What happened to the Kesterson Wildlife Refuge?

In 1986, Kesterson was removed from the wildlife refuge list and was handed over to the USBR as a contaminated site to be cleaned up. The San Luis drain was closed and all inflow of agricultural drainage water was stopped, and the ponds were drained.

What caused the Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge to lose birds in 1983?

Selenium triggered massive wildlife deformities in birds at the Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge in Merced County in the early 1980s. The deformities were caused by selenium in drainage water from the Westlands Water District moving up the food chain into the birds nesting at Kesterson.

How did Kesterson Wildlife Refuge become contaminated?

Selenium toxicity became a problem shortly after drainage tiles were installed at Kesterson. Initially (from 1971 to 1978), the reservoir received only fresh water. In 1978 this began to change and by 1981, all water coming into the Kesterson Reservoir was saline drainage water.

What element was responsible for death of birds at Kesterson Wildlife Refuge?

At Kesterson, scientists concluded that selenium toxicity passed up through the food chain caused 88 percent of bird deaths and deformities.

What is the Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge?

The Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge was an artificial wetland environment, created using agricultural runoff from farmland in California ‘s Central Valley . The irrigation water is transported to the valley from sources in the Sierra Nevada via the California Aqueduct.

What are some good quotes to say about wildlife?

“If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. “Never apologize for being over sensitive and emotional when defending the welfare of wildlife. Let this be a sign that you have a big heart and aren’t afraid to show your true feelings.

Can We Stand by in silence while our wildlife is being abused?

“Humanity can no longer stand by in silence while our wildlife are being used, abused and exploited. It is time we all stand together, to be the voice of the voiceless before it’s too late. Extinction means forever.” “children who spent time in green spaces between the ages of seven and twelve tend to think of nature as magical.

Should you apologize for being over sensitive when defending wildlife?

“Never apologize for being over sensitive and emotional when defending the welfare of wildlife. Let this be a sign that you have a big heart and aren’t afraid to show your true feelings.