The Truckee River Flows Out of Lake Tahoe in California

question 46

Essay

The Truckee River flows out of Lake Tahoe in California, and travels northeast to drain into Pyramid Lake in Nevada.
a.The Truckee River corridor used to have a thriving cottonwood forest along its banks.
a.The tall cottonwoods arched over the river and created shade that maintained an optimal water temperature for the native trout.
a.In addition, the trees created a habitat for a number of other plants and animal species.
a.In the late 1900's, after a century of water diversions from the river, the younger cottonwoods were unable to grow because of the dry banks.
a.The cottonwood canopy was non-existent in most sections of the river.Recently, however, the native cui-ui fish in Pyramid Lake was listed as endangered.
a.Part of the recovery plan for the fish included substantial runs of water down the Truckee River.
a.After the higher water runs had been taking place for several years, a younger age category of cottonwood trees was observed to be thriving in sections of the river.What does this scenario tell us about the two different approaches to saving species?

---

Definitions:

Child-Welfare Workers

Professionals involved in protecting children from harm and ensuring their emotional and physical well-being, often employed by government or non-profit organizations.

Deliberate Action

An intentional, conscious behavior directed towards achieving a specific goal or outcome.

Kinship Care

A form of foster care in which a relative, usually a grandmother, becomes the approved caregiver.

Initiative Versus Guilt

Erikson’s third psychosocial crisis, in which young children undertake new skills and activities and feel guilty when they do not succeed at them.