American River Watershed Forest Management – Presentation 05/29/2024

Mega Fires, Water Supply, and the Environment

Join us Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 6:00 pm on Zoom
(ECOS Board Meeting will begin at 7:00 pm)

Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6656164155
To phone in: 669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 665 616 4155

The forest lands of the American River Watershed are an integral component of our Region’s ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife and residents, recreational opportunities for all, carbon sequestration and timber harvesting, and a critical source for the capture, storage and release of water resources for us, the delta, and downstream beneficial water uses.

Join ECOS and a panel of experts on May 29 from 6 pm until 7 pm to learn about how Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) has become involved in ecological forest management and the science behind implementing this work. Learn how the last century of forest management has degraded ecological sustainability and contributed to the megafires that threaten the future of forests. Discuss what is being done to correct these mistakes and what we all can do to sustainably manage our watershed and others throughout the west.

  • Tony Firenzi, Director of Strategic Affairs with PCWA, will provide an overview of how his agency interfaces with the forest environment and the business case for their leadership in managing forest lands. Tony will closeout the discussion with critical policy matters that need collaborative resolution to continue on a trajectory of progress.
  • Marie Davis, Registered Geologist and consultant to PCWA, will expand on the case for ecological forest management and present the partnerships and collaboration that are necessary to advance these projects. She will use PCWA’s French Meadows Forest Restoration Project as an example and discuss the collaboration with federal, state, and local government, NGOs, and UC Merced to bring this project to success. She will present efforts to respond to both wildfire damage and what work needs to be carried out to protect the forests from the ravages of future wildfires.

The survival of our forest lands is critical to all our lives and environment, both regionally and globally, so it is essential that ECOS consider these and other perspectives. Bring your issues, questions, and ideas on the 29th and join the conversation.

Click here to view the agenda.

Sacramento’s Air Quality: A Passing Grade, Alberto Ayala LTE SacBee, May 22, 2022

Post:     Sacramento Bee, Letters to the Editor, May 22, 2022

AQI PASSING GRADE

RE: “Sacramento among California cities with filthiest air in the US, new study says. What to know,” (sacbee.com, April 22)

The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air 2022” report does not specify that extreme but short-term impacts from wildfires cause high readings, resulting in a misleading picture of Sacramento’s air quality. Air quality and public health are absolutely impacted by wildfires, but to assign an “F” grade without naming the reason unnecessarily undermines public confidence and denies true progress tackling air and climate pollution. Thanks to innovative initiatives by the Sac Metro Air District and our regional partners and stringent rules and regulations, air quality in Sacramento (minus wildfires) has improved significantly over the past several decades and will continue to improve. Our region has made great strides in moving toward meeting strict health-based ambient air quality standards. That is no small feat for the public and private sectors and certainly worth a passing grade.

Dr. Alberto Ayala, Sacramento

https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article261627617.html#storylink=cpy

Caldor Fire: Sept 1 Update

Firefighters ‘lucked out’ with lighter winds, gain in fight to save South Lake Tahoe

By Staff (ABC10), Associated Press | September 1, 2021 | ABC 10

South Lake Tahoe launched an evacuation resources page for evacuees on Wednesday. The site includes information on shelters, where evacuees can go to get their mail, discounted hotels, transportation options, and more.

The National Weather Service warns critical weather conditions through Wednesday could include extremely low humidity, dry fuel, and gusts up to 30 mph.

Click here for current information on Caldor Fire evacuations, road closures and updates from ABC 10 News.


Photo by skeeze (pixabay.com)

Western Soils and Plants are Parched

June 5, 2021 | NASA

For the second year in a row, drought has parched much of the United States from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast. Following one of the planet’s warmest years on record, and with precipitation this year well below average in the western U.S., scientists and government agencies are watching for diminished water resources and potentially severe fire seasons.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/148419/western-soils-and-plants-are-parched

Click here to read the full article.

California’s Wildfire Season Is Off to an Early Start

By Olivia Rosane | May 4, 2021 | EcoWatch

Fire season in California usually starts in summer and extends through the fall, according to The Guardian. However, the climate crisis has upended weather patterns in the state, which is now suffering from drought conditions. Much of California, including the north, is experiencing its driest wet season in more than 40 years; Sacramento experienced its driest on record in April, NWS said.

https://www.ecowatch.com/california-wildfires-2021-2652873703.html

Click here to read the full article.

Where There’s Fire, There’s Smoke – May 13 webinar

Last fall, smoke affected your life and health. This fall……? It is likely to happen again. Why?

Learn about climate change and wildfires, the dangers of smoke and how to protect your health at home.

Join us at 6:00pm – 7:30pm Pacific Time on Thursday, May 13th

Registration and Program details: Sacbreathe.org/where-theres-fire/

Learn why we are experiencing increased smoke from wildfires in Sacramento and why it is getting worse. We’ll discuss how heat and smoke affect health. We’ll offer practical information on protecting your health from smoke, with an emphasis on what you can do at home. Finally, you’ll learn about the Sacramento County Climate Action Plan and how to contribute your ideas to keeping Sacramento a great place to live.

Speakers

  • Climate change and wildfires – Dana Nuccitelli, environmental scientist and climate journalist
  • Health impacts of climate change and smoke – Dr. Helene Margolis, epidemiologist, UC Davis
  • Mitigating smoke impacts at home – Jeff Williams Ph.D, air pollution Specialist, CARB
  • Climate Action Plans – What are they and how you can make your voice heard by the County – Michelle Manning

Photo by Pixabay https://www.pexels.com/photo/forest-on-fire-51951/