Background, networks, new opportunities related to development of the National Soil Moisture Network.
Activities, needs and communication/cooperation among DEWS and Working Groups.
Goals of the 2016 redesign of drought.gov; its audience and content as outlined in the Implementation Plan; elements of usability testing through CIRES.
Description of Research and Applications Working Groups responsibilities; plans for moving forward.
Roles of the Predictions and Forecasts Working Group; activities, membership; expertise; strategies; outcomes.
What is the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS); 2006 & 2014 Public Laws; What is an Information System? What is a Drought Early Warning System?
Activities, webinars, planning, research in the DEWS; planned activities going forward.
How U.S. Drought Portal has responded to NIDIS Implementation Plan of 2007 and ideas for going forward.
Origins of NIDIS, requirements from the NIDIS Implementation Plan, what is a Drought Early Warning System, NIDIS Working Groups, partner agencies.
NIDIS governance, milestones, current Implementation Plan; timeline for updates to Plan; relationship to NDRP.