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Water: The Future of the Source

The theme of the 18th annual A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium looks at the current state of our water resources in Ontario and attempts to forecast the quality and quantity of our water resources (subject to various stressors) that will be available in the upcoming years.

How do we ensure we have enough clean, sustainable water sources for all our uses – for technologies, a resilient environment and for all of us individually? Delegates at this year’s A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium will discuss Ontario’s water issues in the context of climate change, future demands, relationship of natural and built infrastructure and how it all relates to human health and water management.

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Day 1 - Wednesday, November 16, 2011

8:00am - 10:00am	Registration
10:00am - 12:00pm	Welcome and Introductions Jen Howley, Symposium Chair and Master of Ceremonies Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Natural Resources (Invited) Dick Hibma, Chair of Conservation Ontario Keynote Speakers Charles Fishman, Journalist and Author, The Big Thirst Biography: We have been living through a 100-year-long golden age of water. We never think about water’s availability, we never hesitate to run a bath because of the water bill, and we never worry about whether our tap water will make us sick. But that golden age of water -- where water is unlimited, safe, and free -- is over. We are at the dawn of a new age of high-stakes water, an era in which supplies and systems are under pressure from growing populations, surging economic growth, and dramatic swings in weather. In this new age of water, we’ll pay more, but we’ll waste less. And we’ll have to be much smarter about every drop. We won’t lack water -- the global water crisis is mostly a scary myth. But we won’t be able to ignore our water anymore. The current generation of college students will reach adulthood with a much different view of water than the one held by their parents. In a remarkable keynote, awardwinning investigative journalist Charles Fishman delivers a persuasive, fascinating, and urgent primer on the history and future of water. He takes you from a factory in Vermont with water so clean it is considered poisonous, to villages in India that have 24-hour-a-day cell phone service but no water service at all. Fishman has spent the last three years circling the globe -- from Las Vegas to New Delhi -- to uncover how the world of water is changing, and what the enormous implications are for each of us, no matter where we live. Rob de Loë, University of Waterloo Research Chair in Water Policy and Governance, University of Waterloo Biography: Rob de Loë is the University Research Chair in Water Policy and Governance at the University of Waterloo. Previously he held the Canada Research Chair in Water Management at the University of Guelph. During the past two decades, Rob has studied and written extensively about water security, water allocation, source water protection and climate change adaptation. He draws on his research to provide policy advice to a wide range of government and non-government organizations in Canada, at scales ranging from local watersheds to the nation. In January, 2008 Rob was named Chair of the Advisory Panel for the Royal Bank of Canada’s Blue Water Project, a $50 million, 10-year charitable grant program to support fresh water conservation, protection and accessibility.
12:00pm - 1:45pm	Lunch with Guest Speaker Luncheon Guest Speaker Doug McKenzie-Mohr, Pioneer and Leader in Social Marketing Biography: For over two decades Dr. McKenzie-Mohr has been working to incorporate scientific knowledge on behavior change into the design and delivery of community programs. He is the founder of community-based social marketing and the author of three books on the topic. One of these books, “Fostering Sustainable Behavior: An Introduction to Community-Based Social Marketing,” has been recommended by Time Magazine and become requisite reading for those who deliver programs to promote sustainable behavior. He is also the author of the Fostering Sustainable Behavior website and listserv. The listserv links together over 8000 environmental program planners globally. Dr. McKenzie-Mohr has worked internationally with a diverse array of governmental and nongovernmental agencies, assisting them in identifying the barriers to behavior change and in developing and evaluating community-based social marketing initiatives to overcome these barriers. He has served as an advisor for Canada’s public education efforts on climate change, as the coordinator of the international organization, “Holis: The Society for a Sustainable Future,” and as a member of Canada’s National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. His work has been featured in the New York Time and he has been awarded the Canadian Psychological Association’s “Psychologists for Social Responsibility Research and Social Action Award,” and the “Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Public Advocacy Fellowship.” He is a former Professor of Psychology at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, Canada where he co-coordinated the Environment and Society program.
