National forests provide an estimated 20% of the nation’s water, and 60% in California. Hydrologists on those national forests know its importance. It’s meaningful work, and those that care for water on those public lands will tell you. “Water is vital to every part of our daily life,” said Kaci Spooner, a forest hydrology technician for the Modoc National Forest. “Water and the study of water — hydrology — impact our food, what we drink, wildlife, and our recreation opportunities. Working to maintain the function of water in our ecosystem is my job and I love it.” Spooner considers herself more of a “field” person than a “meeting” person. Her projects take her all across the landscape in the northeast corner of California. She monitors every aspect of water across the plateau, though there doesn’t always seem to be a lot to monitor.