What does the future of water in New England look like?

Goals for the session include:

• Providing conference participants with an improved understanding of how the combined impacts of climate change and continued urbanization are likely to affect water resources and associated ecosystems,
• Exploring the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness as a framework for addressing these concerns, and
• Sparking creative problem solving in how we respond to these challenges.

Eric will provide background on the effects of climate change on precipitation, temperature, and hydrology in the region. Next, Heidi Ricci, Assistant Director of Advocacy at Mass Audubon, will describe changing land use trends and the impacts of development. Sara Burns, Water Resource Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, will address how these two factors— climate change and development—will impact water resources. And, finally, Bill Napolitano, Environmental Program Director at Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District, will share methods of mitigating the impacts of climate change and development to water resources, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program.

The full conference agenda is available on the WAA website. Attendees may register online at www.watershedaction.org ($25) or at the door ($30). The conference fee is waived for students, interns, and low-income residents thanks to generous sponsors.