Olson seminar to examine drought in Nebraska

When drought occurred in southwest Nebraska in 1999, few expected that it would continue and eventually affect all of the state over the next seven years. As the drought grew, questions arose about how it compared to previous droughts, and if it was a glimpse of Nebraska's future.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln climatologist Michael Hayes will address those questions Feb. 21 in the next Paul A. Olson Seminar in Great Plains Studies at UNL. Hayes, associate director and associate research professor in the National Drought Mitigation Center in UNL's School of Natural Resources, will discuss "Chasing Droughts Across Nebraska's Past, Present and Future," from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St., Hewit Place. His lecture and a 3 p.m. reception in the museum are free and open to the public.

The presentation will examine some of Nebraska's past droughts and compare them to the current drought. A climate impacts specialist, he will also highlight what can be done to better prepare for droughts and reduce their potential impacts.

Hayes joined the National Drought Mitigation Center in 1995. His responsibilities include drought monitoring activities; conducting research on the economic, environmental, and social impacts of drought; developing new drought monitoring and impact assessment methodologies; and developing a network of drought planners.

The Olson seminars are presented by the Center for Great Plains Studies at UNL.

CONTACT: Kim Weide, Events Coordinator, Center for Great Plains Studies, (402) 472-3964