1. Science & Technology Center for Sustainability of semi-Arid Hydrology and Riparian Areas (SAHRA) “ SAHRA’s mission is to promote sustainable management of water resources by conducting water resources-related science, outreach, and education in the context of critical water management issues of semiarid and arid regions.” 1998200019992001200220032005200620072008200920102004

2. A Successful Working Partnership of ~300 University and Laboratory Researchers NEVADA MEXICO COLORADO Other ARIZONA UTAH NEW MEXICOCALIFORNIA

3. To significantly improve the understanding and management of water resources in semi-arid regions  identify and fill gaps in the scientific understanding of critical hydrological processes  develop management tools firmly based on physical understanding and realism  facilitate knowledge transfer to stakeholders, managers, decision makers Role of SAHRA Science

4. Hydrology focused on semi- arid river basins Process research Infrastructure development Database development Integrated modeling Knowledge transfer and education outreach Basin BasinStateRegionNationalInternational San Pedro River Salt & Verde Rivers Upper Rio Grande Rio Conchos What does SAHRA do?

5. What are the costs and benefits of riparian restoration and preservation? What kinds if water markets and water banking are feasible? What are the impacts of vegetation change on basin-scale water balance? Three Integrating Questions All SAHRA research activities are designed to address one of three integrating science questions ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS REQUIRES MODELS!

6. SAHRA Integrated Modeling Overview Stakeholder Decision-maker Stakeholder Decision-maker Geospatial Database Models in support of Vegetation Change Models in support of Vegetation Change Models in support of Water Markets Models in support of Water Markets Models in support of River Restoration Models in support of River Restoration Scenario Development Conceptual Model Integrated Assessment 5 Project Areas

7. Important components required for policy assessment and operational decision making

8. Integrated Modeling Approach – 3 overlapping resolutions