Patrick Donnelly
@bitterwaterblue.bsky.social
Coming to you from a remote outpost on the edge of Death Valley. Great Basin director, Center for Biological Diversity & CBD Action Fund. Groundwater and endemic species. "Reviled for Refusal to Stick to Decorum."
http://linktr.ee/bitterwaterblue
http://linktr.ee/bitterwaterblue
Reposted by Patrick Donnelly
It’s hard to believe, it's already been three weeks since I married my love and #Teambuckwheat co-conspirator @bitterwaterblue.bsky.social in a beautiful ceremony in the Amargosa River Basin. 💕
November 17, 2025 at 2:36 AM
It’s hard to believe, it's already been three weeks since I married my love and #Teambuckwheat co-conspirator @bitterwaterblue.bsky.social in a beautiful ceremony in the Amargosa River Basin. 💕
ISO a used multiparamater water meter for taking field readings. DM me if you've got one lying around you don't need...
November 15, 2025 at 8:48 PM
ISO a used multiparamater water meter for taking field readings. DM me if you've got one lying around you don't need...
This cement plant & limestone mine would be directly in the communities of Moapa Valley in So. Nevada. Mining shouldn't just be able to roll into your town & ruin your homes & your way of life. Glad the Clark County Planning Commission saw how bad this project is.
nevadacurrent.com/2025/11/06/m...
nevadacurrent.com/2025/11/06/m...
Moapa residents win a round in bout against proposed cement plant • Nevada Current
Moapa residents opposing a planned mine and cement manufacturing facility in the area were handed a win Tuesday after the Clark County Planning Commission unanimously voted to deny a plan to rezone hu...
nevadacurrent.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:21 PM
This cement plant & limestone mine would be directly in the communities of Moapa Valley in So. Nevada. Mining shouldn't just be able to roll into your town & ruin your homes & your way of life. Glad the Clark County Planning Commission saw how bad this project is.
nevadacurrent.com/2025/11/06/m...
nevadacurrent.com/2025/11/06/m...
I've never met a mining executive who didn't immediately tell me that he was an environmentalist.
November 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM
I've never met a mining executive who didn't immediately tell me that he was an environmentalist.
Predicting wildflower blooms is a fool's errand. I'll just note that October rains often yield impressive desert blooms in spring. Germination gets a head start, if sufficient rain comes during the winter... 🌼🌺🌸
I'll also note that we've gotten over 20% of annual precipitation in the past 3 weeks 🤔
I'll also note that we've gotten over 20% of annual precipitation in the past 3 weeks 🤔
October 17, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Predicting wildflower blooms is a fool's errand. I'll just note that October rains often yield impressive desert blooms in spring. Germination gets a head start, if sufficient rain comes during the winter... 🌼🌺🌸
I'll also note that we've gotten over 20% of annual precipitation in the past 3 weeks 🤔
I'll also note that we've gotten over 20% of annual precipitation in the past 3 weeks 🤔
Reposted by Patrick Donnelly
Our planet faces a global #ExtinctionCrisis. Scientists predict that over 1 million species are on track for extinction.
But there’s still time to stop it — and we need your help.
Check out our current action alerts to tackle the extinction crisis from every angle.
Take action ➡️ bit.ly/4h2BWJ4
But there’s still time to stop it — and we need your help.
Check out our current action alerts to tackle the extinction crisis from every angle.
Take action ➡️ bit.ly/4h2BWJ4
October 17, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Our planet faces a global #ExtinctionCrisis. Scientists predict that over 1 million species are on track for extinction.
But there’s still time to stop it — and we need your help.
Check out our current action alerts to tackle the extinction crisis from every angle.
Take action ➡️ bit.ly/4h2BWJ4
But there’s still time to stop it — and we need your help.
Check out our current action alerts to tackle the extinction crisis from every angle.
Take action ➡️ bit.ly/4h2BWJ4
Data center load growth is accelerating climate change. No data centers are good for the climate, even if powered by renewables, because they are simply gobbling up those renewables which should be instead used to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Abundance is a myth.
Abundance is a myth.
October 17, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Data center load growth is accelerating climate change. No data centers are good for the climate, even if powered by renewables, because they are simply gobbling up those renewables which should be instead used to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Abundance is a myth.
Abundance is a myth.
