Nevada Irrigation District looking at dry year conditions
Posted by: Maven on February 24, 2012 at 7:25 amFrom YubaNet.com:
“Directors of the Nevada Irrigation District on Wednesday (Feb. 22) agreed that it is time to dust off the district’s Drought Contingency Plan.
With precipitation and runoff expected to be 40-45 percent of average – even with median precipitation for the rest of the season – it is looking more and more likely that supplies will be tight this year.
Although no water shortage has been declared, NID Board President Nick Wilcox asked each of his colleagues to nominate an appointee to serve on a Drought Hardship Committee, which could be activated if dry conditions persist. … “
Continue reading from YubaNet.com by clicking here.
State Parks, Reclamation ink Auburn State Recreation Area partnership pact
Posted by: Maven on February 23, 2012 at 7:40 amFrom the Auburn Journal:
“Uncertainty gave way to celebration Tuesday as the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and California State Parks marked the signing of a 25-year partnership pact to maintain operations in the 30,000-acre Auburn State Recreation Area.
The long-term agreement, which also covers more than 20,000 acres in the Folsom State Recreation Area, means State Parks will continue to manage law enforcement and visitor services in the two areas.
The Bureau of Reclamation hammered out an agreement with State Parks that requires all revenue generated by recreation and other operations to be applied directly to the management of the two recreations areas. … “
Continue reading from the Auburn Journal by clicking here.
Dry conditions posing problems for Tahoe region’s wildlife
Posted by: Maven on February 20, 2012 at 5:52 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“Many days this winter have been almost spring-like, which is great for hikers, bikers and skiers looking to ply the slopes in T-shirts.
But it’s bad for bears, who need their seasonal slumber and a wet winter to provide for their summer feasts.
“We started to get really worried,\” said Ann Bryant, executive director of the BEAR League. “A lot of them that had gone to bed were waking back up.
But with the generally warmer weather and little precipitation, bears have been reported wandering from their dens. The unusual conditions have also impacted other forms of wildlife in the Lake Tahoe Basin. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
Every February Yosemite waterfall turns to lava
Posted by: Maven on February 20, 2012 at 5:50 amFrom the Contra Costa Times:
“A window of time just opened in Yosemite National Park when nature photographers wait, as if for an eclipse, until the moment when the sun and earth align to create a fleeting phenomenon.
This marvel of celestial configuration happens in a flash at sunset in mid-February — if the winter weather cooperates. On those days the setting sun illuminates one of the park’s lesser-known waterfalls so precisely that it resembles molten lava as it flows over the sheer granite face of the imposing El Capitan.
Every year growing numbers of photographers converge on the park, their necks craned toward the ephemeral Horsetail Fall, hoping the sky will be clear so they can duplicate the spectacle first recorded in color in 1973 by the late renowned outdoors photographer Galen Rowell. … “
Continue reading from the Contra Costa Times by clicking here.
Lake Tahoe bailout law draws fire from California Senate leader
Posted by: Maven on February 19, 2012 at 7:43 amFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune:
“A California Senate leader has expressed sharp displeasure with Nevada legislation threatening to pull out of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
The bill, by state Sen. John Lee, D-North Las Vegas, threatens withdrawal from the Tahoe Regional Compact by 2015 unless California and the U.S. Congress agree to changes, including ending the requirement that projects and other big decisions be approved by a majority of members from both states.
When the legislation was approved in June, Lee told the Senate that he agreed with residents and business owners at the lake that the agency had gone far beyond its original purpose, interfering with even the smallest decisions such as paint colors and whether to rake up pine needles around a home.
In a letter sent Wednesday to Nevada lawmakers, California state Sen. Darrell Steinberg criticizes Nevada’s pullout legislation as unfortunate and provocative. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
Placer County: Lack of rainfall signals driest season since 1976-77; PG&E predicting sixth or seventh driest year in 117, if conditions continue
Posted by: Maven on February 19, 2012 at 7:42 amFrom the Auburn Journal:
“The water-supply picture for Placer County is growing grimmer.
While a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. official has briefed the Placer County Water Agency's board about conditions that could signal one of the driest years since records have been kept, water providers remain hopeful that precipitation to replenish reservoirs will provide a March : or even April : miracle.
