Colleagues,
This past year will be remembered for the devastating impact the world economic crisis has had on people’s lives, including those of us who work in water-related disciplines. The evidence is all around us – shrinking budgets, delayed funding, fewer projects and inevitable reductions in workforce. Under these difficult circumstances, the opportunity to travel to and participate in a scientific conference, even one as prestigious as AWRA’s annual Water Resources Conference, could not be taken for granted. We are both fortunate and grateful that so many of you have elected to attend this year’s meeting.
Your dedication and professionalism is our collective reward. Even in these tough times, scientific interest in water resources continues to be strong, as evidenced by the large number and superior quality of abstracts submitted, and the diversity of topics represented in the final program. A record number of individually organized sessions featuring special themes, invited speakers, and handpicked panelists were proposed; the addition of these special sessions has greatly enhanced the quality and relevance of the conference. In looking over the program, you will note topics of international, national and regional interest. There are several sessions that focus on water as a sustainable resource – a justifiably popular topic – as well as several case studies that highlight the multi-disciplinary, collaborative nature of our work. Also, because this year’s conference takes place in the Pacific Northwest, there is a strong (and appropriate) emphasis on endangered species and aquatic habitat.
A conference of this magnitude and quality is the result of the tireless effort of many people. My co-chair Brenda Bateman has been a pleasure to work with. I also want to acknowledge the many individuals who volunteered to review abstracts: Adam Gravley, Adam Hill, Amanda Cronin, Beth Peterson, Bob Anderson, Fran Solomon, Erik Weber, Felix Kristanovich, Henry Hu, Jacque Klug, Jami Carter, Jamie Morin, Jason Torrie, Joe Mentor, John Koreny, Kathy Kimbell, Kurt Unger, Lisa Chang, Margaret Tanner, Marissa Steketee, Pete Sturtevant, Raymond Chung, Sandy Kilroy, Sridhar Venkataramana, Steve Hughes, Steve Nelson, Steve Swope, Tom Ring, Tyler Jantzen, Michael Lilly, Jenny Saltonstall, and Scott Kindred.
Special recognition goes to the staff at AWRA and EEInternet, who provided constant support and helpful guidance to the Program Committee. I thank all of you who took it upon yourselves to organize a special session and to those who volunteered to serve as moderators – the success of the conference is due in large part to your efforts. And finally, speaking on behalf of all of us involved in the planning and staging of this conference, I would like to acknowledge and thank our Conference Chair, Cleve Steward, for his leadership, encouragement and dedication to our profession.
Alan Black, P.E.
HNTB Corporation
Seattle Washington
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