California's water resources are under threat from climate change, and the state's water agency must take action to face the challenges.
"[California’s Department of Water Resources] could play a lead role in helping the state become more resilient in the face of climate change by ensuring that the State Water Project is managed to reduce diversions from the [San Francisco] Bay-Delta ecosystem and to promote water use efficiency, water reuse, and other measures that help water districts wean themselves off of unrealistic and unsustainable levels of water use," writes Bill Dodd.
Dodd says the history of water deliveries exceeding available resources has resulted in drained groundwater basins, dried-up estuaries and rivers, and impacts to wildlife. He urges DWR to make protection of the environment and endangered species priorities and to work with state and local agencies and the scientific community to develop policies and plans to better manage the state's water system.
"DWR needs a reality check and a renewed spirit for this new decade – one that heeds scientists’ warnings and forces contract holders to adapt to the challenges we’re now facing," adds Dodd.
FULL STORY: California’s water department must face the reality of climate change and diverse needs
Superfund Project to Deliver Massive Water Supply Boon to Los Angeles
The semi-arid region of Los Angeles is often mistaken for a desert, but the local water supply is also constrained by the environmental sins of the 20th century. The water supply equation of Los Angeles will soon change, however.
Climate Change Increasingly a Risk to the Country's Most Endangered Rivers
Conservation advocacy group American Rivers has ranked the Colorado River, ravaged by drought and mismanagement, as the most endangered river in the United States.
America's 'Most Endangered River' in 2020: The Mighty Mississippi
Heavy flooding are expected to strain the Mississippi and Missouri rivers in Spring 2020, just as resources are stretched thin by the coronavirus.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service