U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Watershed Academy Webcasts

This Webcast discusses how communities can more effectively manage rainwater and snow melt where it falls. Green streets can make great places, preserve water quality, and restore our nation's waterways. These and other practices including rain gardens, curb cuts, bioswales, and green roofs are helping many urban communities like Portland, Seattle, and Chicago address stormwater runoff as well as provide great aesthetic benefits. In addition, green streets and other environmentally-friendly landscape designs can help minimize urban heat island effect, reduce a community's carbon footprint, and cool the planet. Join us for this Webcast to learn how your community can incorporate more green designs into long-term urban and transportation planning. Clark Wilson, the lead speaker for this Webcast, presented this same topic as a podcast. Visit http://epa.gov/owow/podcasts to listen to the podcast. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owgreens_072308/

This Webcast discusses how communities can more effectively manage rainwater and snow melt where it falls. Green streets can make great places, preserve water quality, and restore our nation's waterways. These and other practices including rain gardens, curb cuts, bioswales, and green roofs are helping many urban communities like Portland, Seattle, and Chicago address stormwater runoff as well as provide great aesthetic benefits. In addition, green streets and other environmentally-friendly landscape designs can help minimize urban heat island effect, reduce a community's carbon footprint, and cool the planet. Join us for this Webcast to learn how your community can incorporate more green designs into long-term urban and transportation planning. Clark Wilson, the lead speaker for this Webcast, presented this same topic as a podcast. Visit http://epa.gov/owow/podcasts to listen to the podcast. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owgreens_072308/

At some point, citizens involved in watershed protection face the question - How do we pay for this? Most quickly realize that there are not enough grant funds to meet the needs for water quality projects. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund is a large, flexible, and largely untapped source of funding for watershed projects. It provides over $5 billion each year for traditional stormwater and wastewater projects, as well as over $200 million for nonpoint source projects, such as land conservation, agricultural best management practices, and clean-up of contaminated sites. Join us to hear more about how you can access the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to protect your watershed. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owcwasrf_071608/

At some point, citizens involved in watershed protection face the question - How do we pay for this? Most quickly realize that there are not enough grant funds to meet the needs for water quality projects. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund is a large, flexible, and largely untapped source of funding for watershed projects. It provides over $5 billion each year for traditional stormwater and wastewater projects, as well as over $200 million for nonpoint source projects, such as land conservation, agricultural best management practices, and clean-up of contaminated sites. Join us to hear more about how you can access the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to protect your watershed. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owcwasrf_071608/

EPA recently released a new Web site where water quality managers and the public can go to view a wide range of state-reported water quality information. This Web site, sometimes referred to as ATTAINS, combines two formerly separate databases: the National Assessment Database and the National Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Tracking System. The National Assessment Database is for water quality assessment information reported by the states under Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act, while the National TMDL Tracking System is for impaired waters information reported by the states under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. ATTAINS gives the "full story" showing which waters have been assessed, which are impaired, and which are being (or have been) restored. This Web site allows the user to view dynamic, continuously updated tables and charts that summarize state-reported information for the nation as a whole, for individual states and waters, and for the ten EPA Regions. Visit ATTAINS at http://www.epa.gov/waters/ir. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owattains_061808/

EPA recently released a new Web site where water quality managers and the public can go to view a wide range of state-reported water quality information. This Web site, sometimes referred to as ATTAINS, combines two formerly separate databases: the National Assessment Database and the National Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Tracking System. The National Assessment Database is for water quality assessment information reported by the states under Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act, while the National TMDL Tracking System is for impaired waters information reported by the states under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. ATTAINS gives the "full story" showing which waters have been assessed, which are impaired, and which are being (or have been) restored. This Web site allows the user to view dynamic, continuously updated tables and charts that summarize state-reported information for the nation as a whole, for individual states and waters, and for the ten EPA Regions. Visit ATTAINS at http://www.epa.gov/waters/ir. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owattains_061808/

Today, the scientific consensus on global climate change is challenging our assumptions about water resources. Wetland habitats in particular are faced with unique challenges due to a number of factors including rising sea levels and variable temperature and precipitation patterns. The importance of wetland functions and ecosystem services will continue to grow as the climate changes. Webcast instructors will discuss the issue from diverse perspectives reflecting the multifaceted approach needed to address the problem. Join us to learn more about the latest research findings, effects on inland and coastal wetlands in Alaska and Maine, and collaborative planning efforts in the Hudson River Valley to build coalitions that support adaptation strategies to protect people and the environment. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owwcc_051308/

