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Agricultural News


OSU and Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute Join Up to Serve Producers

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:58:10 CDT

OSU and Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute Join Up to Serve Producers The Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute with its 46-year commitment to scientific inquiry and outreach on behalf of state citizens has joined the Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.


"The division has more investment in water research, education and public service than any other entity in the state," said Robert E. Whitson, DASNR vice president, dean and director. "Improved integration of OWRRI projects with the division's many water-related county and state programs can only enhance Oklahoma's ability to develop the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable uses of its water resources."


Whitson said decisions made by Oklahoma producers, agricultural processors, value-added industries, community leaders and county officials about their water use and management have never been more important, with demand for water increasing from multiple users and interest groups.


OWRRI is one of 54 state and territorial water research institutes created at land-grant universities by the federal Water Resources Research Act of 1964. OWRRI was established at OSU in 1965 but serves the entire state and has funded 195 research projects over the years.


"We are an unbiased water research organization, have access to technical and policy experts from agencies and organizations across Oklahoma, and work side-by-side with individuals, communities and local and state government to focus on solving real-world issues and concerns," said Dave Engle, the institute's new director and holder of the OSU Thomas E. Berry Endowed Professorship in Integrated Water Research and Management.


Since the year 2000, OWRRI has funded 34 research projects, which also has provided support and training for 55 undergraduates and 106 graduate students. Each grant must address Oklahoma's water research priorities as defined by OWRRI's external Water Research Advisory Board.


"We provide research support on all topics related to Oklahoma water resources and their management, as well as education and training for water specialists and professionals encompassing a number of different career fields," said Mike Langston, who has served as OWRRI assistant director since 2006.


Federal appropriations to OWRRI, funded through the U.S. Geological Survey, generate a minimum of $2 for each federal dollar appropriated. OWRRI receives funds from the federal government each year to fund research on water-related topics that are of benefit to the state.


"Beginning in 2007, this money has been matched by the Oklahoma Wa­ter Resources Board allowing us to award three 1-year grants of $50,000 each," Langston said. "Past recipients include OSU's Garey Fox, the University of Oklahoma's Baxter Vieux and Berton Fischer when he was at the University of Tulsa. We also fund social scientists such as Tracy Boyer of OSU's Department of Agricultural Economics."


As usual, this fall will be a busy time for OWRRI staff.


"Our annual Water Research Symposium and the Governor's Water Conference will take place concurrently on Oct. 18-19 in Norman," Langston said. "Our Student Poster Contest also takes place at the symposium, allowing students to gain experience presenting their original research. We've also issued our annual Request for Proposals for research grants."


Additional information on these events and programs is available in the August 2011 OWRRI "Aquahoman" newsletter at http://environ.okstate.edu/OWRRI/aquahoman.asp on the Internet.


"Special thanks must be given to Dr. Will Focht, who will be pursuing his academic interests after serving as OWRRI director for the past nine years," Engle said. "Under his leadership, the institute gained national prominence and the reputation for working effectively on behalf of Oklahoma citizens by leveraging federal assets with resources provided by OSU and other state agencies."



   

 

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