This conference was organized in response to concerns about western water & natural resources mgmt. & the region's apparent growing vulnerability to extended periods of water shortage. Includes papers presented during plenary sessions, preconf. workshop summaries, a summary report from the working group sessions, & a plan of action for drought mgmt. in the West. Covers: ecological & environmental concerns; river basin mgmt.; energy; fish & wildlife mgmt.; mitigation; planning & policy; urban water supplies, virtual drought models, etc.