Today, the scientific consensus on global climate change is challenging our assumptions about water resources. Wetland habitats in particular are faced with unique challenges due to a number of factors including rising sea levels and variable temperature and precipitation patterns. The importance of wetland functions and ecosystem services will continue to grow as the climate changes. Webcast instructors will discuss the issue from diverse perspectives reflecting the multifaceted approach needed to address the problem. Join us to learn more about the latest research findings, effects on inland and coastal wetlands in Alaska and Maine, and collaborative planning efforts in the Hudson River Valley to build coalitions that support adaptation strategies to protect people and the environment. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owwcc_051308/

There is increasing emphasis on evaluating the results of our efforts to control nonpoint source pollution on a watershed basis. Evaluation must be an ongoing part of any watershed management, based on proper design and data collection. Three types of data are needed to evaluate watershed management projects: administrative, social and environmental. Evaluation or effectiveness monitoring is designed to measure the actual impact of management decisions, such as implementation of nutrient management practices (administrative, social) and resulting impacts of nutrient levels (environmental) in the waterbody. Environmental monitoring needs to focus on specific variables, take place in specific locations, and at minimum frequencies to provide a measure of whether and to what extent the water quality problems are being addressed. Instructors will present an overview of watershed monitoring, three watershed effectiveness monitoring designs, and identify issues to be considered when developing effectiveness monitoring programs. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owmwpe_041008/

There is increasing emphasis on evaluating the results of our efforts to control nonpoint source pollution on a watershed basis. Evaluation must be an ongoing part of any watershed management, based on proper design and data collection. Three types of data are needed to evaluate watershed management projects: administrative, social and environmental. Evaluation or effectiveness monitoring is designed to measure the actual impact of management decisions, such as implementation of nutrient management practices (administrative, social) and resulting impacts of nutrient levels (environmental) in the waterbody. Environmental monitoring needs to focus on specific variables, take place in specific locations, and at minimum frequencies to provide a measure of whether and to what extent the water quality problems are being addressed. Instructors will present an overview of watershed monitoring, three watershed effectiveness monitoring designs, and identify issues to be considered when developing effectiveness monitoring programs. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owmwpe_041008/

Nutrient loading from nonpoint source runoff is a common problem in watersheds. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution continue to be included as top causes of aquatic ecosystem degradation across the nation. This Webcast will examine the serious impacts on water quality from excess nutrients and will highlight two exceptional programs at the state and local level that encourage homeowners, businesses, and neighborhoods to adopt more sustainable practices to prevent harmful runoff from yards and lawns. Our first speaker will Our first speaker will provide a description of the water quality problems associated with nutrients and a description of EPA’s national program to set water quality criteria for nutrients, followed by state and community perspectives on nutrient management initiatives as alternatives to conventional lawn care practices. Join us for this Webcast to learn how your community can encourage more sustainable lawn care practices to protect water resources. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owmnybyc_031908/

Nutrient loading from nonpoint source runoff is a common problem in watersheds. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution continue to be included as top causes of aquatic ecosystem degradation across the nation. This Webcast will examine the serious impacts on water quality from excess nutrients and will highlight two exceptional programs at the state and local level that encourage homeowners, businesses, and neighborhoods to adopt more sustainable practices to prevent harmful runoff from yards and lawns. Our first speaker will Our first speaker will provide a description of the water quality problems associated with nutrients and a description of EPA’s national program to set water quality criteria for nutrients, followed by state and community perspectives on nutrient management initiatives as alternatives to conventional lawn care practices. Join us for this Webcast to learn how your community can encourage more sustainable lawn care practices to protect water resources. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owmnybyc_031908/

As a nation, we have built an extensive network of infrastructure to provide the public with access to water and sanitation. Much of the drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in the U.S. was built in the 30 years following World War II, mirroring the increase in population. Utilities are facing tremendous costs to rehabilitate and replace this infrastructure. EPA has a new initiative to promote Sustainable Infrastructure and help utilities identify the best practices to address a variety of management challenges. This Webcast will provide a brief introduction to EPA's Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative and will highlight the work of two utilities to use sustainable watershed management approaches. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owwuuswa_022008/

