Biodiversity & Species
Pink Flamingo: Carpetbagger or March Madness?
While Holly Doremus considers the State of the Birds, it might be fair to ask her why she spotted a Greater Flamingo, yesterday, in Northern California. The six Berkeley Law students and this blogger, who accompanied her on a paddle at the Elkhorn Slough and came upon this scene, want to know. Normally, the closest …
Continue reading “Pink Flamingo: Carpetbagger or March Madness?”
CONTINUE READINGState of the Birds, 2010
Following up on last year’s first report, a coalition of government and non-profit agencies has issued a new State of the Birds report. This version concentrates on the effects of climate change. The key conclusions, from the summary: Birds in every terrestrial and aquatic habitat will be affected by climate change, although individual species in …
Continue reading “State of the Birds, 2010”
CONTINUE READINGDo Californians eat endangered whale meat?
Yes, apparently we do, but only at the most upscale of sushi restaurants. See the LA Times story here (and note the $600 price tag for the meal). Here’s some information about sei whales (the species being served), courtesy of NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources: During the 19th and 20th centuries, sei whales were targeted (along …
Continue reading “Do Californians eat endangered whale meat?”
CONTINUE READINGThe Delta: pumps, politics, and (fish) populations
Cross-posted at CPRBlog The past couple of weeks have been crazier than usual on the Bay-Delta. The pumps were first ramped up and then ramped down. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) pandered to the irrigation crowd (or at least a part of it) by proposing to ease endangered species protections in the Delta. And the fall-run …
Continue reading “The Delta: pumps, politics, and (fish) populations”
CONTINUE READINGGood news for the pika . . . or not
Cross-posted at CPRBlog. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has completed its review of the status of the cute little American pika. The verdict is good news for the pika, at least as far as it goes and if FWS is right about the science. FWS has decided that the pika is not endangered or …
Continue reading “Good news for the pika . . . or not”
CONTINUE READINGInterior IG faults Arizona in death of Macho B
Nearly a year ago, Arizona game officials captured, radio-collared, and released Macho B, an endangered jaguar. Shortly thereafter, he was recaptured, and euthanized. The events surrounding Macho B’s capture and death remain under criminal investigation by federal authorities. This week, the Department of Interior’s Inspector General weighed in, issuing this report of the separate investigation …
Continue reading “Interior IG faults Arizona in death of Macho B”
CONTINUE READINGSingin’ the California Delta Blues (Muddy Waters Ahead?)
But there really is a California Delta, and it’s vitally important to the state’s water supply. It also raises major environmental issues. The struggle to manage the Delta has also given rise to one of the most ambitious experiments in collaborative governance anywhere — an experiment that had some successes but ultimately seemed to hit a brick wall.
CONTINUE READINGSalmon woes continue
The Sacramento Bee reports this morning that contrary to expectations the Central Valley fall-run chinook salmon had another weak run this year, probably no better than the record-low return a year ago. That’s bad news because the hatchery-boosted fall Chinook is the main target of the commercial salmon fishery off the California and Oregon coasts. …
Continue reading “Salmon woes continue”
CONTINUE READINGA look at the interim federal Delta plan
As I pointed out three months ago, the federal government has awakened from its 8-year Bush administration slumber to notice that the SF Bay-Delta is an important environmental and economic resource whose management requires federal input. On December 22, the Obama administration issued an Interim Federal Action Plan for the California Bay-Delta. The best news …
Continue reading “A look at the interim federal Delta plan”
CONTINUE READINGThe Top 10 Environmental Developments of 2009
10. Cass Sunstein becomes regulatory czar. Sunstein is a true believer in cost-benefit analysis, the bête noire of many an environmentalist. Obama’s appointment of Sunstein to oversee health and environmental regulations may put the brakes on regulatory initiatves. 9. California passes AB 758. The first mandate for energy efficiency standards for existing buildings. 8. Water …
Continue reading “The Top 10 Environmental Developments of 2009”
CONTINUE READINGJoin Our Mailing List
Climate policy is changing rapidly. Stay in the loop with expert analysis via email Monday - Friday.
