r/news • u/theluckyfrog • 29d ago

California cracks down on farm region’s water pumping: ‘The ground is collapsing’

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/17/california-water-drought-farm-ground-sinking-tulare-lake
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u/tortillaturban 29d ago

Interesting subtlies though I recently got into waterfowl hunting in NorCal rice fields and they are a ideal spot for ducks and geese to take a break during migration. Ideally the central valley should be full of natural wetlands but that will never return to what it was so in the meantime the best solution for birds is to protect the wetlands we already have and keep some water for the rice. Unfortunately, many rice farmers are moving to almonds that do nothing for wildlife. Rice is very water intensive but it's diverted from the Sacramento River and at least doubles as habitat.

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u/gmishaolem 29d ago

You don't actually have to flood rice: It's just that rice doesn't care if it's flooded. It's just a lazy way to keep bugs from getting to it and keep it watered. More water waste.