Tribal Engagement

These key priorities, outlined in the NIDIS Tribal Drought Engagement Strategy, are centered around the five components of drought early warning systems: interdisciplinary research and applications, prediction and forecasting, observation and monitoring, planning and preparedness, and communications and outreach.

Interdisciplinary Research and Applications

Understanding the characteristics and impacts of drought enables us to better predict and respond to drought. In the case of many tribal nations, this knowledge exists, but has not yet been documented. A key concern is that there is too much information out there and that indicators of drought are often complex—and they don’t always represent the conditions on the ground on tribal lands. In this regard, NIDIS and partners have an opportunity to improve understanding of drought indicators, their appropriate uses, and strengths and weaknesses.

Prediction and Forecasting

While many of the improvements in forecasting can and should take place at the federal level, tribal nations also play a vital role in ensuring this information is used effectively for drought preparedness and mitigation activities. However, staffing constraints and competing priorities often mean that tribal nations face challenges in applying predictions and forecasts for drought in a timely manner.

Observation and Monitoring

There is a lack of reservation-specific drought observation data. Many tribal nations currently rely on regional data, which is often collected more than a hundred miles away and is not always relevant to the reservation. More localized weather stations, stream gauges, and soil moisture measurements will be vital to ensure reliable observation and monitoring of drought on reservations.

Planning and Preparedness

Over the past few years, tribal nations have made significant advances in their drought planning activities, developing drought (or climate change) risk assessments and/or action plans. However, despite this planning, this has not always translated into action on the ground. This is largely due to a lack of adequate funding for implementation of drought resilience activities and competing priorities of other emergencies, such as flooding.

Communication and Outreach

Tribal resource managers have expressed that engaging young people on water and climate-related issues is a major priority for them. In addition, NIDIS recognizes that tribal resource managers seek communication materials that are oriented to tribal communities. Communication and outreach materials and efforts are not one size fits all and need to be tailored to address tribal concerns.