In California water news today, Five Things to Know About How the Partial Federal Government Shutdown May Affect Western Water and Resource Issues; Government shutdown delays, disrupts environmental studies; Sierra snowpack is four times the size it was this time last year; King tides offer look at the coast’s flooded future with sea-level rise; Marysville native, water expert tapped for Bureau of Reclamation; 2020 Dems embrace climate, but will voters?; and more …
On the calendar today …
- The Delta Stewardship Council meets at 9am. Agenda items include a public hearing on Delta Plan Policy G1, Accomplishments and Proposed 2018 Workplan priorities, Delta Watermaster quarterly update. Click here for more information.
- Public hearing on the Smith Canal at 2pm: The Delta Stewardship Council will hold a public hearing regarding the appeal of the certification of consistency submitted by the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency (SJAFCA) regarding the Smith Canal Gate Project, Certification Number C21088. Click here for more information.
In the news today …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
- WEBSITE NEWS: Join my website advisory group, Submit your photo for Sunday’s Daily Digest, Turning off browser notifications, Stats and demographics (is this you?), and thank you to my donors, sponsors, and readers!
- SCIENCE NEWS: Monitoring the Salinas River; The differing diets of wild and hatchery salmon; Using big data analytics to enhance conservation efforts; and more …
- BAY DELTA SCIENCE CONFERENCE: Drought Resistance and Resilience in the Delta Fish Community for over 5 Decades
- PUBLIC MEETING: Stakeholder Workgroup Meetings to Support the Development of Water Loss Performance Standards
- WATER PLAN eNEWS: ~~ Comments Posted~ Forecast Tools~ Progress Framework~ Delta Survey~ Conservation Strategies~ Water Law ~~
Five Things to Know About How the Partial Federal Government Shutdown May Affect Western Water and Resource Issues: “The ongoing partial government shutdown, the longest in the history of the United States, is now in its fifth week. In all, nine federal departments and agencies have had to close or greatly limit operations. The agencies affected include Agriculture, Interior, Commerce, Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The partial shutdown requires furlough or work without pay for all but essential (“excepted”) employees in the affected departments. According to most media reports, over 800,000 federal workers are presently furloughed or working without pay. The partial shutdown has affected federal government activities relating to western water issues in several federal agencies and will continue to do so until the political issues are resolved. The following is a list of five key areas of interest to the water community. … ” Read more from Somach Simmons & Dunn here: Five Things to Know About How the Partial Federal Government Shutdown May Affect Western Water and Resource Issues
Government shutdown delays, disrupts environmental studies: “The rainwater collection system is broken at the environmental research station on a remote, rocky Pacific island off the California coast. So is a crane used to hoist small boats in and out of the water. A two-year supply of diesel fuel for the power generators is almost gone. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel ordinarily would help with such problems. But they haven’t been around since the partial federal government shutdown began a month ago, forcing researchers with the nonprofit Point Blue Conservation Science to rely on volunteers to haul bottled water and 5-gallon (18-liter) jugs of diesel to the Farallon Islands National Refuge, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from San Francisco. … ” Read more from CBS 47 here: Government shutdown delays, disrupts environmental studies
Sierra snowpack is four times the size it was this time last year: “A barrage of storms at the start of January dumped impressive amounts of snow over the Sierra Nevada mountain range, pushing the statewide snow pack to 115 percent of average as of Tuesday, according to data from the California Department of Water Resources. Both the Northern Sierra and the Central Sierra, stretching from the Trinity Alps to Yosemite National Park, stand at 115 percent of average. The southern region, which includes Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, is at 110 percent. ... ” Read more from SF Gate here: Sierra snowpack is four times the size it was this time last year
January storms fill up the state’s reserves: “Storms swept through California in recent weeks, drenching striking teachers and blocking roads with debris flows in recent burn areas, but they weren’t all bad: The state’s reservoirs are healthy and full, a good sign for the water supply. Nearly all California reservoirs are at or above average levels. Overall, 580 billion gallons of water were added across the state since Jan. 1. Some major water sources, such as the San Luis Reservoir in Merced County and Lake Perris in Riverside County, are near capacity. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: January storms fill up the state’s reserves
King tides offer look at the coast’s flooded future with sea-level rise: “As dramatic as king tides can be when they flood the streets of Seal Beach or the Peninsula in Long Beach, an aerial perspective of waves battering the coast takes the drama to another level. From 1000 feet above, you can see surf pounding long sequences of seawalls and riprap rocks protecting homes, the ocean sometimes appearing to threaten structures despite the installed barriers. Where there are cliffs with no homes, the waves gnaw away at the bluffs, moving the beaches at their base farther inland. ... ” Read more the OC Register here: King tides offer look at the coast’s flooded future with sea-level rise
Marysville native, water expert tapped for Bureau of Reclamation: “Marysville native Ernest Conant recently stepped into a new position this week as the mid-Pacific regional director of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation where he will help manage one of the nation’s largest water projects, the Central Valley Project. The Bureau of Reclamation is in charge of managing, developing and protecting water and related resources. It’s the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States and the nation’s second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. … ” Read more from the Appeal-Democrat here: Marysville native, water expert tapped for Bureau of Reclamation
2020 Dems embrace climate, but will voters? “It’s just a few weeks into the presidential primary season, and already Democratic contenders are talking far more about climate change than they have in the past. But do Democratic voters care? Historically, climate has not been a top priority listed by voters — including Democrats. But the first two years of the Trump administration have seen a significant shift, according to those who track voter trends, propelled in part by rollbacks of climate regulations. … ” Read more from E&E News here: 2020 Dems embrace climate, but will voters?
