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1999 RIVERS AND STREAMS CONFERENCE
The Rivers and Streams Conference has traditionally provided a public forum for discussion of water issues and recently has developed into a showcase for the Missouri Stream Team Program. The first Rivers and Streams Conference was held to identify water quality problems and solutions from the public perspective. A citizen-based stream program was one of the solutions identified and in 1989 the Missouri Stream Team Program was initiated.
Over 1300 Stream Teams have been formed and it is estimated that approximately 25,000 people are team members or have access to Stream Team newsletters and information. An adjunct to the Stream Team Program is the Missouri Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program. More than 1500 citizens have attended Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring workshops since the program's inception in 1993.
The Conservation Federation of Missouri, state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, and the Missouri Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources sponsors the Stream Team and the Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Programs. The conference is being held at the University of Missouri-Columbia, June 11-13, 1999. The theme is "A Decade of Making a Difference, Missouri Stream Teams 1989-1999."
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The 1999 Rivers and Streams Conference is a celebration the 10th Anniversary of the founding of the Stream Team Program. The Missouri University Conference Office will coordinate the conference. They will provide registration, arrangement of facilities, budget assistance, payment of speakers and food services, etc. The fees for their service will be a 22% of the total conference cost. Topics to be covered include:
1. Starting and maintaining a Stream Team.
2. Building watershed partnerships.
3. Information on the Volunteer Monitoring Program and how volunteer data is utilized.
4. How to be an effective advocate.
5. How educators use the Stream Team program in the classroom.
6. Using the Internet and computers for water resource information.
7. Current water issues and programs at the federal level.
8. A Kids Track where students in the Stream Team Program will teach other children at the conference.
Sessions covering citizen-based programs in other states will also be available. As the National Volunteer Monitoring Conference was postponed this year, this conference will provide a forum for Midwestern states to come together and share information. This is of particular interest to Nebraska, Iowa and Arkansas, as they have started new volunteer programs. These three states will present information as well as the states of Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. An open forum for program coordinators and interested citizens to discuss issues involved with volunteer programs will be included.
OBJECTIVES
1. Provide opportunities for Stream Team volunteers to share information and gather new ideas.
2. Motivate participants to remain involved in stream protection and restoration.
3. Encourage networking and formation of watershed partnerships.
4. Provide a forum for Midwest states to share ideas and information on grassroots water protection programs.
5. Celebrate the success of the Missouri Stream Team Program in their efforts for water resources.
PRODUCTS
1. Final summary of conference budget and compilation of a complete financial report at the close of the conference.
2. Conference brochures and registration information.
3. Copy of registration database and roster of conference attendees.
4. Production of registration packets and name badges
PROJECT SPONSOR
Missouri Department of Natural Resources with subcontract to Missouri University Conference Office.
COOPERATING AGENCIES
Missouri Department of Conservation, Conservation Federation of Missouri, University Extension, EPA Region VII, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kentucky Water Watch, Arkansas Stream Team, Nebraska Adopt A Stream, IOWATER, Illinois EPA Volunteer Lakes Monitoring Program, Tennessee Valley Authority, Missouri Watershed Coalition, volunteers in the Missouri Stream Team and Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Programs.
CONTACT
DNR Water Pollution Control Program
PO Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Sharon Clifford 573-751-7298
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