AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO ACTIONABLE SCIENCE FOR DROUGHT MANAGEMENT IN THE COLORADO RIVER BASIN

The Colorado River Basin (Basin) is one of the most important river systems in the western United States, providing water for more than 40 million people, vast agricultural lands, recreation, and mining. The Basin has been experiencing severe drought in the last two decades, posing substantial challenges for water management and sustainability. Integrated scientific research has led to the development of models and tools to improve forecasting and management of natural resources in the Basin. These models incorporate a range of data sources and disciplines, including remote sensing, stream discharge, water quality, geologic data, and weather forecasting.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) ASIST (Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology) initiative is a collaborative approach that brings together scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers to develop key practicable solutions to complex environmental challenges in the Basin. The approach incorporates a range of scientific disciplines, including hydrology, climatology, ecology, geology, and socio-economics, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the system and to provide information needed to inform management decisions.

Through a series of collaborative workshops focused on partner science needs in the Basin, the ASIST team is working to develop a diverse range of co-produced projects that address the following science questions: 1) What are the most severe impacts of hydrologic drought to Basin ecosystems (river and upland areas)? 2) How can science inform planning and management for adapting to extreme drought conditions impacting the Basin long-term? and 3) How can science identify and characterize cascading and compounding hazards of long-term drought in the Basin and the resulting impacts to natural resources?

We present an overview of the 2023 collaborative workshop series and preliminary outcomes such as recommended co-produced science projects and priority science, data, or information products. We also discuss opportunities to streamline and expand access and usability of our data and science products. Integrated science approaches and collaboration among Basin stakeholders are critical for effective drought management to ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources in the Basin.