Headlines
Working Together for a Sustainable Future
Monday, March 15, 2010
On Thursday, April 22nd (Earth Day), over 1,200 enthusiastic participants within the Santa Ana River Watershed community are expected to gather together at one of the most dynamic watershed events of the year – The Santa Ana River Watershed Conference 2010: Working Together for a Sustainable Future, at the Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim.
The full day’s event will be kicked off in that unique “Disney” style, and offers an exciting powerhouse program featuring interesting and informative panels, and straight talk from very distinguished speakers and special guests tackling important issues such as:
- Senator Dave Cogdill - How do we fund what needs to be done? Joined by Joe Grindstaff, Executive Officer of the Delta Stewardship Council; Tim Quinn, Executive Director of ACWA; and Ron Gastleum, Interim Executive Director of Southern California Water Committee;
- EMWD Director Randy Record - Watershed Goals – Talking about the “Big Picture”;
- Colonel Thomas Magness, Commander of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Working together to find efficiencies and synergies.
- Fran Spivy-Weber, Vice Chair, State Water Resources Control Board – Implementing the Vision.
- A. G. Kawamura, Secretary of California, Department of Food and Agriculture – What will the future look like and how do we live in the 21st Century? Joined by Art Baggett, Board Member of the State Water Resources Control Board; Eric Garner, Managing Partner of Best Best & Kreiger; and Randall Lewis, Executive Vice President of the Lewis Group of Companies.
California’s complex and urgent water needs, and now decisions about the impending $11 billion waterbond, have bolstered local momentum to maximize efforts toward the promise of the One Water One Watershed (OWOW) Program. Eventually $200 million in bond funds will be available to help us implement crucial water-saving and sustaining programs, and further the goals of integrated water resource plans.
Senior Vice President Ron Craig commented, " RBF Consulting is proud to continue our support for the Santa Ana River Watershed. We are very excited to join as partners with SAWPA and the Water Education Foundation to further the region's efforts and collaboration to truly secure long-term and sustainable water supplies. Obviously, the water bond and associated water supply improvements are going to face significant challenges. The 2010 Santa Ana River Watershed Conference is an excellent forum to not only better define the issues but also establish positive momentum behind the solutions."
Also included among this year’s terrific sponsors are:
- Eastern MWD
- Inland Empire Utilities Agency
- Orange County Water District
- San Bernardino Valley MWD
- Western MWD
- Disney Resorts
- CDM
- MWH
- Albert A. Webb Associates
- Best Best & Krieger
- Chino Basin Water Conservation District
- Derceto, Inc.
- Ducek Engineering & environmental
- Irvine Ranch Water District
- Valley Soil, Inc.
- American Ground Water
- Big Bear MWD
- City of Anaheim, Public Utilities
- Chapman University - Hoag Center for Finance and Real Estate
- ICF International
- San Bernardino County Flood Control District.
- Santa Ana Watershed Association
Our keynote luncheon speaker is Dr. Ellen Hanak, Director of Research and Senior Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, and co-author of the California Water Myths. Dr. Hanak states that, “…In combating these myths, we hope to set the stage for a more rational and informed approach to water policy and management in the state.” This report provided background on PPIC’s eight myths, which are:
- California is running out of water.
- A villain is responsible for California’s water problems.
- We can build our way out of California’s water problems.
- We can conserve our way out of California’s water problems.
- Healthy aquatic ecosystems conflict with a healthy economy.
- More water will lead to healthy fish populations.
- California’s water rights laws impede reform and sustainable management.
- We can find a consensus that will keep all parties happy.
The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority and its five member agencies were very proud to have supported this research, along with S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Pisces Foundation, and the Resources Legacy Fund.
SAWPA will use this event to present its very unique and coveted “watershed” awards to special honorees. These include the:
Santa Ana River Watershed Integrated Project Award
Awarded to a project involving two or more agencies (including non-profits) that works across geographic and/or functional boundaries, and provides multiple benefits to the watershed.
Santa Ana River Watershed Innovative Vision Award
Awarded to an individual or agency for innovative problem-solving based on a watershed perspective. This regional vision allows solutions that are not possible when contemplated by a single individual or agency.
Ruth B. Anderson Wilson Watershed Conservation Award
Awarded to an individual or organization directly responsible for the conservation or restoration of ecological resources within the watershed. This award is intended for habitat enhancement, or conservation projects.
Projects or individuals will be selected based on innovation, sustainable use of resources, degree of project integration, and importance to the watershed as a whole. The award nomination forms will be emailed out early next week and are due by April 1st .
Water Education Foundation (WEF) is coordinating this exciting conference event.
For additional information regarding sponsorship and/or registration, please contact WEF at 916.444.6240 or check the event website at www.owow2010.com
Join us for a great day!