The NGWA International Conference on Nonrenewable Ground Water Resources — Sociotechnological Aspects of Nonrenewable Ground Water Resources: Half-Empty, Half-Full, Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Some Paths Forward will take place in Portland, Oregon, October 13-14, 2008.
Many areas of the world rely on nonrenewable ground water resources, defined here as aquifer systems whose replenishment rates are so small that, for all practical purposes, their development is unsustainable and will eventually deplete the available water in storage. With the specter of global warming casting a pall of uncertainty over future water supplies, it is imperative that we manage these resources wisely by sharing our knowledge and learning from the experience of others who are dealing with these conditions and problems.
To facilitate these interactions, NGWA, in association with the Institute for Water and Watersheds at Oregon State University, the International Hydrological Programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, and The World Bank, is conducting the first international meeting on nonrenewable ground water resources.
In 2006, UNESCO-IHP, in concert with The World Bank, published the landmark Non-renewable Groundwater Resources: A guidebook on socially-sustainable management for water-policy makers. For the first time, selected case studies were presented on how the global community was dealing with the issue of ground water "mining." However, case studies of aquifer systems in the United States and Canada were absent. Yet, in these countries, nonrenewable ground water resources are also being exploited. This conference aims to facilitate the sharing of information and management approaches among water professionals from around the globe.
Interdisciplinary and international cooperation for better understanding of many issues related to nonrenewable ground water resources is necessary. The global ground water community is invited to share their experiences with the issue of nonrenewable ground water and exchange information with the ground water community in the United States and Canada. Rather than awaiting the arrival of a lengthy analysis of lessons learned elsewhere, time is of the essence as states, provinces, and communities strive to protect their lifestyles and economies. The question has progressed beyond whether the ground water systems are half-empty or half-full, to which management and governance models work best: top-down, bottom-up, or a combination of approaches.
In addition, speakers will be invited from key locations across the globe to share their experiences with nonrenewable ground water resources.
Plan today to be a part of this conference and also help us celebrate 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth.
Optional pre- and postconference events
A salmon bake and reception is being offered the evening of October 12. (Details will be posted when available.)
A field trip is being offered October 15. (Details will be posted when available.)
Conference program committee
- Cochair — Michael E. Campana, Ph.D., Institute for Water and Watersheds
- Cochair — Todd Jarvis, Institute for Water and Watersheds
- Alice Aureli, UNESCO-IHP
- Raya Marina Stephan, UNESCO-IHP
- M. Ramon Llamas, Royal Academy of Sciences, Spain
- Karin E. Kemper, The World Bank
- Stephen E. Ragone, Ph.D., NGWA
- Robert Masters, NGWA
- Beverly L. Herzog, CGWP, Illinois State Geological Survey
- Erick R. Burns, USGS
- Kate Ely, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Exhibitor information
Download exhibitor information and application.
Fees
Save by registering early!
Conference and optional event fees on or before September 15:
NGWA member — $395
Nonmember — $545
Full-time student (ID required):
NGWA member — $100
Nonmember — $150
Salmon bake — $80
Field trip — $90
Conference and optional event fees beginning September 16:
NGWA member — $445
Nonmember — $595
Full-time student (ID required):
NGWA member — $150
Nonmember — $200
Salmon bake — $90
Field trip — $100
Registration
- Register online through our secure registration system.
- Register by phone by calling NGWA with your credit card information at 800 551.7379 or 614 898.7791. Customer service hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. (ET).
- Register by fax. Print the registration form (PDF), fill it in, and fax it to 614 898.7786. Our fax line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Register by mail. Print the registration form (PDF), fill it in, and return it with your payment to: National Ground Water Association; ATTN: Registrations; PO Box 73111; Cleveland, OH 44193.
Location
Red Lion Hotel on the River
909 N. Hayden Island Drive
Portland, Oregon 97217
United States
800 RED LION (800 733.5466)
503 283.4466
fax 503 283.4743
Accommodations: NGWA has secured a limited block of rooms on a first come, first served basis at the group rate of $99 per night for a standard room, and $119 per night for a river view room (flat rates for single through quad occupancy). These rates apply to the NGWA room block and are valid until the September 21, 2008 cutoff, unless our block has been filled before that date. When making your reservations, be sure to mention you are attending this NGWA program. Remember, you are responsible for securing your own reservations. For guest check-in and checkout times, please contact the hotel directly.
Area links
Portland Oregon Visitors Association
Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Portland, Oregon, skyline photo courtesy of the Portland Oregon Visitors Association.
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Information current as of 5-6-2008. For further help, e-mail customerservice@ngwa.org or call 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791).