2:00pm - 3:30pm	Concurrent Sessions
	W1A - Making the Case for Wetland Conservation and Restoration in Watersheds Wetlands provide important ecological services to watersheds including improvements to water quality and water storage. This session explores how to strengthen the case for wetland conservation and restoration from three perspectives: legislative, cost/benefit, and science/technical. Title: Legislative/Policy Tools for Maintaining Ecological Services of Wetlands Across Watersheds Speaker: James Holland, Ducks Unlimited Canada Presentation Biography: James Holland is a Conservation Specialist at Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), working with Government Relations and Policy team.  His responsibilities include policy analysis and municipal extension in priority landscapes for DUC’s conservation programs.  James recently graduated from the Rural Planning and Development program at the University of Guelph where his graduate research examined the factors that shape natural heritage protection in Ontario. Presentation Description: This presentation will discuss current conservation policies and legislation for maintaining a no-net loss of wetland services.  It will highlight the emphasis placed on comprehensive watershed planning in the emerging policies. Title: A Business Case for Wetland Conservation: The Black River Subwatershed Speaker: Shane Gabor, Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research Presentation Biography: Shane Gabor currently manages Ducks Unlimited Canada(DUC)’s Freshwater Initiative, a program focused on understanding and communicating the environmental, economic and social value of the ecological goods and services provided to society by wetlands and other natural areas. During his 20 years with DUC, Shane has led research projects on wetlands across Canada.  His research on the environmental and economic impacts of wetland drainage on water quality and carbon sequestration has highlighted the critical need for effective wetland protection. Presentation Description: With the help of the Lake Simcoe Clean-up Fund, the University of Guelph and the University of Alberta, Ducks Unlimited Canada recently completed research that examined the ecological values of wetlands in the Black River subwatershed of the Lake Simcoe Basin and the economic impacts of wetland loss - essentially, DUC assigned a dollar value to local wetlands. Title: Identifying Wetland Restoration Opportunities and Investigating Change in Wetland Water Storage in Selected Lake Simcoe Sub-Watersheds Speaker: Angus Norman, Ministry of Natural Resources Presentation Biography: I am a Wetlands Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in our Science and Information Section for southern Ontario. Prior positions with OMNR included Regional Wildlife Biologist, Near Urban Biologist and Extension Biologist. I have a Masters of Science in Wildlife Biology from University of Guelph. Presentation Description: We analyzed 3 sub watersheds within the Lake Simcoe watershed, for potential wetland and riparian restoration opportunities.  We utilized background information, reconnaissance surveys and spatial modeling. We also assessed change in wetland area since European settlement. W1B - Sources at Risk? Water is a commodity used for commercial products, as an economic stimulator for green jobs, green economy and new water technologies. But from the viewpoint of watershed managers –how do we ensure sustainable water resources for all. A panel of speakers will explore how the water industry is developing and what our roles are as businesses and practitioners to ensure enough, clean water for all. Moderated by Rob de Loë, University of Waterloo Moderator: Rob de Loë, University of Waterloo Biography: Rob de Loë holds the University Research Chair in Water Policy and Governance at the University of Waterloo, and is Director of the multi-university Water Policy and Group. Previously he held the Canada Research Chair in Water Management at the University of Guelph. During the past two decades, Rob has written extensively about water security and related concerns such as water allocation, source water protection and climate change adaptation. His advice on water policy and governance concerns is widely sought by government and non-government organizations. He is also frequently asked to speak about water to audiences that include school children, the general public, and leaders in business and government. In 2008 Rob was named Chair of the Advisory Panel for the Royal Bank of Canada’s Blue Water project, a $50 million, 10-year charitable grant program to support fresh water conservation, protection and accessibility. In 2010, in recognition of his contributions to graduate education, he was awarded the Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision at the University of Waterloo. Title: The water industry in Ontario and around the world is a significant developing business and economic opportunity – how does the business community see it impacting water resources? Speaker: Anthony Watanabe, The Innovolve Group Inc. Presentation Biography: For the past decade, Anthony has been working with businesses and governments to help them derive value through sustainability. In 2009, he took his firm on a path