Inland Empire Waterkeeper

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Tired of being stuck indoors? Try visiting one of the hidden gems of the Santa Ana River, Hidden Valley Wildlife Area. Located at 11401 Arlington Ave., Riverside, CA 92505, this area has 1500 scenic acres and offers something for every nature lover. Here you can find 25 miles of trails to either hike, bike or take a horse. There is even a hike that leads to a pond where you can have the chance to view a multitude of both migratory and resident flora and fauna. Although the popular Nature Center is closed due to COVID-19, the trails are still open for your enjoyment. As famous conservationist John Muir said, Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. For more information on the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area visit https://www.rivcoparks.org/hidden-valley-nature-center

A beautiful California native, Goldenrod is at its peak during very hot days! Its striking yellow color is a magnet for pollinators including native bees and birds! We are only a few months away from fall which is the ideal time to plant natives!

With temperatures forecasted to be consistently hitting triple digits this coming week, it is no wonder Inland Empire residents are looking for ways to beat the heat. The IE is home to numerous freshwater sources that are popular summer recreational spaces. Unfortunately, some of these hot spots may not be open or safe. An example of this is Jurupa Valley’s Santa Ana River beach, which is a popular swimming area. The park is currently closed due to the pandemic and is expecte...d to remain closed until further notice. Big Bear Lake currently has an advisory that harmful algal blooms are affecting areas near Stanfield Cutoff and Garstin Island (Treasure Island). Officials are urging people and pets to avoid the water and to avoid eating any fish caught in these areas because of the toxic nature of cyanobacteria. However you decide to beat the summer heat, stay safe by following local regulations. Know that Inland Empire Waterkeeper is working to insure your waters are clean and accessable. See more

Inland Empire Waterkeeper opposes the Lake Elsinore Advanced Pumped Storage (LEAPS) project due to its potential impacts to water quality and habitat in the Cleveland National Forest. Today is a important deadline for you to make you voice heard on this Zombie project. Due to COVID-19 a public scoping meeting on the LEAPS project is not possible, therefore the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is asking that people submit a letter of protest to their website or by mail by August 17, 2020. Detailed instructions on how to comment can be found https://mailchi.mp/4b309c1e06f2/four-days-left FERC’s scoping document on the LEAPS project can be found at http://www.lake-elsinore.org/home/showdocument?id=26737

On July 13, 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service granted the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District a permit for 30 years to manage the Upper Santa Ana River Wash. The purpose of the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is to offset the effects of ground disturbing activities to conserve a rare habitat that is home to three endangered species and two threatened species. There are many stakeholders involved within this section of the Santa Ana River and it was critic...al that the plan address the priorities and concerns of all parties involved. Unfortunately, the overall square footage of the habitat will decrease, but to combat the loss of land, the environmental impact report outlines several ways the HCP will increase the quality of the remaining habitat (e.g. control of non-native plant species). Furthermore, the environmental impact report shows plans for a recreational trail that would benefit the surrounding Redlands and Highland communities and further conservation efforts. For more information on this project, linked below are the complete environmental impact reports. https://www.sbvwcd.org//6227-1st-half-of-wash-plan-hc/file https://www.sbvwcd.org//6229-2nd-half-of-wash-plan-hc/file See more

The World Logistics Center proposed for Moreno Valley is an example of an over sized project with serious impacts to air and water quality, our community and wildlife. A smaller smarter project is what we really need. While the current proposal got another approval the our efforts to stop this project is not over yet.

Water is life. California can & MUST restructure its water rates to stabilize CA water districts, prepare itself for the next drought, & make sure water bills are affordable for every household: https://bit.ly/2N6428R

Our local mountains are beautiful this time of year, except for the trash. Trash service is not always available, even in developed sites. Do the right thing and take out what you bring in. The pandemic makes our volunteer trash pickup events very difficult.

Access to clean water, air, and soil are vital aspects of human health and dignity, not a privilege. Environmental racism is institutionalized racism. Join us in the fight for a clean environment for all. #environmentaljusticematters #blacklivesmatter #righttocleanwater

Are you looking to create an environmentally friendly garden that requires less water and maintenance while using no chemicals or pesticides? Are you looking to spend more time outside in usable space with your family and pets? Looking to create a habitat for pollinators and wildlife? If so, the Inland Empire Waterkeeper SmartScape program is for you! We've partnered with Western Municipal Water District to provide free landscape design assistance to residents residing in their service area. To find out more about this no cost program send an email to: [email protected]

The World Logistics Center project proposed for Moreno Valley is unfortunately back from the dead. On Thursday Inland Empire Waterkeeper participated in the five hour Moreno Valley Planning Commission meeting to review the revised Environmental Impact Report. We oppose this project due to its impacts on water and air quality, and the nearby San Jacinto Wildlife Area. It will go to the Moreno Valley City Council next. Keep an eye out for updates. https://www.pe.com//moreno-valley-planning-commission-oks/

Environmental DNA is an important tool for determining the different organisms living in our river and streams. Inland Empire Waterkeeper partnered with the State Clean Water Team to produce this video of how Environmental DNA is collected. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSYSiAeAT9A

The Regional Water Board is holding a public workshop on Poseidon this Friday May 15th. Today at 5pm is the deadline to register to speak at the workshop, the l...ink to register is below. Also, 3:00 PM Coastkeeper will host another Zoom update on Poseidon as part of our Coastkeeper Streams series. The public is invited so please put the word out the link to participate is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89844178212 The important links everyone will need for the meeting are: Agenda: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov//5-15-2020/R8-AA_05-15-20_E How to Participate Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov//remote_meeting/special.html Speaker Registration form: https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_H_GTlMYyRtuS4VsAmn78EQ

There are a number of nasty "Zombie" projects that just refuse to go away. The World Logistics Center proposed for Moreno Valley is one of them. We have been active on this project for many years, here is a reminder of just how long. https://www.pe.com//here-are-12-key-moments-since-the-wor/