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Figure 15 identifies the sequence of activities triggered by each individual drought status described in Table 4 in Section 6. The frequency of the MWG activities also vary depending on the status of drought. The drought status drives all activities of the IAWG and the DTF. The following discusses the roles and relationships of the various players in implementing the state drought plan.

A. THE ROLE OF THE MONITORING WORK GROUP

The Monitoring Work Group (MWG) meets on a regular basis, more frequently as a drought intensifies. Under "normal" conditions, the work group provides to the DTF and the IAWG a Quarterly Drought Monitoring/Status Report which briefly summarizes climactic conditions of the state. (See Section 6 for detail on drought monitoring data and triggers.) When the MWG determines that the state has entered various stages of drought, it will issue the appropriate "Drought Notices" to the IAWG and the DTF. (See Samples in Section 12) These brief notices serve to alert the other drought planning entities. They will identify the stage of drought, where it is occurring and what the forecasted climate outlook is for that region. During moderate, severe and extreme droughts (warning and emergency status), the MWG will send monthly "Drought Monitoring/Status Reports" to the DTF and IAWG. These reports are similar to the original notice and convey the current situation and any changes in conditions from the previous report. If extreme drought conditions persist, the chairperson of the MWG will coordinate with the chairpersons of the IAWGs to decide on the need for a "Drought Executive Order." (See sample in Section 12) As the drought recedes, the MWG will meet less frequently and resume issuing its "Quarterly Drought Monitoring/Status Report." Once the drought recedes and again enters the "advisory" stage, the MWG will compile and provide to the DTF and IAWG an "After Action Evaluation Report" that assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of their activities under the recent drought and makes any recommended changes to procedures.

 

B. THE ROLE OF THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT WORK GROUP

The IAWG responsibilities are two-fold. During droughts they serve a response function and in between droughts the sub-groups work to assess and mitigate vulnerabilities to drought. These responsibilities are delineated in Figure 15 and summarized below.

Drought Mitigation Activities. Each of the sub-groups in the IAWG are responsible for assessing drought vulnerabilities and developing and implementing drought mitigation strategies. These include actions that can be taken before a drought event to prevent, where possible, drought impacts from occurring or lessening their severity. The four sub-groups have analyzed vulnerable sectors of their respective impact groups and have developed numerous preventative action strategies that will mitigate the effects of drought on their target sector (See Section 9). Where possible, the sub-groups will implement the strategies identified. When the sub-group lacks the authority or jurisdiction, they will work with the DTF to implement the actions.

During "normal" and "warning" stages, the individual sub-groups will meet on a quarterly basis to coordinate implementation of the "Planned Mitigation Actions" under Section 9. Over time, sub-groups may revise the "Planned Mitigation Actions," as necessary, and submit changes to the DTF for review and approval. Annually, each sub-group will submit a "Drought Impact Action Progress Report" to the MWG, IAWG and the DTF. The report will not only include a summary of progress made by the sub-group, but will also make recommendations for actions that should be taken by the Task Force or others to reduce drought vulnerability in the state.

Drought Assessment and Response Activities. When a "Drought Advisory Notice" is issued by the MWG, the sub-groups will continue implementing their Planned Mitigation Actions, but will also meet to organize contingency activities that may be necessary if the drought conditions worsen. Within one week of issuance of a "Drought Alert Notice", the IAWG and its sub-groups will suspend their mitigation activities and begin assessing actual and potential impacts of the current drought. The sub-groups will summarize and update this information in an "Impact Action Report" to the DTF. (See sample in Section 12) When a drought enters the "warning stage", the report will be updated monthly until an "Improving Drought Conditions Notice" is issued by the MWG. During these drought stages, the IAWG will implement drought response actions within their capabilities, make recommendations to the DTF on actions the DTF should take and identify any unmet needs. Once the drought emergency has passed, the IAWG resumes their mitigation activities and submits to the DTF an "IAWG After Action Evaluation Report" with recommended changes to the process or structure of the drought plan.

C. THE ROLE OF THE DROUGHT TASK FORCE

As indicated in Section 5 above, the DTF oversees the implementation of drought-related activities in the State of New Mexico and is responsible for monitoring and directing the activities of the work groups. Figure 15 identifies in some detail the actions and responsibilities of the Task Force under each stage of drought. Their role includes: reporting to the governor and cabinet on the drought conditions and impacts in the state, acting upon drought mitigation and response recommendations of the IAWG (both before and during a drought), assuming intergovernmental coordination of state drought response activities during drought emergencies, preparing an "DTF After Action Evaluation Report" upon cessation of droughts and, as described in Section 8, responsible for communications.