to becoming an important voice in the evolving “Canadian Water Story”. Innovolve now runs an annual water summit and produces water intelligence reports for industry and government, with a view to helping Canada lead a sustainable water future both at home and abroad. Dr. Watanabe sits on the Water Partner Advisory Committee of the Council of the Federation advising Canada’s Premiers on water policy. Presentation Description: The changing water landscape is already having direct consequences on business. How industry responds will in turn impact our quality of life, either positively or negatively. This presentation will detail the innovative ways the private sector is meeting this challenge through technology, innovation, policy and partnerships. Title: Does businesses have a responsibility to assess their own needs for water in order to ensure future sustainability and if so, how? Speaker: John Challinor, Nestle Waters Canada Presentation Biography: John Challinor II is Director of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Waters Canada. He is also a member of the Company’s leadership team. Mr. Challinor is responsible for Nestlé Waters’ day-to-day corporate communications and public affairs activities in the Canadian marketplace. He joined Nestlé Waters in June 2008 in his current position. Mr. Challinor brings more than 26 years of corporate and marketing communications experience to the role, having served in executive and senior advertising, industry and government affairs and public relations roles with Amdahl Canada Limited, ATI Technologies Inc., Compaq Canada Limited, Cygnal Technologies Corporation, IBM Canada Limited, Jamieson Laboratories Limited and Sony of Canada Limited. He began his career as a newspaper and television reporter and editor in the Southern Ontario market. Mr. Challinor holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Journalism from Ryerson University, an Accredited Public Relations (APR) designation from the Canadian Public Relations Society and a Certificate in Advertising from the Institute of Canadian Advertising. He is a former municipal councillor (15 years) with the Corporation of the Town of Milton, Canada’s fastest-growing community. He is a former member of the Regional Municipality of Halton’s Waste Management Subcommittee (18 years), where he was involved in siting a landfill and establishing curbside recycling in that municipality. He is also a former member of the Communications Committee (12 years), Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC); former member of the Board of Directors (6 years), York Technology Association (YTA); and former member, The Voluntary Sector Network Support Program National Advisory Committee (VOLNET), Government of Canada (4-year Government appointment); former member of the Board of Directors (3 years), Milton Hydro Holdings Inc. and former member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Public Relations Society, Toronto chapter (2 years). Professionally, he is Chairman of the Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association; a member of the Board of Directors of Encorp Pacific Inc., the Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation and the Alberta Beverage Council; Chairman, Environment Committee, Canadian Bottled Water Association; and member, Environment Committee, Canadian Beverage Association; and also serves the Canadian Public Relations Society nationally as an APR examiner. Presentation Description: The Environmental Sustainability of Bottled Water – John Challinor II, Director of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Waters Canada, will address the environmental sustainability of bottled water within the context of its use of water and the role that Nestlé believes industry can play with government and other stakeholders to manage the resource responsibly for the future. Title: From a resource managers’ perspective, how do we juggle the new and sometimes conflicting water interests at a local level? Speaker: Deborah Martin-Downs, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Ryan Post, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Deborah Martin-Downs' Presentation Ryan Post's Presentation Deborah Martin-Downs' Biography: Deborah Martin-Downs, M.Sc., is the Director of the Ecology Division of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. In this capacity she is responsible for a team of technical specialists in the fields of geoenvironmental, watershed planning, natural heritage, flood risk and infrastructure, water resources engineering, source water protection, and environmental monitoring.  She has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo (1979) and a Master of Science in Zoology and Environmental Studies from the University of Toronto (1985).  