Dave Ward, PG&E partnership coordinator, said that as of Thursday, seasonal precipitation across the Sierra Nevada was 42.6 percent of average. Seasonal precipitation is measured between July 1 and June 30. … “
Continue reading from the Auburn Journal by clicking here.
California Trout pushes for “wild and scenic\”? designation on Upper Truckee
Posted by: Maven on February 17, 2012 at 7:27 am
From the Tahoe Daily Tribune:
“Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for life. That is, unless, the fish populations have been depleted due to a constantly growing list of threats.
In addition to their efforts statewide, California Trout has been working to protect the Lake Tahoe area’s native fisheries and their habitats for the last three years. Their latest effort is a “wild and scenic\” designation for the uppermost section of the Upper Truckee River.
A “wild and scenic\” designation, administered through the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, is meant to protect rivers from dams and other large-scale construction. Though it does not block development along rivers, it does prohibit the federal government from supporting such actions. Recreation, agriculture, residential development and other uses may continue on designated rivers. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
MORE: Open Houses Scheduled To Discuss Wild And Scenic River Designation for Upper Truckee River, press release from Cal Trout posted at YubaNet.com
Photo of Upper Truckee River by flickr photographer Tom Hilton.
Tuolomne Utilities District board postpones conservation
Posted by: Maven on February 16, 2012 at 7:35 amFrom the Union Democrat:
“Tuolumne County water administrators on Tuesday decided to postpone water conservation efforts until next month, saying that limiting household consumption would do almost nothing to save water in the long run.
At its regular meeting, the Tuolumne Utilities District Board of Directors unanimously voted to hold off on conservation until March 1 at the earliest.
TUD staff had called for immediate implementation of water-saving efforts because they said it would take time to get the word out to customers to cut back on watering lawns and washing cars. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
Martis Valley groundwater plan earns more support
Posted by: Maven on February 11, 2012 at 7:31 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“The Truckee Donner Public Utility District, North star Community Services District and Placer County Water Agency continue their partnership in developing a groundwater management plan and groundwater model for the Martis Valley basin.
This effort recently gained further technical resources with the addition of a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory study of climate change impacts to recharge and groundwater quality in the Martis Valley, according to a press release issued last week.
Previous studies have indicated some water in the Martis Valley groundwater basin may be in excess of 1,000 years old, according to the release. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
Sierra water suppliers collaborate with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on Martis Valley Groundwater Model and Management Plan effort
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:15 amFrom YubaNet.com:
“The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD), Northstar Community Services District (NSCSD) and Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) continue its partnership in developing a groundwater management plan and groundwater model for the Martis Valley basin. This effort recently gained further technical resources with the addition of a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) study of climate change impacts to recharge and groundwater quality in the Martis Valley.
Previous studies have indicated that some water in the Martis Valley groundwater basin may be in excess of 1,000 years old. And in the case of groundwater, older seems better as the age of water indicates how fast it is moving, how it is being replenished in the basin, and the outlook for long-term sustainable supplies. The LLNL water aging study will help further the ongoing efforts to determine how the aquifer functions. … “
Continue reading from YubaNet.com by clicking here.
Nevada City: Water here is costing more
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:13 amFrom YubaNet.com:
“Residents here are entering the second of three years of steadily growing water bills as the city tries to get its water fund back in the black.
“We have projected that the gap for calendar year 2011 between revenues and expenditures in the water department will be $210,000,” City Manager David Brennan told The Messenger. Before the rate increases began he says the city was losing a lot of money on water and now they are losing less than before. “The water fund is in a negative balance of about $750,000. That’s a hole we have to fill, eventually.”
The City Council decided to phase in the rate increases over three years, 2010, 2011, and 2013. The water fund is currently not piling up any money to repair the town’s aging water delivery infrastructure, Brennan added. … “
Continue reading from YubaNet.com by clicking here.
To no one’s surprise, Tahoe/Truckee snowpack is ‘way below average’
Posted by: Maven on February 3, 2012 at 7:24 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“While weeks of mostly sunny skies have already told the tale, state water managers made this year’s sub-par winter official Wednesday by measuring meager amounts of snow at Echo Summit.
