2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 41

Barron J. Orr, University of Arizona, Arizona Remote Sensing Center, 1955 E. 6th Street, Tucson, AZ 85719; 520.626.8063; barron@ag.arizona.edu

Within the past 5 years, geospatial information technology (i.e., remote sensing, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, and geographically referenced land process models) has become an essential part of land management. These allied technologies have advanced so quickly that many Extension agents and land managers have been unable to keep pace. Moreover, the whole field of information technology is on the brink of another revolution as NASA continues with its effort to launch a new generation of Earth observing satellites.

The pace of technology advancement has been matched by the competing demands that are placed on the natural resource base. Most notably, these include conflicts surrounding: (1) water for agriculture, urbanization and environmental goods and services (e.g., in-stream flow for biodiversity and wildlife habitat maintenance), (2) open space for livestock and recreation, (3) ?best? use of public lands, and (4) survival of rural communities and their supporting economies in the face of change.

This situation is exacerbated in the Western states - particularly Arizona - in which the rural landscape is dominated by public ownership and control of the land base. This requires a public and participatory approach to decision making in which: (1) all stakeholders are involved, (2) the process is transparent, and (3) the decisive information is site-specific, accurate, unbiased, and open to public scrutiny. These needs can increasingly be met through the use of tools and data provided by geospatial information technology.

To accomplish this it is necessary to forge a relationship between the technology and the potential users. The University of Arizona has instituted a pilot geospatial extension program to explore how best to meet the needs of farmers, ranchers, planners, and others involved in agriculture, natural resource management, and rural development. At the national level, it seeks to join the missions of the NASA Office of Earth Science and NASA Space Grant with the long-standing experience and existing infrastructure of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). At the local level, the specialist then characterizes the needs of the different constituencies in the state (e.g., farmers and foresters), and works with them to design solutions that meet their information needs within their budget and staffing constraints. The approach focuses on producing products that stakeholders in communities recognize as important. It employs a ?train the trainer? model that reaches extension agents and both public and private land managers, utilizing a community-supported system of education (Cooperative Extension offices in counties and on Indian reservations) that is in place throughout the nation.

The gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" in geospatial technologies will most likely widen in coming years. To bridge this gap, we will blend the results of scientific research into geospatial technology, demonstrate the potential of resulting applications, and extend the final products to those addressing land-based problems.