California Department Of Water Resources Urges Caution During Castaic Dam Modernization In Santa Clarita
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) advises being cautious during visits to Castaic Lake starting this May during construction on the Castaic Dam in Santa Clarita, which is expected to include a series of modernizations to prepare for potential major earthquakes.
Intending to reduce risks from potential major earthquakes, the DWR plans to oversee Castaic Dam construction in Santa Clarita, but the department also warns of potential water hazards during the process.
During the drawdown that is scheduled to begin in early May, all visitors are advised to be aware of fluctuating water levels and to stay away from water hazards, according to the DWR.
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A burn area in Sequoia National Park is still smoldering in at least one spot nine months after it first began to burn, the National Park Service (NPS) said today.
In a press release, the NPS said that a group of scientists and fire personnel were surveying the site of the 2020 Castle Fire when they spotted a giant sequoia “smoldering and smoking” in a burned-over area known as the Board Camp Grove. According to the release, the burning sequoia is well away from firelines and trails, but is visible from the Ladybug Trail, a 7.2-mile out-and-back that leaves from the South Fork Campground at the park’s southern end.
Why Grape Growers Are Turning to Biochar for Vine Growth
Growers can produce their own biochar by burning pulled vines from their fields.
Centuries of precedent, dating back to human prehistory, support the soil benefits of biochar. But it is the last two years that have really sold Doug Beck on the agricultural perks of terra preta, or the “dark earth.”
Beck, a Ph.D. soil scientist with experience across four continents, has spent the last four growing seasons in California monitoring a Salinas Valley-based trial to evaluate the impact of biochar and compost as soil amendments for wine grapes. Several factors are being assessed in an 8-acre block of newly planted ‘Pinot Noir’ vines, including vine growth, water use, yield, and fruit quality.
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Panel discussion takeaways on the intersection of environmental justice, groundwater management and how to better include diverse stakeholders in natural resource issues.
On March 24, 2021, the
California Groundwater Coalition hosted the virtual 2021 Groundwater Law & Legislation Forum, featuring a keynote address from California’s Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot and updates on pending groundwater legislation, DWR’s SGMA implementation, and ACWA’s position on potential bond measures.
One panel focused on the intersection of environmental justice, groundwater management and the role the legislative process can play in bridging the gap between the intent behind strategies designed to bring more diverse voices (especially the voices of entities and individuals more likely to bear a disproportionate burden) to the table and the ultimate outcomes. Given the broad applicability of the takeaways to the inter
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As a potentially dangerous wildfire season fast approaches, San Diego Gas & Electric will hold its first Drive-Thru Wildfire Safety Fair of 2021 on Saturday in Pine Valley.
Each vehicle will receive a free emergency kit backpack filled with supplies, such as a solar cellphone charger and a solar light bulb that can run independently of electrical current. (The backpacks will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.)
For the second straight year, participants will remain in their vehicles due to COVID-19 protocols as they pass booths where wildfire and emergency experts from SDG&E, Cal Fire, the Red Cross, 2-1-1 and the San Diego County Animal Services can answer questions.