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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #410691
Research Project: Science and Technologies for the Sustainable Management of Western Rangeland Systems

Location: Range Management Research

Title: Working with land managers via the Southwest Drought Learning Network

Author
item ANEY, SKYE - New Mexico State University
item Elias, Emile
item BURNETT, REANNA - New Mexico State University
item DINAN, MAUDE - New Mexico State University
item Deswood, Helena
item Kramer, Lauren
item RAMSEY, PAIGE - New Mexico State University
item SILBER-COATS, NOAH - New Mexico State University
item STEELE, CAITI - New Mexico State University

Submitted to: Society of Range Management
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2023
Publication Date: 2/1/2024
Citation: Aney, S., Elias, E.H., Burnett, R., Dinan, M., Deswood, H., Kramer, L.R., Ramsey, P., Silber-Coats, N., Steele, C. 2024. Working with land managers via the Southwest Drought Learning Network. Society of Range Management. Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Drought is common in the Southwest, posing challenges for resource managers. Helpful tools and creative solutions exist but widespread awareness of them is often lacking, especially across large geographies or among diverse agencies. The Southwest Drought Learning Network (DLN) is a peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing network for climate service providers and resource managers. The network formed via a collaboration between the National Drought Mitigation Center, the National Integrated Drought Information System, and the USDA Southwest Climate Hub, other organizations joining over time. The network follows a constellation model, relying on topic-focused working groups. In addition to sharing information among network participants through an online workspace and regularly held meetings, the groups also work toward collaborative goals. Goals are determined annually, and are rooted in current needs, to maintain relevance. Communication follows two paths: directly within the network and outside through adjacent connections. Through the larger DLN, we have connected with managers to share relevant drought information through intra-network interaction, in-person field days, topical webinars and regular monthly drought briefing webinars. Teams produced videos, a drought-focused podcast special series, quick reference lists for agricultural producers, and 22 case studies highlighting success stories published in partnership with the Conservation and Adaptation Resources Toolbox team. Via the DLN social media and word of mouth we have shared drought tools to a wider audience. Through these collaborative efforts, we hope to increase drought resilience and foster shared learning.