2010 Workshop Descriptions

River Rally 2010 offered more than 70 workshops over a period of 3 days. Friday workshops were intensive, 4-hour sessions, providing both presenters and participants time to explore--in depth--a specific topic. Workshops on Saturday and Sunday were between 90 and 120 minutes in length.

Friday 8:30-12:30am | Friday 1-5pm | Saturday 9:30-11:30am | Saturday 1:30-3pm | Saturday 3:30-5pm | Sunday 9-10:30am | Sunday 11-12:30pm | Sunday 2-3:30pm | Sunday 4-5:30pm


Download the Matrix of Workshops (PDF to your right) and take a look at the Program you'll receive at Snowbird for all the details.

FRIDAY WORKSHOPS: 8:30am-12:30pm

Funders’ Office Hours
Level: All
Day/Time: Friday ~ 8:30am - 12:30pm
Have you ever wondered - how do I create a relationship with a funder? What are funders looking for in proposals? How do I manage my award? Why is reporting such a big deal? If yes then Funders' Office Hours is for you. Come meet funders via roundtable discussions. Presenters: Various

Geographic Information Systems: A Hands-On Workshop
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Friday ~ 8:30am - 12:30pm
This training provides a quick crash course in GIS and includes instruction in ArcGIS 9.3.1: creating maps using Google Maps and Google Earth, practical uses of GIS for watershed groups, and an evaluation copy of ArcGIS 9.3.1 for installation on individual computers. A discussion around community participatory mapping and citizen action will also be included. Each participant needs to bring a computer of his or her own (PC only, as MACs are not compatible). If anyone is interested in taking the course but cannot bring a laptop, we can arrange to provide one for a fee and two weeks advance notice. Presenter: Wansoo Im, VERTICES, LLC

Protecting, Restoring and Replicating Natural Hydrology
Level: All
Day/Time: Friday ~ 8:30 - 12:30pm
In this session we will examine specific examples of Blue Cities’ efforts around the country, discuss the economics of more sustainable, integrated water management choices, lay out a path for replicating such efforts and develop/introduce a “request for partners” (RFP) that will be the initial outreach tool to broaden a coordinated strategy focused on protecting, restoring and replicating natural hydrology. Presenters: Bob Zimmerman, Charles River Watershed Association, Bill Stack, Center for Watershed Protection

Protecting Rivers on Forest Service Lands in the Intermountain West: Tools and Discussion
Level: All
Day/Time: Friday ~ 8:30am - 12:30pm
This session will include both presentations and strategic discussions among advocates and Forest Service staff. We'll review the status of water quality and riparian habitat on Forest Service lands in the region, investigate several case studies of successful, holistic restoration efforts and what it took to make those happen, and discuss new information and policy directions that will impact the future of Forest Service rivers. River Network staff will facilitate and presenters on special topics TBA. Want to see the draft agenda? Email Merritt at mfrey@rivernetwork.org. Facilitator: Merritt Frey, River Network

Collaboration Case Study for Urban River Restoration
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Friday ~ 9-11am
Track: Restoration
Learn how different organizations are collaboratively working to protect, restore and enhance water quality and watershed functions in the Salt Lake Valley. The Utah Division of Water Quality, Salt Lake County Flood Control and Envision Utah will discuss how they have worked together successfully on projects and engaging stakeholders. We will also create a forum in which other agencies and nonprofits can discuss their successful collaboration. Presenters: Hilary Arens, State of Utah Division of Water Quality; Marian Hubbard, Salt Lake County; Gabriel Epperson, Envison Utah

FRIDAY WORKSHOPS: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Level: All
Day/Time: Friday ~ 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Abandoned mines have been characterized as the “crazy aunt in the attic” of national environmental issues – not an imminent threat but one that continues to worsen with chronic neglect. Gain the tools necessary to begin effectively addressing this widespread problem: assessment and planning, restoration techniques, funding, liability, and community engagement. Presenters: Rob Roberts, Amy Wolfe, Pam Elkovich and Elizabeth Russell Trout Unlimited

Uniting the Watershed & Environmental Justice Movements
Level: All
Day/Time: Friday ~ 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Thousands of people are active in watershed organizations across North America. Thousands of others are active in environmental justice organizations. Both movements compliment one another in a variety of ways. How can the two movements benefit each other? Are there ways to unite the two movements and thereby diversify the constituencies and strengthen the power base of both? Is that a good thing? What are the common goals and values shared by both movements? What are some of the barriers that have kept these movements separate, and how can we begin to disassemble those barriers? The 2011 River Rally represents an historical opportunity to pull these constituencies together. How might we take advantage of and plan this opportunity? Please join us for this important strategic session to discuss these and other related questions! Facilitators: Steve Dickens, River Network and Chitra Kumar, U.S. EPA, Drinking Water Protection Division

Building Green Cities with Green Plumbing Programs: Water Heating, Distribution and Conservation
Level: All
Day/Time: Friday ~ 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Water heating is typically the 1st, 2nd or 3rd largest energy use in a home. This workshop will put the magnitude of hot water use in perspective and explore the various components of typical hot water systems. Water heaters, faucets, showers, appliances, piping layouts, pipe insulation and drain water heat recovery will be addressed. Particular attention will be paid to the interactions among the components, so that the system as a whole provides the desired performance while saving water and energy. Presenter: Gary Klein, Affiliated International Management, LLC

