This fall has seen a ridiculously persistent ridge of high pressure — which has driven the majority of the Gulf of Alaska storms north of the Central Coast over the past six years — give way to a trough of low pressure along the West Coast. This condition has allowed a plume of subtropical moisture, […]
Is the state coming to tear down the arch, or just extinguish some of its lights? For more than 100 years, Modesto’s downtown arch has proclaimed “Water Wealth Contentment Health.” The reasons are obvious – much of what we value is derived from the water flowing through our communities. Without the water, our wealth, health […]
The first winter storm of 2017 to drop welcome rain over the rivers, pumps, pipes and canals that move California’s water north to south likely will open a new era of tension over how much water goes to fish or farms under a new U.S law. Legislation signed Friday by President Barack Obama dictates that […]
In the early 1900s, an average forested acre in California supported fewer than 50 or so trees. After a century of efforts to fight wildfires, the average has risen to more than 300 (albeit mostly smaller) trees. Some might reckon such growth wonderful, but it is a problem far more serious than, say, the fact […]
San Joaquin County residents and public officials alike voiced opposition this week against a state plan to increase flows from the Stanislaus River as well as increase allowable salt in the southern San Joaquin Delta, stating the proposals could have significant negative impacts on the region’s agricultural viability. The State Water Resources Control Board held […]
President Barack Obama on Friday signed a massive infrastructure bill designed to control floods, fund dams and deliver more water to farmers in California’s drought-ravaged Central Valley. Obama signed the $12 billion bill in a distinctly low-key act. Controversial provisions that critics fear could harm fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta were wrapped inside a […]
Recent Rains Beg The Question: Can The Wet Weather Continue Into The New Year?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Tribune (San Luis Obispo)by John LindseyThis fall has seen a ridiculously persistent ridge of high pressure — which has driven the majority of the Gulf of Alaska storms north of the Central Coast over the past six years — give way to a trough of low pressure along the West Coast. This condition has allowed a plume of subtropical moisture, […]
OPINION: Our View: If The State Carries Out Its Plan, Our Region Will Suffer
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Modesto BeeIs the state coming to tear down the arch, or just extinguish some of its lights? For more than 100 years, Modesto’s downtown arch has proclaimed “Water Wealth Contentment Health.” The reasons are obvious – much of what we value is derived from the water flowing through our communities. Without the water, our wealth, health […]
Stormier Times for California’s Water Expected Under New Law
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Associated Press as published by ABC Newsby Ellen KnickmeyerThe first winter storm of 2017 to drop welcome rain over the rivers, pumps, pipes and canals that move California’s water north to south likely will open a new era of tension over how much water goes to fish or farms under a new U.S law. Legislation signed Friday by President Barack Obama dictates that […]
In California’s Forests, Removing Small Trees Leaves Water For Bigger Ones And For Dwindling Reservoirs
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Economist (San Francisco)In the early 1900s, an average forested acre in California supported fewer than 50 or so trees. After a century of efforts to fight wildfires, the average has risen to more than 300 (albeit mostly smaller) trees. Some might reckon such growth wonderful, but it is a problem far more serious than, say, the fact […]
Leaders, Farmers, Residents Plea Against Delta Water Plan
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Record Net (Stockton)by Wes BowersSan Joaquin County residents and public officials alike voiced opposition this week against a state plan to increase flows from the Stanislaus River as well as increase allowable salt in the southern San Joaquin Delta, stating the proposals could have significant negative impacts on the region’s agricultural viability. The State Water Resources Control Board held […]
Obama Signs Water Bill; What Does It Mean For The Delta?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Michael Doyle, Dale Kasler and Ryan SabalowPresident Barack Obama on Friday signed a massive infrastructure bill designed to control floods, fund dams and deliver more water to farmers in California’s drought-ravaged Central Valley. Obama signed the $12 billion bill in a distinctly low-key act. Controversial provisions that critics fear could harm fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta were wrapped inside a […]