More than 200 policymakers, researchers, farmers and educators gathered in Liberal, Kansas, to discuss challenges to the future water availability and safety of the region’s water. The Ogallala Aquifer, also known as the High Plains Aquifer system, covers portions of eight states and is the main source of irrigation and drinking water for much of region.
Presentations by regional experts were followed by interactive discussions on four main themes: science, education, supply chain and youth focused on co-creating flexible and adaptable water management strategies.
The Nebraska Water Center (NWC) co-sponsored the summit and Crystal Powers, NWC Extension Educator, led the development of the Nebraska white paper and served as a discussion facilitator.
“Meeting passionate people from across the region provided inspiration and ideas for our work in Nebraska,” Powers said.
Renata Rimšaitė, a senior program manager at DWFI, presented on a panel titled "Understanding Ogallala Region Cross-Cutting Risk: Water Climate and the Economy."
“Strategies need to adapt to local-context specific concerns and be collaborative. We need to find ways to better engage with more producers, youth, finance risk experts, and social scientists,” Rimšaitė summarized.This year’s summit builds on work established through the Ogallala CAP, of which NWC was a founding member.
The Summit white papers are posted and a summary report will be available soon.