Watershed Planning for Success & Federal Funding
Level: All
Day/Time: Friday ~ 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Learn how to supercharge your funding success and qualify for federal funding to achieve lasting environmental results in your watershed. In this workshop, EPA will equip participants with the skills, concepts and tools needed to reach your vision through an integrated watershed approach. Experts say that one of the surest ways to achieve water quality results is to develop a robust, realistic watershed plan, or roadmap, to target control options and measure progress. Understand how the nine critical elements of a watershed plan and tools will guide and
implement actions to achieve water quality standards and put you on the surest path to funding. The workshop will equip you with key tools to help you take a more strategic and sustainable funding approach. Participants will learn about three free, web-based tools tested by nonprofits that can help you find relevant funding resources, create a sustainable finance plan, and prioritize competing funding objectives. (Bring your own wi-fi-ready laptop to workshop.)
Presenters: Don Waye, Stuart Lehman & Alison Keener, U.S. EPA

Watershed Monitoring Can Make All the Difference
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Friday ~ 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Are your monitoring efforts producing measurable results or action and how do you know? Whether your monitoring program is 50 years old or brand new, is a state agency implementing the Clean Water Act or a volunteer program monitoring a local stream, our efforts should be relevant. Have you ever evaluated your monitoring program in context with your organizations mission, motivation or needs of volunteers collecting the data or targeted decision maker’s information needs? In the first part of this workshop you evaluate your monitoring program for its ability to produce measurable results. You will learn how to design a measurable effort if you have not started monitoring. The second part of this workshop will be sharing of tips and a range of real life examples of citizen action and the difference it made. Each participant will receive a mini-work book and the entire Rocky Mountain Watershed Network’s Monitoring and Assessment Design Workbook on CD. Presenters: Barb Horn, Rocky Mountain Watershed Network and Danielle Donkersloot, NJ Department of Environmental Protection

Watershed Support Network
Level: INVITE ONLY
Day/Time: Friday ~ 1:00pm - 5:00pm
River Network as with many environmental and conservation organizations stands as the hope for the future of our lakes rivers, and streams around the country. Over the years it has made extraordinary ground and still the organization and its staff, supporters, and leadership have yet to reflect the true diversity of America. How can we become an organization for all of America?? What does this mean for what we have to learn as an organization and/or as individuals? This workshop will allow participants to explore diversity and inclusion from the perspective of protecting and preserving America 's rivers for today and for the future. Join us for this session and walk away with new tools for your individual and organizational tool box as well as new ways of thinking about your work and how it impacts and can be impacted by broader communities. Engage with us as we ask, what it would look, sound and feel like for River Network to be the inclusive organization it is striving to be? Presenters: Emilio Williams; The Koi Group; Baird Straughan, Lead Green and Diana Toledo River Network staff

Urban Transformation: the River as Community Organizing Tool
Level: All
Day/Time: Friday ~ 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Ten watershed, law, community organizing, and housing nonprofits have joined together to work toward restoring the Mystic River in Boston’s urban industrial core. This Mystic River Collaborative, whose goals are to restore the river, open access to it, introduce green infrastructure to its streets, and educate a broad spectrum of communities of color on their environmental options, has been working toward restoration for 18 months. In this session, we will discuss what has been learned and what has been accomplished, and how organizational perspectives have changed as the work continues. Presenters: Bob Zimmerman, Charles River Watershed Association and EkOngKar Singh Khalsa, Mystic River Watershed Association

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS: 9:30am - 11:30am

Building Alliances with New Constituencies
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Partnerships & Diversity
If we want to build a more powerful environmental movement, we must be much more thoughtful about working with different communities and non-traditional entities. This takes more than inviting others to "our" events. This requires leadership, patience and a willingness to step outside our own comfort zones. Join this discussion of how to develop genuine partnerships and will develop action steps to take back home. Presenters: Judy Hatcher, Environmental Support Center; Sherri Norris, California Indian Environmental Alliance and Elizabeth Salter, Alabama Rivers Alliance

Creating a Successful and Sustainable Organization
Level: Advanced
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Sustainable Organizations
This workshop expands on the traditional definitions of planning, marketing and organizational development to help organizations be more potent, effective and sustainable. Using an integrated strategy, we will demonstrate how focusing identity, engaging loyal constituents and aligning capacity builds a distinct and distinguishable brand. It is this brand that attracts supporters and resources to the organization. We provide tools and templates to enable immediate application to take the organization to its next level. Presenter: Shelli Bischoff-Turner, Conservation Impact

Federal Funding for Restoration and Conservation
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Political Strategies
Several of America's Great Waters, such as the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, Chesapeake Bay, and others, have had considerable success this year in obtaining federal funding through the 2010 Interior Appropriations Bill for restoration and conservation. To build on that momentum and to ensure that we have the political will (and votes in Congress) to increase appropriations levels in future years, advocacy groups from every region of the country are working together as the America's Great Waters Coalition. This workshop will bring participants up to date, and will engage them in ways that they and their organizations can be a part and benefit from the efforts of the coalition. Presenters: Peter Alexander, America's Great Waters Coalition

How to Plan for Measurable Results
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Aquatic Ecosystems
Well designed monitoring programs have clear goals for the data use - whether it's building a solid water quality database for future trend analysis or documenting a pollution source in the watershed. In this discussion we will work on defining clear monitoring goals for data user. Discuss the importance of defining the data users you would like to share the data with as well as some of the mistakes groups have made. This workshop will be interactive with break out sessions and open discussion on making your data "public-friendly. Presenters: Danielle Donkersloot, NJ Department of Environmental Protection and Barb Horn, CO Division of Wildlife

