Loretta Singletary

Professor, Interdisciplinary Outreach Liaison

Office: (775) 682-9138
Email: singletaryl@unr.edu
Building: Ansari Business
Address: 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557
Download Electronic Business Card OR vCard

Summary

Loretta Singletary is a Professor with the Department of Economics and University of Nevada, Reno, Extension, and the University's Interdisciplinary Outreach Liaison; adjunct faculty with Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences and member of University graduate faculty. She works with university faculty on teaching and research programs that require an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach to effectively address natural resources issues. Dr. Singletary also works with local, state and federal agencies, groups and organizations to collectively identify and investigate water resource issues through community-based participatory research and outreach programs.

Research interests

Dr. Singletary is nationally recognized for her collaborative research approaches to investigating water resource issues. Currently funded programs feature partnerships with community stakeholders across Nevada, and the western United States, in addition to university faculty and graduate students. She conducts interdisciplinary research with input from of community-based decision-making. She is interested in the application of environmental mediation, conflict resolution, and collaborative learning concepts to participatory and collaborative research approaches. Her current integrated research and outreach programs include assessing and enhancing community climate resiliency in snow-fed arid land river systems; evaluating alternative water allocation mechanisms; reclaiming water resources for food security; enhancing Indigenous community climate resiliency and planning; and identifying sustainable agriculture and water resource management issues unique to Indigenous lands.

Integrated Research and Extension Programs

Where We Live (W2L): Local and Place Based Adaptation to Climate Change in Underserved Rural Communities. (National Science Foundation, EPSCoR RII Track-2 FEC, total award - $6M; to UNR - $1,77M). Three-state collaborative research project - University of Idaho, University of Nevada, Reno and University of South Carolina. https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2023/where-we-live-climate-change-study

This collaborative research project advances research, education, workforce development, and partnerships among Idaho, Nevada, and South Carolina to address climate change in underserved rural communities. The project brings together a number of scientists across academic disciplines in all three states to look at differences in climate change impact perception and adaptation in underserved rural communities across the country. Under the program, researchers will partner with local, state, tribal and federal organizations in rural communities. These communities constitute nearly 84% of the United States land area and are home to only 14% of the population. These areas serve as critical sources of food, freshwater, wildlife habitat and energy as well as supporting carbon sequestration, education, recreation, and tourism. The UNR team will focus on the drought and wildfire hazards in Nevada. Part of technical work includes assessment of risk and environmental measurements related to human perception of these hazards. The team will then reach out to underserved communities across Nevada (to be determined) to measure the perception of the elements of these climate-induced changes. By working collaboratively with communities, the team will co-develop and co-design adaptation strategies to influence the decision making related to risk mitigation and building adaptive capacity. In perspective, the efforts will increase our empirical and theoretical understanding of the mechanisms and relationships of perception-to-action with respect to adaptation for climate-induced change and will benefit underserved communities in Nevada.

Evaluating Alternative Water Institution Performance: Are Food Production Systems at Risk from Changing Water Availability? (USDA-NIFA, $4.9m) in collaboration with Desert Research Institute, Colorado State University, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. https://packpages.unr.edu/snowcap/

This project aims to support food production in the intermountain west through a collaborative research framework integrating physical and economic models with stakeholder participation to evaluate outcomes of shifts in snowmelt-derived water supplies. Expected impacts include improved water management policy to support adaptation to changes in water available to agricultural users. The project will determine how changes in the timing of flows constrain agricultural producer decision-making and how water rights institutions can exacerbate or relieve these constraints. A collaborative research and outreach strategy identify and involve stakeholders directly in scientific inquiry and social learning processes. The project will produce a replicable framework that will enhance knowledge co-production and governance processes to result in water allocation outcomes that best represent the role and needs of agriculture and food production.

