Issues

Supporting our Local Agriculture

Local agriculture is a cornerstone to our community. During my tenure at NID I consistently advocate for our local agriculture producers. I insist they have a seat at the table in our drought response decisions and in evaluating NID’s future hydrology, demand and supply conditions. Our very way of life would be dramatically altered if we did not have our farms and ranches to contribute to our environment and economy.

 

Water Supply and Climate Change

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are NID’s biggest reservoir. In fact, the Sierra Nevada serves as the headwaters for all of California, providing 60% of the water supply for the entire state.  The annual snowpack has been a reliable source of NID’s water for over 100 years.  However, NID’s water system was designed for a climate that no longer exists. Our climate is changing, and changing faster than anyone thought.  It is predicted storms will bring less snow and more rain.  So how does NID propose to adjust to this new normal?

There isn’t just one answer.  We have to be nimble, flexible and to do everything we can to preserve and protect our watershed.  Thin the forests, restore meadows, increase storage capacity, consider raising the level of existing reservoirs, evaluate removing sediment from our existing reservoirs and others.  Healthy forests are our natural infrastructure and are critical to a healthy watershed.  Taken together these measures may reap a more sustainable supply.  

I consistently advocate for and support all efforts to work sustainably for the care of our watershed.  I reliably see that monies are allocated in our annual budget to keep these vital programs flourishing.

 

Active Projects

Meadow Restoration

We are working on the English Meadow Restoration Project, which includes a $1.2 million dollar grant from the Wildlife Conservation Board to improve the floodplain and hydrology of the meadow. We have identified more meadow restoration projects and are working to secure grant funding to support this vital work.

Forest Thinning

We received over $2 million dollars in grants from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Cal Fire and other partners to thin forests at both Scott’s Flat and Rollins Lake. To date, we have completed over 834 acres with another 573 acres scheduled to be added in 2022. In some areas, we are seeing immediate positive results; springs have risen where they had not been seen before. Given that NID owns only 10,000 acres of lands, we will have achieved thinning on over 10% of our properties.

Fish Passage Project – Hemphill Dam Removal

I am an enthusiastic advocate for NID’s fish passage project on Auburn Ravine. Through collaboration with Placer County, Private Foundations, Fly Fishing organizations, and CALFED, NID is leading the way to remove a significant barrier to salmon migration through Auburn Ravine, beyond the Hemphill Diversion Structure. This has been a lengthy project with many dedicated people, non-profit organizations, volunteers and government agencies working together to see a healthy salmon population return to part of their original spawning grounds. In addition to the obvious benefit for the fish, this project is also integral to the health of our watershed.

Water Line Expansion and Replacement

During the last four years, I have supported dozens of miles of treated water line extensions which include the installation of new fire hydrants. I am proud to have instituted a fire hydrant locater map so residents can easily determine the closest hydrants to their home.  If you want to check if there is a hydrant near you, check out the map here.

 All extensions get treated water to households who have failing or low producing wells. I am working hard to help unserved neighborhoods get resources to further extend the water lines. I am working creatively to find monies to enhance our efforts in all of these areas.

Plan for Water

One of the many reasons why I am running for re-election is to see the Plan for Water process through to the creation of a plan that can be used by our community for decades into the future.  I have actively and enthusiastically supported this undertaking and take to heart the gravity of our mission.  

I see the Plan for Water as one of the most important projects we are doing at NID. Having public collaboration on a long range look at our community’s need and demand for water allows our customers the opportunity to have a deep understanding of the complexity of our water issues.  When we pursue solutions, we will be doing it together providing everyone a voice.  

When looking at our water supply, considering climate change, demand from farms and homes, and factoring potential changes, long range planning using the best available science is critical to NID’s water future.