Human Affects of Carbon Politics
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Warming Watersheds
This session will discuss the work of environmental justice groups and how climate change makes engaging disadvantaged communities even more essential to the work of river and watershed groups. Presenter: Nia Robinson, Environmental Justice Climate Change Initiative

Making Wiser Funding Decisions
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Fundraising
This workshop is intended for organizations that rely on funding and those seeking funding. The workshop will introduce attendees to a new decision tool designed to help organizations select water quality, sustainability, and other important criteria to evaluate project proposals that are competing for limited resources. Presenters: Bill Jarocki & Kristina Gillespie, Environmental Finance Center; Boise State University

New Horizons in Western Water Law
Level: Advanced
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Western Issues
This workshop addresses emerging ideas in western water law and its integration with other issues, such as habitat restoration or recreation. Panelists – including some of the leading thinkers on the issue – will share their legal and political analysis of how western water law and public perceptions are changing. Presenter: Denise Fort, University of New Mexico School of Law & Robert W. Adler, James I. Farr Chair and Professor of Law (University of Utah)

River Stories in Google Earth
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Technology
Learn how you can reach millions of unique users of Google Earth globally at absolutely no cost. Get access to free and easy tools to tell your critically important river stories in Google Earth with links to your web sites and explore new and powerful presentation tools. Presenter: Charlotte Vick, Deep Search Foundation | Google

Still Trying to Fix the Clean Water Act
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Wetlands
This workshop will update river activists on judicial, administrative, and legislative developments since the Supreme Court's muddled Rapanos decision in 2007, and what the options are for restoring the jurisdictional integrity of the CWA. Presenter: Patrick Parenteau, Vermont Law School

Tackling Agricultural Nonpoint Pollution in Your State
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Agriculture & Industry
Tired of beating your head against the Clean Water Act, looking for a solution to agricultural pollution problems? Nonpoint agricultural pollution is arguably our nation’s biggest water quality problem, but unfortunately there’s not much being done at the federal level to fix it. Let’s take a fresh look at some relatively straightforward regulatory mechanisms that could be adopted at a state level to begin cleaning up our watersheds, learning from states that have already adopted them. We will look at the important elements of a handful of agricultural rules, and send you away with some strategies you can use to advocate for cleaner water in your home state. Presenter: Jessica Dexter, Environmental Law & Policy Center

Water Quality Standards
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 9:30am - 11:30am
Track: Clean Water Act for Beginners
Everyone needs to understand water quality standards. We will explain designated uses, water quality criteria and antidegradation. We will work through real state water quality standards and discuss how to make changes. Participants will be able to review their own water quality standards after this session. Presenter: Gayle Killam, River Network

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS: 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Bringing it Together: Clean Water, Habitat & Flow
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30 - 3pm
Track: Aquatic Ecosystems
Many of the laws river advocates work with compartmentalize issues that are fundamentally linked in the life of our rivers. This workshop explores ways to better integrate our policy tools in order protect and restore rivers. Case studies will be used to illustrate examples of strategies to push the envelope on our current "silo-ed" policies and our own thinking. Group discussion will build on these case studies to develop new ideas about strategies advocates can use at home to tie it altogether for our rivers. Presenter: Merritt Frey, River Network

Citizens' Guide to the Corps of Engineers
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Track: Wetlands
River advocates who are working to stop harmful Corps of Engineers projects, or working to promote beneficial Corps of Engineers restoration projects should attend this workshop. Learn how to stop harmful Corps of Engineers projects, or to promote beneficial restoration projects. We will be presenting on the newly-released Citizens Guide to the Corps 2009 - and in-depth look at all aspects of influencing Corps projects, followed by a Q&A for support on individual Corps battles. Presenters: George Sorvalis, National Wildlife Federation

Databases for River and Watershed Groups
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Track: Technology
Thinking about switching to a more capable database to track your members, donors, and volunteers? Member and donor databases have matured greatly in the last three years. This workshop is based on a current survey of river and watershed organizations and covers the functions that databases fulfill, the money and effort they require, the benefits they provide and what the most common choices are today. You'll leave with a short list of the viable database options for your organization, and the questions to ask in order to identify the best. Presenter: Baird Straughan, LeadGreen

Elections and Your Tax Exempt Status
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Track: Political Strategies
Most 501c3 groups steer far clear of anything election oriented. Yet, the IRS does allow 501(c)(3)s (and the individuals associated with them) to engage in elections in many ways that can build the power of the organization. Learn the rules that govern what a 501(c)(3) can and can’t do around elections and discuss which legal tactics can be used as part of a strategy to build political power. Presenter: Jonathan Poisner, Jonathan Poisner Strategic Consulting

Engaging Your Board in Fundraising
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30 - 3pm
Track: Fundraising
How often do you hear board members say “I’ll do anything, but ask for money?” This workshop will explore the “something” that each Board and staff member can do to help realize the organization’s fundraising goals and will cover the four major fundraising tasks for Board members. Presenter: Mary Ellen Olcese, River Network

Federal Support for the Waters of the Intermountain West
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Track: Western Issues
Functioning river ecosystems have high values for communities and species, and provide resilience in the face of climate change. What is the desirable role for the federal government in river restoration? This workshop will review the major initiatives of the Obama Administration with respect to western water and ask what is needed from the federal government to advance river restoration. At the conclusion, participants will have an overview of current federal programs and will have considered new initiatives that would help in river restoration. Denise Fort, University of New Mexico School of Law and Kira Finkler, Bureau of Reclamation

