Up to half of all birds threatened by climate change

A new assessment of climate change risk finds that between a quarter and a half of all birds, along with around a third of amphibians and a quarter of corals, are highly vulnerable to climate change. The risk assessment was performed by scientists from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the organization that produces the Red List of Threatened Species. “When the Red List was invented, it was long before anyone... Read More

CCWD meets ‘a lot of anger’

Calaveras County Water District directors took a bashing at a town hall meeting in Arnold Monday night. Ratepayers sentiments were summed by Director Bob Dean: “I hear a lot of frustration. I hear a lot of anger. I hear a lot of fear.” During the first year of a proposed five-year rate plan, the average residential water bill would increase about $11 per month and sewer would increase about $10 per month. But that’s just the start. Increases... Read More

Panel to study future of Big Trees, 279 other state parks

By Dana M. Nichols, Record Staff Writer June 04, 2013 SAN ANDREAS – State Parks officials Monday said they recognize the system of 280 parks is in deep trouble and they are launching a commission that for the next year will study what to do about it. For decades, California’s state parks have been receiving a shrinking portion of the budget, putting off maintenance and raising fees for admission and camping. Last year was particularly... Read More

Conditions for major reservoirs

A useful graphic depicting the historical averages and current fill level of California’s major reservoirs. California Department of Water Resources, May 28  Read More

High school students clean and raft the Moke*

Students from Argonaut High School and Mountain Oaks School recently removed invasive plants and rafted the Mokelumne River, thanks to Stewardship Through Education and O.A.R.S. Amador Ledger-Dispatch, Jun 6  Read More

United States secures $50.5 million in settlement for Power and Whiskey Fires

Under a settlement filed Thursday, a PG&E contractor has agreed to pay a $45 million settlement related to the Power Fire in Amador County. The Forest Service claims the fire was started by tree-trimmers smoking while working along a distribution line. Press release on YubaNet, June 6 Related article, SF Chronicle, June  6  Read More

Complaint Exposes Rift Between ‘Green’ Certification Groups

A “green” label creates consumer confidence, but activists say it’s being abused, with a special focus on timber products from clear cutting. SPI’s forest products are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative discussed in this story. New York Times, June 2: Read Here  Read More

CCWD says it will hold town hall meetings

Responding to heavy criticism about its plans to raise water and waste-water rates, the Calaveras County Water District will hold several town hall meetings in Arnold, Valley Springs and Copperopolis in coming weeks. The district is encouraging the public to attend these meetings and ask questions. The first town hall meeting is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 10, at the Independence Hall Community Center in Arnold, 1445 Blagen Road. Additional... Read More

Conservation Stewardship Program Applications Due by June 14

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2013 – The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program will provide about $175 million in funding for up to 12.6 million additional acres enrollment this year. Although applications are accepted all year, farmers, ranchers and forestland owners interested in CSP should submit applications by June 14 to their local NRCS office to ensure they are considered for this year’s funding. The deadline... Read More

Sierra Nevada Conservancy Board to Vote on $2.5 Million Grant Program Guidelines

(Auburn) – The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) Governing Board will decide on guidelines for accepting applications for approximately $2.5 million in Proposition 84 bond grants to help restore ecological health to Sierra forests and remediate impacts from historic abandoned mines. The vote on the guidelines is among the items included in the board’s quarterly meeting at the West End Theatre in Quincy, June 6. The board will also take a field trip... Read More