Approach

At the Wright-Ingraham Institute we envision a model of integrated research and field studies that focus on complex interfaces (nexi) between natural and cultural systems in order to open new paths to solving contemporary dilemmas. The issue of dust migration is of increasing concern, and we are partnering with the Mountain Studies Institute and their longstanding collaborators, who have been actively engaged in addressing this issue for many years. Through collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches, we seek to deepen our understanding of complex social-ecological systems and creatively explore solutions. Our aim is to develop collaborative pilot projects and secure funding sources to address this issue within the affected communities.

Listening Sessions

To achieve our identified goals, it’s crucial to gather input from communities directly or indirectly affected by dust mobilization, drought, climate change, and hydrological shifts. We will be working with communities experiencing dust mobilization and significant hydrological impacts, specifically in San Luis Valley, Colorado; Farmington, New Mexico; and Cortez, Colorado.

Our approach involves reviewing past community-led dust-on-snow initiatives, with a focus on previous interviews with affected community members and resulting hydrological impacts. The core team will assess demographic and geographic gaps, conducting additional interviews as needed to ensure comprehensive representation across communities and perspectives. This is particularly vital given the issue’s wide geographic scope and diverse land uses and ownerships. Addressing this issue successfully means that coordination and cohesion between different land managers and community members must be strong.

Upon completing initial data gathering and interviews, collaborative listening sessions will convene the core team, stakeholders, and interdisciplinary problem solvers. The sessions aim to present and discuss the issue from diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of its complexities and impacts on various communities. Through this dialogue, we will identify key concerns and organize focus groups around these areas. The listening sessions will feature brief presentations outlining our goals and scientific understanding, followed by facilitated discussions on specific locations and communities.

Project Development

After the listening sessions, interdisciplinary sub-groups will be formed including experts in hydrology, agronomy, soil science, agriculture, range management, indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge, community leadership, education, and design fields, including architecture and media arts. Each group will be dedicated to key areas identified during the listening session and will collaborate in developing pilot projects, outlining methodologies, expected outcomes, required resources, stakeholders, and more. These groups will meet virtually twice a month to facilitate ongoing collaboration and progress.

Symposium

A three-day symposium with the core team, interdisciplinary problem solvers and community leaders, will take place in Cortez, Colorado, in October. During this event, thematic focus groups will showcase their project ideas and engage in discussions on funding and implementation strategies. The group along with community stakeholders will then prioritize projects to pursue that directly support the communities that participated in the listening sessions. Attendees will have opportunities for site visits and interactions with affected communities.

Final Report

The final report will reflect an interdisciplinary approach to address Dust on Snow in the Four Corners Region. It will outline projects developed in focus groups along with implementation strategies, funding sources, collaborators, and planning documents, all aimed at developing accessible pilot projects to mitigate dust mobilization, drought, and climate change impacts. The report will follow listening sessions, virtual collaboration, and a symposium, showcasing the collective efforts to tackle this pressing issue.