Water - Pitchstone Waters

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Water

A collection of 15 posts

A Pumped Well Can Become a Dry Stream

A Pumped Well Can Become a Dry Stream

Wells and streams often draw from one connected system. Sound water policy must account for where, when and how pumping reduces surface flow.

Desertification Is a Loss of Function, Not a Label

Desertification Is a Loss of Function, Not a Label

Desertification is best understood through soil cover, erosion, infiltration and recovery—not as a political label or a verdict based on rainfall.

40 Million Americans Are Losing Their Water Supply to—Hay

40 Million Americans Are Losing Their Water Supply to—Hay

We can’t control the amount of precipitation that falls within the Colorado River watershed, but we can control how we use the water that’s available.

Beyond Scarcity: Can We Restore Vitality in a Drying West

Beyond Scarcity: Can We Restore Vitality in a Drying West

The American West must move beyond a mindset of water scarcity and begin thinking in terms of restoring ecological vitality.

Water Your Livestock, Legally

Land Stewardship

Water Your Livestock, Legally

Understanding your water right, and how stockwater fits within it, helps to ensure responsible water resource management in a complex and evolving legal environment.

Another Kerr County Flood Victim? The Guadalupe River Itself

Another Kerr County Flood Victim? The Guadalupe River Itself

The July 4 flood took a human toll, but it also did environmental and ecological damage. Experts say with time and patience, the river can bounce back

Restoring the Western Water Cycle

improving water cycle

Restoring the Western Water Cycle

Hosted by WLA's Jake Lebsack and featuring groundbreaking scientists Dr. David Ellison, Dr. Makenzie Skiles and Zuzka Mulkerin. This webinar was recorded live on January 15th, 2025.

Federal Government Loses Idaho Water Rights Case

Water Management

Federal Government Loses Idaho Water Rights Case

The U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho partially struck down several Idaho laws regulating water rights on federal lands. The court found some provisions unconstitutional but upheld a law concerning the forfeiture of water rights if they remain unused.

With Dams Removed, Salmon Will Have the Run of a Western River

With Dams Removed, Salmon Will Have the Run of a Western River

The nation’s largest dam removal project is nearly complete after a lengthy campaign by Native tribes to restore the river at the California-Oregon border.

Keyline Desert Ranch

Keyline Desert Ranch

This video is about Keyline soil restoration on a desert ranch in Northern Mexico. Keyline “flood-flow” channels are combined with Keyline contour ripping between “flood-flow” channels. Both channels and rip patterns are on contours established by drone survey and laser transit. Disturbed soil has been seeded. Regrowth following

Lightning Striking a Montana Stream

Lightning Striking a Montana Stream

/content/images/wordpress/2019/08/03JTk-4iSwy7V865p3tnSVCZg90aCGvR-1.mp4 “This is fake news (explosives not lightning) – but a great video. NOTE: this post was originally publsihed to this site on November 14, 2019

Our Land, Our River?

Our Land, Our River?

Here is an excellent explanation of Western water rights, especially those of Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Utah. It was written by the Property and Environmental Research Center (PERC) a free market conservation think tank based in Bozeman. Quoting the article, “While it is true that Montana is less heavily regulated

Feral Desert Donkeys Are Digging Wells, Giving Water to Parched Wildlife

As reported below, wild burros – like their ancient ancestors – are essential to the health of wildlife in American deserts. NOTE: this article was originally published to NYTimes.com on April 13, 2021. It was written by Erick Lundgren, PhD Student, Centre for Compassionate Conservation, University of Technology Sydney; Arian Wallach,

A Navy Veteran Went to Prison for Digging Ponds in the Mountains

A Navy Veteran Went to Prison for Digging Ponds in the Mountains

“Range practices we take for granted in Texas can land you in prison out West. Notwithstanding the many fine things accomplished by EPA, actions like these really hurt public attitudes about conservation – and harm outcomes by inhibiting private citizens’ conservation efforts. For lots of reasons, these matters are better handled