Restoration and Protection

Improper land use during drought has been a major driver of land degradation in drylands globally, especially in the western U.S. Increasing aridity in western U.S. drylands under future climates will exacerbate risks associated with drought and land use decisions. This project provides critical observational, experimental, and modelling evidence to support our DOI partners with decision processes...

USGS researchers are studying how forests respond to disturbance and drought and evaluating how forests may respond to future climate variability.

In major river basins across the country, USGS scientists are working in collaboration with our partners to determine how to manage power generation, floods, and aquatic wildlife and habitats during periods of drought and low flow.