CONSERVATION CORNER

DROUGHT AND FIRE DANGER

The good news is, we received over 15 inches of precipitation at Big Bear Dam in February and March. The bad news is, we are still more than 11 inches below the annual average making this our fifth straight year with below average. This has lead to rapidly declining water levels in DWPs and CSDs main wells. Unfortunately, the recent rain and snow will provide no relief for the declining well levels this summer. It takes about six months for precipitation to percolate down to the water table. Thus, conservation is still a must during the upcoming summer months.

The drought is having an increasingly serious impact on our local forests, also. Many trees have died due to lack of water. Additionally, the drought has weakened many of our pines which are now very susceptible to attack by bark beetles. Due to the large number of dead trees, we should expect several years of extreme fire danger in our forests. Now more than ever, it is important to consider performing some fire prevention maintenance in your yard. For more information on reducing fire risk on your property, contact San Bernardino County Fire Prevention at 337-8586. In addition, watering drought stressed tress in your yard will help them through these tough times. For instructions on how to effectively water your trees, contact the U. S. Forest Service at 866-3437.

Next week, look for tips on mowing your lawn and recycling the clippings through composting. If you have any suggestions on topics you would like to see in this weekly segment, contact your local water agency with your suggestions.

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