team also found half of mature forest habitat and 85 percent of high density mature forests were either completely destroyed or transformed into low-density forests. … ” Read more from the Daily Mail here: California’s conifer collapse: 30% of forests in Sierra Nevada have been WIPED OUT in the last decade due to historic drought and violent wildfires plaguing the state
California set a record for greenhouse gas reductions in 2020, but it means nothing
“First, the good news: The amount of planet-warming gases Californians released into the atmosphere in 2020 was 9% less than the previous year — a record decline mostly because of motorists driving less amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Now, the bad news: The quantity of carbon dioxide spewed by record-setting wildfires that same year effectively erased almost two decades of emission reductions on the part of the world’s fifth — and soon to be fourth — largest economy. Those two findings — both released in a little more than a week’s time this month — have painted a grim and confusing portrait of California’s efforts to curb global warming. They also come as a U.N. report finds that global greenhouse gas reduction efforts are “highly inadequate.” … ” Read more from the LA Times here: California set a record for greenhouse gas reductions in 2020, but it means nothing
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Surprise finding shows coho surviving even in temperatures much warmer than optimum
“The Eel River Recovery Project (ERRP) has monitored water temperature throughout the Eel River watershed, checked flow conditions and also documented fish life since 2012. The group’s temperature monitoring program is driven by volunteer interest and energy, and streams surveyed include the South Fork Eel River and selected tributaries in southern Humboldt and northern Mendocino County. In southern Humboldt, we have partnered with retired California Department of Fish and Game warden Larry Bruckenstein to monitor lower Sproul Creek where he and his wife Darcy reside, and the South Fork Eel downstream of Sproul Creek. Bob and Barbara Froelich own land in Little Sproul Creek just upstream and are also ERRP monitoring partners. In 2021, Sproul Creek lost surface flow in extensive reaches, and remained dry above the convergence with Little Sproul Creek as late as October 20, when water temperature gauges were retrieved. In 2022, it was a completely different story. … ” Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt here: Surprise finding shows coho surviving even in temperatures much warmer than optimum
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Early season storm to bring gusty winds, snow, colder temps to Lake Tahoe
“The first impactful snow storm of the season is expected to hit the Lake Tahoe Basin this coming week. The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a special statement calling for strong winds that could reach triple digits, up to a foot of snow for the mountains around the lake and temperatures well below seasonal averages. Winds are expected to increase Tuesday ahead of the cold front and range from 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Sierra ridge tops could see gusts approach 100 mph. ... ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Early season storm to bring gusty winds, snow, colder temps to Lake Tahoe
Snowmaking begins at Northstar; Heavenly and Kirkwood soon to follow
“With the dropping temperatures around Lake Tahoe, and a change in humidity, Vail Resorts began making snow at Northstar over the weekend. Snowmaking operations at Heavenly and Kirkwood within the week. This activity is always a sure sign that winter and the ski and ride season are just around the corner. The resorts all received a natural dusting of snow from the weather system that came over the Sierra this weekend, with a chance of another two systems forecast for the week ahead. … ” Read more from South Tahoe Now here: Snowmaking begins at Northstar; Heavenly and Kirkwood soon to follow
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Solano Land Trust and Dixon Ridge Farms conserve 913 acres of valuable farmland
“The Solano Land Trust announced last week a partnership to preserve over 913 acres of prime farmland owned and operated by Kathy and Russ Lester of Dixon Ridge Farms. Dixon Ridge Farms sits between Dixon and Winters, an area containing some of the richest alluvial soils and a climate that supports high-production crops, according to a Dixon Ridge Farms press release. The conservation agreement protects 913 acres of organic walnut orchards and open irrigated land that produces tomatoes, sunflowers, and wheat. Russ Lester and his family have farmed Chandler and Hartley Walnuts organically since 1992. At one point, Dixon Ridge Farms was the largest handler of organic walnuts in the United States. … ” Read more from the the Daily Republic here: Solano Land Trust and Dixon Ridge Farms conserve 913 acres of valuable farmland
NAPA/SONOMA
Commentary: Busting the myth of limitless groundwater