As a nation, we have built an extensive network of infrastructure to provide the public with access to water and sanitation. Much of the drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in the U.S. was built in the 30 years following World War II, mirroring the increase in population. Utilities are facing tremendous costs to rehabilitate and replace this infrastructure. EPA has a new initiative to promote Sustainable Infrastructure and help utilities identify the best practices to address a variety of management challenges. This Webcast will provide a brief introduction to EPA's Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative and will highlight the work of two utilities to use sustainable watershed management approaches. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owwuuswa_022008/

The Wastewater Information System Tool (TWIST) is a Microsoft Access based information management system developed for US EPA to help communities inventory and manage decentralized (i.e., individual and clustered) wastewater systems. The Webcast will provide an overview of watershed and water quality issues related to wastewater management, discuss treatment system options and management, and address the need for inventory systems such as TWIST. The Webcast will also provide an introduction on how to use TWIST and discuss how it can be used to track onsite and clustered sewage systems. Finally, the Webcast will also provide information on other tools for small communities and decentralized system users. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owTWIST_011608/

The Wastewater Information System Tool (TWIST) is a Microsoft Access based information management system developed for US EPA to help communities inventory and manage decentralized (i.e., individual and clustered) wastewater systems. The Webcast will provide an overview of watershed and water quality issues related to wastewater management, discuss treatment system options and management, and address the need for inventory systems such as TWIST. The Webcast will also provide an introduction on how to use TWIST and discuss how it can be used to track onsite and clustered sewage systems. Finally, the Webcast will also provide information on other tools for small communities and decentralized system users. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owTWIST_011608/

As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, we still have considerable distance to travel toward achieving its goals. Increasingly, the challenges involve how and where communities grow—and how best to address the impacts of land use and development on water resources. Three practitioners in this Webcast will discuss how various Smart Growth and Green Infrastructure tools are being used at the regional, watershed and site levels to preserve, enhance, and protect our water resources. Our speakers will also discuss various approaches, including messaging, research, and partnering to ensure that these tools are successfully implemented. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owsggi_112807/

As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, we still have considerable distance to travel toward achieving its goals. Increasingly, the challenges involve how and where communities grow—and how best to address the impacts of land use and development on water resources. Three practitioners in this Webcast will discuss how various Smart Growth and Green Infrastructure tools are being used at the regional, watershed and site levels to preserve, enhance, and protect our water resources. Our speakers will also discuss various approaches, including messaging, research, and partnering to ensure that these tools are successfully implemented. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owsggi_112807/

Community leaders and local officials often focus watershed protection efforts on one or two funding sources, such as the Environmental Protection Agency's section 319 funds. This approach to funding is understandable given the complexity of the problems, issues, and potential solutions available. Finding public funds – usually in the form of grants – is often the easiest and least politically costly financing solution to very entrenched issues and problems. Yet, anyone with experience in designing and managing watershed restoration projects knows that there is not enough public funding or private grants to recover watersheds and habitat areas. Creating a watershed-financing plan that identifies and leverages sustainable funding sources is key to successful implementation of any community effort, including watershed restoration and protection. Essential elements of developing a watershed finance strategy and key steps in the financing planning process will be discussed. Concepts will be demonstrated through presentation of successful watershed finance case study examples. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owwtrfin_101707/

Community leaders and local officials often focus watershed protection efforts on one or two funding sources, such as the Environmental Protection Agency's section 319 funds. This approach to funding is understandable given the complexity of the problems, issues, and potential solutions available. Finding public funds – usually in the form of grants – is often the easiest and least politically costly financing solution to very entrenched issues and problems. Yet, anyone with experience in designing and managing watershed restoration projects knows that there is not enough public funding or private grants to recover watersheds and habitat areas. Creating a watershed-financing plan that identifies and leverages sustainable funding sources is key to successful implementation of any community effort, including watershed restoration and protection. Essential elements of developing a watershed finance strategy and key steps in the financing planning process will be discussed. Concepts will be demonstrated through presentation of successful watershed finance case study examples. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owwtrfin_101707/

