State Drought Planning in the Western U.S.: A Multi-RISA-Agency-NIDIS Collaboration

Abstract:

This project will bring together the western RISAs, agency partners (including NIDIS, NDMC, and WRCC), and WGA state drought decision-makers, as well and other agencies and stakeholders. We will conduct group meetings and a workshop (through web-based techniques) to understand user needs for drought decision-making and the potential of climate and drought information. To gain a deeper understanding of drought issues and stakeholder needs we will interview each of the WGA state drought managers, to explore the following dimensions: a) use of drought information; b) value of information; c) indicators and triggers; d) responses and adaptations; e) interstate and intrastate planning; f) underserved populations; and g) effectiveness of programs.