Webinar: Learn how water quality standards work in the Intermountain West

Join us on Tuesday, September 29th at 2 pm mountain time for River Network's first Clean Water West webinar. This first webinar training will be an introduction to water quality standards in the Intermountain West states. It will be a 101-level training, suitable for river and watershed organizations, land trusts, and wildlife or lands groups interested in better understanding the power of the Clean Water Act's most fundamental program.

Reserve your place by September 22 by emailing mfrey@rivernetwork.org with your name, organization, phone and email address.

Water quality standards are the building blocks for all kinds of efforts to protect and restore our rivers, lakes and wetlands. Water quality standards establish the uses we make or want to make of our rivers (from swimming to trout habitat to irrigation) and set limits for pollutants and other parameters necessary to make rivers safe for those uses. In addition, standards establish policies that help keep clean waters clean.

This webinar is a trial-run for a larger training series we are considering launching. The larger series would address several core 101 policy pieces, but would also include more advanced sessions focused on specific issues, case studies, and tools. Your participation in -- and feedback on – this first session will help River Network create a useful series.

What will you learn in water quality standards 101?

• The basic components of standards – designated uses, water quality criteria, and the antidegradation policy – and how they can be used to protect your rivers.
• Mechanisms for public input and influence in standards development.
• Where to find your own state's water quality standards, and how to navigate within them.
• Upcoming opportunities for improving standards in your state and around the region – from nutrient pollution control to biocriteria development.
• Participants will also receive links to their state standards, a policy paper analyzing standards issues in the Intermountain West, and additional resources.

What makes this webinar different?

• Small, cozy group. We'll limit participation to the first 20 individuals to reserve their place. This will allow for more questions and discussion.
• Regional focus. U.S. EPA runs a good webinar on standards, but it is generalized for the whole nation – we'll look specifically at the Intermountain West.
• Connection to regional analysis. The webinar will be tied to the release of a region-wide policy analysis diving into standards issues and upcoming strategic opportunities in the region.
• Networking opportunity. The small size and regional nature of our group will allow you to get to know your river "neighbors" from around the region.

Please note: Priority placement in the webinar will be granted to nonprofit organization staff/volunteers and River Network Partners. However, if you represent a local, state, or federal agency, a business or other interest, please let us know if you are interested in attending. We'll place those folks on a waiting list and, if spots are open after the September 22 deadline, notify them for participation.

Save your spot today! RSVP with your name, organization, email and telephone number to Merritt at mfrey@rivernetwork.org by September 22.