By Brad Plumer - Washington Post - December 19, 2011

One of the least understood — and one of the more unnerving — facets of climate change is the question of what will happen as the Arctic region heats up and permafrost in places like Alaska and Siberia thaws out.  There's a whole lot of carbon locked up in all that frozen soil and organic matter. And, as the frost melts, that carbon will enter the atmosphere, most of it as carbon dioxide, but some of it transformed by bacteria into methane, an even more powerful heat-trapping greenhouse gas. That, in turn, will warm the planet further. It’s a potent feedback mechanism, and scientists still aren’t sure just how potent it might be. For full story, click here. 

New Climate Change Handbook for Regional Watershed Planning to Assist Water Managers Plan for Climate Change

November 2011

Developed cooperatively by the U.S.EPA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Water Resources, and the Resources Legacy Fund, the "Climate Change Handbook for Regional Watershed Planning" provides a framework for considering climate change in water management planning.  Key decision considerations, resources, tools, and decision options are presented that will guide resource managers and planners as they develop means of adapting their programs to a changing climate.  The handbook uses the California Department of Water Resources' Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) planning framework as a model into which analysis of climate change impacts and planning for adaptation and mitigation can be integrated.  In addition, the handbook provides a checklist for identifying and prioritizing the vulnerability of local watersheds.  The checklist includes questions about water demand and supply, wildlife and habitat, sea level rise, critical infrastructure, and hydropower.  To view the handbook, please click here.

By Pembina - Morden Times - October 6, 2011

The Lizard Lake Wetland Project is a world class model of what partners can do in successfully managing a wetland for both wildlife and agriculture.  But the Lizard Lake infrastructure has been in place for approximately 25 years and needs an estimated $100,000 or more to repair.

Pembina Valley Conservation District touts the Lizard Lake site as unique and showing the benefits of preserving wetlands by providing a better quality of life and water resources, protection of our environment and a climate change solution. There was a long history of disagreement between those wanting to drain the wetland and those interested in retaining it prior to construction of the project in 1985. Since then, people have learned the valuable role it plays in the watershed by helping maintain groundwater levels and water quality, minimize downstream flooding and provide benefits for wildlife and agriculture. Construction of the ring-diked central or marsh cell ensured the continued presence of the wetland and wildlife habitat. For full story, click here.