Webcast: Drought Planning Toolbox: State Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation

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Drought is becoming an increasingly important issue for planners at the local, regional and state levels. Drought impacts vary by region, but it affects everything from the most obvious — water supply — to ecosystems, the built environment, regional economies and human health. Mitigation and adaptation to drought requires attention and collaboration among planners, water engineers and natural resource experts. In 1998, more than one-third of the U.S. was affected by drought. The event began on the West Coast, spanned the Rocky Mountain region and, eventually, the upper Midwest. In 2007-2008, a drought impacted Georgia, resulting in inter-state conflicts over water rights. Today, California is in the midst of a truly historic drought event. Tools and techniques, such as those outlined in the APA Planning Advisory Service report, “Planning and Drought,” are emerging to bring together the various disciplines involved in water management and land use. The Drought Planning Toolbox webinar will feature speakers from California, Colorado and the Susquehanna River Commission who will share their experiences and best practices from their regions in preparing for and responding to drought. Highlighted strategies will focus on mitigation, adaptation and drought planning; participants will learn about drought plans adopted by states and regions and key elements of drought mitigation and adaptation. Participants also will learn about how collaboration and intergovernmental coordination is essential for drought adaptation and resilience efforts. And finally, participants will be provided information on how strategies have been put into practice in California, Colorado and the Susquehanna Basin states.

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