Tackling the Hydro-Illogic Cycle: Summary of Local, Regional, and National Drought Initiatives and Actions

Water is critical to life on earth. Water sources and processes are typically characterized with an illustration of the hydrologic cycle.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines drought “as a period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems”.

Geographic locations of drought and durations of drought periods can vary both seasonally and year to year spanning many years.   During the past several years many portions of the United States have experienced seasonal and annual droughts at the same time or during similar periods. This has resulted in increased drought awareness and better comprehension of opportunities and options to mitigate ecological and socioeconomic negative impacts. There is also more awareness of the hydro-illogic cycle and other challenges that can hamper mitigation progress.

As a result, existing and newly formed local, regional, and national initiatives are collaborating to develop drought action plans that will be subsequently implemented to improve effectiveness for mitigating negative impacts.

This presentation summarizes some of the collaborative and individual initiatives and actions underway to mitigate negative impacts of drought to fish, wildlife, habitat, other ecological processes, and waterway access to fish and wildlife, with an emphasis on aquatic life.