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April 2020 —Volume 15, Issue 2
Our Mission is to protect, monitor, restore, and regulate Morongo’s natural
resources, honoring and protecting all life, land, and traditions and enhancing
tribal sovereignty. We will promote environmental awareness and
environmentally considerate actions by exemplifying environmental stewards,
fostering collaborative relationships, expanding education and outreach
activities, and continuing to enrich and develop our programs.
April 2020 - Volume 15, Issue 2
Spring Time and Wildlife Written by: Jon Castillo, Environmental Technician
Spring is finally here and with it comes wildlife. We may not see as much
wildlife in the fall and winter seasons due to cold weather, rain, and low-light
days. Some of our wildlife will hibernate, which is when animals sleep through
the winter. During hibernation their heart rate, breathing, and temperature drop
to match the outside weather. In the spring, the days are longer, warmer, and
full of vegetation, which means we may see more animal activity.
Snakes are not active during cold weather, since they
are cold-blooded. Snakes are active when temperatures
reach between 70-90 degrees. Morongo has several
species of snakes including the gopher snake and
California kingsnake, which are both non-venomous. The red racer is
also non-venomous, but is very aggressive and should not be handled.
Rattlesnakes are common to Morongo and are venomous and
aggressive, which means DANGEROUS. Should you need assistance with a snake, call the
Morongo Tribal Police at 951-634-4810.
Morongo’s black bears usually don not hibernate because Southern California’s weather is
warm throughout the year, which makes food available year-round. Bears can be dangerous if
bothered or if you are too close to a mom’s cubs. Most black bears eat grasses, berries, and
human garbage, so keeping trash lids closed and pet foods inside will reduce the chance they
will find a food source in your yard.
Mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes can be dangerous. They are carnivores and feed on
other wildlife. Since other animals are now out feeding on green vegetation, these animals are
on the prowl for them. Pets can be targeted by these larger animals. They can get onto your
property to look for food. Mountain lions can carry double their weight. Usually coyotes will
hunt alone, but they can hunt in packs. Coyotes typically eat small animals like rats and
ground squirrels, so small pets may look appetizing to them.
Many birds migrate to Morongo’s canyons by the hundreds. Look up in
the sky and you might see a golden eagle or a red-tailed hawk. These
great birds are also carnivores and are powerful enough to take small pets
as food. They mostly feast on small rodents, snakes, and rabbits. A golden
eagle’s wing span can be up to 7 feet, and they can be 3 feet tall.
Wildlife can be amazing to see, but please respect our wildlife and be
cautious when in the canyons. Remember that this is their home too.
Reference: Snake Protection—https://www.snakeprotection.com/snake_bite_blog/view/2085/snakes-
less-active-in-winter--but-don-t-hibernate
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Climate Change, Wildfires, and You
2-3
Are You Smoke Ready?
3
How Unmanaged Grazing Impacts Water Quality
4
Why Should we Care About Textiles
5
Portable Air Monitoring Sensors
6
Upcoming Events 7
Air Quality Awareness Week
8
This newsletter was printed on 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper. Thank you for recycling it when finished!
April 2020 —Volume 15, Issue 2 2
Wildfires are not unusual for Southern California and the
Tribe has taken measures to protect the community from wildfire
damage including maintaining fuel breaks, completing wildland
fuels reduction projects to thin flammable vegetation, emergency
and disaster planning, air monitoring, and providing community
public health notifications during poor air quality events. Yet,
our local climate is changing rapidly and, as a result of our
changing climate, we can expect to experience more frequent and
intense wildfires than we have in the past. This will require
additional planning and adaptation measures to ensure community health, environment, and property
are protected from potentially catastrophic wildfires occurring on and off of the reservation.
How is climate change contributing to catastrophic wildfires?
The average temperature of the earth has warmed 2.2 °F over the last 100 years due to increased
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activities (primarily burning fossil fuels). This
warming means different things for different geographic regions but, overall, this rapid warming is
causing a rapid shift in our “normal” climate patterns. The Southwest Region of the United States can
expect (and is already experiencing) increased average daily temperatures (hotter days and more
frequent heat waves) and variable precipitation patterns (extreme rain events and prolonged droughts).
