Environment / Nature

NOAA winter forecast, courtesy of Shawn Novack.

Environment / Nature

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration releases winter forecast

Water Resources Association Conservation Program Manager Shawn Novack writes that the forecast favors warmer, drier conditions across the southern tier of the U.S., and cooler, wetter conditions in the north thanks in part to an ongoing La Niña.

The road leading to the San Justo Reservoir is closed to public access. File photo by Noe Magaña.

Environment / Nature

Congressman Panetta urges prioritization of San Justo Reservoir zebra mussel eradication in final FY2021 spending package

Local reservoir has been closed since 2008.

Sunnyslope County Water District candidates Jim Parker, Jerry Buzzetta and Andres Builes.

Government / Politics

Election 2020: Sunnyslope County Water District

Three candidates compete for two seats on Nov. 3.

Settling Pond at the San Juan Wastewater Treatment Plant. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Government / Politics

San Juan Bautista selects path to resolve water problems

City will send waste water to Hollister and import water from West Hills Water Treatment Plant.

Paper straws. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Environment / Nature

Plastic ban coming to San Juan Bautista

City mandates use of reusable and compostable products starting Jan. 1.

Haze and burned shrubs from the CZU fire. Photo taken on Sept. 14, provided by Devii Rao.

Agriculture

New study to investigate influence of cattle grazing on particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires

Preliminary results expected by the end of August 2021.

Pinnacles National Park. File photo.

Environment / Nature

Pinnacles National Park modifies fire restrictions

Most trails and the road to Bear Gulch re-open.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

News Release

BLM extends vehicle closures for Panoche and Tumey Hills due to fire danger

Extension in place until Nov. 13. Both recreation areas remain open for hiking, hunting and bicycling.

Pinnacles National Park. File photo.

Environment / Nature

Pinnacles National Park to reopen west entrance

All park trails remain closed except for the Bench and Sycamore trails due to high fire danger and the overloading of the national wildland fire response system.

Pinnacles Condor Recovery Crew member Gavin Emmons taking 1033 from nest. Photo courtesy of Alacia Welch.

Environment / Nature

Central Coast condors fall victim to Dolan Fire

Two chicks perish, nine free-flying adults remain missing.

Davenport during CZU Complex Fire. Photo courtesy of Bureau of Land Management.

Environment / Nature

Bureau of Land Management temporarily suspends target shooting in Central California due to wildland fire danger 

Restriction to remain in effect until further notice.

Pinnacles National Park. File photo.

Environment / Nature

Pinnacles National Park temporarily closes west unit and most hiking trails

Closures in effect until conditions change in relation to wildland fire danger.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

News Release

Monterey Bay Community Power changes name to Central Coast Community Energy

Agency expands service area to 29 cities and four counties.

Settling Pond at the San Juan Wastewater Treatment Plant. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Environment / Nature

San Juan Bautista accepts EPA terms on water issues

A first step toward resolving years of water quality problems.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Agriculture

The benefits of cattle grazing for reducing fire fuels and hazard

The California Cattle Council recently funded a UC Cooperative Extension project to evaluate how much fine fuel (grasses and other plants) are eaten by cattle on rangelands, and how this may affect wildfire behavior.

SEE MORE ENVIRONMENT / NATURE