Conference Schedule

Subject to change, see watershedaction.org for updates →

7:30 – 8:00 AM — EXHIBITOR SET UP

8:00 – 8:30 AM — CHECK IN:, Exhibit area open (Sponsors and watershed associations)

8:30 – 8:35 AM — WELCOME FROM TOWN OF HANSON, Michael McCue, Town of Hanson Administrator

8:35 – 8:45 AM — WELCOME FROM WAA AND INTRODUCTION, Sarah Grady, PhD

8:45 – 10:15 AM — SESSION 1: The Intersections of Water Quality and Quantity, Moderated by Alex Mansfield, MSc. This session will explore how the relationships between surface water and groundwater influence available water supply for human and ecological needs. We will also discuss examples of how water quality impairments reduce the functional availability of water quantity. Lastly, we will bring these pieces together to consider the social implications of water use and abuse, and what they mean for the average citizen at the tap.

  • Introduction to the issues, Alex Mansfield, Ecology Program Director, Jones River Watershed Association
  • Speakers:
    • John Mullaney, Groundwater Specialist, New England Water Science Center, USGS
    • Michael Ohl, Principal Engineer, Comprehensive Environmental, Inc. (CEI)
    • Joanne Zygmunt, Commissioner, Central Plymouth County Water District Commission
  • Questions & Discussion

10:15 – 10:30 AM — BREAK: Exhibit area open

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — SESSION 2: The Future of Water in New England, Moderated by Eric Walberg, AICP. This session will provide an overview of projected changes in both water quality and quantity in New England over the next 80 years. Topics covered will include climate impacts, development trends, and the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program as a mechanism for planning and implementation of solutions.

  • Introduction to the issues, Eric Walberg, Senior Program Leader, Climate Services, Manomet, Inc.
  • Speakers:
    • Heidi Ricci, Assistant Director of Advocacy, Mass Audubon
    • Sara Burns, Water Resource Scientist, The Nature Conservancy
    • Bill Napolitano, Environmental Program Director, Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District
  • Questions & Discussion

Speaker Bios →

12:00 – 12:30 PM — LUNCH: Onsite pre-ordered box lunch, exhibit area open

12:30 – 1:15 PM — PLENARY: Help Wanted – Restore Your Wetlands for Ecological Dynamism, Alex Hackman, MA Division of Ecological Restoration

1:15 – 2:00 PM — WAA Member Organization Speed Presentations

2:00 – 2:15 PM — BREAK: Exhibit area open

2:15 – 3:45 PM — TAKING ACTION: Implementing Solutions to Real and Pressing Challenges, facilitated by Cheryl King Fischer. The goal of this interactive session is to define conference attendees’ next steps in addressing key challenges pertaining to regional water issues. Participants will divide up into smaller groups for discussion and benefit from the expertise, experience and diverse perspectives of other attendees to articulate personal and group actions to be undertaken following the conference.

3:45 – 4:00 PM — WRAP UP: Sarah Grady, PhD

Register Now →

JRWA Presentation (PDF)