To better understand issues and solutions involving water availability in the Western United States, USDA’s Natural Resources Convention Service (NRCS) will be hosting a virtual “listening session” next Thursday for producers and other members of the public.

The session, which will be held at 10 a.m. EST, is meant to gather input from the public about which water-related issues are hindering producers and ways that they can be addressed.

“We have heard from stakeholders that we need to do more to address water quantity issues in the western U.S.,” Kevin Norton, acting NRCS chief, said in a release. “This listening session will enable us to hear directly from people at the local level on how to improve our programs and operations.” 

According to the Federal Register notice, those interested in attending the session should send their first and last name, organization, job title, city, state, email address and phone number to WesternWater@usda.gov and do so by Dec. 15 at noon.

Those who wish to speak during the session must register by Dec. 18. The release states that those who cannot attend or do not wish to speak at the listening session can submit written feedback by email or mail, but must do so before Jan. 19.

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