In commentary today …
Newsom needs to make water supply, protections a priority, says George Miller: He writes, “Water issues are notoriously difficult for California governors. Just look at former Gov. Jerry Brown’s floundering tunnels proposal for the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Yet two factors suggest that Gov. Gavin Newsom must make water a priority. First, California needs more climate-resistant water supplies. Climate change is making California’s weather more extreme. For the past decade, most years have brought drought or the risk of catastrophic floods. And looking forward, scientists warn that climate change will reduce the water we get from our rivers. ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Newsom needs to make water supply, protections a priority
In regional news and commentary today …
Gene research upends Klamath-Trinity chinook history: “Recent research has identified a genetic variation in Klamath-Trinity spring-run Chinook salmon which is upending prevailing scientific narratives about the fish. Scientists are calling it the “run time gene,” as it appears to be the factor which controls whether the salmon will migrate in the spring, or fall. The research, spearheaded by Daniel Prince and Michael Miller of UC Davis, is being utilized by the Karuk Tribe and the Salmon River Restoration Council in a renewed effort to list the spring Chinook salmon under the state’s Endangered Species Act. Craig Tucker, a natural resources consultant for the Karuk Tribe, said the finding may positively impact the chances for success. … ” Read more from the Herald & News here: Gene research upends Klamath-Trinity chinook history
Plumas County enters into MOU with groundwater district: “In order to save time and a little money, members of the Plumas County Board of Supervisors agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District for cooperative implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Plumas County Environmental Health Director Jerry Sipe was before the board Tuesday, Jan. 8, with the request. Sipe’s proposal involves a strip of public land near the Grizzly Ranch area near Portola. ... ” Read more from Plumas County News here: Plumas County enters into MOU with groundwater district
Zone 7 eyes two drought projects: “Zone 7 Water Agency directors have voted to renew their participation in two water storage projects so that the water wholesaler can continue to plan for more alternative water sources during droughts. The State Water Project (SWP) supplies 80% of Zone 7 water. Directors have plans to make the agency’s supply more diverse, so it can continue to honor the policy commitment of meeting at least 85% of water demand for Tri-Valley users 99% of the time. ... ” Read more from the Livermore Independent here: Zone 7 eyes two drought projects
Rancho Murieta CSD starts request for water rights extension: “The Community Services District has started the process of seeking to extend the water right permit that is Rancho Murieta’s lifeline. The right allows water to be diverted from the Cosumnes River between November and May, provided flows are high enough, and stored in the three reservoirs, Calero, Chesbro and Clementia, for the community’s use the rest of the year. It’s our main source of water. The right extension has a state deadline of December 2020. “Your existing water right permit doesn’t expire in December 2020. It’s more a question of that’s the deadline for you to put water to maximum beneficial use,” CSD legal counsel Dick Shanahan told the board at its Jan. 16 meeting. “So, if you did not extend that deadline, your water right would continue indefinitely, but it would be capped,” he explained. … ” Read more from Rancho Murieta.com here: Rancho Murieta CSD starts request for water rights extension
Mono County awaits decision on LADWP lawsuit: “Mono County and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power laid their case out in Alameda’s civil court last Friday. Now, all they have to do is wait for the decision. Stacey Simon, Mono’s county counsel, anticipates the decision could come sooner rather than later judging by the speed with which Judge Evelio Grillo went through Friday’s docket. The County’s Writ of Mandate asks that LADWP be required to provide irrigation water to its grazing leases in Long and Little Round Valley until the analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act has been completed. … ” Read more from the Sierra Wave here: Mono County awaits decision on LADWP lawsuit