Sean Bothwell, Executive Director for California Coastkeeper Alliance, and Don Mcenhill, Executive Director of Russian Riverkeeper, write, “Facing another drought year and the reality that inadequate groundwater management is leading to a race to the bottom, on Oct. 4, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors took a critical step toward sustainable water management by placing a temporary pause on issuance of new well permits. The supervisors deserve credit for recognizing that groundwater is not limitless, and that the health of communities, rivers and local economies depend on sustainable and equitable management. Over the next six months, while the pause is in place, the county will develop science-based rules to govern groundwater well permits to ensure impacts of pumping on neighboring streams and downstream users are accounted for and addressed. ... ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Busting the myth of limitless groundwater
Saving creek habitat in Guerneville
Vira Fauss, The California Mermaid, “It all started in 2012 when Otto Walker Willis approached me at my Mermaid Festival asking for help with the overwhelming garbage created by multiple encampments along Fife Creek in Guerneville. Together, we walked the creekbed of this seasonal tributary to the Russian River to see how this important creek and habitat was being destroyed. I had been working with Riverkeeper, Don McEnhill, when he recommended I talk to David Morton (Horticulturist /Riparian Ecologist), who was working on the Riverkeeper Park restoration project near downtown. David immediately made a commitment to restore Fife Creek. … ” Read more from the Sonoma County Gazette here: Saving creek habitat in Guerneville
BAY AREA
Colder, wetter week ahead: Here’s when and how much rain the Bay Area could get
“Trick-or-treaters probably won’t need an umbrella on Monday. But after a cool, breezy and mostly cloudy Halloween, temperatures will take a dive as a cold front passes through the region on Tuesday. The best part will be the chance of rain it brings along with it. Tuesday will bring a change in the weather pattern, with cold front due to move through the region and a chance of rain and gusty winds. The chance of showers will start before the sun comes up and continue through the evening rush hour. Lingering showers will be possible Tuesday night through Wednesday night. The Bay Area may be able to squeeze out up to 0.10 inches of rain. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Colder, wetter week ahead: Here’s when and how much rain the Bay Area could get
Plan to restore Baylands site as parkland divides environmentalists
“The most disputed parkland in Palo Alto isn’t known for its sports courts, playgrounds or sweeping vistas. Located next to the Regional Water Quality Control Plant, the 10-acre parcel commonly known as the “Measure E” site is best known as a place of opportunity. In 2011, Palo Alto residents voted to “undedicate” the parkland and make it available for a waste-to-energy plant that would treat local organic waste, but that the project never materialized. Now, the city is looking to rededicate the 10 acres as parkland, a move that is once again fomenting division within the city’s environmental community. ... ” Read more from the Mountain View Voice here: Plan to restore Baylands site as parkland divides environmentalists
CENTRAL COAST
Creeks, trash, storm water, riparian habitat: Goleta wants your list
“Goleta’s Creek and Watershed plan languished in the city’s 2006 General Plan, unfulfilled and unloved, until a new City Council majority was voted in, said Stuart Kasdin, one of the councilmembers who took office in 2016. “I was looking through the mandates we were supposed to follow up on,” Kasdin said, “and the butterfly preserve had been set aside and ignored, and the creeks plan was another one.” The new council spent about $250,000 to work up a plan — “The pictures of animals crossing the creeks at night are really something,” Kasdin said, darting off on an enthusiastic tangent — and finished it in 2019. With the pandemic in the rear-view mirror at present, the city has now embarked on a survey to ask residents what aspects of creek and watershed restoration they value the most. The survey deadline is Monday, October 31. … ” Read more from the Santa Barbara Independent here: Creeks, trash, storm water, riparian habitat: Goleta wants your list
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
First storm of the season is pushing toward the Fresno area. How much rain could fall?
“A Pacific storm system will settle into the Fresno area Tuesday, bringing with it cooler temperatures, the chance of rain and snow in the mountains, according to the National Weather Service. Senior Meteorologist Jeffrey Barlow said the weather for trick-or-treaters will be seasonably mild, with temperatures in the low 70s about 6 p.m. and 70 by about 8 p.m. By Tuesday, rain is expected to arrive amid much cooler weather. … ” Read more from the Fresno Bee here: First storm of the season is pushing toward the Fresno area. How much rain could fall?
