Comparing Futures for the Sacramento, San Joaquin Delta

Comparing Futures for the Sacramento, San Joaquin Delta
Author: Jay Lund
Publisher: Univ of California Press
Total Pages: 257
Release: 2010-02-02
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0520945379

An ecosystem in freefall, a shrinking water supply for cities and agriculture, an antiquated network of failure-prone levees—this is the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the major hub of California's water system. Written by a team of independent water experts, this analysis of the latest data evaluates proposed solutions to the Delta's myriad problems. Through in-depth economic and ecological analysis, the authors find that the current policy of channeling water exports through the Delta is not sustainable for any interest. Employing a peripheral canal-conveying water around the Delta instead of through it—as part of a larger habitat and water management plan appears to be the best strategy to maintain both a high-quality water supply and at the same time improve conditions for native fish and wildlife. This important assessment includes integrated analysis of long term ecosystem and water management options and demonstrates how issues such as climate change and sustainability will shape the future. Published in cooperation with the Public Policy Institute of California

Layperson's Guide to the Delta

Layperson's Guide to the Delta
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2020-03-10
Genre:
ISBN: 9781619480223

A 24-page booklet that provides an overview of the history, challenges and issues involving water in California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Wetland Carbon and Environmental Management

Wetland Carbon and Environmental Management
Author: Ken W. Krauss
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 484
Release: 2021-11-23
Genre: Science
ISBN: 111963928X

Explores how the management of wetlands can influence carbon storage and fluxes. Wetlands are vital natural assets, including their ability to take-up atmospheric carbon and restrict subsequent carbon loss to facilitate long-term storage. They can be deliberately managed to provide a natural solution to mitigate climate change, as well as to help offset direct losses of wetlands from various land-use changes and natural drivers. Wetland Carbon and Environmental Management presents a collection of wetland research studies from around the world to demonstrate how environmental management can improve carbon sequestration while enhancing wetland health and function. Volume highlights include: Overview of carbon storage in the landscape Introduction to wetland management practices Comparisons of natural, managed, and converted wetlands Impact of wetland management on carbon storage or loss Techniques for scientific assessment of wetland carbon processes Case studies covering tropical, coastal, inland, and northern wetlands Primer for carbon offset trading programs and how wetlands might contribute The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity.Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals.

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Historical Ecology Investigation

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Historical Ecology Investigation
Author: Alison Whipple
Publisher:
Total Pages: 408
Release: 2012
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780615942186

"This historical reconstruction documents patterns of variation and extent of habitat types throughout the Delta for improved understanding of species support functions and controlling physical processes within the native landscape. Knowing how different parts of the vast historical Delta looked and functioned provides needed information for future restoration strategies. Given the extensive changes to the Delta, the goal of the project is not to create a literal template from which to recreate the historical Delta. Rather the objective is to understand how large-scale restoration can support an ecosystem in the future Delta that reflects functions to which native species are adapted. This involves recognizing physical gradients along which ecosystems can adapt as the Delta continues to change." -- project web site.

Delta Primer

Delta Primer
Author: Jane Wolff
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2003
Genre: Delta Region (Calif.)
ISBN: 9780970973184

Growing worldwide interest in water systems makes this provocative examination of Northern California's Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta far more important than its regional focus suggests. As author Wolff presents the story of the land and water through images, historical data and an intricate mapping system, Delta Primer frames public discussion about the transformation of the American landscape.

The Fall and Rise of the Wetlands of California's Great Central Valley

The Fall and Rise of the Wetlands of California's Great Central Valley
Author: Philip Garone
Publisher: University of California Press
Total Pages: 440
Release: 2020-03-03
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0520355571

This is the first comprehensive environmental history of California’s Great Central Valley, where extensive freshwater and tidal wetlands once provided critical habitat for tens of millions of migratory waterfowl. Weaving together ecology, grassroots politics, and public policy, Philip Garone tells how California’s wetlands were nearly obliterated by vast irrigation and reclamation projects, but have been brought back from the brink of total destruction by the organized efforts of duck hunters, whistle-blowing scientists, and a broad coalition of conservationists. Garone examines the many demands that have been made on the Valley’s natural resources, especially by large-scale agriculture, and traces the unforeseen ecological consequences of our unrestrained manipulation of nature. He also investigates changing public and scientific attitudes that are now ushering in an era of unprecedented protection for wildlife and wetlands in California and the nation.