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Title: Assessing the Viability
of California’s Water Plan Author:
Peter M. Stonebraker II Abstract: After three years of draught in California, assessing the vitality
of California’s Water Plan in the Sacramento River Basin of the Central
Valley in California is of critical importance to the future of natural
systems, future population in the region, especially the agricultural sector
of the economy. California has devised a Water Plan that seeks to construct
more dams and aqueducts in order to increase the carrying capacity of
California. However, there are rudimentary problems California’s Water Plan
proposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Senator Diane Feinstein. The
economic importance of California’s economy trumps the importance of native
wildlife such as the endemic Delta Smelt and jeopardizes the future
livelihood of Californians. With declining unimpaired runoff from snowmelt
and delta smelt populations, proper political management along with the use
of historical data is necessary to conserve already scare freshwater. The
California Water Plan must change to promote more green collar jobs and
environmental education and less infrastructure that does nothing but decay
the environment. Efficient use of natural resources while protecting the environment
will allow for continued productivity and sustainable living in California. Key References: Domagalski & Brown, (1998), Water
Quality in the Sacramento River Basin, California,1994–98: U.S.
Geological Survey Circular 1215, 36 p., http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/circ1215/ Saskal, (2008, July 14). Schwarzenegger, Feinstein Join Forces To Push for $9.3B Water Bond Ballot. Bond Buyer, 365(32917), 3-3. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from Business Source Premier database. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (2009). Ecosystem
Restoration: Delta Smelt Return to Water
Resources Projects page. |
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Date: May
2009
Student: *@willamette.edu
ENVR 327: Water Resources
Instructor: Dr. Karen Arabas
http://www.willamette.edu/~karabas/courses/envr327w