Announcements
Oregon's Drought History and Current Operational Monitoring | School of Earth, Environment, and Society Seminar Series
Date & Time: November 21, 2024 from 4-5:30 pm
Location: Cramer Hall #53
Cost/Admission: Free and Open to the Public
Contact for Questions: newschool@pdx.edu
Join the School of Earth, Environment, and Society for this fall’s seminar series on “Innovative Approaches to Addressing Societal Risks from Compound Environmental Threats.” This week’s speaker is Oregon’s State Climatologist, Larry O’Neil, who will present "Oregon's Drought History and Current Operational Drought Monitoring." A social hour will follow. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about drought impacts and response in Oregon!
Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) Public Meeting
Date & Time: November 12, 2024, from 2–4 pm
Location: 25 Summer Street NE, Room 124A-B, Salem, OR 97301
The Oregon State government invites the public to join a discussion on the Draft 2024 Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS). Following input from agency leaders, including the new directors from several state agencies, Draft 2 is being developed to outline water action priorities for the next 5–7 years. Public feedback is vital, so please join us in person or virtually via Zoom. Register online to attend virtually and help shape Oregon’s water resource future.
Columbia River Transboundary Water Governance and Ethics Symposium
Dates: November 13-15, 2024
Location: Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Participate in the Columbia River Transboundary Water Governance and Ethics Symposium, a three-day event hosted by Gonzaga University, the University of British Columbia Okanagan, and other key partners. This gathering will explore transboundary water issues, public involvement in river governance, and ethics in water management, engaging communities of the Columbia River Basin. Join us in Spokane for this vital dialogue on water sustainability and governance across borders.
Partner Publications
The paper, A Wirelessly-Enabled, Power-Optimized, Low-Cost, and Open-Source Durafet-based pH Instrument for Continuous, Long Term Environmental Monitoring, by Amelia L. Ritger and David C. Burnett (PSU), presents a new design for an affordable, open-source pH sensor tailored for long-term environmental monitoring. By integrating wireless communication, power-efficient components, and modularity, the authors offer a tool that extends deployment duration and reduces maintenance needs. This accessible sensor design aims to empower broader environmental research and monitoring, particularly in resource-limited settings.
The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Water for Birds Tool was developed by USGS ecologist and UPP affiliate, Cassandra D. Smith. This spreadsheet-based model aids in managing water resources within the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge by quantifying various habitat areas to assess bird habitat availability across different water conditions from 2021 to 2024. Integrating river flow data, evaporation rates, and satellite imagery, Smith's tool supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in making informed decisions to protect the refuge's diverse bird species.
Andrew Fountain (PSU) contributed to the paper Projected Loss of Rock Glacier Habitat in the Contiguous Western United States with Warming, which examines the impact of climate change on rock glaciers, vital for alpine biodiversity. The study reveals that while traditional glaciers and snow are well understood, rock glaciers have been less studied in terms of their environmental niche and future distribution. Using high-resolution data, the research identifies mean annual air temperature and headwall area as key factors influencing rock glacier locations. Projections indicate a 50% habitat loss as rock glaciers equilibrate to current climate conditions, with a staggering 99% loss anticipated by the late 21st century under high warming scenarios. Additionally, the potential for existing glaciers to transform into rock glaciers is limited, covering only 3% of glacierized areas, primarily in cold, high-elevation regions.
Water News in Oregon
- Several Oregon cities are revisiting water fluoridation policies as new research on fluoride’s health impacts sparks debate among public health experts and community members. Officials are weighing the potential benefits for dental health against emerging concerns, aiming to make informed decisions that reflect updated scientific insights.
- The agriculture industry in Eastern Oregon has filed a lawsuit challenging a state plan aimed at reducing nitrate contamination in the Umatilla Basin. Farmers argue the regulations are too restrictive, while environmental advocates contend that the measures are essential to protect drinking water quality in the region.
- Central Oregon communities are intensifying efforts to secure and protect water resources as demand grows and climate pressures increase. Local agencies and stakeholders are collaborating on innovative water management strategies to support agriculture, wildlife, and residential needs amid mounting water scarcity.
Collaborations Directory
If you've had a recent publication or press appearance that is missing from this list, our system most likely missed you because you are not yet listed in the UPP Collaboration Directory. You can add your name to this directory with this form. If your name is included in the collaboration directory but your publication is still missing, please reach out to me at ricperez@pdx.edu for additional problem-solving.