MILLBROOK–The Hudson Valley has abundant freshwater supplies, but the way we treat these resources will determine the quality of life for Valley residents, now and in the future. Proper management strategies can minimize flooding, protect drinking water, and preserve sensitive wildlife refuge, experts say.

Balancing development practices with the health of freshwater ecosystems is the subject of an upcoming forum. In an effort to provide decision makers and citizens with timely information about the status of freshwater resources and effective management strategies the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County will be hosting a Science and Management Forum on Regional Freshwater Issues, Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Attendees will be provided with insight into the state of our groundwater supplies, ways of protecting sensitive wetlands, and pressures that threaten freshwater ecosystems, including pollution, development practices, and invasive species. Special attention will be given to green infrastructure and stormwater management.

The forum is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required. Participants can register online at

www.caryinstitute.org or call (845) 677-7600 x171. The last two Science and Management Forums filled to capacity; early registration is recommended.

The schedule is as follows:

Welcome

*9:00 a.m. William Schlesinger, President, Cary Institute

*9:10 a.m. Allison Chatrchyan, Environment Program Leader, CCEDC

An Overview of Freshwater Resources

*9:15 a.m. Emma Rosi-Marshall, Aquatic Ecologist, Cary Institute Human Impacts to Freshwater

*9:40 a.m. Russell Urban-Mead, Sr. Hydrogeologist, Chazen Companies Groundwater: Regional Quantity and Quality

*10:05 a.m. Erik Kiviat, Executive Director, Hudsonia Protecting Wetlands, Vernal Pools, and Streams

Management Strategies and Panel Discussion

*10:45 a.m. Pat Ferracane, Environmental Program Specialist, NYS DEC and Emily Vail, Watershed Outreach Specialist, Hudson River Estuary Program Stormwater Management, MS4 Regulations, and Green Infrastructure

*11:15 a.m. Carolyn Klocker, Sr. Water Resource Educator, CCEDC; Moderator Interactive Panel Discussion on Resources and Management Options

The Freshwater Forum was convened to provide municipal officials, watershed groups, conservation advisory committees, planning boards, and concerned citizens with the information needed to make sound decisions about freshwater management. Attending this forum may qualify toward three credit hours of New York State municipal training. Certificates for full participation will be available at the end of the session. They can be presented to your municipality for approval.

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is a private, not-for-profit environmental research and education organization in Millbrook, N.Y. For more than twenty-five years, Cary Institute scientists have been investigating the complex interactions that govern the natural world. Their objective findings lead to more effective policy decisions and increased environmental literacy. Focal areas include air and water pollution, climate change, invasive species, and the ecological dimensions of infectious disease. Learn more at www.caryinstitute.org.

Through quality educational programs, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) builds strong, healthy youth, adults, families and communities while enhancing the economic, social, agricultural and natural resources of Dutchess County. The Environment & Energy program of CCEDC works to empower individuals and municipal groups to protect the environment of Dutchess County by providing research-based information and education on issues including: natural resource planning, water resources, waste management and recycling, habitat and biodiversity, air quality, energy and climate change. Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information, visit: www.ccedutchess.org.

Source: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies