IMPACT Editor-in-Chief

In January, 1999 we opened the first pages of Water Resources IMPACT.

January, 2010 marks the beginning of the second IMPACT decade.

For ten years the Associate Editors have shared ideas and experiences with us in order to give us all a more full understanding of the breadth and depth of water resources problems and potentials in the nation and around the globe.

We’ve done a lot, but there is much to do yet.

The future-ing project completed and tied up with a forum panel discussion at the Annual Meeting in Seattle pointed out some serious concerns for the years ahead – and we will be addressing them. There will be a formal report later this year, but for now, consider two or three of the comments about IMPACT’s future captured at the Forum by Able Associate Editor Michelle Henrie:

IMPACT should look at big issues facing water community from interdisciplinary standpoint. E.g., climate change, population growth, urbanization, land use. Also consider how we address these issues, including uncertainty and scalability and multiple roles for different players (e.g., local vs. federal) working together

Where can John Q Public go for information on water? Should be AWRA or IMPACT. Critical targeted audience is broader/ general public. Should our distribution be broader?

Look for success stories. E.g., Stakeholder processes that are working. Building bridges. E.g., Local governments pay into watershed planning annually, share watershed staffing, get elected officials at table listening to science and making mutual decisions. Takes a while to build trust and understanding of science. Also include stakeholder leaders at table.

These are just a few of the hundreds of oral and written comments. We think they give a flavor of where you want us to go, and while you may not see these particular ideas reflected right now, you are going to see new things.

Over the next ten years look for new columns (There’s one announced in this January issue). Look for new columnists. Look for new subjects, and deeper exploration of some places we’ve been. Look for us to ask you for more – what, specifically do you want to see? Are you ready to help us share?

Speaking of sharing – Our cumulative index is available on the AWRA web site – go to the Publications menu, pick “IMPACT Current and Past Issues,” and you will find a menu pick for “IMPACT indexes” – try it!

It’s been a fun ten years – here’s to the next ten.

Take Care

Earl Spangenberg
Editor-in-Chief