Explore, Synthesize, and Repeat: Unraveling Complex Water Management Issues through the Stakeholder Engagement Wheel
By Kelly E. Mott Lacroix and Sharon B. Megdal
Water 2016, 8(4), 118. Special Issue: Water Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, and Sustainable Water Resources Management
This paper presents the concept of a stakeholder engagement wheel that describes the four iterative or cyclical steps of engagement that drive collaborative water planning forward. The concept is built on evaluation of, and lessons learned from, three water management engagement processes. In the three water management engagement processes, the study authors encountered issues, enumerated in this paper, which typically limit effectiveness. They were able to address them through a deliberate, iterative, and flexible approach, although time limitations continued to present problems. The Stakeholder Engagement Wheel circles around a bridging organization that keeps the process moving and a steering committee that guides activities as stakeholder interests and concerns emerge and evolve. The four steps around this central guidance are designed to examine iteratively these interests and concerns and expand stakeholder involvement. Cycling through activities and actions as proposed in the Stakeholder Engagement Wheel, builds the nuanced and shared understanding needed for cohesive action and robust decisions in the face of our considerable challenges. The full article is available at http://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/8/4/118.
Tools, Strategies and Lessons Learned from EPA Green Infrastructure Technical Assistance Projects
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 832-R-15-016 April 2015
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a quick reference guide that summarizes results from EPA’s green infrastructure technical assistance program, which helps cities, communities and citizens develop solutions to their stormwater challenges. This report presents lessons learn from experiences of technical assistance grant recipients. Technical assistance is a key component of EPA’s investment in promoting green infrastructure for stormwater management. This 20-page report covers the why and how of implementing green infrastructure practices. Designed to capture stormwater close to where it lands, green infrastructure improves water quality by slowing down and filtering polluted runoff before it reaches waterways. It helps to recharge groundwater and irrigate plants that cool urban spaces. In addition, it can reduce the need for expensive gray infrastructure, such as pipes, storage facilities, and treatment systems. Experiences documented in this report demonstrate that green infrastructure can be successful in a variety of settings, including arid climates. EPA supported the development of Pima County, Arizona’s green infrastructure guidance, which includes standard engineering drawings, a plant list, and BMP sizing guidance. The EPA report is available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-01/documents/gi_tech_ass...
Pima County’s green infrastructure guidance is available at http://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Government/Flood%20Control/Floodplain%2Management/Low%20Impact%20Development/li-gi-manual-20150311.pdf
San Pedro River Aquifer Binational Report
By J.B. Callegary, I. Minjárez Sosa, E.M. Tapia Villaseñor, P. dos Santos, R. Monreal Saavedra, F.J. Grijalva Noriega, A.K. Huth, F. Gray, C.A. Scott, L.A. Oroz Ramos, S.B. Megdal, M. Rangel Medina, J.M. Leenhouts
International Boundary and Water Commission, January. 31, 2016
This report, which focuses on the Binational San Pedro Basin, is unique in its cooperative approach to the study of a shared aquifer. The San Pedro River basin and associated aquifer spans the boundary between the U.S. and Mexican states of Arizona and Sonora. A substantial amount of scientific work has been carried out in the basin for many years, but each country worked without full knowledge of the conditions on the other side of the border
Both countries officially recognized the need for greater scientific understanding of the aquifer system. A number of studies and technical activities were carried out in Sonora and Arizona in a cooperative effort by institutions and organizations on both sides of the border, with the International Boundary and Water Commission coordinating the scientific dialogue and information exchange.
The study had two major objectives: first, to understand the state of knowledge with respect to geography, climate, geology, and hydrochemistry, hydrology of the aquifer system, including surface and groundwater interactions; second, to identify data needs for creating a binational hydrologic model of the aquifer system. The bulk of the report presents information from past work and new investigations on the aquifer system in its binational context.The report concludes with technical recommendations on monitoring and observations to maintain the needed records and fill data gaps. It also recommends coordination on mapping and data compatibility across the border. Finally, the report recommends building an advanced binational coupled ground-and surface water model of the San Pedro River aquifer that covers the entire study area considered in this report. The English language version of the report is available at http://www.ibwc.gov/Files/San_Pedro_River_Binational%20Report_013116.pdf.
Water: More or Less
By Stephanie Taylor and Rita Schmidt Sudman
Water Education Foundation 2016
California’s water policy is changing in dramatic ways. Droughts, floods, and water quality issues cast harsh light on how water is used every day in homes and businesses, agriculture, and the environment. Artist and essayist Stephanie Taylor and the Water Education Foundation’s former executive director, Rita Schmidt Sudman, co-authors of the book, Water: More or Less, visually and verbally cover water in three dimensions – art, history, and stories of real people. This book captures the flow of California’s water history, including conflicts and moments of change, and offers solutions for the future. It includes diverse contributions from 20 top water policy leaders, who share their personal thoughts and visions for the future.
A 10-page preview is viewable at https://issuu.com/stephanietaylor11/docs/waterbook_preview_0-22-15
The book can be ordered from the Water Education Foundation at http://www.watereducation.org/publication/water-more-or-less