There has been a steady stream of water related news stories over the past month and just last week East Bay MUD was the first to impose water rationing in sixteen years. Once again I am reminded of what it is that beavers bring to the discussion; water.
Water rationing, I can somewhat remember the seventies with the bumper stickers that read, ‘save water – shower with a friend’; I remember being introduced to low flow shower heads and toilets in the nineties. Here we are in the 21st century and in Martinez it seems some have forgotten the lessons of the past while ignoring today’s concerns and would eagerly let fresh water run through the town’s grasp, straight out to the straights (Carquinez that is) without a care or concern.
In addition to all of the other noteworthy changes beavers bring, they also help combat climate change; one dam at a time. One beaver supporter forwarded this link beavers offer solutions about a town in Utah that is reintroducing beavers in order to slow down and conserve snow melt so streams don’t see a boom/bust water cycle between spring and summer.
“In the Southwest U.S., biologists are talking about returning beavers to rivers they once inhabited in order to fight droughts – which are expected to get worse as the globe warms.”
The report cites concerns from local residents that closely echo concerns here. But the concerns for Martinez have been addressed in bold, workable, systematic solutions. It’s time for the city fathers to step up and look at this situation as a worthy opportunity to not only reinvent our town but fully embrace its commitment to doing our part in staving off the effects of climate change.
After this recent heat wave, I’d prefer the beaver to the dog days of summer.
Linda Meza
For further reading on beavers and climate change see Beavers are drought insurance printed in Conservation Magazine and the letter to the City of Martinez from Sharon Brown posted in our Featured Articles section.