We've just teamed up with the Amargosa Conservancy to launch a lawsuit against BLM's approval of mining exploration on the doorstep of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. We allege that this authorization violates the Endangered Species Act. Read more:
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
Lawsuit Launched to Stop New Mining Exploration Near Nevada’s Ash Meadows
SHOSHONE, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Amargosa Conservancy filed a formal notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for violating the Endangered Specie...
biologicaldiversity.org
October 16, 2025 at 10:24 PM
We've just teamed up with the Amargosa Conservancy to launch a lawsuit against BLM's approval of mining exploration on the doorstep of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. We allege that this authorization violates the Endangered Species Act. Read more:
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
My latest newsletter just dropped. The grand Greenlink plan string wires all across rural Nevada has hit some snags...
sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
Sage and Sand: NV Energy's Greenlink Debacle
Nevada’s Monopoly Utility Is Screwing the Pooch on Transmission, And We'll Take It
sageandsand.substack.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:37 PM
My latest newsletter just dropped. The grand Greenlink plan string wires all across rural Nevada has hit some snags...
sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
October 1st, Happy New Water Year to all those who celebrate.
October 1, 2025 at 12:06 PM
October 1st, Happy New Water Year to all those who celebrate.
Great Basin National Park:
The sublime beauty of an aspen stand in autumn; the horror of widespread conifer die-off.
The forests are telling us something. Will we listen?
The sublime beauty of an aspen stand in autumn; the horror of widespread conifer die-off.
The forests are telling us something. Will we listen?
September 27, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Great Basin National Park:
The sublime beauty of an aspen stand in autumn; the horror of widespread conifer die-off.
The forests are telling us something. Will we listen?
The sublime beauty of an aspen stand in autumn; the horror of widespread conifer die-off.
The forests are telling us something. Will we listen?
Climate folks who trivialize or disregard the threat of lithium battery fires look both foolish and hopelessly out of touch with the realities and perceptions of normal people.
September 26, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Climate folks who trivialize or disregard the threat of lithium battery fires look both foolish and hopelessly out of touch with the realities and perceptions of normal people.
Check out the latest edition of my newsletter, Sage and Sand. Today, I confront myths about the Endangered Species Act. Do fish getting listed mean that farmers use water? The answers will surprise you.
open.substack.com/pub/sageands...
open.substack.com/pub/sageands...
Sage and Sand: Fish Tales
Debunking myths about the Endangered Species Act, fish, and water in Nevada
open.substack.com
September 16, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Check out the latest edition of my newsletter, Sage and Sand. Today, I confront myths about the Endangered Species Act. Do fish getting listed mean that farmers use water? The answers will surprise you.
open.substack.com/pub/sageands...
open.substack.com/pub/sageands...
Wow, 61° this morning here on the edge of Death Valley. Coolest temp we've had here since May. With highs in the low 90s this week, we may be looking at an early exit from the hot season this year, which usually roughly extends to Sept 30.
September 12, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Wow, 61° this morning here on the edge of Death Valley. Coolest temp we've had here since May. With highs in the low 90s this week, we may be looking at an early exit from the hot season this year, which usually roughly extends to Sept 30.
Best way to ensure that I do not like you and immediately ignore what you say? Proclaim that you're a fan of AI. It's a clear dividing line in the sand. And I know what side I'm on, and it ain't the robots' side.
September 11, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Best way to ensure that I do not like you and immediately ignore what you say? Proclaim that you're a fan of AI. It's a clear dividing line in the sand. And I know what side I'm on, and it ain't the robots' side.
What is one basic scientific concept from your job that you wish everyone understood?
I'll start in the replies...
I'll start in the replies...
September 10, 2025 at 1:05 PM
What is one basic scientific concept from your job that you wish everyone understood?
I'll start in the replies...
I'll start in the replies...
You can have my NEPA when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.
September 9, 2025 at 7:25 PM
You can have my NEPA when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.
The Sonoyta mud turtle is clinging to existence at the beautiful and deeply imperiled Quitobaquito Spring in Organ Pipe Natl Mon. Border wall construction and groundwater pumping have already harmed it. @biologicaldiversity.org got it protected under the ESA in 2017.
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
International effort needed to save 'tough' turtles found in remote Pima County pond
For Star subscribers: It will take international cooperation — and about $1.5 million — to save Arizona's endangered Sonoyta mud turtle.
tucson.com
September 8, 2025 at 7:52 PM
The Sonoyta mud turtle is clinging to existence at the beautiful and deeply imperiled Quitobaquito Spring in Organ Pipe Natl Mon. Border wall construction and groundwater pumping have already harmed it. @biologicaldiversity.org got it protected under the ESA in 2017.