Most people now understand that we have a climate problem, but few yet appreciate how big it is or what it will take to solve it. This Webcast will explore the dimensions of this global problem and frame the ensuing discussions about what water quality managers at the federal, state, and local level, along with the watershed protection community, can do to rise to the climate challenge. This Webcast will explore major opportunities to save water and energy together, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting climate change. Watershed practitioners, utilities, community leaders, and agency officials can all benefit from hearing about the profound implications of climate change on our water resources and what we can all do now to protect our future. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owwecc_100307/

Most people now understand that we have a climate problem, but few yet appreciate how big it is or what it will take to solve it. This Webcast will explore the dimensions of this global problem and frame the ensuing discussions about what water quality managers at the federal, state, and local level, along with the watershed protection community, can do to rise to the climate challenge. This Webcast will explore major opportunities to save water and energy together, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting climate change. Watershed practitioners, utilities, community leaders, and agency officials can all benefit from hearing about the profound implications of climate change on our water resources and what we can all do now to protect our future. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owwecc_100307/

Coastal wetlands play an integral role in the health of our nation's waters and our nation's fisheries. In addition, they buffer coastal communities against the impacts of storms and sea level rise due to global climate change. Coastal managers and others interested in protecting wetlands can learn from this Webcast presentation, which will highlight two National Estuary Programs impacted by significant wetlands losses. Kerry St. Pé, Director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program and Jan Smith, Director of the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program, will discuss methods for assessing the condition of wetlands, measuring wetlands loss, and techniques for restoring coastal wetlands. This Webcast will also examine EPA's wetlands monitoring and assessment efforts at a national scale, including a discussion of the National Wetland Condition Assessment. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owawlcr_092607/

Coastal wetlands play an integral role in the health of our nation's waters and our nation's fisheries. In addition, they buffer coastal communities against the impacts of storms and sea level rise due to global climate change. Coastal managers and others interested in protecting wetlands can learn from this Webcast presentation, which will highlight two National Estuary Programs impacted by significant wetlands losses. Kerry St. Pé, Director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program and Jan Smith, Director of the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program, will discuss methods for assessing the condition of wetlands, measuring wetlands loss, and techniques for restoring coastal wetlands. This Webcast will also examine EPA's wetlands monitoring and assessment efforts at a national scale, including a discussion of the National Wetland Condition Assessment. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owawlcr_092607/

Since 2002, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) has been working with broadcast meteorologists to add localized environmental content into the most-watched segment of the local news: the weather report. In partnership with the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and others, NEEF is expanding the local weather report beyond the forecast by helping to transform broadcast meteorologists into "station scientists." NEEF’s Earth Gauge™ program provides meteorologists with free, weekly environmental information for use on-air, which makes the connection between the local three-day forecast and environmental impacts in the community, while also giving viewers simple actions to take at home. The program also provides free online courses that provide a basic background on environmental topics, including watersheds. The Earth Gauge™ program, which is currently reaching more than 159 million viewers in 64 media markets, will be discussed as well as how meteorologists incorporate environmental content into their newsweathercasts. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owegtv_081507/

Building constituencies across disciplinary and physical boundaries can be challenging in watershed work. A project called AMD&ART, winner of the 2005 Phoenix Award for community involvement, successfully combined both good science and art to make a difference in eastern coal country. Dr. Allan Comp, volunteer founder/director of the now-completed project, will discuss how he mobilized a community and a team of scientists, artists and VISTA volunteers to implement treatment systems that also serve as recreational sites, art parks, educational centers, and historical sites. Thanks to funding and expertise from many stakeholders, including the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, AmeriCorps, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Office of Surface Mining, EPA and others, environmental and economic degradation due to Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) has been remediated using a multi-disciplinary approach. Join us for this inspirational Webcast and learn some valuable lessons from a true leader in community-based watershed protection. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owamdart_071807/

EPA's STORET program encourages and supports sound data management - a vital aspect of effective watershed planning and protection - no matter how large or small the organization. The National STORET Data Warehouse is EPA's Internet available repository of water quality data. It contains water quality data of all types - physical, chemical and biological -- collected by federal agencies, states, tribes, watershed organizations, and universities. This Webcast will provide a brief overview of the STORET program and discuss the importance of data management to watershed protection. Speakers will offer a quick primer on how to access data from the STORET warehouse and use that data to characterize a watershed. Future developments in STORET - in particular, those relevant to watershed organizations - will also be discussed, as well as how individual organizations can get involved. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owstoret_062107/

