Photo courtesy UWSP. The 2020 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention, which the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point cosponsors, will be held April 1-3, in an online format and reduced price.

The COVID-19 pandemic won’t stop the 2020 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention, which will be held online April 1-3.

With the theme Focusing on Resilient Lakes and Rivers, the conference is intended for lake and river advocates, scientists, managers, educators and others who have an interest in protecting Wisconsin’s waters. The conference was originally to be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point.

Using Zoom technology, convention organizers from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, UW-Madison Division of Extension, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Lakes and others are collaborating to move the conference to a live, online format.

This format will allow participants to remain safely at home, while offering an affordable alternative to attract a wider audience, including students, educators and the general public. Attendees can participate on a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Moderators will be in each session to facilitate viewer questions in real time.

The convention features experts in the water industry at more than 40 concurrent sessions and 10 half-day workshops. Keynote addresses are:

  • April 2, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Douglas Beard, “The Role of Resiliency in Managing Water Resources.” He oversees the U. S. Geological Survey’s National Climate Adaptation Science Center and has worked on river and watershed issues around the world. USGS sponsors path-breaking collaborative science to help communities understand and prepare for climate impacts.
  • April 3, 9 to 10:15 a.m., Lauren Salvato, “Resiliency in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.” Wetter than normal weather has been stressing the Mississippi River. In her role with the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, Salvato will share insights into how states are working together to build the resilience needed to keep the river a robust economic and ecological resource.

Registration is required. Fees are $5 for the half-day workshop and $10 per full-day session April 2 and April 3.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/programs/convention/default.aspx

Photo courtesy UWSP. The 2020 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention, which the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point cosponsors, will be held April 1-3, in an online format and reduced price.