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Category: Environment

offshore oil drilling Environment Local News 

Why the Offshore Drilling Debate Matters in the Santa Cruz Mountains

slvpost.com
An Environmental and Economic Case for Inland Engagement By Mary Andersen At first glance, offshore oil drilling may seem like a coastal issue, distant from the redwood forests and mountain towns of the San Lorenzo Valley. But the federal government’s proposal to open new oil and gas leases off California’s coast has prompted an unexpected coalition of opponents.  The Santa… Read More
Pacific Coast Santa Cruz Environment Local News 

Santa Cruz County Formally Opposes New Offshore Drilling Plan

slvpost.com
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has formally submitted comments opposing a proposed federal plan that could open new offshore oil and gas leasing off the California coast. The comments were sent to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in response to a draft proposal that would allow new oil and… Read More
MA San Lorenzo River Felton Environment Local News Water 

SLV Water District and Use of Pesticides on Watershed Lands

Mary Andersen
By Mary Andersen The San Lorenzo Valley Water District’s (SLVWD) Integrated Pest Management Policy (IPMP) was created in response to a 2019 ban on glyphosate for district properties. That ban followed community-driven environmental and health risk concerns raised in 2017 and during the 2018 SLVWD board elections. However, the policy’s language and implementation have allowed continued use of other pesticides, such as… Read More
Northwestern Pond Turtles Lompico California Environment Local News Wildlife 

Return of the Northwestern Pond Turtle 

Julie Horner
Threatened Species Confirmed at Lompico Pond By Julie Horner The Lompico Pond Restoration and Demonstration Project, part of the San Lorenzo Valley Native Habitat Restoration Program (SLVNHRP) from the Valley Women’s Club of San Lorenzo Valley, is celebrating the discovery of Northwestern Pond Turtle eggs at Lake Lompico, a 1-acre wide pond nestled in a quiet residential community… Read More
Environment Wildlife 

Monarch Butterflies to Receive Protected Status

Julie Horner,
News from the Associated Press on Tuesday: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to add the monarch butterfly to the threatened species list by the end of 2025. “The iconic monarch butterfly is cherished across North America, captivating children and adults throughout its fascinating life cycle,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams said in a news release.… Read More
highway 17 wildlife crossing Environment Local News 

Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings Project Moves Forward

slvpost.com
The long-anticipated Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project reached a significant milestone with completion of the environmental review by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen). This is a significant step forward for this project that will enhance both wildlife health and safety and recreational access across the heavily used Highway 17 in an area that is a known… Read More
Forest pine fir Environment Fire Recovery Local News 

California’s Questionable Approach To Fire Mitigation

Jessica Keating
By Jessica Keating This story explores the interconnections between fire, native plant species, policy, and fire prevention.  The heat, smoke, and soil disruption following fire act as a catalyst to certain plant species which are referred to as ‘fire-following.’ Some of these plant species, such as native wildflowers, bring beauty and awe to our region. These flowers teach us that… Read More