River Rally 2011: A Look at the Water-Energy-Climate Related Workshops to Come

With River Rally 2011 - taking place in North Charleston, SC from June 3-6 - just a few months around the corner, here's a sneak-peak look at some of what's in store for those of you who plan to attend the Water-Energy-Climate related workshops. There will certainly be some exciting things to share at this year's gathering.

Some of the Water-Energy-Climate related workshops in store for River Rally 2011 include:

Bringing Climate Change Impacts to Hometown Creeks
This workshop will detail how watershed groups can relate climate change to backyard creeks, and explore messages that resonate with policy-makers and citizens for transforming climate science into conservation actions that protect our waterways. We’ll provide a “how-to” for compiling a watershed-specific climate change report and engaging communities in addressing this threat.
Brianna Randall, Clark Fork Coalition and Zach Frankel, Utah Rivers Council

Water for Electricity: How it Works
Over 40% of the water taken from rivers and lakes in the U.S. is used to cool power plants. Do you know how this affects your river? In this workshop, we’ll discuss how power plants use water, how this impacts water quality, and ways to protect your watershed from harm.
John Rogers, Union of Concerned Scientists; Annette Huber-Lee, Tufts University and Sara Barczak, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

Creating a Community Global Warming Task Force
Recognizing the threat of climate change to our communities, Westchester County, NY created a task force engaging all sectors. The result: a living, comprehensive and collaborative action plan for water, land-use, and energy. Follow the development of Westchester’s intriguing model and results to replicate success in your community.
Adrienne Atwell, Greensure Consulting LLC

Forest and Water Strategies for Climate Resilience
Decisions made at the local level are absolutely key to achieving resilience against the impacts of climate change on water resources. This workshop will take you through a model process for assessing your local climate vulnerabilities and developing forest and water strategies for climate adaptation planning
Gwen Griffith, Cumberland River Compact

[INTENSIVE] Community-based Climate Response Planning
Recognizing the threat of climate change to our communities, Westchester County, NY created a task force engaging all sectors. The result: a living, comprehensive and collaborative action plan for water, land-use, and energy. Follow the development of Westchester’s intriguing model and results to replicate success in your community.
Wendy Wilson, River Network

There will certainly be more water-energy nexus related workshops happening at the this years River Rally, so keep your eyes peeled for another update. This will be my first year attending River Rally so i'm incredibly excited. Last year around this time I was a newbie here at River Network and had to stay at home - manning our lonely office - and listen in agony upon the 2010 Rally-goers return, to all the amazing stories they had to share. At any rate, there will me many more great experiences to be had and memories to be made at this years Rally, and I look forward to seeing some of you there!