Restoring California’s forests to reduce wildfire risks will take time, billions of dollars and a broad commitment In The Conversation There’s been little respite for California in this record-setting wildfires season, with more hot weather forecast this week. State agencies, scientists and conservation groups increasingly agree that California needs to vastly scale up forest restoration efforts […]
From Berryessa to Klamath Mountains, High-Severity Burns Quadrupled During Warm Drought By Kat Kerlin, UC Davis High-severity wildfires in northern coastal California have been increasing by about 10 percent per decade since 1984, according to a study from the University of California, Davis, that associates climate trends with wildfire. The study, published online in Environmental Research […]
By Jaquelyn Lugg, UC Merced While forest restoration is often associated with mitigating wildfire risk and improving ecosystem health throughout the Sierra Nevada, these actions will also have a dramatic impact on water use within forests and the amount of runoff that ultimately flows downstream. Since the Sierra Nevada provides over 60% of California’s water […]
By: Jaquelyn Lugg, UC Merced After timber harvest or fuel reduction thinning operations, sediment delivery to nearby streams and waterways can increase, potentially affecting water quality, drinking water supplies, habitat and recreational opportunities. To effectively reduce these adverse effects of harvest, foresters first need to know the precise causes of sediment increases. Historically, researchers investigating […]
By Jaquelyn Lugg, UC Merced Forest-management actions such as mechanical thinning and prescribed burns don’t just reduce the risk of severe wildfire and promote forest health — these practices can also contribute to significant increases in downstream water availability. New research from UC Merced’s Sierra Nevada Research Institute (SNRI) provides the tools to help estimate […]
We’re pleased to announce that the film “Beyond the Brink: California’s Watersheds” is available to view in full, thanks to the Association of California Water Agencies. The film, which was co-produced by the CECS, and features several project team members, delves into the issues California’s watersheds are presently facing. A sequel, diving more into the […]
“Beyond the Brink: California’s Watershed” is extending its reach! KVIE (PBS’s NorCal broadcasting station) will be airing the film on the following dates and times: 1/23 at 7pm 1/25 at 4pm 1/26 at 7:30am 1/27 at 6:30pm We hope you can tune in to learn more about the pressing issues facing California’s watersheds, as well […]
We are proud to announce that “Beyond the Brink: California’s Watershed” will air at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, hosted by the South Yuba River Citizen’s League.”Beyond the Brink: California’s Watershed” is a short film that highlights the importance of headwaters and watershed management. The 26-minute video was produced by Jim Thebaut and The […]