Toward Sustainable & Usable Water Resources
Water resources sustain ecosystems and peoples across our region. Yet drought, flood and seasonal changes in precipitation stress water availability and quality, while warming temperatures increase evapotranspiration and population growth heightens the demand and competition for already-limited water. Stressed vegetation can increase risks for insect infestation, wildfire, soil degradation, and plant mortality, causing long-term shifts in wildlife habitat and increased potential for the advance of invasive species.
Our Team
Established in October 2018, the Sustainable and Usable Water Resources team has 9 members:
Jason Vogel (co-lead), University of Oklahoma
Jane Rogosch
Jackie Vadjunec
Jake Palazzi (co-lead), University of Oklahoma
Jennie Mosley, Chickasaw Nation
Thomas Neeson, University of Oklahoma
Richard Zamor
Newakis Weber, Chickasaw Nation
Yvette Wiley, University of Oklahoma
Our Projects
Milestones & Next Steps for 2024:
The SC CASC Water Community of Practice proposes to help create a learning network of best practices for climate-resilient water management on the landscape, soil moisture conservation, and larger- scale water resource conservation.
This learning network will be focused for the use of landowners, with an emphasis on providing guidance on how to include more non-traditionally managed lands in these efforts. For example, special guidance will exist for Tribal trust lands, absentee-owned lands, and restricted and allotted property.
The group is working with a local landowner on completing a pilot project. This project will allow the group to develop a plan around the water and land use. It will also allow us to obtain feedback on the current needs of local landowners.
The eventual goal is to create a set of accessible resources for landowners including case studies, and grant funding resources for underserved landowners. Our goal will be to provide guidance in usable increments to landowners. These resources can also potentially be offered through workshops, media, webinars, or handouts.
Facilitating consistent landowner best practices protects water resources and land. Also, ensuring conservation efforts are deployed will protect land value in Oklahoma and its communities while also protecting and preserving habitat and providing other ecosystem services.