Deborah is on the Board of Bloom Centre for Sustainability (formerly OCETA), co-chair of the Latornell Symposium, and a steering committee member of Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition, Ontario Water Conservation Alliance and Greening Greater Toronto. Ryan Post's Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Resource Manager - The Urban Perspective. In this session I will speak on the challenges for water protection in an urban setting including watershed management, restoring natural hydrology, the need for a paradigm shift in how we view water, and the lack of connection between urban residents and the water environment. W1C - Water as Biodiversity There is a clear relationship between water and biodiversity. This session will discuss strategies to protect biodiversity in Ontario, with an emphasis on freshwater ecosystems. Title: Biodiversity in Ontario, the Past, Present and Future Speaker: Gord Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario Presentation Biography: Gord Miller was first sworn in as the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario in January 2000 to oversee the implementation of the Environmental Bill of Rights.  He has now been re-appointed for his third term. As an independent officer appointed by the Legislative Assembly, Commissioner Miller oversees 14 provincial ministries. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Great Lakes Biodiversity Conservation Strategies Speaker: Dan Kraus, Nature Conservancy of Canada Presentation Biography: Dan is the Manager of Conservation Science and Planning for The Nature Conservancy of Canada - Ontario Region.  He has been guiding the application of the Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint and is involved in a variety of conservation projects.  Dan is a co-author of the Lake Ontario Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, the SOLEC Indicator report for Great Lakes coastal terrestrial systems and the Great Lakes Islands Conservation and Biodiversity Atlas; and he is currently working on the Lake Erie Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.  Dan lives in the headwaters of Bronte Creek where he enjoys chopping wood and raising happy chickens. Presentation Description: The Great Lakes are global important for biodiversity conservation and support over 40 million people. Recently developed conservation strategies can be used to prioritize restoration and protection in the basin. Title: Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy Speaker: Steve Hounsell, Ontario Biodiversity Council Presentation Biography: Steve is a biologist with over thirty-six years of experience working with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the former Ontario Hydro. He was responsible for the development and implementation of a biodiversity policy, the first of its kind in the electricity industry. He has made many contributions to woodland conservation in southern Ontario, the advancement of sustainable development and ecological sustainability and climate change adaptation, as it pertains to biodiversity. Steve spent the latter part of his career in the Corporate Sustainable Development Group of Ontario Power Generation, where he managed OPG’s biodiversity programs. Steve is the President of the Board of Trees Ontario, and a member of the Ontario Biodiversity Council, The Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network and the Canadian Business and Biodiversity Council.  Steve is also the Past President of Ontario Nature - the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Ontario’s oldest and largest conservation organization - and is a founding member and past director of the Natural Step Canada, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainability across society. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. W1D - Special Workshop (Part 1): Fostering Sustainable Behaviour Doug McKenzie-Mohr is a pioneer and leader in the rapidly growing field of community-based social marketing. This session is part one of two-part workshop that will cover identifying barriers to behavior change, designing effective programs, using pilots, and techniques for program evaluation. Participants should register for both Part 1 and 2. Speaker: Doug McKenzie-Mohr Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. W1E - Food and Stewardship Conservation in the landscape is directly linked to the food we grow, how we grow it, and what we choose to eat. How can food production and consumption be better oriented for landscape health? Title: Paying Farmers to Conserve Endangered Species Habitat Speaker: Ron Reid, Couchiching Conservancy Presentation Biography: Ron Reid currently serves as Carden Program Coordinator for the Couchiching Conservancy, a regional land trust based in Orillia, Ontario.  Previously, Ron was Executive Director of the Conservancy for severn years, overseeing its growth from a volunteer organization to a staff of four.  The Conservancy has participated in the acquisition and management of over 10,000 acres of natural landscape in northern Simcoe and Victoria counties, including 4600 acres where cattle grazing is used as a tool to manage biodiversity. Ron has over 20 years of experience as a natural heritage consultant and conservation writer, and has worked for the Federation of Ontario Naturalists and Ontario Hydro.  He is currently part of the working group developing a recovery strategy for Bobolink in Ontario, as well as an appointed member of the Minister’s Bobolink Advisory Committee. Presentation Description: Over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in ALUS programs, in which annual payments are made to landowners for provision of ecological services.  