California Department of Water Resources staff measured 15.6 inches of snow at Phillips Station, near the entrance to Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort, Wednesday morning.
The snow contained the equivalent of 3.8 inches of water, just 19 percent of the long-term average for the snow survey site at this time of year. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
SEE ALSO: Central Sierra water content 20 percent of normal, from the Union Democrat
Calaveras County Water District breaks ground on plant
Posted by: Maven on January 31, 2012 at 7:00 amFrom the Union Democrat:
“Calaveras County Water District officials and political dignitaries formally broke ground Friday on a $4.42 million upgrade to the district's Douglas Flat-Vallecito Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Funded by federal stimulus funds, the project will allow more residents of the area now prohibited by a moratorium to connect to the district's sewer system. It will also allow in-fill type development in the area, previously hindered by the lack of sewer connections. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
New snow moving Sierra beyond shadow of a drought? Survey in February will give Placer County a clearer water supply picture
Posted by: Maven on January 28, 2012 at 7:45 amFrom the Auburn Journal:
“Placer County Water Agency Director Mike Lee says that the lack of rain or snow usually means board members can raise a chuckle or two when they speak before a group and joke that they're starting to do their rain dance.
Beneath the mirth is a growing sense of concern.
Last week's storms brought snow to the Sierra after a lengthy dry period through the late fall and early winter.
But Lee said that the agency, which gets its water from high in the Sierra, is still worried about low snow totals so far this season. … “
Continue reading from the Auburn Journal by clicking here.
Tahoe open for business
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:44 pmFrom Fox Reno:
“A robust and moisture laden jet stream slammed Tahoe resorts this past weekend, dumping up to six feet of snow in 72 hours in the higher elevations. Peak wind gusts during the storm reached 132 mph on Slide Mountain near the Mt. Rose ski area.
The heavy snowfall has enabled regional ski areas to open new runs and fire up more chairlifts. By this weekend, nearly all of our regional ski areas (Alpine and Nordic) will be open for business. It's about time.
Lake Tahoe's water level rose 2 inches in 24 hours during the heavy rain event. Just for perspective, consider that one tenth of an inch of Tahoe's surface represents 1,400,000 tons of water. … “
Continue reading from Fox Reno by clicking here.
Lake Tahoe boating fees rise after ‘good year’ for stopping invasive species
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:44 pmFrom the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:
“Boaters will need to open their wallets a little bit wider before launching at Lake Tahoe this summer.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s Governing Board approved fee increases for mandatory aquatic invasive species inspections Wednesday.
The average boater will pay an additional $10 or $11 for a year of boating on Lake Tahoe under the new rate structure, said Dennis Zabaglo, TRPA’s watercraft program manager. … “
Continue reading from the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza by clicking here.
Tuolomne Utilities District water ditch plan advances
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 10:42 pmFrom the Union Democrat:
“Tuolumne Utilities District has moved one step closer to hammering out a comprehensive plan for managing its 57 miles of open ditches, used for water delivery.
The TUD board, senior staff members and a handful of area residents attended a public workshop Wednesday morning to hash out the details of the ongoing Ditch Sustainability Project plan.
The district hired Stantec, a Modesto-based planning and engineering firm, to study options for capital improvement projects to prevent leaks and to manage water flows through the ditches, which provide drinking water to the majority of TUD customers. The consultant began work in September and was hired using $500,000 in grants from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the Environmental Protection Agency. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
South Tahoe Public Utility District considers new water rates
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 7:45 amFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune:
“Metered South Tahoe Public Utility District customers who use little or no water could see a jump in their quarterly bills under new rates being considered by district directors.
The STPUD Board of Di rectors heard a presentation on several possible options for metered water rates during a Tuesday workshop at the district’s office.
Each of the options for metered rates includes 35 percent based on consumption and 65 percent made up of fixed costs at the district. Con sump tion makes up about half of the current metered rate.
Water meter installation has been undertaken in a patchwork fashion at the South Shore and has created situations where side-by-side houses are being billed differently depending on whether or not their meters are being read. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
Ski industry officials: Social media, water access key to the future
Posted by: Maven on January 20, 2012 at 6:01 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“More than 500 snow sports industry leaders from across the country descended on Squaw Valley for the National Ski Areas Association’s winter conference and trade show this week.
