Case Study

Balancing Water Usage and Ecosystem Outcomes Under Drought and Climate Change Conditions

Increasing water demands and climate change make it more difficult to balance human and environmental water needs. Therefore, there is increasing attention on the need for flow regimes that support native species. The spatial planning model demonstrated that small, collective reductions in human water use have the potential to generate large environmental benefits.

Location Red River Basin

Year

2024

Details

Hazards

Shifting Species, Habitats, and Ecosystems

Assets

Aquatic and Marine Resources

Multiple or All Assets

Natural Areas and Wildlife

Water Infrastructure – Drinking Water

Water Infrastructure – Wastewater

Sources

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Follow the link below to read the full case study from the FWS Conservation and Adaptation Resources Toolbox (CART) case study library:

Balancing Water Usage and Ecosystem Outcomes Under Drought and Climate Change Conditions in the Red River Basin

Additional Resources

Summaries of Decision Support Data for Cost-Effective Water Conservation Projec…

Organizations

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Relevant Options

Revise and update land acquisition priorities in a regional setting to protect, preserve and enhance water storage. Promote resilient land management practices, including range management practices that increase water retention. Increased water retention can enhance soil moisture, ground water and healthy ecosystems. Develop a program to remove invasive plants to avoid competition during extreme drought or wet periods.

Steps to Resilience

Understand Exposure

Assess Vulnerability & Risk

Investigate Options

Prioritize & Plan

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Image Credit

Sean C. Emmons/USGS