11th NATIONAL WATERSHED CONFERENCE
A Gathering on the Great
Plains:
Shaping the Future for
Watershed Programs and Projects
Sponsored by:
National Watershed Coalition
and
State Association of
Kansas Watersheds
In Cooperation with the
USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service
May 17-20, 2009
Wichita Marriott
Wichita, Kansas
WHO
WE ARE-
The National Watershed Coalition (NWC) is a nonprofit
coalition founded in May 1989. NWC is made up of national, regional, state,
local, and tribal organizations, associations and individuals, that advocate
dealing with natural resource problems and issues using the watershed as the
planning and operational unit. We advocate using total resource management
principles in planning, and believe that the Small Watershed Program, authorized
by PL 83-566, is the best management and implementation vehicle available
for water and land resource management. We represent the needs of watershed
project sponsors. We offer assistance on watershed planning when requested,
sponsor biennial conferences, and other special resource workshops and conferences.
We believe that proper care of our Nation's resources is a top national priority
WHO
SHOULD ATTEND-
Local, state, tribal, regional, and federal watershed, floodplain, and natural
resources program managers and project sponsors will find the conference informative
and useful as they address their unique natural resource management concerns.
Local community leaders will learn what programs are available to them, and
how they can be implemented. Governmental officials will hear from local program
managers what works best at the local level and what needs to change. Those
involved in land and water resource development, management and protection,
and members of non-government organizations (NGOs) and other groups that have
an interest in the watershed approach, will gain valuable insight as to the
future of these beneficial watershed programs.
PROGRAM
HIGHLIGHTS-
Kansas has a rich history and strong tradition in managing natural resources
on a watershed basis. The State provides a perfect backdrop for a discussion
of both the form and function of future watershed projects and programs.
The task of managing a full range of natural resources on a watershed basis is full of increasingly complex challenges. A wide range of issues face those who share responsibility for managing resources within the watershed. In our ever-changing society competing interests and the associated environmental and economic issues also abound. The 11th National Watershed Conference provides a forum designed to blend past experience with current knowledge and future perspective.
The goal of this conference program is to strengthen the knowledge base and abilities of the participants to successfully meet current and future needs in watershed management. Invited speakers include US Congressman Jerry Moran-KS, the incoming USDA-NRCS Chief, Mr. Albert Ashwood, Past President, National Emergency Management Association, Mr. Wayne Graham, USBR Hydraulic Engineer, a leader in dam failure/fatality research.
The Wichita program includes Federal, State and Local policy perspectives and presentations targeted on watershed management to meet diverse goals and concerns. Concurrent sessions will address issues such as watershed assessment and water quality, risk management through emergency preparedness and response, and watershed protection and restoration. Several case studies and technical sessions are scheduled which look at computer modeling as well as real time events and the effects of weather events on watershed structures.
Don't miss this opportunity for professional development and personal involvement in shaping the future. Register before May 1, 2009 and receive a $25.00 discount. To receive the conference room rates at the Marriott you must make your room reservations by Saturday April 25, 2009.
For complete registration information, download the printable registration form!
Click here for a draft
copy of the Conference Program.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Conference Hotel:
Wichita
Marriott, 9100 Corporate Hills Dr
NWC Rate - $89 per night plus tax
1-800-610-0673
Mention you are attending the National Watershed Coalition meeting to take advantage of the discounted room rates. Reservations must be made by Saturday, April 25th. The Wichita Marriott offers a complimentary shuttle service on request from the Wichita Airport.
KANSAS TOUR
Sunday, May 17, 2009
This Sunday tour will focus on 4 major Kansas resources: Wind, Water, Soil
and Oil. Tour highlights include the state of the art Cowskin Creek Water
Quality Reclamation facility as well as lunch served at the City of Wichita's
Water Center. Following lunch the group will travel through the Flint Hills
to the Elk River Wind Project a 150mw, 100 turbine wind farm that generates
electricity for 42,000 homes. Participants will get a firsthand look at Kansas
soil and water conservation and watershed work near El Dorado. An additional
stop in El Dorado includes the Kansas Oil museum and Flint Hills exhibit at
the Butler County History Center.
KANSAS NIGHT AT COWTOWN
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Relax a bit from the "information overload" and join your friends
for an evening of great food, great music, and wonderful memories at the Diamond
W Chuckwagon Supper. Located at Wichita' historic Old
Cowtown Museum, the Diamond W Chuckwagon sits in grand western style on
the shores of the Arkansas River near downtown Wichita, Kansas. The Diamond
W Chuckwagon offers year round family dining with its world famous Diamond
W Wranglers providing the western musical entertainment. We will depart the
Wichita Marriott at 5:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. the supper bell will ring and it's
all you can eat bar-b-que. Afterwards, you'll sit back in your padded chair
and enjoy the world famous Diamond W Wranglers. Kansas night should wrap up
by 10:00 p.m. The Kansas Night fee is $30.00 per participant. Space is limited,
so requests will be filled on a first-come, first served basis.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
SUNDAY, MAY 17TH
8:00 AM-6:00
PM Registration
8:45-4:30 PM Wichita Tour Departs
12 Noon-5:00 PM Exhibit Set-up
5:30-7:00 PM Exhibitors Mixer
MONDAY, MAY 18TH
6:45-7:45
AM Complimentary Continental Breakfast
7:00 AM-5:00 PM Registration
8:00-10:00 AM General Session - Leadership Perspectives
on Watershed Policy and Programs
10:00-10:30 AM Exhibits / Refreshment Break
10:30-11:30 AM General Session, Cont.
11:45 AM-1:15 PM Luncheon
1:30-5:00 PM Concurrent Sessions
Evening On Your Own
TUESDAY, MAY 19TH
7:00-8:15
AM Complimentary Continental Breakfast
7:00 AM-5:00 PM Registration
8:30-10:00 AM General Session "Run For It!"
- Is Not an Emergency Action
Plan - Keeping People and Projects Safe
10:00-10:30 AM Exhibits / Refreshment break
10:30-11:30 AM General Session, Cont.
11:45 AM-1:15 PM Luncheon
1:30-5:00 PM Concurrent Sessions
6:00-9:30 PM Kansas
Night at Old Cowtown Museum
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20TH
7:00-8:00
AM Complimentary Continental Breakfast
Registration Desk Closed
8:30-11:30 AM General Session
NWC Awards
Introduction of new NWC Officers
Join us in May at Wichita !
