Management of Semi-Arid Watersheds - Technology Transfer

Project Number:

97D-01

Project Duration:

36 Months

Dates:

May 1, 1997 to April 30, 2000

Institution of Principle Investigator while on this project:

University of Arizona

Investigators (most current known information)

Young, Deborah (PI)

Associate Director, Programs, AZ Cooperative Extension, The University of Arizona, 301C Forbes Bldg., Tucson AZ 85721

TEL: +1-520-621-5308, FAX: +1-520-621-1314, Email: djyoung@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

Hutchinson, Barbara

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

Neary, Daniel

Project Leader (Collaborator), USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Station, 2500 S. Pine Knoll Dr., Flagstaff AZ 86001, USA

Steele, Valdasue

Extension Agent, Youth Development, The University of Arizona, 800 E. Cherry Street, Cottonwood AZ 86326

TEL: +1-520-634-2061

Proposal Abstract

International Arid Lands Consortium Project 97D-01, Management of Semi-Arid Watersheds - Technology Transfer, was completed April 30, 2000. From 1956 - 1996, the Arizona Water Research Program of the USDA Forest Service performed research studies to evaluate the usefulness of watershed management techniques for increasing water yields and other multiple resource benefits within the Salt River Basin of Arizona in the United States. The goal of this project was to make available the valuable research information from the Beaver Creek Experimental Biosphere Reserve Watershed.

Our team used a three-pronged approach to deliver information gained from the Beaver Creek Experimental Watershed to a much broader audience than previously possible. The major emphasis was to bring these watershed management-related resources to the public through the Internet's World Wide Web, targeting the national and international-level audience. A telephone system provided recorded information on the sustainable management of semi-arid watersheds in order to address the state-wide audience. Two 'field days' provided experiential and 'hands on' learning for youth and adults in local schools.

Specific objectives and how they were met are noted below:

The web site can be accessed at http://ag.arizona.edu/OALS/watershed/index.html. In depth information includes a training course in watershed management, the outline for information about the Central Arizona Highlands, and specific information about the Beaver Creek Biosphere Reserve. This web site provides cost-effective electronic access, to information collected during four decades of watershed research in the Beaver Creek Biosphere Reserve.
The Web site is designed to include a search engine, a document delivery option, a glossary of terms, lists of frequently asked questions (FAQs), an interactive training package, a discussion of current issues in watershed management, and hypertext links to other related resources on the Web.
The telephone system provided recorded information on sustainable management practices specific to semi-arid watersheds. It was operational for less than one year.
Two "field days" on the Beaver Creek biosphere Reserve provided experiential and "hands on" learning for teachers, students, and the interested public, with the training materials then adapted for inclusion in the Web site.
Demonstrations of the Web site were performed at technical and public meetings.
Each delivery system was publicized through newsletters, radio and television clips, newspapers, appropriate listservs, and by a free-standing display for use at conferences, U.S. Forest Service and Extension offices, libraries, and schools.