Collaborative Modeling in the Spokane River Basin: Engaging Stakeholders to Explore Basin-wide Water Management Strategies in the Context of Climate Change

Abstract:

Complex issues related to climate change cannot be understood from a single disciplinary perspective, thus collaboration among diverse perspectives is essential for addressing regional water resource management strategies. The Spokane River Basin is a sub-basin of the Columbia River that spans the state line between northwestern Idaho and northeastern Washington. Management of this basin is complex because of interstate, multi-jurisdictional responsibilities and the dynamic interaction between groundwater and surface water. This research focuses on a collaborative modeling project in the Spokane River Basin that will allow stakeholders and scientists to jointly address key issues related to climate change and water resource decisions. This collaborative modeling process works iteratively with stakeholders in the region to create a user-friendly model of issues relevant to their water management systems. We developed a collaborative hydrologic model, based in OASIS software that integrates technical scientific information and historical data with local knowledge and interests to explore basin-wide wide management strategies in the context of climate change. Policy-relevant scenarios, which include an interstate compact agreement and an integrated water resource management option, were developed with stakeholders to address issues related low streamflow, and future water supply and demand. Regional water management policies can provide an integrated process for making water allocation and water use decisions in the basin. Future collaborative modeling sessions will enable stakeholders to explore different water management policies and alternatives while evaluating strategies for adapting to future climate change. This participatory process aims to better understand how water resource decisions may change in the context of climate change.