The Spokane River Forum Conference is right around the corner - less than a week away in fact as it runs March 22 - 23.  As we wrote earlier this year, in our eyes, the Spokane River is the tie that binds our region.  So what better way to connect to the region and to connect to the land, than attending this diverse event.  For two days, you'll have an opportunity to meet elected officials, policy makers, resource managers and stakeholders to seek opportunities to create a water future together.  And if that wasn't enough, here are 10 reasons why you should register and attend (courtesy of the Spokane River Forum:

MONDAY
1) Water Supply. Do we have enough? You'll see the first public presentations of 30 to 50 year water demand forecasting by Idaho and Washington.
2) Monday Keynote. Zebra mussels are ruining waterways and costing millions. They may be coming to our area. Can we stop them? Kate Wilson with the Lakes Commission tells us what's happening and what we need to do.
3) PCBs. Could this toxic legacy cost millions of dollars to address? Spokane RiverKeeper wants action now. Learn why. Learn where PCBs are coming from and who's doing what.
4) Local Leaders Dialog. Where do elected officials and others stand on Spokane River issues? We'll moderate an open discussion to find out.

TUESDAY

5) DO TMDL Dispute Resolution. Why? Will this hold up implementation? Will there be more challenges? Speakers will let you know.
6) Pollution/Nutrient Trading. Can it be used to help municipal and industrial entities meet rigorous Dissolved Oxygen TMDL standards? EPA and Ecology will let us know the art of the possible.
7) Tuesday Keynote. Donna Erickson (author of Metro Green, will share how cities around the country are discovering that waterways and trail systems can bind communities together, creating win-win initiatives for our region's environmental, recreation and economic interests. Can this be part of Spokane's "Near, Nature ... Near, Perfect" vision?
8) A Spokane River Water Trail. A new community initiative designed to increase river access and enjoyment while promote environmental stewardship, educational and economic development and other interests. See the map to our future. Find out how to become involved.

BOTH DAYS

9) Expert Panels. If you want the short version of whose doing what and what's going on, this is the place to hear from a wide and diverse group of experts. Network with them and others during breaks and lunch.
10) Updates. Avista's plans for investment as part of dam license implementation; Lake Couer d'Alene Management Plan; water rights adjudication; pilot results for water treatment; shoreline master planning, and the latest research.

Spokane River Forum Conference 2010
March 22nd and 23rd, 2010
Centerplace Regional Event Center
2426 N. Discovery Place
Spokane Valley, WA 99216

info@spokaneriver.net

Register HERE. Cost for the 2 day conference is $75, includes breakfast & lunch each day.

Check the agenda to learn more about all the great sessions and speakers.

---

---