Really Hard is Not Impossible!
Please note: This issue is a Colorado River Basin negotiations free zone, because maddeningly so far, progress has proved impossible.
Friends of Confluence West -
With all of the gloomy news right now, it’s time to take a deep breath and remember that Really Hard is Not Impossible!
In our work on western water and climate change over the years, we have found three key ingredients for successful, innovative progress.
Diverse, inclusive networks that include anyone with skin in the game and who are ready to do the work (e.g., Watershed Solutions Network)
Leadership pushing the boat upstream (e.g., Turlock Irrigation District)
Joy! (e.g., The Tribal youth paddle down the Hehlkeek-\'we-Roy river)
Below is a quick review of some great stories we can all cheer and learn from.
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For the West,
Kimery
Thank you, Heather Dyer, for this encouragement for the western water field, reminding us that REALLY HARD is NOT IMPOSSIBLE!
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Many excellent NGOs, water utilities, tribes, Nations, communities, and public agencies are working to protect rivers and forests in the American West from the (sometimes overwhelming) challenges climate change poses. We are proud to partner with many of them.
Why support Confluence West? Over the past 17 years, we've learned that Long-term, equitable solutions require dedicated and talented people from every sector, issue area, perspective, expertise, and culture to bring their part of the elephant, their truth, to the table.
We build and lead projects that connect diverse decision-makers who, in turn, create science- and evidence-based campaigns. Check out our work! Or, email Kimery.
1. Diverse, inclusive networks - Watershed Solutions Network
It was just a few short years ago that the idea of creating a cross-boundary, grassroots watershed solutions network in California was only a gleam in Debbie Franco’s eyes.
Now the Watershed Solutions Network has grown into a thriving, active, and effective player in California with cohorts up and down the state. The Network is amplifying the voices of indigenous and local communities, alongside many well-known California water players.
The Network’s partners are working to expand the understanding of California’s water management field and increase awareness of the diverse perspectives and goals of water stakeholders.
The Network participants recognize that collaborative leadership approaches yield the most lasting solutions, and that by equipping water leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to support collaboration and coalition-building, California can effectively manage and lead through water extremes, including flooding, drought, and fire.
Debbie and the Network are proof positive that really hard is not impossible!
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2. Leadership that pushes the boat out
Although there are many exceptions, water agencies are generally not known for embracing innovative solutions. Solar panels covering water canals have been studied for years, but no agency in California was prepared to take that step.
An impressive example of defying 'business as usual’ is the Turlock Irrigation District’s adoption and implementation of California’s (and the second in the US*) first solar-covered canal.
Project Nexus, a 1.6-megawatt installation, was fully completed late last month. The $20 million, state-funded pilot has transformed parts of the Turlock Irrigation District’s (TID) canals into hubs of clean electricity generation in a remote area where cotton, tomatoes, almonds, and hundreds of other crops are grown.
This project originated from the leadership of the TID’s former General Manager, Michelle Reimer. She and her team successfully convinced the agency’s leadership that this was a worthwhile initiative, and TID secured $20 million from the state of California.
Michelle and TID are proof positive that really hard is not impossible!
The Gila River Indian Community in Arizona launched an innovative solar panel project by installing panels over an irrigation canal, marking a first in the Western Hemisphere. This project has two main goals: producing clean, renewable energy and saving water by reducing evaporation from the canal. The community plans to expand this effort to develop the world's first carbon-neutral irrigation district, combining a tradition of canal construction with modern solar technology.
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3. Joy - Really Hard Was Not Impossible!
If I had told you just a few years ago that the dams would come out on the Klamath, you would have ordered me a straitjacket.
Many of you have already seen the video of the Tribal youth paddling the length of the Hehlkeek-\'we-Roy (Klamath) river. Even if you have, watch it again to make your day.
Please support Confluence West (aka Carpe Diem West!) Since our founding in 2007, we've been building successful alliances and campaigns and bringing new climate science and opportunities to put innovative, sustainable regional water projects into motion in the American West. You can read about our current projects and the ones we're developing. Thanks for your support!
Confluence West: Innovative Solutions for the Western Water Community. Learn more