I’m guessing that all of you have experienced the ‘unexpected’ – whether it be analytical results, model predictions, legislative decisions, or interpretations that evolve through deep familiarity with a dataset.
There are also the more personal aspects of the ‘unexpected.’ Sometimes the unexpected result or experience may be the consequence of a seemingly insignificant decision you made – without realizing its potential. I’m sure you all have professional or personal stories you can share long these lines. I’m going to share two with you.
First, many of you will be aware of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. It was set up in 1991 to develop long-term, nationally consistent information on the quality of the nation’s streams and groundwater. This program was organized into three 10-year cycles, with each successive cycle building upon the findings of the past cycle. We are in Cycle 3. Consistent, periodic monitoring of same sites has made long-term trends analysis possible. Nested studies (local to regional to national) allow interpretation and perspective of local, state, and regional findings by other organizations. I am sure that many of you were or are employed as part of this program. The unexpected part of this success story (see the article in this newsletter) is that the current 10-year cycle is being cut short essentially behind closed doors after new leadership (Don Cline, now Associate Director for Water) was brought in a couple years ago.
NAWQA cycle 3, year 8 (federal FY 2020) is slated to suffer a 50% budget reduction, year 9 a 75% budget reduction, and year 10 funding is scheduled to be cut completely. One of many ramifications is that many of the publications (work in years 8-10), were planned to publish interpretation of data already collected and have been dropped or cut. There will be no Cycle 4. This is an unexpected cut to an effective and successful water quality monitoring program, with broad consequences.
The second story of the ‘unexpected’ is more personal. I used to think baseball was a ‘stupid’ game. I was raised on cricket (yes, games can extend over days). As my sons grew up in the Twin Cities they participated in various neighborhood youth leagues and my interest was piqued. About ten years ago I needed a non-academic challenge over the summer; I decided to teach myself/learn how to score baseball games. I learned more about teaching and learning that summer than I have ever learned from any pedagogy workshop. My approach to teaching (especially where it comes to the recording and interpretation of data) changed forever. This summer I needed a break or distraction from academia and research. I decided to work at Target Field. By the time you read this, the truly unexpected part of my summer endeavor will be long past – I am throwing out the honorary first pitch at Target Field this evening – August 3rd. Maybe some of you were there and wondered whether I had a doppelganger.
So, back to the theme of unexpected outcomes. Please read the more detailed report in this newsletter about the demise of the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. While professional affiliations may preclude some of you from contacting legislators about concerns you may have about its demise, please encourage and support colleagues that are able to voice their concerns. In the meantime, I exhort you all to try something new or challenging – you never know where it may lead! I look forward to seeing you all at the MGWA Fall Conference.
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