The summit is an opportunity to learn about the diversity of the Chena watershed, make important decisions about watershed protection, and network with the diverse groups who are interested in the Chena River.
Friday - June 12, 2015
Held at the Carlson Center
Registration from 10:30-11:00am
Lunch & Keynote: ---------- 11:15 to 12:15 pm ---------
Future-Oriented Solutions - Introducing W.R.A.P
Learn about the watershed resource action planning (WRAP) process. As well as the emerging collaboration of local experts joining together under the banner Engaged Salcha & Chena Area Partners on Ecosystems (ESCAPE) Group.
----------BREAK -------- 12:15 pm to 12:30pm ————
Session 1: ---------- 12:30 pm to 1:15pm
30 minutes presentation with 15 minutes for Q&A
• Option A: Water Quality & Regulations Panel Discussion
Dedicated to water related issues, policies and regulations, and best management practices (BMPs). Join in on the discussions focused on topics of water quality, surface permeability, permits (e.g. wastewater, mining, stormwater, filling, withdrawal amounts, and land use adjacent waterbodies) and an overview of what can be done with and without a permit. We will have a panel of diverse representatives coming from Local, State, and Federal agencies.
• Option B: Rivers to groundwater in the Fairbanks Area
Learn the history and relationship between groundwater and surface water. The hydrologic Cycle in the watershed.
BREAK---------- 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm —————
Session 2: ---------- 1:30 pm to 2:15pm
30 minutes presentation with 15 minutes for Q&A
• Option A: Streambank Bioengineering Strategies
Explore what bioengineering is, what techniques are available, and benefits. Examples will showcase the impact on streambanks and habitats for aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Learn how bioengineering promotes ecosystem function - specifically the role of vegetation and the roots aid in filtration as well as reducing future erosion problems.
• Option B: Green Infrastructure
Brief overview of easy green infrastructure techniques. Presenters from the Green Infrastructure Group, known as Fairbanks GIG, will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, green roofs, flow-through-planters, and permeable planters. Learn about the role of vegetation and roots (e.g. filtration), reduced erosion, and improved water quality.
BREAK ---------- 2:15 pm to 2:30 pm —————
Session 3:---------- 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm
30 minutes presentation with 15 minutes Q&A
• Option A: Aquatic Ecosystem, Life & Cycles
Learn about current research on the Chena. Focusing on upland-to-river impact on the watershed aquatic ecosystem as well as common river organisms, like Chinook salmon. Important ecosystem and organismal cycles will be included in the presentation.
• Option B: Piledriver Case Study: Citizen Scientists
In 2012 TVWA, the Alaska Railroad and the Salcha Elementary entered into a ten year partnership to study Piledriver slough. Over the past 3 years this program has grown to be a vibrant local example of citizen science. We will discuss the project overview, outcomes, the lessons learned and how the Piledriver project works in comparison to national best management practices for citizen scientist projects worldwide.
BREAK---------- 3:15 pm to 3:30 pm —————