Innovating Approaches to Drought Communications with North Carolina Decision Makers

In the aftermath of recent droughts in North Carolina, including the exceptional drought of 2007-2008, decision makers across the state have articulated their needs for information and communications that enhance and improve upon existing resources. These needs include a better understanding of how drought is monitored, the environmental conditions that can cause or worsen a drought, and drought impacts on various sectors including agriculture, forestry, and water resources.

This project focuses on improving the usability of drought-relevant information for North Carolina decision makers based on needs identified by the NC Drought Management Advisory Council and constituents such as Cooperative Extension agents and public water supply system managers. Specific objectives include: developing tailored, sector-specific information relevant for drought-related decision points; delivering information in accessible and usable formats; and improving the transparency of the drought monitoring process through enhanced engagement and communication with decision makers.