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A new Headwaters Resilience Partnership has been formed to identify solutions to deal with the worsening challenges with water supply and natural resources in the local forest headwaters. The partnership, spearheaded by the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District will fund proactive investments to improve the long-term health of the National Forests.
“Our region is experiencing a changing climate, ongoing drought conditions, and increased risk of wildfires and more extreme storm events, creating severe impacts on sensitive environmental resources, and drinking water supplies,” said Board President Paul Kielhold.
SBVMWD will be meeting with San Bernardino National Forest staff, public agencies and community stakeholders to address environmental issues that affect quality of life and sustainability in the San Bernardino mountains and valley.
“We envision this as a big tent approach, where we welcome everyone with ideas on improving the health and ecological function of our forest headwaters to join the Partnership” said CEO/General Manager Heather Dyer. “As we identify solutions and speak with one voice, our message is that stakeholders in the San Bernardino headwaters and the valley cannot rely solely upon outside help to begin addressing these significant challenges. Healthy headwaters are critical to our water supply, habitat function, and the well-being of the communities living near and within the San Bernardino National Forest. We need to start this initiative now and we need to do it together.”
Priority issues for the Partnership will include supporting activities like fuels reduction and wildfire prevention; community preparation for wildfire response; ecological health and function of the headwater streams; native species habitat, including minimum flow and aquatic organism passage; and promoting education and responsible recreation on our public forest lands.
“The Valley District Board and staff look forward to working with the Forest Service and our passionate local community to develop and implement meaningful solutions to the many challenges presented in the headwaters of our watershed, which is home to many important native species, vibrant communities, important businesses, and local public recreation,” stated Ms. Dyer.
