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Improving Drought Preparedness in the West

 

Droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe across the West, which is why Western Governors have long advocated for a comprehensive, integrated response to drought emergencies.  The Governors’ resolution emphasizes drought preparedness, improved forecasting and monitoring, and effective delivery of drought response programs.  One key step was achieved with the passage of the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006.  Since that time, WGA has worked with NOAA and other partners to establish drought.gov and to improve early warning systems, provide decision-support tools, and improve delivery of drought response programs for the end-users on the ground who are most affected by drought emergencies.  Over the last year, the WGA and Western States Water Council convened a series of stakeholder meetings across the country to continue to continue to strengthen the provision of drought services.

Recognizing that a decade of drought has severely impacted communities, economies and the natural environment, Western Governors are working to improve drought forecasting and promote drought preparedness throughout the region. WGA held a series of meetings in 2010 with end-users of drought information.  In January 2011 the WGA and Western States Water Council produced the report, “Improving Drought Preparedness in the West:  Findings and Recommendations.”  It focuses primarily on three areas:

  • Strengthening the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS);
  • Improving drought preparedness and planning; and 
  • Identifying the role of states and other stakeholders in shaping climate services.

As a part of this series of workshops, WGA and WSWC hosted a September 2010 Workshop on Drought, Water and Climate: Using today’s information to design tomorrow’s services.   Participants included water managers, policy makers and agency leaders from across the U.S.  The workshop agenda and presentations are linked here.

Workshop presentations: