Jeff Hill – The Critical Importance of Water Utilization in California

Water in California is shared across three main sectors. Statewide, average water use is roughly 50% environmental, 40% agricultural, and 10% urban. The percentage of water use by sector varies dramatically across regions and between wet and dry years. Some of the water used by each of these sectors returns to rivers and groundwater basins, and can be used again.

Environmental water use falls into four specific categories. The water in rivers protected as “wild and scenic” under federal and state laws. Then the water required for maintaining habitat within streams. 3rd you have the water that supports wetlands within wildlife preserves. The finally, the water needed to maintain water quality for agricultural and urban use. Most water allocated to the environment does not affect other water uses. More than half of California’s environmental water use occurs in rivers along the state’s north coast. These waters are largely isolated from major agricultural and urban areas and cannot be used for other purposes. In the rest of California where water is shared by all three sectors, environmental use is not dominant (33%, compared to 53% agricultural and 14% urban).

Agricultural water use is holding steady even while the economic value of farm production is growing.

Today, farm production and food processing only generate about 2% of California’s gross state product, down from about 5% in the early 1960s. The current drought exposes major water use challenges. In the Central Valley, where most agricultural water use occurs, the failure to manage groundwater sustainably limits its availability as a drought reserve.

Jeff Hill aims to allow growers to be the most efficient farmers in the use of water and materials allowing for a better environmental impact and soil leading to better crop.

Jeff Hill – Novice Hunting Tips

If you plan to take up hunting, the first official step would be to attend a hunter education course, sometimes known as a hunter safety course. You will also find it helpful if you accompany a licensed hunter in the field. If you can find a mentor or relative, you should take the opportunity to take in the experience and see if you are up for the challenge.

You will want to abide by all hunting laws so check for your state’s license requirements. The requirements will help you learn what’s required of you as far as licensing and hunter education. If you have a specific species that you’d’ like to hunt then make sure you review the regulations for that particular species. Also, know that public hunting lands such as wildlife management areas have different rules and regulations than the State requires.

Before spending your hard earned money, on a rifle or bow, consider going hunting with a relative or friend who has a rifle. That way you can figure out the type of weapon you are interested in. You can also call some local ranges and let them know you don’t have a gun but would like to try shooting. They should be able to rent or loan you a gun.

Jeff Hill is an agronomist with a technical background in farming, fertilizers, chemicals and water from Clovis, CA. When he’s not working in the agriculture industry, he is spending time with his family, going fly fishing and hunting with his father.