Water for Agriculture Challenge Area: Enhancing the Climate Resiliency of Native American Water and Land Resources (USDA-NIFA, $4.5m) in collaboration with Desert Research Institute, University of Arizona, Utah State University, and First Americans Land Grant Consortium. https://nativewaters-aridlands.com/

Enhancing the climate resiliency of agricultural water resources on reservation lands of the Great Basin and Southwestern US is threatened by the risk of prolonged drought and flash floods and projected declines in surface and groundwater supplies. Native American tribes on arid lands are especially vulnerable to climate change due to marginal soils, geographic isolation, and ongoing challenges to quantify agricultural water rights. Research and extension experts from 1862 and 1994 land grant institutions partner with tribal communities to assess the impacts of climate change on future water supplies, identify barriers and solutions, and evaluate and prioritize actions to enhance the climate resiliency of tribal agricultural water resources and food systems. A participatory research approach ensures that the local knowledge and perspectives of tribal communities remain at the forefront of the project, providing for social learning while protecting Native American cultural traditions and sensitive information. The project goals are to identify and address science information needs to support tribes in efforts to sustain or adopt innovative strategies to enhance the climate resilience of agricultural water resources and food systems as well as to support tribal college efforts to strengthen teaching, research, and outreach expertise on reservation lands.

Water Sustainability in Snow-Fed Arid Land River System: (NSF-USDA, $3.8m) in collaboration with Desert Research Institute and U.S. Geological Survey. http://waterfortheseasons.com/

Assessing and enhancing the climate resilience of snow-fed river dependent communities in the arid western United States has taken on critical importance in response to changing climatic conditions. Assessing climate resiliency involves understanding the extent to which snow-fed dependent communities can absorb climate induced variable water supplies while identifying viable adaptation strategies. Participatory research approaches, such as collaborative modeling, are well suited in this context because they are intended to draw upon local stakeholders' knowledge and their diverse, often competing, perspectives to inform science research. A key feature of this program is the collaborative modeling research design, engaging diverse water use communities to address complex public issues surrounding variable water supply, water policy, and climate adaptation.

Addressing Human Health Impacts from Emerging Contaminants in Reclaimed Water to Enhance its Use for Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (USDA-NIFA, $499k)

The main goal of this project is to integrate research, education, and extension to identify, minimize, and mitigate human health impacts from emerging contaminants in reclaimed water, potentially enhancing its use for urban and peri-urban irrigated agriculture. The research team conducts basic research to: identify chemical contaminants in reclaimed water used for urban and peri-urban irrigated agriculture; determines pathways of contaminant entrainment into agricultural products; determines associated human health risks; and develop strategies for mitigation of those risks over the agricultural production chain, particularly focusing on reclaimed water production and point-of-use. Research results are used to enhance the decision-making capacity of: agricultural producers concerning the benefits and risks associated with reclaimed water use; water reclamation facility and water utility staff about the potential risks and mitigation needs and methods to improve suitability of reclaimed water for use in irrigated agricultural production; and affected stakeholder communities and policy makers about the feasibility and benefits/risks of using reclaimed water resources for irrigated agriculture.

Education

1980 B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies, University of South Carolina
1982 M.S. Geography, University of South Carolina
1986 M.Ed. Education, University of South Carolina
1991 Ph.D. Applied Economics, Clemson University

Programs

Calming the Waters: Learning to Manage Western Water Conflict

Conflict has surrounded the Truckee, Carson and Walker River Basins for decades. Key issues include historical use on tribal lands, historical and current water rights, threats to water quality, and wildlife habitat protection. This program teaches youth about Nevada’s water issues and helps them develop the skills needed to address future water conflicts.

Living with Drought

Our goal is to connect Nevadans with resources to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from drought.

Enhancing climate resilience on tribal lands

Native Waters on Arid Lands

Native Waters on Arid Lands is a five-year (2015-2020) project that partners researchers and extension experts with tribal communities in the Great Basin and American Southwest to collaboratively understand the impacts of climate change, and to evaluate adaptation options for sustaining water resources and agriculture.