Because these natural cycles are changing, we are seeing changes in vegetation patterns in our area.
Years with increased precipitation result in an influx of non-native weeds and grasses which means more
fuel for wildfires during hot and dry summer months. Years of drought cause stress to native plants and
trees, making them more susceptible to disease, death, and wildfire. We are also seeing shorter wet
seasons and longer dry seasons, increasing the length and intensity of the ‘wildfire season’
where we have increased amounts of very dry vegetation.
What does this mean for you?
Wildfires will be more frequent so you should take steps to
prevent and prepare for wildfires. Steps you can take include
creating and maintaining a defensible space around your home,
planting fire-resistant landscaping, preparing your family for quick
evacuations, and creating/maintaining your emergency supplies.
Also, air quality will be hazardous to your health during
wildfire events. See page 3 of this newsletter for Smoke Ready tips
to protect your family’s health during wildfire events.
You may also experience more frequent power outages from
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Southern California Edison
(SCE) is taking actions to reduce the risk of overhead power lines
igniting a wildfire. Most wires are bare which can contribute to a wildfire ignition if a tree
branch or palm frond comes into contact with the bare wire creating a spark. SCE is improving
their power delivery system by installing insulated wires and removing dead, dying, or
diseased trees around power lines in high wildfire risk areas. SCE is also utilizing proactive
public safety power shutoffs in extreme and potentially
dangerous weather conditions to reduce the risk of
wildfire caused by their equipment failure or accidental
sparks from downed power lines. You may begin to
experience more frequent Public Safety Power Shutoff
Climate Change, Wildfires, and You Written by: Dana Morey, Environmental Manager
Visit
www.readyforwildfire.org
for more information on
preparing for wildfire!
(Continued on page 3)
April 2020 —Volume 15, Issue 2 3
Are You Smoke Ready? Written by: Jessica Southard, Administrative Assistant
With predictions of more frequent wildfires, we need to take action to protect our health during poor
air quality events. Exposure to smoke and ash can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. They can
make you cough or wheeze, and can make it hard to breathe. While we are all at risk, those with
respiratory problems and heart disease are the most vulnerable.
The most effective way to protect yourself during these smoke events is to stay indoors or
limit your time outdoors. You’ll also need to ensure you have proper indoor air filtration. There
are two effective options for improving air filtration in the home. The first is upgrading the
central air system filter to a higher efficiency filter, such as a MERV (Minimum Efficiency
Reporting Value) 9-12, 13-16, or 17-20 (based on your system’s capabilities).
These and HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can reduce particles
by as much as 95 percent. If you can’t switch filters, running the system
continuously by switching the thermostat from “auto” to “on”, has been shown
to reduce particle concentrations by as much as 24 percent.
The second way to improve indoor air filtration is with a portable air
cleaner. Portable air cleaners, fitted with high efficiency filters, can reduce
indoor air particle concentrations by as much as 85 percent. They range widely in price, but
typically those that cost less than $200 do not clean the air as well, and may not be helpful for
wildfire smoke. Also, ozone generators should never be used in homes or other occupied spaces.
While limiting your time outdoors during a smoke event is suggested, if you must be
outdoors, make sure to protect your lungs by wearing a respirator device. N95 or P100
particulate respirator masks should cover your nose and mouth and fit tightly to your face.
Please note, respirators are not sized for children and do not seal well with facial hair.
For more detailed information, and to learn how to protect your pets and livestock, see the
Smoke Ready Fact sheets, on our resources webpage at https://morongonation.org/images/
pdf/SmokeyReadyFacts.pdf. More information from California Air Resource Board (CARB) on
certified air cleaning devices and air cleaner info. for consumers can be found https://
ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/air-cleaners-ozone-products/air-cleaner-information-
consumers.
events as fire risk increases and especially during high wind events.
Plan and prepare for these power outages in advance. For tips on
power outage preparation, visit https://www.ready.gov/power-outages.
