NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released its Spring Outlook on March 21. The big story for the upcoming spring: relief for many drought-stricken areas of the United States is not likely. Areas of tan (see US Map below), including most of NE, indicate where drought is likely to see one class improvement in Drought Intensity. For 95% of Nebraska that is classified as Exceptional or Extreme Drought, a one class drop in drought intensity may place most of Nebraska in the Extreme or Severe drought intensity categories over the next 3 months. See http://www.climatewatch.noaa.gov/article/2013/the-story-for-spring-drought-relief-not-likely for more information.
The likely persistence of the drought into the summer of 2013 continues to emphasize the importance of the ongoing work of Extension faculty to help our clientele adapt to these difficult conditions. It also is an important time to again share with key stakeholders the importance and relevance of Extension’s response. Our first opportunity will be Dean Hibberd’s discussion with Ag Builders next week. We anticipate additional opportunities in the upcoming months.
Today, we ask your assistance in gathering information on the educational programs and products to which you have made important contributions. Would you please complete the survey ( http://go.unl.edu/sg6 ) sharing your contributions to drought education for the period of August 2012 through March 2013 if you:
• helped clientele with drought related questions,
• delivered educational programs through any of the delivery methods we use in Extension,
• developed educational products, curriculum, or decision tools, or
• helped public policy officials develop or implement policy that is impacted by drought.
Your information shared though this survey will complement the information you shared last August for the period of June and July 2012. We value the contributions made by all staff and faculty to drought in Nebraska. Thank you
Thank you for considering this request.
-- Rick Koelsch
Qualtrix Survey for summarizing Extension Education on Drought Issues is at http://go.unl.edu/sg6