SNOWPACS: Synthesizing kNowledge to Optimize Water Policy for Agriculture under Changing Snowpack

SNOWPACS is a National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)-funded project on the impact of changes in mountain snowpack on agricultural production and water allocation institutions in the western United States.

Water for the Seasons

Water for the Seasons (WftS) is a program that partners scientists with community water managers and water right holders in the Truckee-Carson River System (TCRS), to explore new strategies and solutions for dealing with extreme climate events such as droughts and floods.

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Book Chapter(s)
What Role Can Water Markets Play in Adapting to Climate Change? Evidence from Two River Basins in the Western United States Koebele, E., Singletary, L., Hockaday, S., & Ormerod, K.J. 2021, In John C. Duerk (Ed.) Environmental Philosophy, Politics, and Policy. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.
Economic Development. In Status of Tribes and Climate Change Report (D. Marks-Marino (ed.) The chapter reviews economic development issues & opportunities that Tribes face in the age of climate change. It includes summaries pertaining to Tribal histories & trauma, harmful federal policies & subsequent land tenure issues, & the surge of economic sovereignty through renewable energy development on Tribal lands Singletary, L., Clow, S., Connoly M., Marks-Marino, D., Samoy, A., & Stout, S. 2021, Status of Tribes and Climate Change Report (D. Marks-Marino (ed.). Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals.
Tribes and Indigenous Peoples Climate change threatens Indigenous peoples' livelihood & economies, including agriculture, hunting & gathering, fishing, forestry, energy, recreation, & tourism enterprises. The economies rely on, but face institutional barriers to their self-determined management of water, land and other natural resources. Jantarasami, L.C., Novak, R., Delgado, R., Marino, E., McNeeley, S., Narducci, C., Singletary, L., Raymond-Yakoubian, J., & Rowys Whyte, K. 2018, Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, & B.C. Stewart (Eds.), Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II. Washington, DC: US Global Change Research Program, pp. 572–603.
Participatory Research to Assess the Climate Resiliency of Snow-Fed River Dependent Communities The concept of the community, in all its diverse definitions and manifestations, provides a unique approach to learn more about how groups of individuals and organizations are addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Singletary, L. and Sterle, K. 2018, Lachapelle, P.R. & D. Albrecht. (Eds.), Addressing Climate Change at the Community Level in the United States. Community Development Research and Practice Series, New York: Routledge.
Fact Sheets
Stakeholder Engagement in Knowledge Co-Production for Climate Resilience SNOWPACS is a project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aiming to optimize water policy for agriculture under changing snowpack and snowmelt conditions. The project engages stakeholders in research to co-produce knew knowledge to inform and support actionable change on the ground. Singletary, L., Koebele, E., Evans, W., Copp, C., Hockaday, S. and Rego, J.J. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-28
Combatting Salinity: Evaluation of Tomato Rootstocks Under Mild and Severe Salt Stress This Extension publication reports the results of University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station research that tested six different commercial tomato rootstocks and one commercial tomato cultivar for salt tolerance under low, moderate and severe salinity levels. Bonarota, M.S., Barrios-Masias, F.H., & Singletary, L. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS-21-08
Reclaimed Water: Uses and Definitions Reclaimed water is commonly defined as treated municipal wastewater that is able to be used again, a practice known as water reuse. Municipal water reuse in the United States occurs mostly in California, Florida, Arizona and Texas; but it is growing in other states, including Nevada. Ormerod, K.J., Redman, S., and Singletary, L. 2020, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno FS-20-34
Reclaiming Water for Urban Foodsheds: State of Nevada Regulations and Permitting. The Reclaiming Water for Urban Foodsheds project integrates basic scientific research with Extension outreach to examine the feasibility of using reclaimed water resources for irrigated agriculture in urban environments. Sterle, K., Ormerod, K.J., Singletary, L., Pagilla, K., Hanigan, D., Verburg, P. and Yang, Y. 2020, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-11
