UW Researchers Seek Storytellers for Study About Snake and Green River Watersheds

Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta county residents involved in agriculture or recreation are asked to share stories about their relationship to water with the University of Wyoming’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.

The research is one component of UW’s WyACT: Wyoming Anticipating Climate Transitions project, a five-year program funded by the National Science Foundation.

The goal of the storytelling project is to allow Wyoming residents to reflect on their relationship with water and to share these stories to understand both the impacts of changing water availability and how Wyoming residents are responding to it, says Corrie Knapp, a WyACT co-principal investigator.

“WyACT involves a lot of hard science and computer work, but understanding values and relationships is just as important,” says Knapp, who is a Haub School assistant professor. “For that, we need to actually talk to the people of Wyoming.”

Through storytelling, the research team seeks to foster meaningful conversations; create a sense of community among diverse stakeholders; inform decision-makers and scientists; and enhance the capacity of individuals to adapt to changing conditions.

“I believe sharing stories has the power to shape the future of Wyoming’s water resources,” says Pallavi Pokharel, a UW graduate student and research assistant leading the project. “Each narrative is a thread that weaves us together, guiding us toward a future where water is cherished, protected and celebrated.”

Stories will be prompted by a set of three to four interview questions and are expected to take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. All participants will receive a $25 gift card on completion of the interview and will be entered to win a $250 gift certificate.

Storytellers will be given the option to have their stories published on the UW Ruckelshaus Institute website and shared with others, or for their stories to remain anonymous and confidential. They also can choose to share relevant pictures to accompany their stories. Efforts will be made to avoid any identifying details, and participants will have the opportunity to review quotes before publication.

For more information, go to www.uwyo.edu/haub/ruckelshaus-institute/outreach/water-stories.html.

WyACT facilitates the co-production of knowledge to enable cutting-edge science that helps Wyoming communities anticipate and adapt to climate change impacts on water.

The Haub School advances the understanding and resolution of complex environmental and natural resources challenges through its academic programs, research and creative activities, and centers and institutes.

For more information, email Pokharel at ppokhare@uwyo.edu.