SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - As California experiences a second consecutive dry year, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced an adjustment to its initial State Water Project (SWP) allocation for the 2021 water year. The department now expects to deliver 5 percent of requested supplies this year, down from the initial allocation of 10 percent announced in December.

Initial allocations are based on conservative assumptions regarding hydrology and factors such as reservoir storage. Allocations are reviewed monthly and may change based on snowpack and runoff information. They are typically finalized by May.

“We are now facing the reality that it will be a second dry year for California and that is having a significant impact on our water supply,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “The Department of Water Resources is working with our federal and state partners to plan for the impacts of limited water supplies this summer for agriculture as well as urban and rural water users. We encourage everyone to look for ways to use water efficiently in their everyday lives.”

Ongoing drought conditions require the coordination of federal, state and local agencies. Today, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which operates the Central Valley Project, is also expected to adjust its initial CVP water supply allocation accordingly. The State Water Resources Control Board mailed early warning notices to approximately 40,000 water right holders urging them to plan for potential shortages by reducing water use and adopting practical conservation measures.

As a result of the persistent drought conditions, and in accordance with its permit for the long-term operation of the State Water Project, DWR has submitted a revised Drought Contingency Plan to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The plan provides updated hydrologic conditions and outlines areas of concern for the joint operations of the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project, water quality, and environmental impacts.

DWR does not anticipate the need to pursue a Temporary Urgency Change Petition (TUCP) to allow for temporary changes to the water quality and outflow requirements for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. 

The severity of the situation is particularly evident in the North State. Lake Oroville is currently at 53 percent of average. The Feather River watershed, which feeds into Lake Oroville, has seen significantly less precipitation this year than normal, on track for its second driest year on record. Following a below average 2020 water year, California’s major reservoirs are at 50 percent of capacity.

California is better prepared for drought than in the past. Following the 2012-2016 drought, DWR enacted many programs focused on managing the state’s water through a strategic, integrated approach with a strong emphasis on water use efficiency and conservation. The state provides assistance and tools to local water agencies to help them reduce their drought vulnerability. DWR’s Water Use and Efficiency Branch (WUE) provides agencies and individuals assistance for improving water use efficiency and developing and meeting efficient water use requirements.

The 5 percent allocation amounts to 210,266 acre-feet of water, distributed among the 29 long-term SWP contractors who serve more than 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland.

Allocations represent the amount of SWP water that DWR will deliver for the year and are reviewed monthly based on several factors, such as water in storage, environmental requirements, and rain and snow runoff projections. For 2020, the initial SWP allocation was 10 percent and the final allocation was 20 percent in May.

For information on current water conditions at the state’s largest reservoirs and weather stations, visit the California Data Exchange Center website at cdec.water.ca.gov/snow_rain.html

ARDEN ARCADE, CA (MPG) - Thirty-five volunteers recently put in 140 hours of raking, pruning, painting and tree-clearance to spruce up Cottage Park, Arden Arcade. The Fulton-El Camino Park District reserve was deemed in need of spring cleaning, following winter storms and increased use due to COVID restrictions on recreational activities.

Fulton-El Camino Swim Club boosters joined Arden-Arcade Rotarians and park district staff. Supervisor Rich Desmond proved handy with a rake. Removal of diseased trees was enabled by labor and machinery donated by Mowbray’s Tree service. Chicken Ranch Slough banks were cleared of weeds and dozens of trees had dead branches trimmed. Rotarians sponsored the project and provided a barbecue lunch for workers.

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - As warmer weather approaches, both rural and urban residential homes may see an increase in critters and rodents searching for water and food. Rather than utilizing poison or traps that can harm children or other animals (including wildlife that may ingest poisoned rodents), cats are a natural and environmentally friendly way to control rodent populations. 

Bradshaw Animal Shelter’s Barn and Garden Cat Program creates positive outcomes for feral and un-socialized cats that are not suitable for regular adoption. These cats are placed “working cats” in home yards, warehouses, garages, barns, stables, wineries and other outdoor environments to control rodent populations.

