These Workshops are provided in intimate knowledge rich relationship building settings - where our Seminar Leaders can provide for candid discussions about the state of the environment (political/environmental)! We encourage folks to participate in setting the tone of the day and bring along your colleagues for what is sure to be a very engaging professional development experience.

One Water - Managing Water as an Integrated System March 27th 2012 (Edmonton/Calgary TBD)

This FULL-Day Seminar led by Jon Fennell will explore our hydrologic systems and the management tools that other jurisdictions are using to ensure that water is managed as an integrated system. Using case-study examples of leading-edge initiatives from around the world, Jon will explore the opportunities for Alberta communities to mitigate risk and ensure water security by harnessing the water resource wealth in a changing climate.
 

Water for Life and the Land Use Framework -  April 17th (High Prairie) Hosted by the Lesser Slave Lake Watershed Council 12:00pm - 4:30pm and Includes Lunch!

This HALF-Day Seminar led by Lisa Maria Fox will introduce Alberta’s Water for Life Strategy for Sustainability, explore the roles and functions of the governance structures (Alberta Water Council, WPACs, Watershed Stewardship Groups), and provide a brief overview of the renewed provincial commitment and related expectations of provincial stakeholders in water management.  Participants will learn about the Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA) as it relates to sub-regional plans, watershed plans, and resource conservation plans. This seminar will also explore how watershed planning and municipal water management strategies integrate into regional water quality objectives. This session will also involve a guest speaker (TBD) with updates on these policy frameworks.

Science & Environmental Management - April 20th (Edmonton)

Environmental policy decisions are made on the basis of the best science available, and policy makers are increasingly required to interpret incomplete and often conflicting scientific evidence. In this HALF-Day workshop delivered by Dr. Carla Davidson, participants will learn how to find literature and discuss strategies for examining scientific evidence, with the goal of improving scientific literacy among policy makers and facilitating communication between the policy and scientific community. Topics include the scientific method, a comparison of the nature of scientific evidence and legal evidence, and resources for policy makers to access ecological data. The second half of the session will consist of a presentation on watershed ecology from scientists working in the field.

Water Sustainability in Canada's West  - May 28th  8:30am - 4:00pm (Lethbridge)

This FULL-Day workshop will provide an introduction to the drivers and trends toward low impact and green development and the "state of" municipal and provincial water and water management policy and legislation (rainwater & storm water capture, reuse, water infrastructure management), as they influence the planning and construction of provincial, municipal, and residential infrastructure-related projects.