Four Climate Scenarios Developed to Explore Adaptation Strategies for the Truckee-Carson River System. This fact sheet reports results from Water for the Seasons, a collaborative modeling research program that partners an interdisciplinary research team with water managers representing the diverse water-use communities in the Truckee-Carson River System in California and Nevada. Christine M. Albano, Kelley M. Sterle, Michael D. Dettinger and Loretta Singletary 2019, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, FS-19-09.
Reclaiming Water for Urban Foodsheds: Program Overview Reclaiming Water for Urban Foodsheds integrates basic scientific research with Extension outreach to examine the feasibility of using reclaimed water resources for irrigated agriculture in urban environments. Pagilla, K., Hanigan, D., Yang, Y., Verburg, P., Sterle, K., and Singletary, L. 2019, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, FS-19-08.
Managed Aquifer Recharge in Snow-Fed River Basins: What, Why and How? Water for the Seasons is a collaborative modeling research program that partners researchers with water managers representing the diverse water-use communities in the Truckee-Carson River System in California and Nevada. Sterle, K., Kitlasten, W., Morway, E., Niswonger, R., and Singletary, L. 2019, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, FS-19-10
Shifts in Local Climate Adaptation Strategies Over the 2015-2017 Water Years: A Case Study in the Truckee-Carson River System. This fact sheet reports results from Water for the Seasons, a collaborative modeling research program that partners researchers with water managers representing the diverse water-use communities in the Truckee-Carson River System of California and Nevada. Sterle, K., and Singletary, L. 2018, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-18-04.
Adapting Truckee River Reservoir Operations for a Warmer Climate This fact sheet reports results from Water for the Seasons, a collaborative modeling research program that partners researchers with water managers representing the diverse water-use communities in the Truckee-Carson River System in California and Nevada. Sterle, K.M., Jose, L., Coors, S., Pohll, G., Singletary, L., and Rajagopal, S. 2018, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, FS-18-06
Detecting Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Uptake and Translocation in Lettuce to Enhance Food Safety Assessment. Reclaiming Water for Urban Foodsheds integrates basic scientific research with extension outreach to examine the feasibility of using reclaimed water resources for irrigated agriculture in urban environments. Yang, Y., Das, K., Barrios-Masias., F., and Singletary, L. 2018, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, FS-18-03.
Sustaining Water and Climate Resiliency in the Truckee-Carson River system Water for the Seasons partners scientists with community stakeholders in the Truckee-Carson River System to explore new strategies and solutions for dealing with extreme climate events, such as droughts and floods. McCarthy, M., Singletary, L., Sterle, K., Simpson K., Fitzgerald, K., Pohll, G., Rajagopal S., Huntington, J., Dettinger M., Niswonger, R., and Kauneckis, D. 2016, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-16-01
Collaborative Modeling to Assess and Enhance Community Climate Resiliency Creating effective community responses to improve resilience to extreme climate events, such as prolonged drought, requires acknowledging and understanding the interaction between human and natural systems. Singletary, L. 2016, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-16-04
Needs Assessment for Noxious Weeds in Churchill County: Part 4 of 5 - Criteria for Herbicide Use and Selection This fact sheet is the fourth in a series of five that reports the results of a needs assessment survey completed by faculty in University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE). The survey attempted to identify the major issues related to the management and control of weeds in Nevada. Davison, J., Powell, P., Schultz, B., and Singletary, L. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Needs Assessment for Noxious Weeds in Churchill County: Part 5 of 5 - Priority Research and Outreach This fact sheet is the fifth in a series of five that reports the results of a needs assessment survey completed by faculty in University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE). The survey attempted to identify the major issues related to the management and control of weeds in Nevada. Davison, J., Powell, P., Schultz, B., and Singletary, L. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Needs Assessment for Noxious Weeds in Churchill County: Part 1 of 5 - Problem Weeds, Approaches and Methods of Control This publication discusses the results from a needs assessment conducted by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) to identify problem weeds, the approaches and methods for control. Davison, J., Powell, P., Schultz, B., Creech, E., and Singletary, L. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-72
