Hydro 21

Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 19:49:34 -0500
To: "E  - All WRD Employees"
From: "Robert M Hirsch, Chief Hydrologist, Reston, VA " (Robert Hirsch)
Subject: WRD Memorandum No. 96.34, Subject: "Hydro 21"
Cc: "File WRD Archive Reston, VA ",
        "Thomas H Yorke Jr., Chief, Office of Surface Water, Reston, VA ",
        "Nick B Melcher, District Chief, AZ, Tucson, AZ ",
        "Joanne C Taylor, Secretary (Typing), Reston, VA "



In Reply Refer To:                              August 9, 1996
Mail Stop 415



WATER RESOURCES DIVISION MEMORANDUM NO. 96.34

Subject:  "Hydro 21"

To ensure the effectiveness and vitality of the hydrologic-data program of
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), it is imperative that we continue to
identify and incorporate relevant new technologies into our field
operations.  The increasing demands for hydrologic data coupled with level
or declining budgets require that we continually search for new methods of
collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data to increase the efficiency of
our data programs.  For these reasons, we have initiated an effort entitled
"Hydro 21" and have assembled a workgroup to develop mechanisms by which
new technologies are identified and incorporated in our operational
programs.  The core participants in this workgroup are Ralph Cheng,
National Research Program; Bob Bubeck, Western Region Staff; and Nick
Melcher, Arizona District Chief (chair).

The near-term objective of the workgroup is to establish a plan for
identifying new or existing technologies that may have application within
USGS hydrologic- data networks.  The plan will be drafted this fiscal year
so that work may proceed during fiscal year 1997.  The core group will be
calling upon skills and resources from many groups within the USGS as the
"Hydro 21" initiative develops.

As we meet with cooperators and data users throughout the country, we
continue to hear of the value of our hydrologic-data programs and the
critical need for quality, unbiased data.  We also hear concerns about the
cost of data collection, the limitations of our data networks, and the
timely dissemination of data.  The accolades and concerns that have been
communicated underscore the critical importance of the success of this
initiative.  Please extend to the workgroup your cooperation as they
proceed with this very ambitious and important Division initiative.


                                        (signed)

                                       Robert M. Hirsch
                                       Chief Hydrologist

Distribution:  E

This WRD memorandum does not supersede any previous WRD memorandum.





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Robert M. Hirsch                Phone:  703/648-5215
Chief Hydrologist               Fax:    703/648-5002
409 National Center             Internet:  rhirsch@usgs.gov
U.S. Geological Survey
Reston, VA  20192
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