Introduction
Drought threatens livestock and natural resources on rangelands. It reduces rain-fed forage and drinking water for livestock, diminishes the quantity and quality of critical water resources for sensitive wildlife species, and increases wildfire risk. Planning for drought means to become better prepared for the next drought, because drought is inevitable.
Planning for drought on the 90 million acres of Forest Service lands in the western US can minimize impacts to livestock and natural resources, but that planning requires collaboration between ranchers and Forest Service.
Since 2013, our team has been working with ranchers and Forest Service staff to support collaborative drought planning by building drought information tools, guides to monitor drought conditions, and guides to support the drought planning process. This web site provides access to those tools, guides and other resources to improve drought planning where ever it is needed.
Goal
Improve the preparation for drought and response to recurring drought through collaborations between livestock ranchers and Forest Service managers.
Approach
Develop drought information tools and guides to monitor drought, and integrate those tools and guides to support collaborative drought planning by ranchers and Forest Service staff.