Needs Assessment for Noxious Weeds in Churchill County: Part 3 of 5 - Spread, Detection and Prevention of Weeds This publication discusses the results from a needs assessment conducted by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension to discuss the spread, detection and prevention of weeds. Davison, J., Powell, P., Schultz, B., Creech, E., and Singletary, L. 2011, University of Nevada Extension, FS-2011-74
Needs Assessment for Noxious Weeds in Pershing County: Part 1 of 5 – Problem Weeds and Approaches and Methods of Control Located in northwestern Nevada, Pershing County has 135 farms and ranches covering more than 244,249 acres, excluding public lands in BLM-administered grazing allotments. The average farm size is 1,809 acres (2008 USDA Agricultural Census). Foster, S., Schultz, B., and Singletary, L. 2011, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Needs Assessment for Noxious Weeds in Churchill County: Part 2 of 5 - Problems of and Obstacles to Weed Management This publication discusses the results from a needs assessment conducted by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and looks at the problems and obstacles associated with weed management. Powell, P., Davison, J., Schultz, B., Creech, E., and Singletary, L. 2011, University of Nevada Extension, FS-2011-73
Working Effectively with American Indian Populations: A Brief Overview of Federal Indian Policy An understanding of current American Indian issues requires a basic familiarity with federal Indian policy. This fact sheet provides a brief overview of these policies spanning two centuries. The policies are presented as policy “eras” in chronological order. Singletary, L. and Emm, S. 2011, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Working Effectively with American Indian Populations: Great Basin and Columbia Plateau Indian Culture American Indians of the western range refers to American Indians who reside in a region of the western U.S. bordered on the west by the Sierra and Cascade mountains and on the east by the Rocky Mountains (Woodhead, 1995). The western range includes the Columbia Plateau and Great Basin cultural and physiographic areas. Singletary, L. and Emm, S. 2011, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Commuting Patterns in the State of Nevada This extension fact sheet examines place of residence and place of work data from the U.S. Census of Population and Housing. Its purpose is to show inter-state and inter-county commuting patterns within the state of Nevada in an effort to understand local economies and the state’s overall economic structure. Sendall, B., Harris, T., and Singletary, L. 2008, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-34
Lyon County Cow-Calf Production Costs & Returns This publication is intended to be a guide used to make production decisions, determine potential returns, and prepare business and marketing plans. Practices described are based on the production practices considered typical for a beef cattle cow-calf operation in this region, but may not apply to every operation. Beaupre, A., Curtis, K., and Singletary, L. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-13
An Overview of Water Scarcity and Water Market Development Water Issues Education Series – No.5 This fact sheet contains information on water scarcity and water market development by examining market-based approaches to manage water conflict, the potential for third-party injuries and negative economic externalities, water rights, and many more. L. Singletary 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-23
Community Assets and Quality of Life in Lyon County: Results of a Community Situational Analysis This fact sheet contains information on an analysis of respondents' answers to subjective or perceived quality of life questions to determine the community assets and quality of life. The purpose of the analysis was to identify issues that Cooperative Extension might address through research and education programs. Singletary, L 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-12
Collaborative Approaches & Communication Skills for Addressing Water Disputes. Water Issues Education Series – No. 6 Singletary, L. 2005, UNiversity of Nevada, Reno I Extension, FS-05-24
Collaborative Approaches and Communication Skills for Addressing Water Disputes This fact sheet contains helpful collaborative approaches and communication skills to manage water disputes. Learn effective listening skills, effective speaking skills, and positive communication usage tips. Singletary, L. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-24