EPA's STORET program encourages and supports sound data management - a vital aspect of effective watershed planning and protection - no matter how large or small the organization. The National STORET Data Warehouse is EPA's Internet available repository of water quality data. It contains water quality data of all types - physical, chemical and biological -- collected by federal agencies, states, tribes, watershed organizations, and universities. This Webcast will provide a brief overview of the STORET program and discuss the importance of data management to watershed protection. Speakers will offer a quick primer on how to access data from the STORET warehouse and use that data to characterize a watershed. Future developments in STORET - in particular, those relevant to watershed organizations - will also be discussed, as well as how individual organizations can get involved. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owstoret_062107/

Land trusts and other conservation organizations often take over the long-term stewardship responsibilities for wetlands, streams, and other aquatic resources that are restored, enhanced, created, or preserved as compensatory mitigation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Before taking on such responsibility, these organizations should be well armed with the skills necessary to navigate the Section 404 program. This Webcast will discuss the basics of the Section 404 program as well as the basics of compensatory mitigation, including mitigation policy, mitigation methods, and mitigation mechanisms. Speakers will also provide an overview of the roles and risks of becoming involved in mitigation. Finally, speakers will provide a review of methods to evaluate stewardship tasks, calculate an adequate long-term stewardship endowment, and guarantee long-term funding To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owltstew_052307/

Land trusts and other conservation organizations often take over the long-term stewardship responsibilities for wetlands, streams, and other aquatic resources that are restored, enhanced, created, or preserved as compensatory mitigation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Before taking on such responsibility, these organizations should be well armed with the skills necessary to navigate the Section 404 program. This Webcast will discuss the basics of the Section 404 program as well as the basics of compensatory mitigation, including mitigation policy, mitigation methods, and mitigation mechanisms. Speakers will also provide an overview of the roles and risks of becoming involved in mitigation. Finally, speakers will provide a review of methods to evaluate stewardship tasks, calculate an adequate long-term stewardship endowment, and guarantee long-term funding To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owltstew_052307/

EPA's Web sites include a wealth of information about the nation's waterbodies and this Webcast will help you learn how to access this information. Our information is housed in several "national databases" and this Webcast will demonstrate how to query, access and use the information. The Webcast will showcase a number of the Internet tools that EPA has developed to support development of watershed plans, provide watershed training and help you get nuts and bolts information about your watershed. While some of the online tools are straightforward and perform simple functions, others offer capability for multiple-step queries to report information. Using simple screen shots and step-by-step explanations, the Webcast will explain how to do queries from some key EPA water-related databases, such as water quality standards, 303(d) listed impaired waters, assessed waters, STORET (water quality monitoring information) and discharge monitoring reports from permitted dischargers. The session will also provide instruction on using EnviroMapper, an online mapping application that provides an interactive data query interface to display water-related information on a map. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owtoolswm_032807/

EPA's Web sites include a wealth of information about the nation's waterbodies and this Webcast will help you learn how to access this information. Our information is housed in several "national databases" and this Webcast will demonstrate how to query, access and use the information. The Webcast will showcase a number of the Internet tools that EPA has developed to support development of watershed plans, provide watershed training and help you get nuts and bolts information about your watershed. While some of the online tools are straightforward and perform simple functions, others offer capability for multiple-step queries to report information. Using simple screen shots and step-by-step explanations, the Webcast will explain how to do queries from some key EPA water-related databases, such as water quality standards, 303(d) listed impaired waters, assessed waters, STORET (water quality monitoring information) and discharge monitoring reports from permitted dischargers. The session will also provide instruction on using EnviroMapper, an online mapping application that provides an interactive data query interface to display water-related information on a map. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owtoolswm_032807/

The National Estuary Program (NEP), established as part of the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act, is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary of protecting and restoring estuaries of national significance. The program promotes comprehensive planning efforts and actions to help protect 28 designated estuaries deemed to be threatened by pollution, development, or overuse. The NEP uses a proven approach of: focusing on specific watersheds, using science to inform decision-making, emphasizing collaborative problem solving, and involving the public. This Webcast will provide an overview of the NEP and will show how it implements another key Clean Water Act program - the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program. It will include a case study of the Long Island Sound NEP, which has successfully used its Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) as the basis for developing a TMDL. The Webcast will also discuss the innovative trading program used in Long Island Sound that is reducing nitrogen loads faster and more cost effectively. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/ownep_022107/