Financial Management in Tough Times
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Track: Sustainable Organizations
Discuss trends in foundation and individual giving, methods of estimating revenue and expenses, and organizational approaches to responding to tight finances. Learn about real world impacts to your organization’s staffing levels, responsibilities, strategic planning, reimbursement policies, grant management, and more. Presenter: Keith Dimoff, Ohio Environmental Council

Addressing the Energy-Water Nexus in the West - Winning Strategies
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Track: Warming Watersheds
Energy and water are inextricably linked. Utilities' and regulators' understanding of the 'energy-water nexus' is growing, and many Western utilities are starting to pursue solutions that benefit both energy and water resources, like water conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable sources of energy. This presentation will highlight success stories in the Interior West - cases where energy and water utilities are considering both energy and water in their planning strategies. Presenter: Stacy Tellinghuisen, Western Resource Advocates

Keeping Clean Water Clean - Antideg Basics
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Track: Clean Water Act for Beginners
Activists across the country are increasingly turning to a powerful tool in the Clean Water Act, antidegradation implementation, to prevent the degradation of clean, healthy waters. Kentucky Waterways Alliance has focused on antidegradation implementation since 1999. If you are working on antidegradation procedure in your state, we want you here! We will have a chance to learn from each other by sharing our status, victories and mistakes. Presenters: Judith Petersen, Kentucky Waterways Alliance

Making the Farm Bill Work for Your Watershed
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Track: Agriculture & Industry
This workshop will provide an overview of federal Farm Bill conservation programs that can be used to improve water quality in targeted watersheds. Participants will leave with information on the resources of the Farm Bill conservation programs to help restore and protect watersheds. You will be provided information on how you can play an active role in Farm Bill implementation in your state through participation on NRCS State Technical Committees and Local Working Groups. Presenters: Martha Noble, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and Brad Redlin, Izaak Walton League of America

Reaching Beyond the Choir: How to Reach the Non-believers
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Track: Partnerships & Diversity
Environmental advocates often fall into the trap of preaching to the choir. Knowing the audience and speaking their "language" is key in effective communications, whether working with agency staff, elected officials, other advocacy groups, or the media. This workshop will give you tools and strategies for more effective communications. Presenter: Peter Alexander, Talking Conversation

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS: 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Assessing Your Organizational Strength
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Track: Sustainable Organizations
Board and staff members will learn how to use a structured self-assessment process to measure their organization’s progress in achieving important milestones in organizational development. This hands-on, interactive workshop will also teach you how to develop a do-able workplan that even all-volunteer groups can use to strengthen their organizations and become more effective at achieving their missions. Presenter: Henrietta Jordan, Trailmarker Associates

The Basics of NPDES Discharge Permits
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Track: Clean Water Act for Beginners
This workshop will cover the background of how permits are derived and issued, public participation, compliance reporting and related provisions of the Act. We will include a fun, interactive, small group exercise the demonstrates how to work with permits and discharge reports. Presenter: Barry Sulkin, PEER

Hydraulic Fracking
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Track: Agriculture and Industry
This workshop will investigate what we know and what we don't know about the impacts to groundwater supplies from natural gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Facilitated by: Jeff Crane, Colorado Watershed Assembly

Getting Elected Officials Involved in Your Advocacy
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Track: Political Strategies
Too often, we set our goals and develop our strategies without involving the people who have the power to make things happen in our watersheds – our local and state elected officials. Building relationships with elected officials is not only smart, it is essential to our longer term success. This session will present high profile success stories in using this strategy and encourage discussion among participants to craft similar approaches to meet their goals. Presenter: Dean Naujoks, Yadkin Riverkeeper, Inc.

Is Social Media Right for Your Organization?
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Track: Technology
Social media campaigns such as Facebook and Twitter can be great ways to leverage your advocacy, education and fundraising efforts. Building successful online campaigns, however, requires careful planning and forethought. In this workshop, you will gain a better understanding of the latest and greatest tools and services in the online social media space and develop a process for deciding when and to what extent it makes sense to incorporate these social media tools into your watershed work. Presenter: Sean Larkin, ThinkShout.com

Low Flows, Hot Trout: Converting Climate Science Into Political Action
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Track: Western Issues
This workshop will detail how watershed groups can relate climate change to backyard creeks, and explore messages that resonate with policy-makers for transforming climate science into actions that protect our waterways. Montana's Clark Fork Coalition will share its report “Low Flows, Hot Trout,” and provide a “how-to” for creating a watershed-specific climate change report. Presenter: Brianna Randall, Clark Fork Coalition

Mergers and Other Options
Level: Advanced
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Track: Partnership & Diversity
Designed especially for executive directors and key board leaders, the workshop provides guidance about how to think about strategic restructuring and partnership opportunities that may serve their mission and long-term impact. Stories from the field, discussion and exercises will allow participants to craft an action plan to guide their future thinking. Presenter: Brad Webb, Institute for Conservation Leadership

The (Possible) Power of 401 Water Quality Certification
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Track: Wetlands
The Clean Water Act allows states to veto or place conditions on activities requiring a federal license/permit that may result in a discharge. This session will help you advocate for your state to use this authority, “water quality certification,” to protect and restore water quality downstream from federally permitted activities. Presenter: Merritt Frey, River Network

