** Trying to avoid the worst-case water scenario
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020
High Plains alfalfa, Wikimedia Commons ([link removed])
With climate change and drought threatening water supplies across the West, farmers and ranchers are working with scientists to avoid a "nightmare scenario" ([link removed]) in which cities and suburbs lose access to water supplies.
Politico magazine profiles Paul Bruchez ([link removed]) , a fifth generation rancher near Kremmling, Colorado, who is part of an effort to study "demand management," in which farmers and ranchers would be paid to stop using their water allocations. Bruchez is working with scientists from Colorado State University to study how much water is saved when high-altitude alfalfa meadows are left unirrigated for half a season.
In an encouraging sign, nine ranchers agreed to participate in the study—a drastic change in attitudes in just a few years.
“I am blown away. I’ve never seen anything like this in 10 years of doing this kind of work. I’ve just never seen anyone able to rally people together this way,” CSU scientist Perry Cabot told Politico.
Quick hits
** Judge orders release of Bernhardt records in Arizona whistleblower case
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Arizona Daily Star ([link removed])
** Analysis: Proposed New Mexico methane rule would exempt 95 percent of oil and gas wells
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DeSmog Blog ([link removed])
** Can a Biden administration stop an Arctic lease sale?
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E&E News ([link removed]) | NPR ([link removed])
** As Wyoming cuts education spending to the bone, the state still pays millions to promote coal
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Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed])
** Wildlife corridor near Joshua Tree gets additional protection thanks to land trust partnership
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Desert Sun ([link removed])
** In apparent act of political retribution, Interior rejects 100% of New Mexico LWCF projects
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New Mexico Political Report ([link removed])
** Editorial: Fight for Land & Water Conservation Fund isn't finished
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Montana Standard ([link removed])
** Don't do this: Video of man hitting golf ball into saguaro draws criticism
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Arizona Republic ([link removed]) | Golfweek ([link removed])
Quote of the day
This is the QAnon of water projects, meaning it's laughably infeasible and just not real. And yet, the hardcore supporters just won't let it die.”
—Rep. Jared Huffman, on Interior Secretary Bernhardt's plan to enlarge the Shasta Dam
E&E News ([link removed])
Picture this
** @mypubliclands ([link removed])
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Happy Wildlife Conservation Day from our friends at the Bureau of Land Management - Alaska! Today we celebrate preserving and protecting the natural world and its inhabitants. 📸Moose cow and calves in the Fortymile Wild and Scenic River corridor; Bob Wick, BLM.
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