Most of these programs in Ontario have focused on improving water quality and riparian health. In 2011, The Couchiching Conservancy, with funding support from the Gosling Foundation, initiated a similar program on the Carden Plain oriented towards habitat for an endangered species, the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike.  Participating landowners receive $20/acre as an incentive to protect habitats and allow monitoring visits to nest sites.  This presentation will discuss some of the challenges and lessons learned from our first year, as well as assessing the potential of this approach for other species at risk. Title: Leveling the Field. Local vs. Foreign Farm Produce Speaker: Steve Martin, Martin’s Family Fruit Farm Biography: Part owner of a family operation called Martin’s Family Fruit Farm. We grow some 700 acres of apples and have a modern packing and distribution plant in the Waterloo area.  My official duties consist of being  in charge of our retail operations.  I also serve on the board of Waterloo Region Foodlink, an organization that was formed over ten years ago to help raise the awareness of the importance of a vibrant local food supply.  I speak frequently to both large and small groups on a wide variety of topics related to local food. Presentation Description: My presentation will consist of explaining why I feel it is very important that people understand all the reasons why buying local food is so important.  I will also spend some time explaining why the traditional cry of "save the farmland" is outdated and simply will not work into the future.  Title: Farming the Park Speaker: Christie Young, FarmStart Presentation Biography: Christie is the Founder and Executive Director of FarmStart. She has extensive experience in program initiation and development, fund raising and coalition building. She also has experience and wide networks in both agriculture and the community food security sector. Christie has worked with farmers and farm leaders on and off farms in several countries. She worked for several years with FoodShare in Toronto, organizing the Field to Table Festival.  She was a founding Board member of Local Food Plus. Christie continues to be inspired by all the passionate, hard working and dedicated new farmers who are making delicious change in their lives and our communities. And she is thrilled that FarmStart can be part of building a healthy sustainable agriculture for future generations. Presentation Description: Along with the resurgence of interest in healthy food and farming, increasing numbers of young people from farm and non-farm backgrounds, new immigrants and second-career farmers are interested in building entrepreneurial, economically viable and ecologically sustainable farm enterprises. There are many challenges facing these new entrants, including access to good farmland, yet there are also new opportunities. They bring skills, connections and passion that can lead to innovation and renewal. There are many productive farmlands in Ontario within the stewardship of Parks, Conservation Authorities, and Public ownership. Much of this land is located within urbanizing and near urban areas, close to growing markets for high quality farm products. Many of the farmers currently using these lands will retire within the next 10 years. And many of the landholders are looking for compatible and beneficial relationships between their conservation and heritage goals and agriculture. Christie will talk about how programs at FarmStart and FarmLINK work with a variety of land owners to make farmlands available to a new generation of farmers. She will discuss the McVean Incubator Farm  - a 35 acre farm  in Brampton owned by the TRCA.  Here 30 farmers from over 16 different countries are digging in and starting new farm businesses. She will also touch on other creative and affordable land tenure arrangements such as the Cuyahoga National Valley Park in Ohio, which provides 60 year leases to farm businesses. W1F - The Future of Ontario’s Forests Invasive species and climate change bring uncertainty to the future health of Ontario forests. Ecological goods and services and carbon markets, however, may provide new opportunities. Explore the latest trends and recommendations in planning and adaptation to this changing forest management environment. Title: Invasive Forest Insects May Pose Risks to Water Resources: Implications for Forest Planning and Management Speaker: David Kreutzweiser, Natural Resources Canada Presentation Biography: Dave is a Research Scientist in Aquatic Ecology and Ecotoxicology at the Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada in Sault Ste Marie, an Adjunct Professor in Biology at Laurentian University, and an Associate Graduate Faculty member at the University of Guelph. He leads a team that investigates the ecological impacts of forest management and pest control methods on aquatic and riparian ecosystems. He and his colleagues have recently turned their attention to the ecological implications of invasive forest insect pests for watersheds, their riparian and aquatic ecosystems, and the protection of water resources. Presentation Description: The presentation will explore potential threats to water resources that invasive forest insects pests can pose. It will describe an ongoing