Summer Specialty Conference Environmental Flows

An AWRA Summer Specialty Conference on Environmental Flows will be held in Hartford, Connecticut, on June 24-25, 2013. Environmental flows, also called ecological or instream flows, are defined as "the quantity, quality, and timing of water flows required to sustain freshwater ecosystems, human livelihoods, and the well-being of those who depend on them." The objective of the conference is to offer a professional forum on the latest issues concerning the research, policy, and application of establishing environmental flows. The conference topics will be of particular interest to scientists, policy makers and regulators, consultants and stakeholders practicing in the environmental flows arena or affected by changes in flow policy water management requirements. Themes are intended to address issues experienced by those practicing in the environmental flows arena or affected by changes in flow policy water management requirements. The Conference Planning Committee is looking for abstracts that relate directly to these primary themes, including case studies.

The oral presentation part of the conference schedule for June 24-25 will conclude with a facilitated discussion of input from various disciplines-biologists, engineers, managers, and stakeholders such as non-governmental organizations, regulators, energy generators, and water suppliers.

On Wednesday, June 26, attendees can join a special field trip to nearby Barkhamsted Reservoir, which provides water to Hartford and the surrounding region, and where the Hartford Metropolitan District has launched forest management and source protection programs. The field trip will also include a lecture tour and reception at Great Mountain Forest, which hosts research on forest ecosystem management. These are places you cannot easily visit on your own and where there are great programs using sustainable forest practices to protect water resources for water supply and aquatic communities. Stops will also be made along the Connecticut River to learn of actions being taken to manage reservoir releases and environmental flows.

Abstract Submittal Deadline: February 8, 2013