Fall Platte River Basin Science and Resource Management Symposium

October 14 and 15 in Kearney

By Steve Ress

LINCOLN, Neb. - The latest in Platte River research and management efforts, including adaptive management, will be showcased at an October symposium in Kearney.

The symposium is Oct. 14 and 15 at the Ramada Inn, Kearney. It kicks-off with an optional tour of Cottonwood Ranch and other stops along the Platte River, hosted by Chad Smith of Headwaters Corporation.

The symposium will examine research and management issues associated with the Platte River from the physical sciences to the human dimensions aspects of economics, sociology, law and policy.

“Anyone doing research or management work on the Platte River was invited to submit abstracts to be an oral or poster presenter,” said co-organizer Lorrie Benson, assistant director of the UNL Water Center. “The result is that we have a broad spectrum of speakers representing a variety of agencies, institutions, organizations, interests and points of view.”

On Oct. 15 the symposium hosts a full day of fast-paced sessions by a broad cross-section of Platte River researchers, managers and other interested parties.

Presentation and poster topics include integrated water management in the basin, invasive species management, wildlife and threatened and endangered species concerns, surface water and groundwater conflicts and socioeconomic issues, among others. Posters will be available for viewing both days.

Panel discussions of particular note include one focusing on the status of implementing the Platte recovery program’s land, water and adaptive management plans, as well as the program’s accomplishments to date and progress toward established goals.

A second panel discussion will key on the direction of adaptive management on the central Platte, experimental design and the role of science in implementing recovery program goals.

The complete symposium program, including an agenda of oral and poster presentations, can be accessed online at http://watercenter.unl.edu/Platte2009. Registration is open at that online site through Sept. 30 at a cost of $85, plus $20 for the optional first-day river tour. A late fee of $35 applies to registrations received after Sept. 30. Students may attend the symposium at no charge, but they must register.

Conference room rates are available at the Kearney Ramada Inn through Sept. 14 by phoning (308) 237-3141.

The symposium takes the place of the usual fall research colloquium typically held on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.

The event is cosponsored by U.S. Geological Survey Nebraska Water Science Center, Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, Headwaters Corporation and UNL’s Water Center, School of Natural Resources, Water Resources Research Initiative, Office of Research and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Address registration questions to Jacki Loomis, UNL School of Natural Resources, at (402) 472-3471 or jloomis3@unl.edu.

Source:

• Lorrie B. Benson, J.D., assistant director, UNL Water Center, (402) 472-3305

Writer:

• Steven W. Ress, communications coordinator, UNL Water Center, (402) 472-3305