Remember, always use generators, camp stoves, and charcoal grills
OUTSIDE and in a well ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning in your home.
Do your part to prevent wildfire ignition.
Finally, wildfires are rarely ignited from natural sources.
Approximately 95% of wildfires are caused by human activity or a
man-made source. Help to prevent wildfires by burning safely and
preventing sparks while using outdoor equipment, operating vehicles, and when target shooting. See
www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/ for more information!
References: NAU ITEP —Climate Change and Wildfire
www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tcc/docs/resources/om_WildfireFactSheet_081512.pdf; SCE—Wildfire Safety
Measures www.sce.com/safety/wildfire
(Continued from page 2—Climate Change, Wildfires, and You) Stay informed!
Sign up to receive notifications of
Public Safety Power Shutoff
events and other outages for your
specific address or by zip code.
Visit www.sce.com/wildfire for
instructions on how to sign up!
Or view the areas impacted by
PSPS events here:
www.sce.com/wildfire/psps
April 2020 —Volume 15, Issue 2 4
Cattle in the canyons are such a normal sight at Morongo,
most people hardly give them a second thought. But when
cattle are allowed unlimited access to water resources, they
can have a big impact on water quality and the health of
waterbodies.
Manure in and around streams
If cattle spend the majority of time in and around the
water, then their manure will also end up in and around the
water. Nutrients and pathogens from inside the digestive
system of cattle can enter the water. This can reduce the
amount of dissolved oxygen available to aquatic life, can
disrupt the aquatic ecosystem and change the species composition, as well as have human health
consequences. Manure can contain pathogens, like E. coli, that can make people sick with
gastrointestinal illness.
Vegetation removal and soil compaction
When the native vegetation is removed, invasive species have an opportunity to become established.
Also, the riparian area’s ability to filter pollutants is reduced. Less water is absorbed by the ground, so
the water velocity is increased and more erosion occurs. Erosion can add excess sediment to the stream,
which can harm aquatic organisms. The likelihood of flooding is increased while the amount of
groundwater recharge (which supplies Morongo’s drinking water) is reduced.
Streambank damage
Cattle trampling over streambanks changes the shape and structure of the channel. This increases
bank instability, which can lead to erosion and the disconnection of a stream from its riparian
area/floodplain. The balance of sediment in the stream can be disrupted. The habitat of aquatic
animals can also be damaged.
What can help?
In order to prevent the impacts described above,
cattle should be kept out of waterways when
possible. There are several troughs on the
reservation that provide alternate sources of water
for livestock. Managing the areas where cattle are
allowed, and reducing the time they are able to
spend in waterways, can also reduce grazing
pressure. This can be accomplished by following a
grazing plan and making sure that fences and gates
around waterways are well maintained. Keeping the
riparian area healthy provides a buffer to protect
water quality and helps reduce grazing impact.
People can avoid adding to damage caused by cattle by doing what they can to leave native
plants in place around waterbodies. These actions can lead to healthier waterways and cleaner
water for cattle, wildlife, and people.
Interested in learning more?
https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/sources-and-solutions-agriculture
https://extension.psu.edu/programs/nutrient-management/educational/best-management-
practices/stream-bank-fencing-green-banks-clean-streams
https://www.nal.usda.gov/waic/water-quality
How Unmanaged Grazing Impacts Water Quality Written by: Kimberly Miller, Environmental Specialist II
This gate at the Bog allows people in while
keeping cattle out
April 2020 —Volume 15, Issue 2 5
Textiles are materials and items made of natural or synthetic fibers, which includes items made of
thread, yarn, fabric, or cloth. Examples of textiles are cloth covers, rugs, clothes, car seat upholstery, bed
linens, towels, etc. Textiles are essential and play a major role in providing comfort, protection, and
aesthetics to everyone’s life. However, textiles also have negative impacts on natural resources and the
environment, which should be considered when purchasing and disposing of textiles.
