The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) will host “Tribal Water Rights in California,” a virtual panel discussion focused on the complex history and current status of Tribal water rights in the state. As Tribes play an increasingly significant role in regional water management in California, panelist experts will present key findings from a recent PPIC report (see story below) that helps to clarify the often poorly understood water rights of California Tribes and why water rights are important to the well-being of all. This hour-long discussion will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 4. Registration is open now.

Last month, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released Tribal Water Rights in California, a 24‑page report that aims to shed light on Tribal water rights. Tribal water rights are a vital but often misunderstood part of California’s water system, supporting the economies, cultures, and well-being of Native American Tribes. As Tribes increasingly participate in water and environmental co-management, public interest in these rights has grown. California is home to the largest number of Tribal nations in the U.S. California’s 109 federally recognized Tribes and many non-recognized Tribes have long managed land and water resources using traditional ecological knowledge. The report addresses the history, legal foundations, and current use of Tribal water rights, including fully allocated basins. PPIC has also produced a supplemental factsheet to accompany the report.

In a special edition of the Data for Lunch series, the California Water Data Consortium will host “Inside California’s Open Data Exchange.” This virtual panel discussion will examine the accomplishments and challenges of the Open and Transparent Water Data Act, a 2016 California law that requires a publicly accessible, open-source platform for statewide water and ecological data. This panel brings together three practitioners who each serve as a different point of connection in California's open data ecosystem; they will explain how data gets discovered, how it gets published, and how it gets used in practice. “Inside California’s Open Data Exchange” will take place on Thursday, June 4, from noon to 1:30 p.m. More information about this virtual event is available online. Registration is open now.

The San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) recently reached a major milestone by making 10,000 wetland condition assessments publicly available on EcoAtlas. EchoAtlas is a statewide mapping and visualization platform that improves access to environmental information, and supports wetland protection, restoration planning, and performance tracking through a watershed-based approach. A key resource within EcoAtlas is the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM), a field-based tool that evaluates the ecological condition of streams and wetlands. CRAM data help managers compare restoration projects, assess performance, and identify targeted improvements when ecological scores are low. EcoAtlas also provides tools, such as landscape condition profiles and habitat development curves, that place projects in a broader watershed context. Resource managers value CRAM for its efficiency, detailed insights, and support for informed restoration and regulatory decisions. To learn more, visit the EcoAtlas website and explore the interactive map and profile tools.

The annual “Beaver Coexistence in California” webinar, hosted by the California Beaver Coexistence Training and Support Program, will take place on Wednesday, June 10, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. This virtual event will include a discussion about a new landowner support tool that provides technical and financial support for those ready to expedite beaver solutions. The webinar will also feature presentations from leading beaver coexistence professionals who focus on harmoniously resolving beaver-human conflict. See the webinar’s registration page for more information and to view the webinar agenda.

Those seeking nature-based solutions for beaver control will find options at the California Beaver Help Desk website. In partnership with the Beaver Institute and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Beaver Help Desk addresses the real, practical needs of land managers, farmers, ranchers, water districts, and municipalities. The website also offers an interactive California map showing the state’s 58 counties. Users can click on a county to find a certified beaver coexistence professional who supports effective non-lethal beaver management alternatives.