EMPOWERING OREGON COMMUNITIES TO ACT AGAINST WATER SCARCITY THROUGH GEOLOGIC MAPS, INNOVATIVE OUTREACH, AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Oregon is known for its abundance of water — along the dramatic Pacific coastline, in snowcapped mountains, in 150,000 km of streams and rivers, and in thousands of lakes. Despite Oregon’s rainy, wet, and green reputation, two-thirds of the state is arid high desert that lies east of the Cascade Range rain shadow. While eastern Oregon communities have long dealt with limited water, population growth and climate change are increasing water demands, turning a perennial concern into an ongoing water crisis. The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) plays a major role in advancing water resource conservation and sustainability in Oregon, by creating high-resolution, data-rich geologic maps and by investing in strategic relationships with Oregon’s communities and state and federal partners. Geologic maps are critical for establishing the stratigraphic framework needed to evaluate the 3D geometry and capacity of aquifers, identify flow barriers, model recharge, estimate long-term supply and extraction costs, and assess water quality and contamination risks. As DOGAMI produces more maps to support hydrologic studies, the agency must innovate outreach techniques and effectively communicate information in an engaging and digestible format so that stakeholders can make informed management, risk reduction, and mitigation decisions. DOGAMI, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency Cooperating Technical Partners (FEMA CTP), aims to raise awareness about water scarcity, the application of geologic maps to the problem, and to develop a coordinated communications strategy. Initial outreach work is focused on eastern Oregon communities in Umatilla and Harney counties, where recent U.S. Geological Survey STATEMAP-funded geologic mapping characterizes the geo-stratigraphic framework and conditions controlling the distribution of water resources. DOGAMI is working to create engaging brochures, fact sheets, and Esri™ Story Maps that are accessible, understandable, and usable. We will directly connect with communities through workshops and field trips. Distilling complex scientific information into concise and engaging formats will both inform and intrigue the public to learn more about these issues and empower them to act to build a sustainable future.