According to CalRecycle, textiles are the 6th most prevalent material type found in municipal waste
streams from families. Each year, about eighty two pounds of textiles are thrown away per person. The
US is the largest importer of textiles and about 98% of all textiles in the US are imported. This means,
all textiles in the US travel a great distance before arriving in people’s homes. Currently, textiles are
responsible for 10% of the global carbon emissions and, by 2050, the fashion industry will use 25% of the
world’s carbon budget.
CalRecycle discovered that 95% of disposed textiles
found in the waste streams were reusable and/or
recyclable. However, once they become commingled with
non-textiles such as food, trash, and other substances,
they become unusable and unrecoverable. In a study
conducted by CalRecycle, it was estimated that consumers
now purchase at least sixty eight articles of clothing each
year whereas in the 1980’s, consumers only purchased
twelve different articles of clothing per year.
Although there are environmental impacts associated
with the textile industry, many companies are now
recognizing the harm that excess textiles have on the world. Companies such as H&M,
Patagonia, Volcom, and Adidas will soon begin implementing a “closed loop” recycle program.
It’s a voluntarily step that will encourage others to take back their textile products from
consumers in order to be recycled. Eighteen hundred gallons of water is used to create a new
pair of jeans, thus it is always better to reuse existing materials rather than deplete natural
resources.
Currently, donation systems (e.g. Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.)
resell 10-15% of the total volume received, 5% go to landfills, and
80% of the textiles are sold to brokers, recycled, or stored in
warehouses. Since many consumers want to buy new items rather
than buying secondhand, it is projected that secondhand stock will
more than double from 29 billion to 51 billion articles of clothing by
2023.
Some ways to reduce environmental impacts caused by textile
consumption is to buy less, buy better quality, repair, recycle, and
donate textiles. At Morongo, there are four Salvation Army Bins
located at Upper Campus, Public Works, and Lower Campus. Also,
limiting urges to purchase new textiles will go a long way to reduce
additional products from being manufactured. Lastly, going to
secondhand sellers such as Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other
thrift stores to purchase clothing will reduce your impact on the environment.
References: CalRecycle—Textiles https://calrecycle.ca.gov/ReduceWaste/Textiles/; Fashion Blog—What
happens to Textile Waste? https://thesustainablefashionblog.co.uk/what-happens-to-textile-waste-2/
Why Should We Care About Textiles? Written by: Brandon Gutierrez, Environmental Specialist
Textiles found in landfills
April 2020 —Volume 15, Issue 2 6
Portable Air Monitoring Sensors Written by: Pamela Atcitty, Environmental Specialist II
The Need for Portable Air Sensors
Air pollution is a global problem. This is especially true in large, rapidly
growing cities with many air pollution sources that can affect the air we
breathe. Before the air pollution problem is tackled, air quality must first
be measured, which is not an easy task because fixed-based air monitors
are usually located too far apart and do not represent a community as a
whole. To assist in understanding more about our local air quality, a new
generation of small, portable, and inexpensive air monitoring sensors have
revolutionized air pollution measurements. These air sensors, which have
the capability to measure one pollutant or a wide range of air pollutants,
are being deployed everywhere around the globe, by the general public and
governments alike, to measure air quality in real-time. These new sensors which connect to the internet,
compile massive datasets of air quality. The result is a dramatic improvement in measuring pollution
and a wealth of information to guide the process of making the air we breathe, safer for human health.
However, to take advantage of portable air sensors, we must first understand the difference between
these portable air sensors and EPA regulatory air monitoring.
Regulatory Air Monitoring vs. Portable Air Sensors
To evaluate air quality, EPA, states, and tribes place fixed-based air quality monitors in high
population and high pollution areas across the United States. These types of instruments, that meet
strict regulations are very expensive to purchase and maintain. Because these regulatory air monitoring
stations are used to make decisions that may affect health and may impose costs to improve air quality,
EPA requires rigorous air quality assurance and quality control procedures for these types of monitoring
stations. EPA is very confident that the air quality measurements these types of monitors
provide are accurate. In comparison to regulatory air monitoring, portable air quality sensors
are less expensive, designed to be low maintenance, and require minimal training to operate,
so anyone willing to purchase can operate an air sensor. Air quality sensors and their instant
digital platform allows for more measurements over space and time. Air sensor data is helpful
in exposure pattern identification, inspiring behavioral changes, and educating people about
air pollution where they live, work and play. However, because anyone can purchase and
operate, air sensors may provide less accurate
measurements than regulatory monitors. Another
drawback is they may not operate well in extreme
environments.
