b'NID continued from page 21WILDFIRE RISKAnother aspect of climate change is the increase in the number of catastrophic fires. NIDs forest work reduces the impact of wildfire and protects watersheds.Post-fire soil erosion is a serious concern. After a fire, the loss of tree roots and vegetative cover accelerates the rate of erosion, which can lead to debris flows. If post-burn sediment washes into NID canals and reservoirs, it jeopardizes water quality.NIDs Bear River Wildfire Recovery Project addresses problems caused by the River Fire, which scorched 2,600 acres in 2021. NID owns 320 acres in that burn scar on the steep slopes of the Bear River canyon. The Bear River is integral to NIDs water conveyance infrastructure.The District removed hazardous trees and installed erosion control structures to protect the Bear River from debris and sediment. INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTSTo deliver water to Nevada and Placer counties, NID depends on 500 miles of canals and 400 miles of pipeline. Its a constant challenge to keep the aging infrastructure in good repair. And as climate change takes hold, its even more important to keep the system water flowing efficiently.The District has invested to strengthen its delivery system. The projects are diverse, such as the enormous $27 million Combie Phase 1 Canal and Bear River Syphon that encased an open canal to reduce evaporation, to replacing an inefficient, old storage tank with a three-million-gallon concrete tank at Alta Sierra Reservoir.In addition, new measuring devices and gauging stations have been installed to monitor surface water conditions. And in the mountains, NID has modified the Wilson Creek diversion dam structure to ensure diverted flows are measurable and accurate.CONSERVATION Water first flows through the Combie Phase I Canal. (#6 ON MAP)One of the keys in adapting to a changing climate is making water conservation a way of life. Using water efficiently meansas an organization and as a community to think about water more water is availableto serve our growing water needs. differently. I am confident that we will adapt and become more A changing climate is transforming our life. On the brightefficient in the way we manage and use our precious resource, side, Id like to think that our changing climate is forcing usHanson said.AUBURN 2023 FORD MACH-EFORDFamily Owned & Operated for 40 yearsAuthorized Service & Parts DepartmentsLarge Selection of New & Quality Pre-owned VehiclesBlue Oval Certified Ford Dealership(530)823-6591 auburnford.net 1650 GRASS VALLEY HWYAUBURN (AT LUTHER RD.)Nevada County Business Focus 23'