Seven Western states and their leaders — all depending on water from the Colorado River — remain divided. Split into basins by an imaginary border at Lees Ferry, Arizona, each state can share blame for the rapid depletion of reservoirs that once held over four years’ flow of the Colorado River. But now, Lake Powell […]
After California recorded its driest January and February in more than 100 years of records in the Sierra Nevada, Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration announced this week that it is spending an additional $22.5 million to respond to the immediate drought emergency. The additional $22.5 million allocation includes more funding for the Department of Water Resources, State […]
Rain came early last fall, but whatever hope blossomed for a better than normal — or even average — year is gone. There is no March miracle in the forecast, and summers are dry in California, so mandatory water conservation isn’t going away any time soon. “We had a great start to the beginning of […]
Facing a historic megadrought all across the American West with no end in sight, Colorado lawmakers, looking for easy and effective ways to conserve water, set their sights on Kentucky Blue Grass. Not just Kentucky Blue Grass but all kinds of non-native grasses planted in front lawns, back lawns, green strips fronting businesses and apartment […]
On Wednesday, March 16 the State Water Resources Control Board will meet to discuss Sacramento River temperature management and its impact on salmon for 2022 and beyond. Salmon, salmon fishermen, and all Californians, are struggling with drought impacts. And as we work toward long-term solutions, that doesn’t make this year easier for anyone. However, it […]
You may have heard the saying from the Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “No man steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.” If you walk along a coastal stream in California at the end of the summer, you will understand the dynamic nature […]
Opinion: Dangerous Game of Chicken on the Colorado River
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Salt Lake Tribuneby Kyle RoerinkSeven Western states and their leaders — all depending on water from the Colorado River — remain divided. Split into basins by an imaginary border at Lees Ferry, Arizona, each state can share blame for the rapid depletion of reservoirs that once held over four years’ flow of the Colorado River. But now, Lake Powell […]
Governor Increases Funding for Drought Emergency
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Paso Robles Daily NewsAfter California recorded its driest January and February in more than 100 years of records in the Sierra Nevada, Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration announced this week that it is spending an additional $22.5 million to respond to the immediate drought emergency. The additional $22.5 million allocation includes more funding for the Department of Water Resources, State […]
Opinion: For California, Drought is the New Normal
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage, Uncategorized /by Mike Lee /The Press DemocratRain came early last fall, but whatever hope blossomed for a better than normal — or even average — year is gone. There is no March miracle in the forecast, and summers are dry in California, so mandatory water conservation isn’t going away any time soon. “We had a great start to the beginning of […]
Cash for Grass: Colorado Bill Would Pay to Abandon Lawns
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /AP Newsby Conrad SwansonFacing a historic megadrought all across the American West with no end in sight, Colorado lawmakers, looking for easy and effective ways to conserve water, set their sights on Kentucky Blue Grass. Not just Kentucky Blue Grass but all kinds of non-native grasses planted in front lawns, back lawns, green strips fronting businesses and apartment […]
Opinion: Farms, Fish and the Future: State Water Board Must Balance the Needs of All Californians
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Fresno Beeby Mike WadeOn Wednesday, March 16 the State Water Resources Control Board will meet to discuss Sacramento River temperature management and its impact on salmon for 2022 and beyond. Salmon, salmon fishermen, and all Californians, are struggling with drought impacts. And as we work toward long-term solutions, that doesn’t make this year easier for anyone. However, it […]
Between a Rock and a Dry Place: Effects of Drought on Stream Drying Patterns in California’s Intermittent Streams
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /California WaterBlogby Hana Moidu, Mariska Obedzinski, Stephanie Carlson, and Ted GranthamYou may have heard the saying from the Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “No man steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.” If you walk along a coastal stream in California at the end of the summer, you will understand the dynamic nature […]