Management of Semi-arid Watersheds - Phase 2: Decision-Making Tools and Technology Transfer

Project Number:

00D-03

Project Duration:

31 Months

Dates:

June 1, 2000 to December 31, 2002

Institution of Principle Investigator while on this project:

University of Arizona

Investigators (most current known information)

Hutchinson, Barbara (PI)

Director, Arid Lands Information Center, The University of Arizona, 1955 East 6th Street, Tucson AZ 85719-5224

TEL: +1-520-621-8578, FAX: +1-520-621-3816, Email: barbarah@ag.arizona.edu

Baker, Jr., Malchus

Hydrologist, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Station, 29 W. Silver Spruce, Flagstaff AZ 86001

TEL: +1-520-556-2154, FAX: +1-520-556-2130, Email: mbbaker@fs.fed.us

Schalau, Jeffrey

Country Extension Director, Yavapai County Cooperative Extension, The University of Arizona, PO Box 388, Prescott AZ 86302

TEL: +1-520-445-6590, FAX: +1-520-445-6593, Email: jschalau@ag.arizona.edu

Proposal Abstract

The Web site, "Management of Arid and Semi-Arid Watersheds," project [http://ag.arizona.edu/OALS/watershed/index.html] provides a variety of background material about watershed management and specifically the Beaver Creek Experimental Watershed (BCEW). (See attachments: printouts of home page, The Central Arizona Highlands page [http://ag.arizona.edu/OALS/watershed/highlands/highlands.html], Welcome to the Semi-Arid Watershed Database page [http://alic.arid.arizona.edu/watershed/ws9.asp]) The weekly average for hits in 2002 was about 17,000, approximately five times more than the 3,500 hits per week reported in 2000. This project expanded the site by making available 20-years of data collected on the various experimental treatment areas of the 275,000 acre BCEW. The data, imported into a relational database with a Web interface that allows data to be searched and graphed, reflecting a variety of factors regarding precipitation, stream flow, sediment, water quality, vegetation, temperature, and humidity. Besides the BCEW data, records for precipitation, temperature, and stream flow were entered for the Whitespar Experimental Watershed, which is chapparal shrubland and contrasts with the ponderosa pine and pinyon-juniper vegetation of the BCEW.

In addition, the project developed a Master Watershed Stewards Program (MWS) in Yavapai County, modeled on successful programs in Washington, Ohio, and Alaska. MWS trains volunteers, who in turn will train others, about aspects of watershed management. Besides teaching techniques for measuring stream flow and water quality, the MWS program demonstrates the database to community members and how to use this electronic tool for instructions and research. It is also a model for other countries to follow. Finally, instructional materials developed for the MWS Program will be adapted for the Web site, which can be used by other similar programs and by schoolteachers.