Taking stock after the storm
[C]limate experts and state officials are taking stock of flood protection systems and our ability to take advantage of the rainfall. The good news, they report, is “the ongoing rains are already boosting California’s water storage system.” The bad news, they warn, is “it would be hasty, though, to assume the ongoing storms and wet forecast mark an end to the drought.” … A significant casualty of the storm systems has been our trees. Perpetually saturated soils have loosened their roots, and vicious winds have taken them down. Over the summer, we published an opinion piece by the Sacramento Tree Foundation and Regional Water Authority that urged Sacramentans to care for trees during drought, illustrated by a satellite view of the area’s canopy loss.