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 epd@morongo-nsn.gov 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 epd@morongo-nsn.gov

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/