ecological study to assess these threats and to determine mitigation options. Title: Forests as Water Management Tools? An Introduction to Some Ideas and Concepts Around Managing Forests for Water Conservation Speaker: Paul Egginton, Community Stewardship Council of Lanark County Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: The Future of Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Markets in Ontario Speaker: Rob Wilson, Nature Conservancy Canada Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. W1G - “Reaching New Target Audiences” - New Approaches to Environmental Stewardship Discover tools, techniques, and lessons in projects that are targeting new audiences to protect water quality and foster environmental stewardship. Title: Celebrating Municipal Water though the Message in The Bottle Program Speaker: Mike Nagy, Wellington Water Watchers Biography: Mike Nagy is currently the Chair of Wellington Water Watchers and has made source water protection a priority since his work with the Centre Wellington Citizens Coalition in 2002.  Mike has also been active in many other areas of environmental advocacy since the 80s ranging from habitat enhancement and rehabilitation to wildlife conservation.   He has worked professional in many different sectors including high-speed electronics to consulting engineering services but is most recently engaged in food systems sustainability consulting with a key focus on seafood.  Mike possesses a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and lives in Rockwood Ontario. Presentation Description: The Wellington Water Watchers (WWWs) is not for profit volunteer driven organization dedicated to the protection, restoration and conservation of drinking water in Guelph and Wellington County.  Education focused on source protection has been a keystone to WWW’s activities engaging thousands of participants since 2007 when WWWs first formed.  Countless activities and public events have taken place in order to engage the public at large. At Wellington Water Watchers we realized that getting message of water conservation to our youth and changing behaviour early in life, is an optimal way of fostering a new generation of water stewards. One of our largest projects was the Message In The Bottle Program (MITB) that was primarily funded by the MOE’s GO GREEN fund with assistance from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and other sponsors. The program was designed to empower students by bringing them the tools and the information they need to help them make a dramatic difference in their footprint. Through direct in-school presentations we asked each student to take the challenge to support water as a commons and dramatically reduce their footprint by using a refillable bottle for their hydration. The additional goal was to offset up to 50 tonnes of carbon annually by displacing one-time use disposable bottled water.  MITB was an immense success as we reached over 45K people and distributed 16k plus reusable containers. This presentation will discuss the highlights of this exciting project and focus on some key methods used for community engagement and also discuss challenges in volunteer recruitment with suggestions of how to avoid the volunteer gap.  Photos will be shown in order to illustrate the large scope of this program. Title: Marketing Turtle and Lake Health: Effective Engagement of Lake Communities in Stewardship and Citizen Science Speaker: Erin Nadeau, Toronto Zoo Presentation Biography: Erin is the stewardship and outreach coordinator of the Toronto Zoo’s Adopt-A-Pond Wetland Conservation Programme. Over the last three years her work with the zoo has focused primarily on community outreach and the development of programs and resources for the conservation of Ontario’s turtle Species at Risk. She completed a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Environmental Studies, both with an emphasis on freshwater ecology and conservation. Presentation Description: The Toronto Zoo’s Adopt-A-Pond Wetland Conservation Programme has utilized the process and tools of Community Based Social Marketing to develop and implement a program to engage waterfront property owners in actions that benefit turtle conservation. This presentation will outline the resulting program, the methodology applied, and lessons learned about community engagement. Title: YouTube-style Stewardship - Using Video to Reach New Target Audiences Speaker: Darryl Finnigan, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Presentation Biography: Darryl Finnigan has worked as a Program and Policy Analyst for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in Guelph, Ontario since 2005. He is currently examining the performance of agri-environmental programs in Ontario. Prior to joining OMAFRA, Darryl worked as a biologist examining pesticides for Health Canada in Ottawa, and as a consultant for environmental groups in Toronto. Darryl received his Masters of Natural Resource Management from Simon Fraser University in 2003. Presentation Description: Developing stewardship outreach materials in age of Youtube, Facebook and Twitter demands a new way of thinking about target audiences and technology. This presentation will examine an OMAFRA video and the lessons learned in creating it.
