Gary R. Zahm: Loss of irrigation will have no impact on condor, kit fox or vernal pools
Re “Feds favor smelt at expense of Valley species” (Page 13A, Dec. 2): Tony Francois’ statement of the diversion of “water of life” by federal water managers from endangered Valley wildlife species for Delta smelt protection, is nothing but an emotional fabrication. Vernal pools (filled only by annual rainfall) which host various species of fairy shrimp, the California tiger salamander and unique compositions of vernal pool wildflowers, and the associated grassy uplands containing prime habitat for the San Joaquin kit fox are not threatened by water diversions, but from the incessant conversion of this unique foothill habitat for thousands of acres of new and water-thirsty almond orchards.
The California condor, which nests in remote rocky crags within forested foothills, is not a water-dependent species but receives its liquids from dead carrion. It is also very doubtful that kayakers are “regularly engaging in recreation” in arid kit fox habitat. His verbose bashing of federal water managers is just another verse from a very over-played song of unsubstantiated accusations.
Gary R. Zahm, Los Banos
This story was originally published December 5, 2016 at 3:11 PM with the headline "Gary R. Zahm: Loss of irrigation will have no impact on condor, kit fox or vernal pools."