The Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory strives to inform ecosystem and resource management decisions for the security and resilience of resources and societies.

Drought, forest mortality, and changing climate have intensifed the need to rapidly and thoroughly understand the critical zone. How will warmer air temperatures impact Sierra snowpack? How much of the water in soil can plants actually use? How do bedrock and soil nutrients influence forest growth? We are answering questions important for the resilience of California - and beyond.

Regional Management Group Participation

Our researchers actively participate in collaborative resource management groups to communicate findings and address complex issues in water and forest management. Some of these groups include the Dinkey Landscape Restoration Project, Tulare Basin Watershed Connections Collaborative, and Southern Sierra Integrated Regional Water Management Group.

Site Visits for Stakeholders

The Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory has co-hosted tours of our field areas for professionals in forestry, water management, and legislation and policy. Previous field trips have been in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station and the Sierra Nevada Adaptive Management Project. These tours and discussions have focused on forest management actions including mechanical thinning and preparation for prescribed burns, along with cutting-edge instrumentation at our sites which has been adopted in other watersheds in California.

Briefings and Presentations

Our researchers send written briefings to elected state and federal officials and meet with local, regional, and federal decision-makers. We share relevant findings to inform the present and future decisions concerning our natural resources and ecosystem services.

On August 24, 2011, Barbara Boxer visited the UC Merced campus and met with students and professors at the Sierra Nevada Research Institute. During her visit, she toured the lab space and learned about research activities at the SSCZO as it relates to California's climate and water resources.

Segment begins at 1:07. Video by UC Merced Office of Communications.  Original video link

A selection of presentations to stakeholders:

• Water information, water security & climate change in the Sierra Nevada - Covers mountain hydrology, water security, and how to manage mountain water supplies more efficiently and effectively. Talk at UC Sacramento Center, by Roger Bales. May 30, 2013.
• Water implications of various forest management strategies - How creating new knowledge can help water managers: forest management treatments impact total water supplies. Talk at Carpe Diem West, Sacramento, by Roger Bales. May 16, 2013. 
• Forests, water & research in the Sierra Nevada - Basic overview of issues in managing the hydrologic cycle in California, including elevational patterns and the potential impact of climate change on snowpack and water delivery. Ultimately addressing the question: How can instrumentation help improve water management in the state? Presentation to ACWA workshop, Sacramento, by Roger Bales. Sept 25, 2012. 
• Forests and Water in the Sierra Nevada - A regional research network reveals new aspects to consider when managing water delivery from forests in the Sierra Nevada. Presentation by Roger Bales to Mountain Counties Water Resources Association. June 15, 2012. 
• Effect of forest management on water yields & other ecosystem services in Sierra Nevada forests - Expanding research from the CZO (near Shaver Lake) to points north in the Sierra Nevada. Presentation to Placer County Water Agency by Roger Bales. April 5, 2012. 
• Forests and Water in the Sierra Nevada, El Dorado county Board of Supervisors, March 20, 2012.
• California's water cycle: climate, snowpack & forest management - Background on the hydrologic cycle in the Sierra Nevada and in depth coverage of snow pack coverage, as well as instrumentation and ongoing research at multiple sites. California Licensed Foresters Association annual meeting, Roger Bales. Sacramento, March 6, 2009.