Community Needs and Quality of Life in Lyon County: Results of a Community Situational Analysis This factsheet contains information on Lycon County's community needs and the quality of life. This was done by an analysis of respondents' answers to 21 questions about community needs that reflect the quality of life in Lyon County. Singletary, L. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-13
Issues that Affect Youth Quality of Life in Lyon County: Results of a Community Situational Analysis This factsheet contains important information on youth quality of life in Lyon County by conducting analysis and showing the results in serval tables of data. Singletary, L. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-05
Nonpoint Source Pollutants Associated with Nevada Agriculture Water Issues Education – No.3 This fact sheet contains information on pollutants associated with Nevada agriculture by understanding the impairments affecting Nevada's waters. Learn about NPS programs and management practices to control water quality. Singletary, L. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-21
Public Policies Affecting Water Use in Nevada Water Issues Education Series – No. 1 Singletary, L. 2005, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-19
Public Policies Affecting Water Use in Nevada Water Issues Education Series – No.1 This fact sheet contains information on water issues that get affected by population growth and changing attitudes. Learn more about federal policies that affect water use, water rights, and many more. Singletary, L. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-19
The Clean Water Act and Nonpoint Source Pollution: Implications for Nevada Agriculture Water Issues Education Series – No. 2 This fact sheet contains information on the clean water act, the benefits of water use, how to monitor water quality, and many more. Singletary, L. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-20
Water Quality Trading: A Tool to Strengthen NPS Pollution Control Water Issues Education Series – No.4 This fact sheet contains information on water quality trading by looking at what it is and the potential of water quality trading. Singletary, L. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-22
Physical and Psychological Safety Promotes Youth Learning in 4-H This fact sheet explores youth development and associated skill sets by discussing critical indicators of quality youth development, volunteer 4-H leader skills, Life Skills, and more. Singletary, L., Smith, M., and Evans, W. 2004, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-32
Volunteer Leaders Gain Important Skills from 4-H Training and Experiences This fact sheet explains how volunteer leaders gain important skills from 4-H training and experiences by exploring different volunteer and parent ranked scores of skills to work with 4-H youth. Singletary, L., Smith, M., and Evans, W. 2004, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-31
Conducting a Formal Needs Assessment: A Five-Step Survey Approach This fact sheet contains five steps to approach a formal needs assessment. Learn through detailed descriptions and summaries to have a great understanding of each step and applying the information. Singletary, L. and Powell, P. 2003, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-03-48
An Assessment of Public Issues in Lyon County This fact sheet contains extensive information on the public issues in Lyon County by listing each of these issues in different categories. Learn more about the methods for conducting the assessment, important public issues to southern, northern, and central Lyon, and many more. Singletary, L. 2002, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-02-35
An Assessment of Educational Needs in Northern Nye County This fact sheet contains extensive information on educational needs in Northern Nye County by examining the percentage of responses for prioritizing program areas, identifying the level of need for program topics, and many more. Learn through detailed tables that show the type of need that ranges from low to needed. Suverly, N. and Singletary, L. 2002, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-02-60
Lyon County Needs Assessment (2000) This fact sheet contains a needs assessment in Lyon Country that will detail important information such as needs, issues, quality of life, and program needs. Singletary, L. 2000, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-00-33
Economic Impact on Agriculture in the Walker River Basin Under a Water Banking Scenario. Singletary, L. 1998, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-98-26
Journals
U.S. Public Opinion of Reproductive Control Options for Free-roaming Horses on Western Public Lands This research provides an objective, novel insights into public knowledge and perceptions concerning the population control of free-roaming horses on designated western rangelands. Frey, S. Nicole; Beck, Jeffrey L.; Scasta, John Derek; and Singletary, Loretta 2022, Human–Wildlife Interactions: Vol. 16: Iss. 2, Article 6
