TECHNICAL AND LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS
The professional development workshops held in conjunction with the SWCS International Annual Conference will be eligible for continuing education credits from various certifying organizations.
Workshop 1: ACPF Watershed Applications Training
Sunday, August 6
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Instructors: Kevin Erb, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension; Janice Kepka, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension; Ann Marcelle Lewandowski, University of Minnesota Water Resources Center
The ACPF (Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework) is a GIS-based application for siting conservation practices within a watershed. The ACPF outputs are used to engage stakeholders in collaborative watershed planning processes. For a more detailed description, visit www.ACPF4watersheds.org.
The ACFP Watershed Applications Workshop is designed for watershed planners, SWCD/NRCS staff, extension professionals, and private consultants who are interested in learning more about using the ACPF to improve their small watershed-based planning and implementation projects. No GIS or prior ACPF experience is needed. Learners will not run the ACPF toolbox in this workshop.
Participants will learn the basics of what is behind the ACPF tools, examine and discuss multiple case studies of how it has been used in watershed planning, and leave with a fuller understanding of how to use ACPF to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of watershed planning efforts.
Tickets: $75 early/$100 late (after June 26)
Workshop 2: Improving Water-Driven Soil Erosion Estimation Systems
Sunday, August 6
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Instructors: Rick Cruse, Iowa State University; Teferi Tsegaye, USDA ARS; Thanos Papanicolaou, USDA ARS; Chris Renschler, USDA ARS; Kossi Nauwakpo, USDA ARS; Brian Gelder, Iowa State University; Pete Robichaud, US Forest Service; Erin Brooks, University of Idaho; Dennis Flanagan, USDA ARS; Rob Wells, USDA ARS; Jason Williams, USDA ARS; David Goodrich, USDA ARS; Matt Drewitz, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Tom Buman, Ag Consultant; Chris Coreil, USDA NRCS; Shawn Richmond, Iowa Farm Bureau
Farm-level soil erosion predictions are a basis to allocate billions of dollars of federal farm subsidies annually, yet our methods of estimating this critical value are outdated, can be difficult to interpret, and are challenging to defend. The goals of this workshop are to (1) facilitate a better understanding of these soil erosion estimates associated with on-site agronomic management, ecosystem health, and down-stream communities; (2) to identify limitations of existing models used to quantify soil erosion; and (3) propose model improvements, using data and new technologies, necessary to meet the needs of stakeholders who rely on these estimates on- and off-site. A recently developed USDA ARS vision describing characteristics of a state-of-the art soil erosion estimation system(s) will be presented, followed by presentations describing five of the most advanced systems in use today. Each presenter will contrast characteristics of existing systems to that identified in the USDA ARS vision for a state-of-the-art system. Multiple stakeholders will present their vision identifying needs related to soil erosion estimation science. Subsequently, a panel composed of researchers and stakeholders will address the question, Is development of new science or improvements in existing modeling systems the better path forward? A discussion with audience participants will subsequently allow a broader set of opinions to be heard and recorded. This workshop will serve as Phase I of a multiple phase strategy for development of modeling systems that meet the needs of stakeholders while facilitating state-of-the-art soil and water conservation advances.
Tickets: $75 early/$100 late (after June 26)
Workshop 3: Oxbow Restoration Toolkit Training
Sunday, August 6
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Instructor: Brandon Iddings, Iowa Soybean Association; Darrick Weissenfluh, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Karen Wilke, The Nature Conservancy,
The purpose of this workshop is to educate conservation professionals about oxbow restoration as a multipurpose (soil, water, AND wildlife) practice. For this workshop, we will expand upon the details included in the free Oxbow Restoration Toolkit. Specifically, we will examine multiple oxbows using online resources and decide, based on specific goals, whether or not they need restoration and why. We will also work through the design process as it relates to specific restoration goals, including considerations for determining elevations, inclusion of drainage water management, and oxbow-stream connection channels. This workshop will include an exercise for participants to apply knowledge gained from this workshop and will conclude with a Q&A session. The goal of this workshop is for conservation professionals to leave this conference with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to identify and restore oxbows in their areas.
Tickets: $75 early/$100 late (after June 26)