Develop integrated watershed science based tools to facilitate informed decision making for sustainable management of watersheds. For example, scientific information is needed to determine the most effective pollution control projects in the Lake Tahoe watershed to help slow and eventually reverse the decline in Lake Tahoe clarity. Scientific information is also needed to support, and when necessary revise, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) thresholds and indicators used for maintaining the state of the lake and the health of the watershed.
Develop interdisciplinary research programs to advance the understanding of watershed processes. For example, an integrated research program in the Walker Lake watershed is advancing scientific knowledge in the basin and this knowledge will be needed to make informed decisions on restoration efforts for Walker Lake and the Walker River, including the possible acquisition or leasing of water rights in the watershed.
Develop new DRI research programs in watersheds where DRI researchers are not currently active or have limited research projects, such as the Colorado River and Carson River watersheds. This goal also includes developing research in watersheds outside of the western United States, such as in West Africa.
Develop research and teaching partnerships with institutions external to DRI. For example, conducting research with University of Nevada, Reno and U.C. Davis faculty on collaborative projects and teaching courses at the University of Nevada, Reno and Sierra Nevada College.
An overarching goal of CWES is to facilitate the development of interdisciplinary research teams within the Desert Research Institute that address watershed science, planning, and restoration to provide the scientific information needed for understanding the behavior of watersheds in a planning and management policy context.