Doing their best to overlook the dearth of snow in California, everyone seemed more focused on issues they can control, and trends they need to capitalize on to remain competitive.
One session, “Marketing in the Mobile Age,\” has significant applications for ski and snowboard areas. More than half of all Americans have a mobile phone, and one can safely bet this percentage is much higher among skiers and snowboarders, said Pete Sonntag, vice president and general manager of Heavenly Mountain Resort. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
Nevada Irrigation District board looks at dry-year planning
Posted by: Maven on January 20, 2012 at 5:55 amFrom The Union:
“Leaders of the Nevada Irrigation District are looking ahead and wondering if current dry conditions will have impacts on water supplies and deliveries later this year.
While acknowledging this week’s wet forecast and saying it is too early in the rainfall season to make any predictions, NID General Manager Ron Nelson noted that to date this winter has been unusually dry.
“We’re planning for the worst and hoping for the best,\” Nelson said.
The dry year discussion came as part of Wednesday’s meeting of the NID board of directors. Copies of NID’s drought contingency plan, last updated in 2007, were distributed for board review. … “
Continue reading from The Union by clicking here.
Scientists to study effects of climate warming on Truckee River
Posted by: Maven on January 15, 2012 at 6:35 am
From the Reno Gazette-Journal:
“Scientists are beginning new research into how a warming climate could affect water supplies and flooding along the Truckee River, the waterway that serves as one of the region’s central natural features and the source of most of its water.
The $1.7 million study by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is part of a larger effort examining eight rivers across the West, with California’s Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers among them.
The goal is to get an early idea of what costly changes might be associated with climate change when it comes to the vital issue of water supplies and flooding along major river basins in the western United States, officials said. … “
Continue reading from the Reno Gazette-Journal by clicking here.
Photo of the Truckee River by Chris Austin.
2011 a ‘good year’ for keeping invasive species out of Tahoe
Posted by: Maven on January 14, 2012 at 6:04 amFrom the Reno Gazette Journal:
“Land-use regulators are taking stock of 2011′s steps to protect Lake Tahoe from aquatic invaders — a “good year,” one official said — while a similar program to defend other lakes and reservoirs along the Truckee River could be significantly strengthened in 2012.
It’s all part of a broad-based effort to protect precious water bodies from non-native, damaging plants and animals already present in the ecosystem or threatening to show at any time.
Water weeds, clams, mussels and warm-water fish that have no place in high-altitude alpine lakes all come with potential high-stakes dangers to the region’s environment and economy.
“It’s a big deal and certainly a high priority,” said Ted Thayer, aquatic invasive species manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. … “
Continue reading from the Reno Gazette-Journal by clicking here.
Tuolumne & Calavareas County water officials preparing for worst
Posted by: Maven on January 12, 2012 at 7:18 amFrom the Union Democrat:
“With the Sierra Nevada snowpack at its lowest level in decades, Tuolumne and Calaveras county water agencies are beginning to brace for the worst.
The snowpack is only about a quarter of average for this time of year.
In Tuolumne County, continued low precipitation could mean imposing water conservation measures and paying thousands to buy water elsewhere during the summer, while in Calaveras County a chief concern is the potential loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars in decreased hydroelectric-power profits. … “
Continue reading from the Union Democrat by clicking here.
Summer in winter means hard times at Tahoe
Posted by: Maven on January 7, 2012 at 8:33 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle:
“It’s summertime at Lake Tahoe.
The calendar doesn’t show it. But just about everything else does – and that’s not good for most people trying to make a buck up here.
Lines are out the door at ice cream shops, the miniature-golf course is bustling, and mountain bikers are tearing up and down the parched mountainsides under balmy skies. Nowhere, however – at least from the shoreline – can you see snow.
And that’s the problem. … “
Continue reading from the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking here.
Event: Saving the Sierra snowpack through mountain meadow restoration, tonight at 7:30 pm
Posted by: Maven on January 6, 2012 at 8:02 amFrom the Placer Nature Center in Auburn:
“Aside from sheer beauty, the Sierra Nevada mountain meadows may offer a major solution to managing California’s challenging water issues.
