We at the Center for Watershed Sciences extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mike Taugher, a former California environmental journalist much admired for his amiable personality and the high level of commitment, depth and talent he brought to coverage of water issues. Mike died July 27 while snorkeling in Hawaii on vacation.

"Mike's death is tragic on lots of levels," said Peter Moyle, associate director of the Center. "He was a really good reporter who checked things carefully."

Mike won several awards for his environmental coverage at the Contra Costa Times, particularly his stories on endangered species and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. "Mike was one of the most dogged and deep-thinking of our endangered species of water reporters," said Jay Lund, the Center's director.

Mike's sincerity and decency endeared him to many. "I liked, admired and enjoyed him," said Jeffrey Mount, the Center's founding director. "A wonderful life cut way too short".