LADWP in the Eastern Sierra Community Newsletter – April 2024
With Earth Day quickly approaching, LADWP is celebrating all month with news about conservation efforts, educational programs, and community events.
Through these initiatives, we’re making continuous strides towards a greener, sustainable future for all. Here in the Eastern Sierra, LADWP is invested in protecting the environment which makes this area a treasured escape for so many. We are committed to protecting water quality, habitat conservation, biodiversity, and stewarding ecological restoration of land throughout Owens Valley, Long Valley, and Mono Basin.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS
Mono Basin
Mono Lake remains the only terminal lake with a positively-trending lake level in California. To date, we have over 60 ongoing, in progress, or completed restoration projects in the Mono Basin.
Owens Lake
Since the early 2000s, LADWP has implemented and maintained the Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Program. Using a series of federally approved dust control measures, the Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Program limits dust emissions, maintains wildlife habitats, and protects cultural resources while promoting efficient water use across 48.6 square miles of the exposed Owens Lake playa.
LADWP’s work in the Owens Valley has led to more than 99.4% attainment of dust mitigation, exceeding regulatory standards.
Saltcedar Management Protecting Owens Valley Plant Communities
Saltcedar, a non-native invasive shrubby-tree, threatens native plant communities and biodiversity in the Owens Valley. In 1997, the Inyo County Water Department began a saltcedar control program. The program was made possible by funding from LADWP under the long-term (Inyo/LA) water agreement. LADWP funded $750,000 over the first three years of the program and continues to invest $50,000 annually for maintenance. Collaborating with Inyo County Water Department to upkeep saltcedar control, the group treats 150-2,500 acres yearly for 5,825 acres to date — protecting Owens Valley native plant communities.
To learn more about our environmental work in the region visit ladwpeasternsierra.com/
NEWS
April 1 Final Snowpack
Concluding the final snow surveys for 2024, LADWP announced a snowpack of 103% of normal for the Eastern Sierra with a Mono Lake elevation reading of 6,383.7 feet.
LADWP Announces New Board Members
LADWP Board of Water and Power Commissioners welcomes former State Assemblyman Richard Katz as President and existing Board member George McGraw as Vice President.
LADWP also welcomes to their Board of Commissioners, Wilma J. Williams Pinder. She served for 30 years as a civil litigator and trial attorney handling difficult, high-profile cases. Twenty of those years were with the legal unit that served LADWP.
Crowley Lake Trout Opener
Crowley Lake will re-open for trout fishing season in the Eastern Sierra on Saturday, April 27. All boats entering Crowley Lake will be inspected to keep our waterways safe from the spread of invasive quagga mussels. Visit the Crowley Lake Fish Camp website for the latest information and please be aware that water levels are extremely high. There will be no shoreline camping in the Marina area or in Hilton Bay for opening weekend.
Nextdoor Launch
LADWP has launched a Nextdoor page, a private social network for neighborhoods to stay connected with the latest news in their community. We encourage you to join and explore the page regularly to stay informed about LADWP’s engagement and contributions in the region. Get important updates and news by joining today!
IN THE COMMUNITY
Celebrating Earth Day!
LADWP is championing initiatives and supporting projects and educational events to safeguard our planet. Here are a few coming up!
Bishop City Park 4/20
Earth Day is fun for all ages! Bishop Sunrise Rotary is hosting a community art day, alongside Inyo Council for the Arts. Join in on all the activities!
Bishop Paiute Tribe Earth Day & Spring Market 4/21
Mark your calendars for Bishop Paiute Tribe’s Spring Market on Sunday, April 21st. Local artisans and vendors will be selling crafts and food. There will be raffles, resource tables, hands-on activities, live music, and more!
11th Annual Lone Pine Paiute Shoshone Tribe Earth Day Event 4/27
The Lone Pine Paiute Shoshone Reservation invites the community to participate in their annual Earth Day Celebration. After a team clean-up activity, the remainder of the day will be filled with games, activities, an outreach fair, and a participant luncheon.
Chatsworth Nature Preserve Earth Day Open House 4/27
Celebrate Earth Day by joining us at our Chatsworth Nature Preserve Earth Day Event, Saturday, April 27. Meet community members and LADWP employees for nature hikes, live animal exhibitions, Native American ceremonies and storytelling, face painting, food, resource fairs, and more! All are welcome! Learn more at ladwp.com/CNPearthday.
JOIN THE TEAM
Job Openings
Open
Electric Distribution Mechanic Journey
Electric Distribution Mechanic Trainee
Upcoming
Aqueduct and Reservoir Keeper
Property Manager
Land Surveying Assistant
Spring Job Fair
If you missed our spring job fair visit ladwpeasternsierra.com/jobs to download the presentation on navigating the civil service process. Don’t miss out on job application deadlines, subscribe today.
LADWP X ICOE Career Technical Education Scholarship – $5,000
Careers in skilled labor trades play a crucial role in supporting the health of the Earth and its environment in many ways. LADWP and the Inyo County Office of Education are accepting applications to select five students with a $5,000 scholarship for the 2024 Career Technical Education (CTE).
Applications are due Friday, April 26, 2024.
Visit cte.inyocoe.org to view the application and eligibility requirements.
ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS
New Online Tools Available to Help You Take Control of Energy Use!
To help our residential customers save money and become more energy efficient, we are now offering up to $300 per ton rebates for qualified HVAC central heat pumps, and up to $1,000 per unit for qualified heat pump water heaters. Invest in energy-saving technologies that can lead to long-term cost savings on utility expenses.
See how you can apply at ladwp.com/crp.
SAFETY MOMENT
MAY IS WATER SAFETY MONTH
Next month is national water safety month and here are tips to remember when recreating in or near water.
- Keep an Eye Out. The number one safety tip is to supervise your kids around any kind of water – from the beach to the bathtub
- Know how and when to administer CPR
- Swim in designated areas
- Always swim with a buddy
- If you go boating, wear a life jacket
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