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
Riley passed away a few months ago. He had a long, wild ride on this Earth and devoted his time to conservation of the desert. From humble beginnings at the Devore animal shelter to desert wild man to his final resting place along the Amargosa River, join me on his journeys...
September 7, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Riley passed away a few months ago. He had a long, wild ride on this Earth and devoted his time to conservation of the desert. From humble beginnings at the Devore animal shelter to desert wild man to his final resting place along the Amargosa River, join me on his journeys...
The drought of 1924 sounds like the drought of 2021-2022, when all the desert holly defoliated. It still hasn't really recovered from the recent drought.
From Ken Lengner's brilliant new book, Death Valley Region, a Chronological & Pictorial History, Book 2 (1904-1925).
From Ken Lengner's brilliant new book, Death Valley Region, a Chronological & Pictorial History, Book 2 (1904-1925).
September 7, 2025 at 4:31 PM
The drought of 1924 sounds like the drought of 2021-2022, when all the desert holly defoliated. It still hasn't really recovered from the recent drought.
From Ken Lengner's brilliant new book, Death Valley Region, a Chronological & Pictorial History, Book 2 (1904-1925).
From Ken Lengner's brilliant new book, Death Valley Region, a Chronological & Pictorial History, Book 2 (1904-1925).
This @latimes.com @nohaggerty.bsky.social column is blaming John Muir for out of control wildfires? But doesn't mention the words climate change or drought?
The 10am policy predates the Wilderness Act by decades, motivated by preserving timber to cut it down later.
www.latimes.com/environment/...
The 10am policy predates the Wilderness Act by decades, motivated by preserving timber to cut it down later.
www.latimes.com/environment/...
To solve the wildfire crisis, we have to let the myth of ‘the wild’ die
To solve the wildfire crisis, we have to let the myth of ‘the wild’ die.
www.latimes.com
September 5, 2025 at 6:13 PM
This @latimes.com @nohaggerty.bsky.social column is blaming John Muir for out of control wildfires? But doesn't mention the words climate change or drought?
The 10am policy predates the Wilderness Act by decades, motivated by preserving timber to cut it down later.
www.latimes.com/environment/...
The 10am policy predates the Wilderness Act by decades, motivated by preserving timber to cut it down later.
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Well, that's a wrap on August here on the edge of Death Valley. The Tecopa weather station recorded 0.02" of rain. Average daily high 110.3°, low 73.3°, hottest day 119°, coolest day 101°. Monthly average temp of 93°, about 1.3° above 20-year average. Yes, it's getting hotter.
September 1, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Well, that's a wrap on August here on the edge of Death Valley. The Tecopa weather station recorded 0.02" of rain. Average daily high 110.3°, low 73.3°, hottest day 119°, coolest day 101°. Monthly average temp of 93°, about 1.3° above 20-year average. Yes, it's getting hotter.
We're working on scoping comments on an oil & gas lease sale in the beautiful White River Valley of eastern Nevada. Trump wants to give 20,000 acres to oil companies for fracking in a sensitive groundwater system. Obama-era FWS recommended withdrawing the area from leasing.
August 31, 2025 at 8:55 PM
We're working on scoping comments on an oil & gas lease sale in the beautiful White River Valley of eastern Nevada. Trump wants to give 20,000 acres to oil companies for fracking in a sensitive groundwater system. Obama-era FWS recommended withdrawing the area from leasing.
I fired up the old newsletter machine for the first time in a while. In it, I take a lay of the land of the Western public lands extraction boom. TLDR: it's chaos.
Read more: sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
Read more: sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
August 29, 2025 at 3:38 PM
I fired up the old newsletter machine for the first time in a while. In it, I take a lay of the land of the Western public lands extraction boom. TLDR: it's chaos.
Read more: sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
Read more: sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
Three cheers to @repdinatitus.bsky.social for speaking out against wasteful sprawl development in the Clark County lands bill, & for pointing the way to the future with mandatory affordable housing and strict water limits in development. More in @nevadacurrent.com: nevadacurrent.com/2025/08/28/i...
If a federal lands bill doesn't specify affordable housing, it won't create any, Titus says • Nevada Current
Any federal proposal to sell public lands should include guardrails to ensure affordable housing is built, have strict water limits on construction, and rely on more public input, U.S. Rep. Dina Titus...
nevadacurrent.com
August 28, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Three cheers to @repdinatitus.bsky.social for speaking out against wasteful sprawl development in the Clark County lands bill, & for pointing the way to the future with mandatory affordable housing and strict water limits in development. More in @nevadacurrent.com: nevadacurrent.com/2025/08/28/i...