A role for water markets in enhancing water security in the western United States?: Lessons from the Walker River Basin. Climate change is increasing water scarcity in many semi-arid snow-fed river basins; competition over water resources challenges water security in the western U.S.; water markets reallocate water via voluntary trading among water right holders; understanding perspectives on water allocation and market design. Koebele, E.A., Singletary, L., Hockaday, S., and Ormerod, K.J. 2022, Water Policy 24(11): 1757–1771
Evaluating stakeholder engagement in collaborative research: co-producing knowledge for climate resilience. This study describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of an initial stakeholder engagement experience designed to facilitate knowledge co-production. Singletary, L., Koebele, E., Evans, W., Copp, C., Hockaday, S., and Rego, J.J. 2022, Socio-Ecological Practice Research 4:235-249 (2022).
Climate data and information needs of indigenous communities on reservation lands: insights from stakeholders in the Southwestern United States. This study provides empirical evidence specific to the climate adaptation needs of Indigenous community in the arid southwestern USA. Study respondents prioritize climate information and data that serve to assess local climate change impacts, enhance food security, and integrate and protect the traditional knowledge. Fillmore, H. and Singletary, L. 2021, Climatic Change, 169(37)
The Relationship between Priority and Value of Irrigation Water Used with Prior Appropriation Water Rights This article examines the relationship between water right priority and value of use for rights defined by prior appropriation, and tests whether this relationship is different for rights that have been transferred from their original locations to new locations, versus those that have not. Lee, G.-E., Rollins, K., and Singletary, L. 2020, Land Economics, 96(3): 384-398
Collaboratively Modeling Reservoir Reoperation to Adapt to Earlier Snowmelt Runoff A collaborative modeling research program in the Truckee River Basin iteratively convenes researchers and local water managers to (1) assess water management challenges under climate change, (2) identify strategies to adapt water management, (3) prioritize research and modeling activities, and (4) review findings. Sterle, K., Jose, L., Coors, S., Singletary, L., Pohll, G., and Rajagopal, S. 2020, Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 146(1), 05019021
Hydroclimatic Variability in Snow-fed River Systems: Local Water Managers’ Perspectives on Adapting to the New Normal. In the snow-fed Truckee-Carson River System in the northern Sierra Nevada, water managers are adapting to the “new normal” climate inclusive of increased hydroclimate variability, warmer temperatures, and drought and flood extremes. Sterle, K., Hatchett, B., Singletary, L., & Pohll, G. 2019, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 100: 1031–1048.
Assessing Tribal College Priorities for Enhancing Climate Adaptation on Reservation Lands This study was designed to assess the priorities for enhancing climate adaptation on reservation lands. It summarizes the results of an assessment implemented at the 2016 Annual First Americans Land-Grant Consortium Conference. The study represents 25 of the 37 tribal colleges and universities in the US. Fillmore, H.M., Singletary, L., and Phillips, J. 2018, Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education, April 2018, 163: 64-78
Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) Fire Science Exchange Network: A National Evaluation of Initiative Impacts The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) Fire Science Exchange Network is composed of 15 Exchanges that act as boundary organizations tasked with improving fire science use within their respective regions. A survey conducted annually in 2011-2015 as part of a larger evaluation effort reveals significant impacts. Maletsky, L.D., Evans, W.P., Singletary, L., and Sicafuse, L. 2018, Journal of Forestry, 2018, 116(4): 328-335
Collaborative Modeling to Assess Drought Resiliency of Snow-Fed River Dependent Communities in the Western United States: A Case Study in the Truckee-Carson River System The research presented here provides measured insight into local water managers’ perceptions of drought resiliency in the Truckee-Carson River System in northwestern Nevada. These findings are reported in the context of the collaborative modeling research design developed for this case study. Singletary, L. and Sterle, K. 2017, Water, 9(2), 99
Proceedings
Public knowledge of free-roaming horses in the United States. To provide BLM managers with insights regarding the U.S. public knowledge about the management of Wild Free-Roaming horses in the U.S., we surveyed the public's knowledge of the ecology and management of WFR horses.Our results highlight the need for improved outreach and communication effort regarding this issue. Frey, S.N., Scasta, J.D., Beck, J.L., Singletary, L., and Snell, L.K. 2022, Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 30. (D.M. Woods, Ed.)
