The California Rice Commission interviewed the Conservancy’s John Roberts regarding rice production in the Sacramento Valley and the health of various NBHCP-covered aquatic species, including the Giant garter snake.
In the interview, Roberts notes that without water for rice and marsh complexes, NBHCP-covered species like the Giant garter snake and the Northwestern pond turtle could be severely and possibly permanently compromised. He further noted that in critically dry years, it is especially important to coordinate with other industries and interest groups to make the most of what reduced water is available. Rice production, he says, is critical component to maintaining populations of these important animals.