The National Estuary Program (NEP), established as part of the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act, is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary of protecting and restoring estuaries of national significance. The program promotes comprehensive planning efforts and actions to help protect 28 designated estuaries deemed to be threatened by pollution, development, or overuse. The NEP uses a proven approach of: focusing on specific watersheds, using science to inform decision-making, emphasizing collaborative problem solving, and involving the public. This Webcast will provide an overview of the NEP and will show how it implements another key Clean Water Act program - the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program. It will include a case study of the Long Island Sound NEP, which has successfully used its Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) as the basis for developing a TMDL. The Webcast will also discuss the innovative trading program used in Long Island Sound that is reducing nitrogen loads faster and more cost effectively. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/ownep_022107/

The Nonpoint Source Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Program is a national award-winning program that educates local land use decision makers on the links between land use and water resource protection. This Webcast will provide a thorough overview of the methods, impacts and educational offerings of the NEMO Program. The educational offerings, geospatial technology tools including build out scenarios, and local impacts of the Connecticut and other state programs will be discussed. The instructors will also describe the National NEMO Network, an affiliated group of projects in 30 states, which may be available to help your watershed or local community. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/ownemo_011707/

The Nonpoint Source Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Program is a national award-winning program that educates local land use decision makers on the links between land use and water resource protection. This Webcast will provide a thorough overview of the methods, impacts and educational offerings of the NEMO Program. The educational offerings, geospatial technology tools including build out scenarios, and local impacts of the Connecticut and other state programs will be discussed. The instructors will also describe the National NEMO Network, an affiliated group of projects in 30 states, which may be available to help your watershed or local community. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/ownemo_011707/

This Webcast will provide a primer on public water supplies and the recently completed source water assessments mandated by the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act. Source water is untreated water from streams, rivers, lakes or underground aquifers that is used to provide public drinking water and to supply private wells. While the source water assessments were required and funded, responsibility for implementing protection measures resides at the state, local and utility level. Instructors will discuss how they have integrated source water protection into their programs by using technical assistance, partnerships, tools available through the Clean Water Act and other programs, and by collaborating with watershed and smart growth efforts. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owintdriwat_112906/

This Webcast will provide a primer on public water supplies and the recently completed source water assessments mandated by the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act. Source water is untreated water from streams, rivers, lakes or underground aquifers that is used to provide public drinking water and to supply private wells. While the source water assessments were required and funded, responsibility for implementing protection measures resides at the state, local and utility level. Instructors will discuss how they have integrated source water protection into their programs by using technical assistance, partnerships, tools available through the Clean Water Act and other programs, and by collaborating with watershed and smart growth efforts. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owintdriwat_112906/

Throughout the world, trained volunteers provide an invaluable service: monitoring and providing data on the quality of rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands. This session will provide a primer on starting a volunteer water quality program. Instructors will discuss key steps to follow, questions to ponder, examples of success stories, and where the best resources are for further information. They will also introduce a tiered approach to ensure the best use of volunteer-collected data. The data use tiers are defined by the purpose of the program, the intended use of its data, and the intended data users. Also, learn about World Water Monitoring Day, celebrated every October to raise awareness about the importance of water quality monitoring (http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/). To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owvolwq_101106/

Throughout the world, trained volunteers provide an invaluable service: monitoring and providing data on the quality of rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands. This session will provide a primer on starting a volunteer water quality program. Instructors will discuss key steps to follow, questions to ponder, examples of success stories, and where the best resources are for further information. They will also introduce a tiered approach to ensure the best use of volunteer-collected data. The data use tiers are defined by the purpose of the program, the intended use of its data, and the intended data users. Also, learn about World Water Monitoring Day, celebrated every October to raise awareness about the importance of water quality monitoring (http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/). To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owvolwq_101106/

This Webcast will highlight funding available to states, communities, and other stakeholders under the Brownfields Program. The Brownfields Program works with these groups to assess, safely clean up, and reuse Brownfields. "Brownfields" are lands that typically have hazardous substances and which are redeveloped and reused under this program. The Webcast will showcase the Black Warrior-Cahaba Rivers Land Trust in Jefferson County, Alabama, which has received a $200,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant for the Five Mile Creek Project. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owbfgrants_092006/

