PS 44-190 - Initiating, Developing, and Accelerating Interdisciplinary Science in the Colorado River Basin: Case Studies from the Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST) Initiative

Abstract: Amidst widespread and historic drought, the Colorado River Basin (CRB) is experiencing increased demand and competition for natural resources and greater risk from natural hazards, all compounded by a changing climate. Effects of drought extend across landscapes that include nine ecoregions, habitats for multiple threatened and endangered species, and 29 Tribes for whom the CRB is a physical, economic, and cultural resource. Stakeholders working in the CRB seek data, analyses, and predictions to help tackle the grand challenges of drought. The Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST) Initiative was launched in 2020 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to accelerate interdisciplinary science and application of advanced information management technology (IMT) to address complex stakeholder-driven needs in the CRB. Support offered by ASIST includes a structured collaboration space for partners, scientists, and technology specialists to connect and co-develop projects. Here, we highlight work by the ASIST Initiative with three efforts representing interdisciplinary science projects from multiple USGS Mission Areas: the Saline Lakes Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment, the Decision Support Tool for Science-based Restoration of Mine Lands, and the Prioritizing Restoration of Sagebrush Ecosystems Tool (PReSET).

With these projects, we illustrate how the ASIST Initiative provides tailored project support by engaging stakeholders and partners (internal and external) through collaborative meetings and workshops, forming science connections, and offering guidance on IMT capabilities and solutions. Anticipating sustained drought in the coming years, ASIST will continue engaging in activities that promote interdisciplinary science and co-production in the CRB, including co-hosting the 13^th Biennial U.S. Drought Forum, developing a Science Hub, facilitating Tribal engagement workshops, and supporting seed projects that address research priorities of stakeholders and scientists in the region.