Drought Management in Oklahoma and Missouri

This project examined different tools and strategies used in Oklahoma and Missouri to monitor and communicate drought information to affected constituencies. The project included document analysis and interviews to establish policy theories and frameworks that were used in the creation of each state’s plan. The study design addresses what information was used in designing drought plans, how other plans and strategies influenced the state plan design, and the extent to which communication occurred between various state agencies, national centers such as National Drought Mitigation Center, and the drought community. Findings from interviews were used to test different policy process models to determine similarities and differences between the two states. In both cases, major droughts were the impetus for planning activities that led to creation of the state drought plans. Also in both cases, once the drought had abated, the plans were not subsequently reviewed and modified, consistent with the punctuated equilibrium policy model where events trigger bursts of action but no incremental policy adjustments subsequent to the event. Consequently, the plans became outdated and do not reflect more recent information sources and tools for monitoring drought.