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Opinion: UCLA should further research harmful effects of artificial turf
“In the age of sustainability, green energy and environmentalism, “natural” always seems better than “artificial.” However, when discussing natural grass fields or artificial turf, the reality is much more nuanced. The worsening drought conditions in California and the global concern for climate change were accompanied by the shift from natural grass fields to artificial turf. In 2012, UCLA Recreation elected to replace the Intramural Field with turf. Currently, the Intramural Field, Spaulding Field and Jackie Robinson Stadium all have artificial turf. Artificial turf at these places saves an estimated 6.5 million gallons of water per year, requires relatively low maintenance and provides durability for the numerous club sports, among other benefits. Unfortunately, the benefits of artificial turf may only be skin-deep. … ” Read more from the Daily Bruin here: Opinion: UCLA should further research harmful effects of artificial turf
SAN DIEGO
Here’s why the price of water fluctuates so much across San Diego County
“The cost of water has over last two decades risen dramatically across San Diego County as a result of investments in desalination, ongoing maintenance, ever-increasing energy prices and unprecedented conservation. However, not everyone’s feeling those impacts equally. Rates vary considerably among the region’s two dozen local water agencies, according to an analysis done last year by the Otay Water District. For example, a typical 1,100 cubic feet of water costs about $90 a month in the city of San Diego, compared to nearly $137 in the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Here’s why the price of water fluctuates so much across San Diego County
In national water news today …
Supreme Court case challenges federal protection for certain wetlands
“In 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court sought to clarify which types of water bodies are subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. However, the resulting decision, handed down in the case known as Rapanos v. United States, caused more confusion than clarification. Since then, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have issued multiple rules attempting to incorporate the Rapanos ruling. But these rules vary widely in scope, depending on the presidential administration under which they were issued. In early October, the Supreme Court held a hearing in another case that aims to resolve some of the thorny questions that continue to complicate efforts to ascertain what constitutes “waters of the United States,” the phrase that Congress used to mean those waters subject to the CWA. Because the composition of the court has shifted to the right of the political spectrum in recent years, some observers anticipate that the court’s eventual ruling in the case will significantly reduce the scope of federal jurisdiction over certain types of water bodies. … ” Read more from Civil Engineering Source here: Supreme Court case challenges federal protection for certain wetlands
Who sees what you flush? Wastewater surveillance for public health is on the rise, but a new survey reveals many US adults are still unaware
“Flush and forget? Not if you have a toilet that flushes to one of over 3,000 sites around the world where researchers are using wastewater to track SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. But what do members of the public actually know about wastewater surveillance? And what do they think about researchers tracking what they send down the drain at their home? While not new, this form of public health surveillance has gained attention since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In our recent study, my colleagues and I explored public perceptions of using sewer samples for monitoring community health in the United States. Using an online survey of more than 3,000 adults in the U.S., we were able to gauge respondents’ general boundaries in this expanding field of community monitoring. We didn’t find much consensus, suggesting the need for more public outreach and education. … ” Read more from The Conversation here: Who sees what you flush? Wastewater surveillance for public health is on the rise, but a new survey reveals many US adults are still unaware
Climate change adds urgency to archaeology
“Climate change is putting pressure on one of science’s earliest fields of discovery: archaeology. Drought in the Colorado River basin is re-exposing centuries-old artifacts as lakes and rivers become mudflats. And where droughts aren’t happening, floods are — sometimes in quick succession with drought. Consider the Mississippi River basin. Two and a half years ago, the basin experienced record-high flooding that devastated riverbanks and adjacent land loaded with artifacts dating to Mississippian civilization. Today, the river is so dry, shipwrecks are popping up from watery graves, including in the Lower Mississippi where Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, followed by French explorers who plied the river while claiming the region for King Louis XIV, calling it “Louisiane.” … ” Read more from E&E News here: Climate change adds urgency to archaeology
More news and commentary in the weekend edition …
- New push to shore up shrinking Colorado River could reduce water flow to California
- Bay Area rain, and the first significant Sierra Nevada snow is on the way. Here’s when it arrives.
- Wintry conditions to sweep through western US in coming days
- Warm, dry winter expected to complicate drought conditions
- As climate change erodes western snowpacks, one watershed tries a ‘supershed approach’ to shield its water supply
- Dairy, drought and the drying of the American West
- Water woes continue to plague West Coast bass fisheries
- Could cloud seeding solve the water crisis?
- Cannabis: Are water conflicts rising to the surface?
- Greener grass with less water? New batch of water-saving grasses showing great promise
- Hope for kelp restoration in California, as underwater forest returns to Monterey Bay
- How grape farmers could slow the impact of climate change on Northern California’s wine industry
- A look into the GigaFire Project, the latest research in fire fuel mapping
- Arizona: A 100-year water supply?
- Meta ups server room temperatures to 90 degrees F, in effort to reduce water usage
- And more …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
ANNOUNCEMENT: DWR Drought Preparedness & Response Workshops
UPCOMING EVENT: Delta Island Adaptations 2nd Public Workshop