This Webcast will highlight funding available to states, communities, and other stakeholders under the Brownfields Program. The Brownfields Program works with these groups to assess, safely clean up, and reuse Brownfields. "Brownfields" are lands that typically have hazardous substances and which are redeveloped and reused under this program. The Webcast will showcase the Black Warrior-Cahaba Rivers Land Trust in Jefferson County, Alabama, which has received a $200,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant for the Five Mile Creek Project. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owbfgrants_092006/

EPA is encouraging a watershed-based approach to permitting and is promoting this through its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. EPA recently issued several policy memos and guidance to promote watershed-based permitting. Webcast instructors will discuss the benefits of watershed-based permitting, present an explanation of the process and several mechanisms to implement watershed-based permitting, and outline how EPA will encourage this approach. The instructors will also discuss issues related to managing stormwater and other wet weather related impacts and present a case study related to activities in the City of Richmond, VA designed to move toward a watershed-based approach. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/ownpdes_071906/

EPA is encouraging a watershed-based approach to permitting and is promoting this through its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. EPA recently issued several policy memos and guidance to promote watershed-based permitting. Webcast instructors will discuss the benefits of watershed-based permitting, present an explanation of the process and several mechanisms to implement watershed-based permitting, and outline how EPA will encourage this approach. The instructors will also discuss issues related to managing stormwater and other wet weather related impacts and present a case study related to activities in the City of Richmond, VA designed to move toward a watershed-based approach. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/ownpdes_071906/

Thanks largely to effective discharge regulations over the past 30 years, the quality of our water resources has improved dramatically. However, many human activities still have negative impacts on the quality of our waterways. Watershed practitioners increasingly rely on nontraditional approaches to encourage people to alter their everyday behaviors and help improve and protect our waters. These approaches include social marketing techniques, which apply traditional commercial marketing approaches to address social issues. Webcast instructors will provide an overview of social marketing principles and then proceed through the steps needed to make audiences aware of an issue, recognize audiences underlying motivations, and solicit behavior change. The presentation will also highlight the key social marketing principles used in the Chesapeake Club campaign developed to change behaviors in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owinbema_062806/

Thanks largely to effective discharge regulations over the past 30 years, the quality of our water resources has improved dramatically. However, many human activities still have negative impacts on the quality of our waterways. Watershed practitioners increasingly rely on nontraditional approaches to encourage people to alter their everyday behaviors and help improve and protect our waters. These approaches include social marketing techniques, which apply traditional commercial marketing approaches to address social issues. Webcast instructors will provide an overview of social marketing principles and then proceed through the steps needed to make audiences aware of an issue, recognize audiences underlying motivations, and solicit behavior change. The presentation will also highlight the key social marketing principles used in the Chesapeake Club campaign developed to change behaviors in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owinbema_062806/

In celebration of American Wetlands Month, this Webcast will explore key ways of integrating wetland protection into local watershed management efforts. The focus will be on wetlands located in rural, suburban and urban settings and how they are directly and indirectly impacted by land development. The Webcast will describe how the eight tools of watershed protection can be adapted to strengthen wetland protection, conservation and restoration. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owinwetpro_051706/

In celebration of American Wetlands Month, this Webcast will explore key ways of integrating wetland protection into local watershed management efforts. The focus will be on wetlands located in rural, suburban and urban settings and how they are directly and indirectly impacted by land development. The Webcast will describe how the eight tools of watershed protection can be adapted to strengthen wetland protection, conservation and restoration. To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owinwetpro_051706/

This Webcast will highlight opportunities for citizen involvement in state and local implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The CWA provided specifically for public participation in most elements, yet groups and individuals working to protect and restore water bodies that matter to them may not know how to use the law in their efforts. To better inform citizens of the available CWA tools, this Webcast will focus on water quality standards and how they play into the development of the threatened and impaired waters list, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, section 319 watershed plans, and development and implementation of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owopcitinv_041906/

This Webcast will highlight opportunities for citizen involvement in state and local implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The CWA provided specifically for public participation in most elements, yet groups and individuals working to protect and restore water bodies that matter to them may not know how to use the law in their efforts. To better inform citizens of the available CWA tools, this Webcast will focus on water quality standards and how they play into the development of the threatened and impaired waters list, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, section 319 watershed plans, and development and implementation of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). To view the slides associated with this audio, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/owopcitinv_041906/