• Circulars are synthesis reports on a broad topic that are widely distributed, reaching a large audience. This includes scientists in government, industry, and academia; water managers; public-health officials; utilities; regulators; elected officials; and watershed groups and others in the general public.
• Scientific Investigations Reports contain information of lasting scientific interest because of significant data and interpretation.
• Open File Reports are publications that are released immediately and contain interpretive information such as supporting data referenced in another product or preliminary findings.
• Water-Resources Information Reports are a discontinued series of reports. When used, they contained hydrologic information of local interest.
NAWQA Communication Strategy for Circular
1291: Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Ground
Water, 1992-2001 (released March, 2006)
1. Conducted formal external review of the Circular (two formal USGS peer reviews, 15 external reviews);
2. Briefed federal agencies and others on major findings and implications (Department of the Interior [DOI], U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s [EPA’s] Office of Water and Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA];
3. Posted the Circular and companion materials on an internal website so USGS scientists (such as Water Science Center Directors) could become familiar with findings and implications;
4. Worked collaboratively with communications staff at EPA and USDA during release (exchanged press releases);
5. Briefed DOI external and public affairs stakeholders on key findings and communications plan;
6. Held congressional briefing;
7. Posted USGS Circular and companion materials on the NAWQA homepage;
8. Distributed Circular and companion materials to agencies and stakeholders (printed and electronic versions);
9. Derivative articles written to communicate information about specific issues of interest to selected organizations; and
10. Continued distribution through conferences, workshops, follow-up meetings, and briefings.
SOURCE: P. Hamilton, personal communication, June 25, 2010.