Ranchers say water test results look encouraging

A water quality study conducted by University of California, Davis, researchers shows mostly low levels of bacteria in Stanislaus National Forest streams. Ranchers who graze cattle on the national forest lands welcomed the scientific data, saying they count on good water quality to maintain healthy livestock and a productive environment. Livestock producers who hold grazing permits on the Stanislaus National Forest in the central Sierra have been collaborating on the pilot water quality testing program. During a public meeting last week in Sonora, researchers announced the program will be expanded this summer to other national forests in California. Results of last summer's pilot testing program at more than 40 different locations on three grazing allotments in the forest showed mostly low, safe bacteria levels in streams. The bacteria standard set by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board is 200 fecal coliform units or less per 100 milliliters of water. For the most part, streams tested were below 100 units, with many registering bacteria levels of zero...more