April 18, 2011

ESTC hosted the 2011 U.S. Drought Monitor Forum during April 13-14, 2011 wit NOAA, USDA, National Drought Mitigation
Center and NIDIS at GMU Fairfax Campus.

Each year the Drought Monitor forum alternates focus between the U.S. and North American monitors. The forum provides a chance for Drought Monitor authors and users to talk about ways to improve the product. Emerging issues this year are likely to center on drought impacts and on tools that can provide input at finer resolution in space or in time.

Prof Peter Stearns, GMU Provost delivered the Opening Remarks. Laura Furgione, DOC/NOAA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Weather Services and Deputy Director of the NWS and Brandon Willis, USDA/FSA, Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs gave keynote addresses. The final agenda and presentations can be obtained from following web page.

http://eastfire.gmu.edu/DMF2011/Home/agenda.html .