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Energy The below normal runoff in streams, together with retention of as much water as possible in storage in reservoirs for other uses, has severely cut hydroelectric production of power thus far. If precipitation for the remainder of this year is at the lower quartile, 28 million barrels ($392,000,000) of oil above normal requirements will be needed to offset the lowered production of hydroelectric power. In addition, increased ground water pumping will require additional power. If precipita- tion is normal for the balance of the year, the requirement for additional oil would be reduced by about eight million barrels ($112,000,000). If 1976-77 is also dry, the loss of hydroelectric power in that year would also require above normal electrical production from other sources. The additional oil used would equal or exceed the 28 million barrels estimated for this year. Forest Management The lack of precipitation has caused the Division of Forestry to extend the fire season indefinitely in Southern Cali- fornia instead of terminatinq it in mid-December. The fire season was reopened in mid-January in the Central Coast area. The fuel conditions in the Southern Sierras are becomming criti- cal. Additional costs to date have approached a quarter of a million dollars in fire watch and fighting costs, even though contracts with counties have placed much of the cost on the counties. Domestic water is being hauled to some conservation camps. If normal rains begin, normal fire operations 'could be resumed. However, the summer season would be dryer than usual and could cause a longer and more serious fire season. If only lower quartile precipitation is received this spring, the Northern Sierra and the North Coast fire seasons would be reopened early and the seasons probably extended until rains are received next fall. The extreme dry conditions and increased proportion of dead material in the fuel mix this summer could cause closures of national forests and the attendant areas, affecting all uses of the areas. Recreation and timber harvest- ing could be affected where fire danger is severe. The natural resistance of forests to disease and insects is weakened by the lack of moisture. An increase in insect epidemics would be anticipated. An extension of the lower quartile precipitation through 1976 would magnify the problems anticipated this summer. In addition, fires will burn hotter, spread more quickly, and be much more difficult to control. Personnel for fire fighting could be a problem since the severe danger will likely result in a greater number of fires. . -22- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I