In the Capital Public Radio segment, Restoring California Meadows Could Help Combat Climate Change And Increase Water Supply, Bridget Fithian with Sierra Foothill Conservancy gives a good explanation of the importance of the meadow restoration work being conducted throughout the Sierra by the Conservancy, CalTrout and others who are part of the Sierra Meadow Restoration and Research Partnership.
A deep stream moves water through the landscape too quickly. This meadow is supposed to capture water from melting snow and slowly release it downstream into the Merced River. “When you have that slow release, you reduce evaporation and you reduce the temperature of the water,”says Fithian.”So you really increase the quality of the water and you increase the quantity.” Wet meadows also have native grasses with robust root structures. That serves another important purpose – sucking carbon dioxide out of the air and storing it in the soil. “
A deep stream moves water through the landscape too quickly. This meadow is supposed to capture water from melting snow and slowly release it downstream into the Merced River.
“When you have that slow release, you reduce evaporation and you reduce the temperature of the water,”says Fithian.”So you really increase the quality of the water and you increase the quantity.”
Wet meadows also have native grasses with robust root structures. That serves another important purpose – sucking carbon dioxide out of the air and storing it in the soil. “
Click here to listen to the interview or read the full article.