Adoption fees are waived, and adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, core vaccines including rabies, microchip, flea control, and an ear-tip. Adopters only need to provide daily food, water, protection from the elements and long-term care.

“Not only does the program provide non-toxic pest control, it also saves the lives of cats who would otherwise be considered unadoptable,” said Dave Dickinson, Director of Bradshaw Animal Shelter.

Since these cats are usually strictly outdoors, for the best success, Bradshaw Animal Shelter generally requires they be adopted in pairs for both safety and companionship.

For more information about the working cat program, please read the Barn and Garden Cat Acclimation Instructions and FAQs at the Barn and Garden Cat website. To apply, complete the online Barn & Garden Cat Application. A program representative will be in touch to discuss your situation in order to make an appropriate adoption match.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Cory and Gina Dewees, owners of Parrotopia at 5910 Auburn Boulevard, Suite 9 in Citrus Heights welcomed and sheltered parrots in their home for years before opening their Citrus Heights store last February.

Their store, which celebrated its first anniversary, is a place “where a parrot will always have a second home.”

The couple, young parents of an active two-year-old son, were past volunteers at Parrot Planet, located in the same business plaza which closed in December 2018.

The closure of Parrot Planet left local parrot and exotic bird owners with just The Bird Shop in Roseville as their only other alternative for food, grooming and supplies, she said.

“Northern California is home to a large parrot and exotic bird population,” Dewees said. “We wanted to create a new business which would share our love for these birds as we welcomed our new customers.”

Parrotopia is a family-owned business, with both co-owners committed to the well-being of their feathered friends and responsible parrot ownership. Colorful parrots regularly take in the action from the owner’s shoulders as customers browse the store.

“Our vision was to specialize in the supplies and services both owners and potential parrot owners need, always keeping in mind that we are advocates of the parrot first,” she said.

Parrotopia offers a variety of hand-fed baby parrots and “second-chance” parrots that are seeking new homes. Many of these birds come to the Dewees because their owners can no longer care for their feathered friend, or they outlived their owners.

The owners try to match their “second-chance” birds to a new owner based on the positive aspects of their past environment.

This process consists of whether the bird has a gender preference, has been raised with children or pets, or has been an “only bird.” Finding the right second home might depend if the bird has always had someone home all day, had behavior issues, or was kept in a bird room or outside aviary.

“We want to help new parrot owners with the commitment they are about to make,” she said. “It’s not just the honeymoon phase where they’ll walk in and fall in love with one, and then want to take it home. It takes multiple visits to allow both bird and human to fully bond.”

Parrotopia provides one-on-one educational information on interpreting parrot behavior and body language, valuable tips to choose the right parrot species for the family, and practical advice on day-to-day exotic diet and nutrition. Both online ordering and curbside pickup are available.

Parrots and exotic birds tend to thrive in an enriching, stimulating environment, Dewees explained.

“We also have one of Northern California's largest selection of toys and other bird- related products, most which are custom made by local artisans,” she said. “We also have a large selection of cages, locally made custom play stands, carriers, and nesting boxes.”

Parrotopia also offers its customers both “fresh chop,” a finely-chopped mix of cooked and uncooked food such as vegetables, grains and seeds and their very own signature feed blends, which are available either pre-packaged or in bulk.

While Parrotopia does not groom or work on beaks, it does offer a “birdie spa” to its feathery customers. A wing refresh is $10 for any size bird. The price for a nail trim is $7 for small birds including parakeets, cockatiels and lovebirds; $10 for medium birds including African Greys, Amazons and small Macaws. Pricing for larger birds including Macaws, large Cockatoos, larger Amazons and Hyacinth macaws range between $15 to $20.

Parrotopia offers bird owners boarding services which provide a safe, stimulating and secure environment while their owners are away.

Find Parrotopia on the web at www.parrotopiasac.com or visit the store six days a week at 5910 Auburn Blvd., Suite 9 in Citrus Heights Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 916-891-5309 to schedule a grooming appointment.