The Big Dry: Diagnosing and Surviving Drought
5:30 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, November 8, 2012
Although 2013 is closing in, the impacts of the 2011 and 2012 droughts persist. How well does the U.S. monitor, predict, and respond to drought? Join the discussion as our panelists trace drought from science to policy. The evening will illuminate how the United States monitors drought, how farmers and agencies use forecasts, and how our society and policies respond to drought. Join us as we explore how well we prepare for, muddle through, and change in the face and aftermath of this creeping disaster.
Flood Risk in the National Capital Region:
A Walking Tour in DC with Members of the Flood Risk Assessment Program Team
5:30 PM, Thursday, September 13, 2012
Development pressures that are moving more people into hazard areas, a crumbling flood protection infrastructure, and IPCC predictions of increased flooding as a result of climate change threaten to increase already rising flood damages. Catastrophic flooding is occurring at an increasing rate across the United States, while at the same time much of downtown Washington and many other local areas are only marginally protected. How are DC and the region dealing with these challenges? Come on a walking tour led by members of the National Capital Region Flood Risk Assessment Program to see what areas are most vulnerable to flooding, and what actions are being taken to manage the risk. The tour will begin with a quick brief on regional plans for DC-MD-VA flood risk mitigation and then a walk on the levee that is now 'protecting' downtown, a look at construction of the 'movable' barrier that keeps the Potomac from invading the city and, as the tour moves down Constitution Ave, a discussion and identification of the present and future risks that exist and plans for their mitigation.
Groundwork Anacostia River DC: Field Trip
10:30 am – 2:30 PM, Saturday, May 12, 2012
Participants will hear from Dennis Chestnut, GWARDC's Executive Director, on the non-profit's mission and impact in the watershed and the community. After lunch, we will walk to a local park to visit one of the Bandalong sites. Hip waders and gloves will be available for those that want a real hands-on experience.
RiverSmart Washington Tour:
Quantifying the Benefits of Widespread Small-Scale Runoff Management Techniques
5 – 7 PM, Tuesday, June 4, 2013 (annual business meeting and dinner follows tour)
The RiverSmart Washington project aims to measure how well intensive use of rain gardens, green roofs and other small-scale "green" techniques can reduce storm water runoff from a neighborhood. Steve Saari, DDOE Watershed Protection Specialist, will lead a tour of a sewershed in the District's Pentworth neighborhood, which serves as one of the project's two pilot areas. He will discuss the project design, the runoff management tthat will be used in the project and the potential impact on future District programs.
Outlook for Water: Issues and Challenges in an Uncertain Budget Climate
5:30 PM, Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Please join fellow water resource professionals for a presentation from several Federal officials whose responsibilities include water resources management and water quality programs (e.g., USDA, DOI, EPA, and the U.S. Army – Civil Works). Agency panelists will discuss challenges for the water sector and agency initiatives to meet those challenges, particularly given current fiscal constraints. This session will provide an opportunity to hear "from-the-top" the future direction of key agencies involved in water policy, management, infrastructure, restoration, and operations.
