A Blessing in Disguise: The Return of Lake Tulare

A Blessing in Disguise: The Return of Lake Tulare

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For the Tachi Yokut, the return of Lake Tulare is a reminder of what was once there.

The lake sustained about 19,000 Yokut people and was home to fish, birds, and elk.

However, settlers arrived in the 1800s and transformed the lake and life for the Yokuts.

Until very recently!

The recent flood caused by climate change has revived the Lake Tulare.

However, it has destroyed crops and put farmers out of work.

But for the Indigenous people, the return of the lake is part of their healing process.

Yes, they do term it as the healing.

The lake's expansion has swallowed about 36,425 hectares of farmland, resulting in losses of $140m.

The government has signed an executive order to divert floodwater, remove debris, and repair levees.

Experts believe the lake should be restored as a habitat for fish.

The restoration of the lake could also provide ecological benefits and bring back a sense of normalcy to the environment.

In recent years, California's environmental policy has shifted to recognize Indigenous ways of managing land and water.

The idea of restoring Lake Tulare could provide a path forward for bringing back a sense of normalcy to the environment.

In conclusion, the return of Lake Tulare has brought mixed emotions for the people of California's Central Valley.

While the flooding has caused significant damage, it is also seen as a "blessing" by the Tachi Yokut, who welcome the return of the lake as part of their healing process.

The restoration of the lake could provide ecological benefits and bring back a sense of normalcy to the environment.