Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2016WA423B

Information Transfer Plan for the State of Washington Water Reseach Center

Institute: Washington
Year Established: 2016 Start Date: 2016-03-01 End Date: 2017-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $2,799 Total Non-Federal Funds: $9,146

Principal Investigators: Jonathan Yoder, Jennifer Adam

Project Summary: Washington and the entire Pacific Northwest are struggling with complex surface and ground water issues related to scientific, economic, global change, and social aspects of water quantity and quality. Water availability during drought in certain areas of the State has led to the most severe agricultural water curtailments in a decade, and drought frequency and intensity is expected to increase as the effects of global climate change and population growth continue to alter the supply and demand patterns. Even under normal circumstances, many watersheds are now facing the problem of allocating water between historic uses, future domestic demands, and ecosystems which require an understanding of the complex trade-offs involved, sound policy analysis, and effective communication between research and stakeholder communities to address. The primary objective of this project is to promote and sustain outreach and education activities, information transfer, and exchanges of knowledge related to regional water quantity and quality issues through a) personal communications and brochures, b) organization and participation in conferences, workshops, and seminars, c) participation in state review and advisory boards, d) developing and distributing analysis and data for stakeholders, e) providing faculty support for conference presentations and attendance, and f) internet-based targeted media dissemination. These activities will be conducted throughout the year with varying degrees of intensity depending in part on the opportunities that arise. Participating in the UCOWR/NIWR summer conference is also planned.