Mountain meadows store water, acting as natural reservoirs that hold back floodwaters. By slowing the heavy spring flows and releasing them gradually over the dry summer months, healthy watersheds can increase the quantity (and quality) of water available downstream.
Unfortunately, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation estimates that half of the Sierra meadows are not providing the benefits they should. …
Restoring the Sierra Nevada mountain meadows helps revitalize the watershed and wildlife, and it also helps sustain the downstream farms, ranches, towns, and cities that depend on the alpine water. Join Jim Wilcox on Friday January 6th to take a closer looks at this restoration process and the hope it holds for our future.”
For more information and to purchase tickets for tonight’s presentation, click here.
Yuba County Water Agency floating fee increase for Bullards Bar Reservoir
Posted by: Maven on January 5, 2012 at 8:08 amFrom the Appeal Democrat:
“Pushing a boat into Bullards Bar Reservoir, or reserving a place to camp on its shores, could cost more as soon as this summer, with the Yuba County Water Agency discussing possible fee adjustments.
But agency officials point out no final decision has been made, and public comment will be taken before anything happens.
“It could very well happen next year,” said Tib Belza, a member of the YCWA’s board of directors, pointing out the process also involves discussions with the U.S. Forest Service, which owns much of the land around the reservoir. … “
Continue reading from the Appeal Democrat by clicking here.
South Tahoe Public Utility District following state laws as it transitions to metered water billing, says commentary
Posted by: Maven on December 31, 2011 at 2:03 pmFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune, this commentary by Dennis Cocking, the public information officer for the South Tahoe Public Utility District:
“In 2004, California mandated water systems with 3,000 or more connections must be fully me tered by 2025. The law also mandates after Jan. 1, 2010, all existing metered customers must be billed on the basis of water actually used. The way the law is written, it creates an inequitable situation whereby some customers are metered and some are not. As unfair as this may seem, it is the law that is unfair and not the district’s rate structure. In his editorial, Mr. Jacobs raises a number of points regarding his water bill specifically and the water meter issue in general. The district would like to provide some clarity to the issues he raises.
While flat rate billing may appear to be “unlimited\” water use, designated watering days are still in effect and overwatering on those days, or any other time, is still considered water waste and is prohibited. District water educators still cite water wasters. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
South Lake Tahoe Public Utility District’s water rates are unfair, says customer
Posted by: Maven on December 25, 2011 at 7:44 amFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune, this commentary by longtime South Shore resident Steve Jacobs:
“I am extremely frustrated with the South Lake Tahoe Public Utility District. I believe many of us are being victimized by STPUD’s water policy. Its rates are inequitable and should be illegal.
If you do not yet have a water meter you can use as much water as you like and you will continue to be billed at the “flat-rate\” of approximately $200 per quarter for water and sewer service. STPUD eventually will install a meter at your house
If you already have a water meter you will be charged for every drop of water you consume. I recently received my quarterly bill of almost $500. There are two people in my household. We use water conservatively and have extensive landscaping but no lawn. A neighbor lives alone and has a lawn, received a bill for almost $800. Another neighbor has a family of four and a lawn, received a bill for more than $900. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
Commentary: Science vs. opinion regarding stormwater and Lake Tahoe
Posted by: Maven on December 22, 2011 at 7:29 amFrom the Tahoe Daily Tribune, this commentary by Harold Singer, executive officer on the Lahontan Water Board:
“Recent news articles and guest opinions have raised questions about the science be hind the Lake Tahoe Total Maxi mum Daily Load and the decision to implement it in a recently adopted stormwater discharge permit. While some may take exception to how science is used in policy and regulatory decisions, it is important for those of us who enjoy this wonderful place to evaluate the TMDL based on the facts.
In the late 1960s, the average depth of clarity at Lake Tahoe was measured at more than 100 feet. For many years, the lake’s clarity has declined at a troubling rate of one foot per year. In 2010, it was 65 feet.
As disturbing as those numbers are, there is little doubt that without the efforts of all levels of government, as well as the private sector, the rate of clarity loss would have continued at that alarming rate. Fortunately, the rate of loss is slowing, although it has not yet stabilized or started to recover. In addition, over the last decade, algae growth has increased along the lake’s shoreline, causing unsightly conditions. … “
Continue reading from the Tahoe Daily Tribune by clicking here.
Lake Tahoe’s weather window: Snowmaking saves the day
Posted by: Maven on December 22, 2011 at 7:26 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“Following the heels of the epic 2011 winter, the ninth snowiest since 1879, winter 2012 is off to a slow start. Both winters are influenced by La Niña conditions in the equatorial Pacific, but so far the similarity ends there. The highly amplified high pressure ridge in the eastern Pacific is currently shunting winter storms to the north and east of the Tahoe region. Last year a dome of higher pressure was centered further west, and its clockwise air flow steered cold wet storms down from the Gulf of Alaska and into the Sierra Nevada. Storms this year, however, have been tracking farther east, and overland into the Great Basin. The overland trajectory has starved these early season low pressure systems of moisture and energy.
The Tahoe region has been bone dry since the Thanksgiving holidays. Some pundits have claimed natural snowfall before the Christmas holidays is just a bonus, but the total lack of moisture since late November is actually a rare event. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
A year after epic skiing, Tahoe is thirsting for snow
Posted by: Maven on December 19, 2011 at 6:16 amFrom the Silicon Valley Mercury News:
“Remember winter break last year, when Lake Tahoe ski resorts were rolling in record snowfall, boasting that the powder was so deep and came so early, it was “comical,” “ridiculous,” “epic”
This year, with Christmas just days away and no sign of big storms, about the only kind of snow to be found is the kind made by a machine.
And to think Sierra weather historian and Tahoe resident Mark McLaughlin finally bought a new snowblower.
“As soon as I ordered it, I said, ‘Watch, there’s not going to be any snow this year,’ ” he said, lamenting one of the driest autumns on record. … “
Continue reading from the Silicon Valley Mercury News by clicking here.
Lake Tahoe businesses concerned about lack of snow for holidays
Posted by: Maven on December 18, 2011 at 7:01 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“With no snow and not even a chance of precipitation in the 10-day forecast, South Lake Tahoe is in for a blue Christ mas.
Businesses around town are concerned the lack of snow will impact the number of visitors who come to the area this holiday season. And without the holiday boom, some businesses might be in for a tough year.
“Of course we’re concerned,\” said Phil Cianci, who manages The Ski Renter. “We’ve got two things against us: the economy and the snow. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
Eating invasives: Plans to harvest crayfish commercially from Lake Tahoe move forward
Posted by: Maven on December 16, 2011 at 8:03 amFrom the Sierra Sun:
“Some people can’t eat when they have a problem. Other people eat so much it becomes a problem. And still others just eat their problems. Residents and visitors of Lake Tahoe could fall into that last category. If, that is, they can stomach the area’s pesky crustacean the crayfish.
The Nevada Wildlife Commis sion passed a regulation allowing the commercial harvest of crayfish from Lake Tahoe at its Dec. 3 meeting. The regulation is one step forward in a move that could turn the invasive species into an en joyable meal. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Sun by clicking here.
SacBee editorial: Lungren picks a good crusade : Hetch Hetchy
Posted by: Maven on December 15, 2011 at 9:05 amFrom the Sacramento Bee, this editorial:
“San Francisco has a special deal granted to no other city in the United States: A dam and reservoir in the middle of a national park that belongs to all of the American people.
With that special deal, approved by Congress in the Raker Act of 1913, came significant restrictions on public use : no touching waters within one mile of the reservoir. No other national park has such a rule.
But Congress also imposed some responsibilities. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Nevada Irrigation Disctrict votes unanimous opposition to Garden Bar Dam
Posted by: Maven on December 15, 2011 at 8:27 amFrom YubaNet.com:
“The Nevada Irrigation District Board of Directors voted unanimously today to oppose the proposed Garden Bar Dam.
As the upstream water provider serving much of Nevada and Placer Counties, the water district, known as NID, could present an insurmountable obstacle to the dam’s proponents.
“This is more proof of overwhelming opposition to a new dam on the Bear River,” said Peter Van Zant of Sierra Watch. … “
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