When we think about water, we often picture rivers, lakes, or storm‑filled skies. But one of the nation’s most important water resources lies out of sight, beneath our feet. Groundwater supplies drinking water for millions of people; supports agriculture and industry; and sustains rivers, wetlands, and ecosystems, yet it is often overlooked until wells run dry or contamination is
California has approved a comprehensive plan to protect the western Joshua Tree, which is increasingly threatened by climate change and development pressures. The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan, announced on August 16, 2025, marks the first time the state has adopted a species-specific strategy under its new biodiversity law. This plan, developed by the California
solidify the historical timeline in your memory. Make Connections Connect. After memorizing all the facts, make sure you take a step back and connect the dots. The AICP exam will include many situational questions where you may need to connect certain facts from different eras. Understanding the timeline and circumstances of events can help you
Water quality is a critical component of ecosystem health. Studying aquatic organisms is a useful indication of the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. One such group of organisms, benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs), are considered excellent indicators of water quality and in-stream habitat conditions. What are Benthic Macroinvertebrates? Benthic macroinvertebrates are organisms that live on, in, or
endangered under CESA and will make a final listing decision within 1-2 years. There are three key questions to consider when determining how to proceed with your project: Is my project located in an area where burrowing owls may occur? Is my project located in an area where an existing habitat conservation plan (HCP)
Plant growth and its relationship to climate is very nuanced, but in general the higher the rainfall, the more likely it is that rare plants will grow and bloom, making them detectable during surveys. Dudek Botanist Megan Enright said, “We often receive comments from the public, resource agencies, and non-governmental organizations about weather patterns and
Every spring biology survey is slightly different because of varying rain, temperature, and other factors. While some species—plants and some invertebrates, to name two—have variable survey seasons, others have well-established or agency-mandated survey seasons. Missing a survey window can adversely impact a project’s schedule and defensibility. By working closely with expert biologists, you can identify
Computerized hydrology modeling software utilizes sophisticated numeric models to analyze water runoff within a watershed area over a specific time period and rainfall intensity. This advanced technology revolutionizes the assessment of water resources and their impact on project planning. By integrating existing topography, soil types, and vegetation cover, hydrology models can accurately predict water surface
On May 25, 2023, the Supreme Court of the U.S. (SCOTUS) issued a ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case, stating only wetlands with a continuous surface connection to large rivers, lakes, and streams are eligible for federal protection. On August 29, 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amended the 2023 Clean Water Rule
The operation of wind energy facilities can potentially harm bats, but the true extent of this danger is not fully understood. In some US regions, a significant challenge to developing wind energy is finding ways to lower the number of bats that collide with wind turbines while maintaining high power production levels. When developing or
