Great Salt Lake's Farmington Bay Faces Severe Drought Conditions The Great Salt Lake’s Farmington Bay is experiencing unprecedented low water levels due to Utah’s record-low snowpack, with the lakebed exposed in many areas and the water depth reduced to just inches. Officials from state and federal agencies, including Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, joined Utah politicians and state leaders for an airboat tour of the bay Saturday to assess the crisis and explore solutions to prevent further ecological damage. The visit highlighted the urgent need to address the declining water levels, which have reached levels typically seen in July after months of evaporation, despite a winter snowpack that provided only 8.3 inches of water equivalent. During the tour, participants boarded boats near the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, where the water was described as shallow, with depths ranging from 2 to 3 inches. The muddy lakebed was visible from the boats as they traveled at speeds nearing 40 mph. State Department of Environmental Quality officials noted that life jackets were not required, advising participants that “if you fall in, just stand up.” This stark contrast to typical spring conditions, when the lake would usually hold about a foot of water, underscored the severity of the situation. Officials emphasized that a healthy lake would maintain several feet of water, but the current state reflects a dire imbalance. Utah Senator John Curtis, a Republican, expressed pride in showcasing the lake’s beauty to Zeldin, despite its current state. Curtis highlighted the lake’s reputation for being salty and briny but noted that the tour revealed its natural splendor. “It’s hard to be out there without realizing the beauty of the lake,” he said after the tour.#environmental_protection_agency #great_salt_lake #farmington_bay #john_curtis #lee_zeldin
DC's Cherry Blossoms Approach Peak Bloom Amid Climate Shifts The cherry blossoms along the National Mall in Washington, DC, are nearing their peak bloom, drawing visitors eager to witness the annual floral spectacle. Despite a harsh winter with snowfall in early March, the trees are now rapidly blooming after a weekend of temperatures reaching 78 degrees. The National Park Service (NPS) tracks the blossoms through six stages, with peak bloom defined as the day when 70% of the flowers are fully open. The NPS posted on X on March 25, noting that at least a third of the Yoshino cherry trees remain in Stage 5—puffy white flowers—before the sun and rising temperatures could push the blooms into peak status. Officials estimate peak bloom will occur by Thursday, March 26. The trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, are central to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates their annual arrival. Historical data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveals a trend: peak bloom dates have shifted earlier by about seven to eight days since 1921. In 16 of the past 20 years, the bloom has occurred before April 3. Scientists attribute this shift to global warming, which has accelerated spring events like flowering. However, the EPA’s website, which previously detailed climate change indicators, was redirected in early 2025. A technical document on cherry blossom bloom dates remains accessible via search. Climate change is also influencing blooming patterns in other regions. In Seattle, University of Washington researchers found that Yoshino cherry trees are highly correlated with temperatures from February through early March.#national_park_service #national_mall #yoshino_cherry_trees #environmental_protection_agency #kew_gardens