Portable Air Sensors on Morongo Reservation
Morongo Tribal Air Program recently purchased two
PurpleAir Particulate Matter (PM) portable sensors and
deployed them on the Reservation. Our goal is to provide
the community with up-to-date air quality conditions and
peace of mind with our new sensors, existing monitoring
station, and School Flag program. To view Morongo’s
current raw PM data from our new sensors, visit
PurpleAir.com and select “Map”. The circled numbers
represent a sensor. Click on the sensor to view details.
Reference: EPA-How to Use Air Sensors: Air Sensor Guidebook
https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox/how-use-air-sensors-
air-sensor-guidebook Morongo PM data on
PurpleAir.com
Various portable, low-cost air
April 2020 —Volume 15, Issue 2 7
Upcoming Events
Event Services:
Document Shredding
E-waste Recycling
Medication Disposal
General Recycling
Community
Center
Parking Lot
Wednesday, June 10th, 2020
Annual Declutter &
Recycle Event!
Tires, Oils, Household Chemicals, Paints, Pesticides, Batteries,
Sharps, and Electronics
Household Hazardous Waste & Electronic Waste
Drop-Off
Saturday,
April 4, 2020
9am to 12pm
Behind Public Works
For more information,
call 755-5298
Friday, April 24th, 2020 10am-2pm
at Morongo Admin. 12700 Pumarra Rd.
Native American High
School Summer
Internship Program
Apply with the Morongo HR Dept. at
Morongo Admin. *More details available at:
https://morongonation.org/native-american-intern
An opportunity for Native American students to
explore professional work experience in the
environmental field.
When: 5 Weeks- June 9 - July 16, 2020
Details: Open to current 8th -11th grade students
Applications Due: May 1, 2020
Shop unwanted, usable household products
Behind Public Works
For more information,
call 755-5298
Saturday,
April 4, 2020
9am to 12pm
Products: Paints Cleaning Products
Pool/Lawn Care Vehicle Care Electronics
*Actual available products may vary
Unfortunately, we have made the decision to cancel our 2020 Earth Day event. This decision was made following the direction of Morongo Tribal Council
and the California Department of Public Health, and out of an abundance of caution, in an effort to help
slow the spread of coronavirus and protect the Morongo Community. We apologize for any
inconvenience this may cause.
April 2020 —Volume 15, Issue 2 8
Environmental Protection Dept. 12700 Pumarra Road Banning, CA 92220
If you would like to receive electronic versions of the Morongo Environmental Protection Department’s Quarterly
Newsletter and information on other Environmental Events, sign up at www.morongonation.org/content/environmental-
newsletter-email-signup or email [email protected] and request to be added to the list! Prefer a copy mailed to you,
no problem! You can sign up at www.morongonation.org/content/newsletter or email us at [email protected]
This newsletter was printed on 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper. Thank you for recycling it when finished!
Air Quality Awareness Week Written by: Jessica Southard, Administrative Assistant
May is designated as “Improving Our Nation’s Air” month and EPA will celebrate Air Quality
Awareness Week from May 4-8, 2020. The Morongo Environmental Protection Department feels it is
important for the Morongo community to be knowledgeable about air quality, and how it effects our
health and the environment. To help celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week, we will focus on the
following daily topics that week:
Mon. 5/4 - Wildfires & Smoke
Tues. 5/5 - Asthma & Your Health
Wed. 5/6 - Where’s Your AQI Coming From?
Thur. 5/7 - Air Quality Around the World
Fri. 5/8 - Join us in learning how to improve
our Air Quality and protect our health! Plus
there will be a raffle!
Details about these topics will be posted to the
EPD webpage at https://morongonation.org/air-
quality-update.
More information can be found: https://www3.epa.gov/
airnow/airaware/