What:  Come and learn from associates, government agency representatives, educators and experts to share ideas and build synergy around protecting the incredible bio diverse treasure – Kentucky’s Green River.  
Who should attend: Organizations and their representatives, agencies, interested individuals with a stake in the health of the Green River and the media are welcome to attend.
Dates: Feb. 20-21, 2014 (***Central Time ***)
Organizers: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Nature Conservancy, and Kentucky Waterways Alliance.
 
(LOUISVILLE, Ky) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Kentucky Waterways Alliance invites the public and stakeholders to attend the Green River Summit Feb. 20 and 21at Mammoth Cave National Park, Ky. The Summit is designed to gather input to improve the Green River Watershed, one of the nation’s premier natural resources.

“We want to put out the word for critical stakeholders, those who are active in the watershed, as well as experts in the field to attend this free event,” said Nate Moulder, Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District project planner. “We are extending an open invitation to participate in our future planning efforts as we work toward a shared vision for the Green River Watershed.”

The Summit will bring together a broad representation from non-governmental organizations, federal agencies, state and local agencies, private landowners, industry, academia, and community representatives. The Summit will function as a platform to further the exchange of information regarding progress and barriers/constraints on current projects, programs and activities.

Information compiled through the Summit and a study assessment will be synthesized into a watershed plan, which will detail recommendations for sustainable projects, policy, guidelines and initiatives that support the future ecological sustainability of the Green River Watershed.

There is no fee for the Summit, but attendees need to register at: http://kwalliance.org/greenriversummit/

Sessions:
Watershed-Smart Planning: Tools and Resources for Community Planners, Officials, and Business  Leaders, (Tony Arnold, UofL; Brian Lee, UK)

Sustainable Agriculture: Soil Health and the Brown Revolution, (Mark Ferguson, NRCS; Steve Blanford, NRCS; John Graham, NRCS)

Hydrological and Meteorological Data Collection and Dissemination  – Forecasting & Analysis: What We Have and What We Do With It, (Mike Griffin, USGS; Mike Callahan, NWS; Mark Philips, Corps of Engineers)

Ecotourism Opportunities within the Green River Watershed: Using The Green to Make Green While Staying Green! (Elaine Wilson, KY Tourism; Russell Clark, NPS)

Cave and Karst Landscapes of the Green River Basin: Resources, Threats, and Protection (Chris Groves, WKU)

On-site Wastewater/Innovative Septic Systems: How to Pay for Them and Why They are Needed (Barry Tonning, Tetra Tech; Tessa Edelen, KWA)

Lodging and dining:

For those who wish to attend the entire summit and are traveling, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Mammoth Cave Hotel, Ky. for Thursday night, Feb. 20. The rate for Summit attendees is $45/night + tax and rooms must be individually reserved by Feb. 8. Call the hotel at 270-758-2225 to reserve your room. Hotel information: http://mammothcavehotel.com/mammoth-cave-hotel/

Pre-registration is required for lunch and is requested for all attendees. There is no charge to attend the Green River Summit, but the hotel dining room and snack grill are not open during winter. The only lunch available on-site is the lunch for pre-registered attendees. The Summit planners can only order the number of lunches that are confirmed so please confirm and pay for lunch while registering.
http://kwalliance.org/greenriversummit/

###