Successful Five Star Restoration Grants
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Track: Fundraising
The Five Star Program provides modest financial assistance to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects. This workshop will provide information for potential applicants and their project partners including eligibility, successful project elements, the importance of diverse partnerships, availability and sources of funding, and tips for successful proposals. Presenters: Lacy Alison, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Carrie Clingan, National Association of Counties

Tribal Advances and Perspectives on Aquatic Ecosystems
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Track: Aquatic Ecosystems
This session will highlight the efforts of the Pueblo of Sandia on protecting their aquatic ecosystems. Located just north of Albuquerque, New Mexico and surrounded to the west and north by urban areas, the Pueblo of Sandia has been active in protecting their natural resources through the use of the Clean Water Act (CWA), water quality standards, biological monitoring, aquatic habitat restoration, along with outreach and education. Three (3) presentations will be given in this session: fish monitoring and aquatic habitat restoration, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), water quality standards (WQS) and CWA efforts on the Sandia Pueblo and water quality program outreach and education efforts. Presenter: Scott Bulgrin, Pueblo of Sandia’s Environmental Department

CANCELED - Water Utilities Face Climate Change - CANCELED
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: CANCELED
Track: Warming Watersheds
There are laws that govern all waters within states. This workshop will make the connection between water laws specifically in the western states and their affects on water availability, variability and sustainability. Hear from water utility representatives on how both laws and a changing climate are requiring them to manage our water more carefully. Presenter: Shanika Whitehurst, U.S. EPA

SUNDAY WORKSHOPS: 9:00am - 10:30am

Connecting Stormwater Permits and TMDLs
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 9:00am - 10:30am
Track: Stormwater
The connection is not being made between stormwater-induced problems in the rivers and the permits that are intended to control stormwater pollution. States, local governments and EPA are all missing this critical link as they develop and implement stormwater permits, management plans and local programs and ordinances. In this workshop, we will work with actual restoration plans (TMDLs) and stormwater permits to identify how this connection should work. Participants will be armed to perform similar analyses when they return home. Presenters: Gayle Killam, River Network and Jeff Odefey, AquaInt

Creative Membership Drives
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 9:00am - 10:30am
Track: Fundraising
How do you double your membership with fun and creativity? With the Flint River 500! We’ll discuss how we stranded a board member on a raft until we hit our mark, the benefits of the event beyond membership development and how we’ve followed up with our new members. Presenters: Rebecca Fedewa and Brent Nickola, Flint River Watershed Coalition

Low-Impact Development Protects Water Supply
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 9:00am - 10:30am
Track: Warming Watersheds
As global warming threatens our water resources, communities are faced with a need to respond quickly and economically to water supply shortfalls. Low Impact Development (LID) is a land planning and engineering design approach to stormwater management that evolved as a means of reducing the pollution and other problems generated by runoff from urban development. LID practices that infiltrate runoff to recharge groundwater or capture runoff for reuse can increase access to reliable sources of water while reducing the energy consumed and global warming pollution generated by its supply. This workshop will discuss LID’s benefits and ways to advocate for requiring its implementation. Presenter: Noah Garrison, Natural Resources Defense Council

National Nutrient Standards
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 9:00am - 10:30am
Track: CWA: Beyond Beginners
States are years behind in their required development of water quality standards for nitrogen and phosphorus. The nation's waters are suffering greatly from the lack of standards and the lack of controls on sources of nutrients. This workshop will lay out the problem and the federal action to address the problem. Participants will be armed with information and strategies to pressure their own states to move forward expeditiously on development of nutrient standards. Presenter: Jill Witkowski, San Diego Coastkeeper

Naturalizing Your River-Riparian Restoration Plan
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 9:00am - 10:30am
Track: Restoration
Learn about a variety of watershed restoration strategies including more naturalized methods of reconnecting rivers and streams to their riparian corridors. Compare your own project to workshop examples to evaluate ecological bang-for-the-buck, optimal community involvement and appropriate funding mechanisms. Presenter: Geoffrey Elliott, Grand Environmental Services

Reducing Toxics in Fish: The Columbia River Experience
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 9:00am - 10:30am
Track: Human Health
The Columbia River Basin is one of nine EPA Large Aquatic Ecosystems, where EPA is focusing increased attention to address critical ecosystem restoration. The Columbia River Basin is a national leader on addressing toxics reduction for human health and ecosystem protection. The State of Oregon is about to embark on the most protective human health criteria for fish consumption for fish consumers, including tribal people and other subsistence fishers. Mary Lou Soscia, EPA Region 10, will present this ground breaking work as a model for the rest of the country, especially important, with toxics emerging as one of the critical human health and ecosystem issues facing our world in the next 25 years. Presenter: Mary Lou Soscia, US EPA - Region 10

Report Cards as an Advocacy Tool
Level: All
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 9:00am - 10:30am
Track: Outreach & Communication
Environmental organizations have used “Report Cards” to grade states, agencies, companies and others on how they are performing in different areas. Using recently released environmental report cards, attendees will begin developing report cards that will get their message out, increase organizational visibility and further their mission and goals. Presenter: Matt Rota, Gulf Restoration Network

Stream Restoration/Reclamation on Public Land
Level: All
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 9:00am - 10:30am
Track: Agriculture & Industry
In 2004, Trout Unlimited launched a campaign to work with the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to elevate the importance of abandoned mines in the West. Through this program, TU staff have significant experience planning and implementing mine reclamation, native fish habitat enhancement, road decommissioning and other projects on public land. This workshop will describe how to navigate the leadership structure within National Forests, understand environmental compliance through NEPA and/or CERCLA, and track mining claims and General Mining Law of 1872. Special emphasis will be placed on funding opportunities, as well as the as agreements, contracts and other mechanisms necessary to turn grant money into successful on the ground projects. Examples and restoration techniques from past projects will also be presented. Presenter: Rob Roberts, Trout Unlimited

Trends in Recruiting & Developing Leaders
Level: All
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 9:00am - 10:30am
Track: People Power
Studies show that total U.S. volunteerism is up, but also that long-term volunteer leaders are growing scarcer. Learn to plan activities that attract the volunteers you want, and how to provide a progression of tasks that develops new leaders. Organizations that plan in this way can rejuvenate their leadership, and achieve more of their goals. Presenters: Baird Straughan, [LeadGreen.org](http://www.leadgreen.org “link to LeadGreen”) and Diana Toledo River Network

Visioning" the Future to Engage Diverse Communities
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 9:00am - 10:30am
Track: Partnerships & Diversity
Participants will learn tools for engaging diverse community stakeholders in river cleanup actions or other large development projects, and how 'visioning' can result in a more robust understanding of community needs and concerns, with a focus on 'marginalized' and underserved populations who are less likely to attend public meetings or submit comment letters. Presenter: Cari Simson; Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition

SUNDAY WORKSHOPS: 11:00am - 12:30pm

Antidegradation: Making the Social/Economic Case for Protection
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm
Track: Clean Water Act: Beyond Beginners
Do polluters justify degrading your river by claiming their pollution is vital to development? Do you feel too powerless to point out the social or economic downsides? This intermediate workshop will present an approach for reviewing the economics of allowing water quality degradation under the Clean Water Act's antidegradation policy. Presenter: Merritt Frey, River Network

Board Roles & Responsibilities
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm
Track: People Power
Come learn how to increase your success as a board member in a small nonprofit organization. What absolutely has to get done and what can wait? How do you balance your work with that of your staff (if you have any)? How do you grow the board? What steps do you have to take when you decide to hire someone or become the first staff person of an organization? Presenter: Wendy Wilson, River Network

Building Resilient Communities in a Changing World
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm
Track: Restoration
Join us and receive an overview of how climate change is impacting water resources and examples of actions being taken by specific communities across the country to adapt to climate change. The presentation will also include the roll-out of a new "community resiliency toolkit" which provides concrete steps that individuals can take at the local, state, and national level to transform water management practices for the future.Presenters: Vicki Deisner & Caroline Wick, [National Wildlife Federation](http://www.nwf.org “link to NWF”)

Coal Mining Threats on Our Nation's Waterways
Level: All
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm
Track: Agriculture & Industry
Coal mining and use continue to pose enormous threats to our nation’s waterways. From denuded watersheds and mercury in our fish, to rising stream temperatures and toxic coal ash pollution, coal remains the world’s dirtiest fuel source. By connecting the dots on coal’s impacts to freshwater systems across the U.S. and beyond, you'll learn how to lay the groundwork for a more sustainable energy future based on cleaner renewable fuels and long term jobs. Presenters: Dennis Gann, [Cook Inletkeeper] (http://www.inletkeeper.org), Dr. Kendra Zamzow, Center for Science in Public Participation and Bob Kincaid, writer and activist

Fostering Stewardship through Volunteer Restoration Projects
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm
Track: Partnerships & Diversity
Volunteer restoration projects are great when we need to get rid of a patch of invasive plants, pick up trash, or plant trees in the riparian zone. Come find out where you can find volunteers for your restoration projects and how you can turn them into dedicated watershed stewards. Presenter: Brett Lyon, SOLV

More Than a Message: Planning a Communications Effort for Results You Can Measure
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm
Track: Outreach & Communication
How many citizens heard your message? Responded? Took action to save their hometown river? Increasingly, funders demand that grantees document accomplishments and learnings. In this session, participants will learn a simple system for planning outreach campaigns that include the data collection you need to prove what you accomplished -- and accomplish even more next time. Presenter: Eric Eckl, Water Words That Work, LLC

Partnering with Federal Agencies on Sourcewater Protection
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm
Track: Human Health
A recent study underlined just how important federal lands are to the quality of water in our rivers. Wherever you live, your rivers – and your drinking water supplies – may rely on federal land agencies to manage them effectively. In this session, you'll learn how to best work with these agencies to protect drinking water sources and will leave with real world examples of what works. Presenter: Chris Carlson, U.S. Forest Service

Successful Major Donor Programs
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm (& Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm)
Track: Fundraising
Imagine what your organization could accomplish if it had a significant pool of consistent, annual contributors in the $1,000 to $10,000 plus range. More than 80 percent of America's $200+ Billion in philanthropic giving comes from individual donors, most in the form of major gifts. The vast majority of highly effective nonprofits recognize this, and focus a large percentage of their fundraising work on major donors. A successful major donor program requires technical knowledge, personal discipline, interpersonal skills, and vision. This seminar will discuss institutional readiness for a major gift program, the major gift life cycle from identification to renewal, major donor research techniques and how to evaluate giving potential, and how to move a prospect from a first time membership gift to an investment that transforms your organization. We also will share stories with proven scripts and techniques for successfully cultivating, soliciting and negotiating major gifts. Presenter: Renee Hoyos, Tennessee Clean Water Network

Tale of Two LIDs
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm
Track: Stormwater
Want to change stormwater codes in your community but don't know where to start? This workshop will present the Friends of the Rappahannock's successful "building block" approach to Low Impact Development (LID) code change. We will also cover technical aspects of approaches to LID, and regulations to control pre-existing stormwater problems. Presenter: John Tippett, Friends of the Rappahannock

Water Efficiency is Water Supply
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm
Track: Warming Watersheds
Rivers are running dry. Increasing population, booming growth and climate change are putting unprecedented stresses on our communities’ rivers and streams. Participants will learn about proven and cost-effective water efficiency policies that are the cheapest, fastest and most reliable source of water supply that can keep water in our rivers.
Presenter: Betsy Otto, American Rivers

SUNDAY WORKSHOPS: 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Breaking Barriers to Water Harvesting & Reuse
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Track: Warming Watersheds
Interested in learning more about water harvesting and the various methodologies for water reuse? You will learn how to create strategies and use these methods to protect rivers and watersheds. Strategies covered include influencing policy decisions and facilitating the passage of reuse legislation. This session is targeted towards advocates working primarily in the Western U.S. Presenters: Wendy Wilson, River Network and Paul Paryski

Don’t Flush! Disposal of Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Track: Human Health
New federal guidelines on the proper disposal of medicine are intended to reduce pharmaceuticals getting into the environment. Yet many people continue to flush because that was what they were taught. In the session, conveners will demonstrate the federal guidelines, present two pilot pharmaceuticals disposal initiatives in the Potomac River Watershed and the State of Maine, and facilitate small group interactions to generate a marketing campaign around safe disposal. Presenters: Marjorie Copeland, Kathy Sykes and Kitty Devilbiss U.S. EPA

Effectively Influencing & Utilizing TMDLs to Improve Water Quality
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Track: CWA: Beyond Beginners
The federal Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program has been implemented for approximately 12 years. This workshop will share basic information about the TMDL program, identify program challenges and stakeholder frustrations, identify opportunities to successfully influence TMDLs, and then provide case studies of TMDL success stories. Key court rulings will be also be highlighted. Participants will leave the workshop with a better understanding how they can become engaged, utilize, and influence TMDLs. Presenter: Chris French, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

Fluvial GeomorWHAT?: Stream 101 for the Rest of Us
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Track: Restoration
What, exactly, is Fluvial Geomorphology? And why the Thalweg should we care? Fluvial geomorphology is vitally important to understanding the changes happening in a river. With point source pollution going the way of the corded telephone, soil and sediment are increasingly identified as the #1 pollutants to streams and rivers. Even (and especially!) if you're only into rivers for the macros and fish, come find out the basics of what you need to know, and how to share it with students and the public. Presenter: Erin Crowley, Ohio River Foundation

Impact of EDCs on Trout in an Effluent Dominated Stream
Level: All
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Track: Agriculture & Industry
Advancements in analytical methods have led to the detection of trace level concentrations of common pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the aquatic environment. Effluent from domestic wastewater treatment facilities has been identified as the primary source of these compounds. This case study will demonstrat when Estrogenic properties of effluent can cause measurable effects in fish and other aquatic organisms. Presenter: Michael Luers, Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation District

Personal Balance: Using Yourself Strategically
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Track: People Power
Watershed conservation leaders are faced with multiple demands on their time and talents. Overwork and imbalance can lead to burnout. Whether you are an executive director, staff, board or volunteer, this workshop will help you assess your personal priorities and time management practices, recognize areas where you would like to have better balance, and identify changes you would like to make in order to achieve greater balance and satisfaction in your life and work. Presenter: Brad Webb, Institute for Conservation Leadership

Successful Major Donor Programs
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm (& Sunday ~ 11:00am - 12:30pm)
Track: Fundraising
Imagine what your organization could accomplish if it had a significant pool of consistent, annual contributors in the $1,000 to $10,000 plus range. More than 80 percent of America's $200+ Billion in philanthropic giving comes from individual donors, most in the form of major gifts. The vast majority of highly effective nonprofits recognize this, and focus a large percentage of their fundraising work on major donors. A successful major donor program requires technical knowledge, personal discipline, interpersonal skills, and vision. This seminar will discuss institutional readiness for a major gift program, the major gift life cycle from identification to renewal, major donor research techniques and how to evaluate giving potential, and how to move a prospect from a first time membership gift to an investment that transforms your organization. We also will share stories with proven scripts and techniques for successfully cultivating, soliciting and negotiating major gifts. Presenter: Renee Hoyos, Tennessee Clean Water Network

Urban Waters: Where Are We Now?
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Track: Partnerships & Diversity
What has happened with the EPA's Urban Waters programs since it was introduced first at River Rally 2009? Join us for a discussion of the projects we've implemented and funding opportunities we've created to support the mission of reconnecting urban communities with the waters that run through their environments. Presenters: Shanika Whitehurst and Peter Cassell, US EPA

Using the SRF to Promote Green Infrastructure
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Track: Stormwater
The CWSRF has provided $69 billion low interest loans to communities, individuals, nonprofit organizations and businesses for wastewater treatment, storm water, land conservation, agricultural BMPs, cleanup of contaminated sites, septic tank upgrades and hydromodification projects. With the passage of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 and the Fiscal Year 2010 Federal Budget for EPA, there is an increased focus on green infrastructure, energy efficiency and water efficiency projects with approximately $700 million available to communities specifically for green projects this year. Attend this workshop and find out how to access and influence this low cost funding to implement your watershed priorities. Presenter: Katherine Baer, American Rivers

Watershed Education for Elementary & Secondary Students
Level: All
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Track: Outreach & Communication
Watershed and river groups all work to raise the awareness of their rivers and the issues impacting them. Do you ever wonder if getting kids on the river, or just outside, to learn really matters? Of course it does! We’ll highlight environmental education best practices for field experiences with lasting impacts and how these efforts are resonating nationally, in Congress and with many state Governors. Presenter: Jamie Baxter Chesapeake Bay Trust

SUNDAY WORKSHOPS: 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Addressing Thermal Pollution in the Face of Climate Change
Level: Intro
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Track: Agriculture & Industry
Facing the reality of climate change and warmer waters, we need to understand human-induced thermal stressors on our waters. The Clean Water Act addresses thermal pollution of rivers and lakes through many programs. Water quality standards should be set that identify protective temperatures for aquatic species, permits should be developed that limit discharges of warmer water. In particular, we will examine the quality of the implementation of section 316 of the Clean Water Act. We will look at state water quality criteria and NPDES permits. Participants will armed to examine how their state performs. Presenter: Gayle Killam, River Network

Beyond Pretty Maps: Harnessing Source Water Data to Protect Community
Level: All
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Track: Human Health
Learn how others are integrating source water data to protect local drinking water supplies and to protect water quality. This session will showcase different methods states are using to integrate drinking water protection across multiple agencies including those that address water quality (Clean Water Act implementation), agriculture, forestry and land use management. Presenters: Shanika Whitehurst, U.S. EPA; Jay Frick, N. Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Kate Johnson, Utah Department of Environmental Quality

How Watershed Groups Will Solve Climate Change
Level: All
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Track: Warming Watersheds
River Network is embarking on a nationwide strategy to engage grassroots river and watershed groups in solving the climate crisis by connecting water and energy to protect our water resources. Participants will learn key information on climate change its anticipated and the connections between water and energy. Presenter: Wendy Wilson, River Network

Making 'Green Jobs' Work For You
Level: All
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Track: Partnerships & Diversity
This workshop will highlight the environmental justice components and innovations of EPA's Brownfield’s Programs that have successfully established the capacity to train and employ community members in Green Jobs associated with clean-ups of contaminated sites, including elements that influence watershed health. Participants will gain a better understanding of utilizing green job programs for organizational success, more knowledge about federal green jobs programs and how it relates to improving watershed health and practical steps to take to start a green jobs partnership/program. Presenter: Rebecca Dils & Joe Bruss, U.S. EPA, Heather McMann, Groundwork Lawrence, Inc.

The Power of Biocriteria: Protecting Aquatic Life
Level: All
Day/Time: Saturday ~ 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Track: Restoration
Learn how biocriteria – which measure the overall health of a stream rather than levels of individual pollutants – can be used to better assess, protect and restore your river. We’ll present information on what biocriteria are and where the states are in developing them, examples of the power of biocriteria to drive meaningful restoration, and an in-depth case study of how one state is applying this emerging and exciting Clean Water Act tool. Presenter: Chris Yoder, Midwest Biodiversity Institute

Retaining & Managing Staff
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Track: People Power
Calling executive directors and human resource managers: Come explore creative strategies for retaining and empowering your staff--the most valuable resource of the organization. What works for you? And what are some strategies you never thought about. This workshop will provide tools and ideas around establishing organizational cultures, benefits, salaries, work hours, independence and growth. Presenter: Laura Rubin, Huron River Watershed Council

Stormwater Retrofits: Atoning for the Sins of Our Past
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Track: Stormwater
In the not too distant past, our general philosophy on stormwater runoff was: Get rid of it…fast! Now, in a more enlightened time, we know better. This workshop offers a look at, and hands-on experience in, the art of stormwater retrofitting. We will look at how to set up a retrofit plan, what types of sites offer the best opportunities for retrofits and what to look for in the field. Presenter: Greg Hoffmann and Bryan Seipp, Center for Watershed Protection

Web 2.0 Fundraising: Social Media for Nonprofits
Level: All
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Track: Fundraising
Has your nonprofit attracted new donors through FaceBook or MySpace? Have you connected with supporters through LinkedIn? Do you Twitter? This session illustrates how your river nonprofit should use these and many other social media tools to build awareness, raise funds, spawn viral marketing, communicate effectively, build online communities, interact with constituents, and drive traffic to your website. Learn how to create an effective social media presence and website, how the two should interact, and how to generate lots of traffic and support. Presenter: Allan Pressel CharityFinders

What's Your Data REALLY Say about Water Quality Standards Attainment?
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Track: CWA: Beyond Beginners
So, you have some monitoring data: what next? Come gain a better understanding of: 1) how to carefully read numeric water quality criteria, 2) EPA guidance regarding extrapolating across time and space from a small number of data points, 3) simple methods for assigning statistical confidence to inferences drawn from limited data, and 4) how to avoid common mistakes regarding whether or not data indicates Water Quality Standards have been exceeded, and the waterbody belongs on the state 303(d) list. Presenter: Bill Painter, U.S. EPA

Young People Supported by Whole Communities
Level: Intermediate
Day/Time: Sunday ~ 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Track: Outreach & Communication
Earth Force envisions communities where young people have multiple opportunities to participate as environmental change agents and civic leaders. We will share our vision for community youth coalitions and our school district integration initiative. Join us to share your vision for community support of young people as environmental citizens. Presenter: Jan Sneddon, Earth Force