With the clock running for SGMA, Indian Wells Valley Water District’s workshop plans and prepares: “The Groundwater Authority has a little over a year left to create the Groundwater Sustainability Plan, and the Indian Wells Valley Water District is doing everything it can to ensure that happens. The IWV Water District had its first workshop of the year on Wednesday morning, where future plans and goals of the water district were discussed. The main objective was to ensure that every decision and action that the water district makes is in tune with what the GA is trying to achieve. “I want to make sure that the GSP reflects our inputs,” director Stan Rajtora said. … ” Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent here: With the clock running for SGMA, Indian Wells Valley Water District’s workshop plans and prepares
Symposium focuses on water conservation in Kern County: “Making water conservation a way of life – that was the topic during a symposium, Tuesday, sponsored by the Water Association of Kern County. The discussion focused on the challenges of complying with new state laws that will set water conservation targets for homeowners and businesses. Experts say the bottom line is, beginning in 2022, we’ll all have to learn to make water conservation part of our daily lives. ... ” Read more from KGET here: Symposium focuses on water conservation in Kern County
Oxnard prepares for changes in groundwater use: “The Oxnard City Council discussed its water future in detail during the Jan. 15 Oxnard City Council meeting as the group learned about how it may allocate groundwater over the next 20 years. The group learned that it needs to make some adjustments and use less water moving forward, which will be a challenge. Assistant City Attorney Khiri Klima made the presentation and said the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency’s (GMA) groundwater allocation ordinance would significantly affect the city’s groundwater pumping for the next 20 years. … ” Read more the Tri County Sentry here: Oxnard prepares for changes in groundwater use
Thousands of birds die at the Salton Sea: “Authorities say thousands of migrating birds have died at California’s Salton Sea this month from avian cholera. The California Department of Fish and Game says ducks, gulls and other birds were found dead at the south end of the state’s largest lake between Jan. 8 and last Thursday. Testing showed signs of avian cholera, an infectious bacterial disease. It’s spread through direct contact or from contaminated food or water. … ” Read more from the Ventura County Star here: Thousands of birds die at the Salton Sea
California officials collect more than 1,000 dead birds following outbreak of contagious, bacterial disease: “More than 1,000 birds died at a lake in Southern California earlier this month, state wildlife officials announced Tuesday. The birds – primarily migratory water fowls such as Ruddy Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Black-necked Stilts and Gulls – died at the Salton Sea after contracting a contagious bacterial disease known as avian cholera, which is caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) said in a statement. … ” Continue reading at Fox News here: California officials collect more than 1,000 dead birds following outbreak of contagious, bacterial disease
San Diego: Wild, wilder and wildest plans for wetlands in Mission Bay – ReWild’s proposal restores marshland habitat: “Mission Bay is a microcosm of the worldwide battle being waged to save remaining dwindling wetlands. That battle is being played out locally with ReWild Mission Bay, a project of San Diego Audubon and its partners to enhance and restore wetlands in Mission Bay’s northeast corner. ReWild Mission Bay’s proposal is to enhance and restore more than 150 acres of wetlands in the northeast corner of Mission Bay, including the enhancement of 40 acres of existing tidal wetland habitat. The project will also create approximately 100 acres of tidal marsh and mudflat habitat and 30 acres of transitional/upland habitat. … ” Read more from San Diego News here: San Diego: Wild, wilder and wildest plans for wetlands in Mission Bay – ReWild’s proposal restores marshland habitat
Along the Colorado River …
Elemental: Drought contingency plan aims to keep Lake Mead from crashing: “Arizona lawmakers and the governor are under the gun to come up with a Drought Contingency Plan to deal with possible Colorado River water shortages. Get an update from Kathleen Ferris of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy.” Click here to watch the TV show from Arizona PBS here: Elemental: Drought contingency plan aims to keep Lake Mead from crashing
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
Today’s announcements …
- PUBLIC MEETING: Stakeholder Workgroup Meetings to Support the Development of Water Loss Performance Standards
- WATER PLAN eNEWS: ~~ Comments Posted~ Forecast Tools~ Progress Framework~ Delta Survey~ Conservation Strategies~ Water Law ~~
Sign up for daily email service and you’ll never miss a post …
Sign up for free daily email service and you’ll get all the Notebook’s aggregated and original water news content delivered to your email box by 9AM. And with breaking news alerts, you’ll always be one of the first to know …
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.
