Leaders/Experts Team To Get "In The Know About H20" (Photo) - 03/22/23
Benton County is teaming with Oregon State University researchers, state and federal agency partners, County Commissioners, industry leaders, non-profit advocates, and other key stakeholders for an “In the Know about H20” discussion at the Willamette Valley Planners Network Meeting, Thursday, March 23 from 3-5 p.m. at the Benton County Kalapuya Building in Corvallis.
The session will provide colleagues working on a wide range of water issues the opportunity to discuss the future of water in the Willamette Valley and the importance of individual and collective water resource management.
“These researchers, legislators, and change-makers who have common understandings and different perspectives about water security are coming together for an important discussion,” said Shannon Bush. “Researchers will highlight how their latest work may directly inform and/or impact water scarcity, access, or quality issues in local communities.”
OSU research presentations will be followed by a panel discussion focused on identifying opportunities to improve collaboration and partnerships, resource sharing, and envisioning the future of water security in the Willamette Valley.
WHEN: Thursday, March 23, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333
WHAT and WHY:
- 45 mins: OSU researchers will each have 5 minutes for a “lightning round” to present their latest research and findings. This is meant to share state-of-the-art research related to and impacts planners, communities, etc.
- 45 mins-1 hour: Moderated panel discussion tying in some of the OSU researchers’ findings and recommendations with panelists asking thought-provoking questions of the group, trying to consider ways to address water access, security, scarcity, quality, etc.
- 20-30 mins: Open forum Q&A among attendees.
WHO:
| “Lightning Round” speakers include: |
Dr. Meghna Babbar-Sebens, OSU, Associate Professor of Water Resources Engineering and Co-Director of the OSU-Benton County Green Stormwater Infrastructure (OGSIR) Facility |
Dr. Xue Jin, Assistant Professor, Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering (drinking water expert) |
Dr. Salini Sasidharan, Assistant Professor, Biological and Ecological Engineering, College of Agriculture (groundwater management expertise) |
Dr. Mary Santelmann, Professor, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (wetlands ecology, biogeography expertise) |
Dr. Abigail Tomasek, Assistant Professor and Statewide Soil Water Quality Extension Specialist, Crop and Soil Science, College of Agriculture |
Dr. Mohammed F. Azizian, Faculty Research Associate, School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering |
Andrew Millison, Senior Instructor, Dept. of Horticulture and founder of Permaculture Design |
Stephen Gingerich, U.S.G.S. Research Hydrologist |
| Panelists include: |
Xanthippe Augerot, Benton County Commissioner |
J. Rose Wallick, U.S.G.S. Hydrologist at Oregon Water Resource Center |
Dr. Todd Jarvis, Institute for Water & Watersheds (water policy and governance expertise) |
Sean Scorvo, Benton County Planning Commissioner |
James Thom, Operations Director, HP |
Darren Nichols, Benton County Community Development Director, Panel Moderator |
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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please call Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or email pioinfo@co.benton.or.us.