Special Publications
The Fate of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Reclaimed Water Used for Irrigation of Agricultural Crops in Nevada This publication, which is part of a series, reports on experimental research to quantify the fate of Pharmaceuticals and Personal care Products in alfalfa and green wheatgrass irrigated with reclaimed water in a greenhouse setting. Busse, G., Verburg, P., Hanigan, D., Sharma, P., Yang, Y., Pagilla, K., & Singletary, L. 2021, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, SP-21-07
Climate Resilient Tribal Waters Stakeholder Perspectives on Climate Information and Data Needs to Enhance the Resiliency of Water Resources on Reservation Lands in the Southwestern United States Fillmore, H. & Singletary, L. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno \| SP-21-04
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in Alfalfa Irrigated With Reclaimed Water. Reclaiming Water for Urban Foodsheds integrates basic scientific research with Extension outreach to examine the feasibility of using reclaimed water for irrigated agriculture in urban environments. Funded by a grant [2017-69007-26309] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Sharma, P., Pagilla, K., Hanigan, D., and Singletary, L. 2020, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, Special Publication SP-20-05.
Water Sustainability and Climate in the Truckee-Carson River System, Western United States: 10 Key Takeaways from the Water for the Seasons Collaborative Research Program. This Special Publication briefly introduces the Truckee-Carson River System case study area, describes the Water for the Seasons research program, and presents 10 key takeaways from this five-year collaboration between local water managers and researchers. Sterle, K., Singletary, L., Lee, G.-E., Rollins, K., Pohll, G., McCarthy, M., Rajagopal, S., Albano, C., Boyer, W., Huntington, J., Dettinger, M., Niswonger, R., Morway, R., Kitlasten, W., Gardner, M., Coors, S., and Jose, L. 2020, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-02.
Elasticity of Price Demand for Water for Residential and Commercial Sectors in Nevada This publication reports the findings of several studies conducted in Nevada, that estimate the elasticity of demand for municipal water. We discuss why water utilities rely on representative elasticity measurements and why these measurements can vary. Bowman, A., Lott, C., Meenan, C., Rollins, K., Stoddard, S., and Singletary, L. 2018, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, SP-18-05
Climate Scenarios for the Truckee-Carson River System. Water for the Seasons partners scientists with community stakeholders in the Truckee-Carson River System to explore new strategies and solutions for dealing with extreme climate events such as droughts and floods. Dettinger, M.D., Sterle, K., Simpson, K., Singletary, L., Fitzgerald, K., and McCarthy, M. 2017, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, SP-17-05.
Adapting to Variable Water Supply in the Truckee-Carson River System: Results of Focus Groups Conducted in 2016 with Local Water Managers Water for the Seasons is an integrated research and Extension program that partners researchers with community stakeholders in the Truckee-Carson River System to explore new strategies and solutions for dealing with droughts and floods. Sterle, K. and Singletary, L. 2017, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, SP-17-15
Collaboratively Modeling Water Resources in the Truckee-Carson River System Water for the Seasons partners scientists with community stakeholders in the Truckee-Carson River System to explore new strategies and solutions for dealing with extreme climate events such as droughts and floods, using collaborative modeling research design that strategically links scientific research with communities Sterle, K., Singletary, L., and Pohll, G. 2017, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, SP-17-04
Assessing the Climate Resiliency and Adaptive Capacity of the Truckee-Carson River System: Preliminary Results of a Survey of Local Organizations Water for the Seasons partners scientists with community stakeholders in the Truckee-Carson River System to explore new strategies and solutions for dealing with extreme climate events, such as droughts and foods. Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Singletary, L., Sterle, K., and Simpson, K. 2016, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, SP-16-03
Results of a Mailed Survey: Priorities for Wells, Nevada Baker-Tingey, J., Smith, M. and Singletary, L. 2014, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension