DEQ News Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 5, 2016

ADEQ and ANRC Host Watershed Conference in Eureka Springs

Environmental professionals and volunteers who work to protect the state’s water are a mosaic of individual watershed groups working toward a common goal. Each piece influences the larger picture. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) hope to more fully develop this image during the 2016 Arkansas Watershed Conference scheduled later this month.

“A Fluid Mosaic: The Big Picture of Watersheds” offers two days of diverse speakers, including a keynote address from Tiffany Frey, executive director of Missouri’s James River Basin Partnership. Frey will speak on Diverse Partnership Building. Professionals from the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Forestry Commission, ANRC, ADEQ, Beaver Watershed Alliance, Central Arkansas Water, and other watershed partnerships and volunteer groups will speak throughout the conference, which will be held at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs October 27 and 28.

An awards luncheon Friday, October 28, will honor recipients of the Ginger Tatum Professional of the Year; Clean Water, Stronger Communities Volunteer of the Year; and Watershed Visionary Innovator of the Year Awards. Nominations for each award can be made online at www.adeq.state.ar.us/poa/watershed/conference/2016/awards/, and will be accepted until Friday, October 7.

Conservation and restoration practitioners, water quality specialists, land-use and water-supply planners, elected officials and managers, and citizens engaged in water work are encouraged to attend the conference. Visit www.adeq.state.ar.us for more information or to register. Online registrations will be accepted until Friday, October 21. The cost is $35 per day. An optional pre-conference Trolley Tour Scavenger Hunt is available for $6 per person.

ADEQ’s Environmental Education team offers programs to facilitate and promote awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of water resources for educators, students, and civic groups.

CONTACT: Kelly Robinson (Robinson@adeq.state.ar.us or 501-682-0916)

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