3:30pm - 4:00pm	Refreshment Break
4:00pm - 5:30pm	Concurrent Sessions
	W2A - A Watershed Model for Climate Change Adaptation Planning - Lake Simcoe Case Study Ontario’s Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan (May 2011) identifies development of a Lake Simcoe Adaptation Strategy as a model for adaptation planning in other watersheds. Watershed adaptation strategies using watershed scale information and local collaborative decision making will be critical to successful adaptation. Title: Adaptation Through Legislation: A Process to Inform the Development of a Watershed Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Speaker: Al Douglas, Ontario Center for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources Presentation Biography: Mr. Douglas is the Director of the Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources at Laurentian University in Sudbury.  His work in the field of climate change impacts and adaptation began in 2003 when he led the Ontario node of the Canadian Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research Network.  Al contributed to the Ontario chapter of the National Assessment of climate change impacts and adaptation in 2007, has contributed content to a host of municipal climate change adaptation guidebooks over his career and also sits on a variety of climate change panels and committees throughout Ontario and Canada. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Understanding Climate Change in the Lake Simcoe Basin Speaker: Mike Walters, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Michael Walters is the General Manager of Watershed Management at the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.  Michael graduated in 1983 with an Honours Degree in Physical Geography from the University of Western Ontario and has co-authored a number of research and journal publications, and a book on watershed monitoring.  Throughout his twenty-five year career, Michael has applied his expertise locally and internationally, developing pollution control strategies, planning policy, integrated watershed plans, and subsequently implemented programs to protect and improve ecosystem health. Most recently, Mike presented at the 12th International Riversymposium and Rivers from Source to Sea conference in Brisbane, Australia where the LSRCA received the prestigious International Thiess Riverprize, the most highly regarded and valuable river management award in the world. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Lake Simcoe Watershed Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment: Water Quantity and Quality Speaker: Eleanor Stainsby, Ministry of the Environment Presentation Biography: Eleanor Stainsby completed a degree in Math & Engineering at Queen’s followed by a Masters in Computational Fluid Dynamics at the University of Toronto. Computer modelling work included modelling of heat transfer for the nuclear industry, and ventilation and fire modelling as a consulting engineer. Eleanor joined the Ministry of the Environment in 2003 primarily to do air modelling but was asked to do some water modelling on the side. Same equations – different density! Eleanor has worked as a water modeler for the Ministry of the Environment since 2005. She began working on various aspects of Lake Simcoe in 2007 and can’t seem to stop. Presentation Description: Climate change projections from 10 climate models were used as input to a simple water balance model to determine the impact of climate change on the hydrologic cycle in the Lake Simcoe watershed.  The current sensitivity of Lake Simcoe and its 18 subwatersheds was evaluated using a variety of indicators for water quantity and water quality. These analyses were used to evaluate the vulnerabilities, stressors and potential adaptation measures in the Lake Simcoe watershed. Climate change impacts on Lake Simcoe itself were estimated along with potential consequences.  A method for assessing adaptive capacity for water quality and quantity is suggested. W2B - Water as a Commodity This session will explore the issue of whether water is a public commodity, such as lumber or oil to be bought and sold, imported and exported or traded and apportioned or whether water is a public (human and ecological) right which needs protection and stewardship for a future with growing demand and diminishing supply. Moderated by Kerry Freek, Water Canada Moderator: Kerry Freek, Water Canada Biography: Kerry Freek is the editor of Water Canada, the country’s only national magazine dedicated to water quality and stewardship. She is an advisor to the Canadian Water Summit and sits on several committees across the water sector. Kerry has participated in journalist delegations in Sweden, Denmark, and Israel to learn about bioenergy, water technology, and renewable energy. She is also ReNew Canada magazine’s associate editor. Title: Water in a Changing World Speaker: Karen Wianecki, Planning Solutions Inc. Presentation Biography: Karen Wianecki is a professional planner, mediator and facilitator who specializes in stakeholder engagement.  Karen holds an Undergraduate Degree in Geography from the University of Toronto and a Masters Degree in Urban & Regional Planning from Queen’s University at Kingston.  Karen has studied environmental mediation through the Harvard Mediation Project and is one of three Canadian mediators on the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution Roster as well as the Native Sub-Roster based in Tucson, Arizona. Karen spent sixteen years of her career with the Ontario Public Service, working for the Ministries of Municipal Affairs, Housing and Natural Resources.  She left the Province in 2000 to establish Planning Solutions Inc., a professional consulting practice devoted to stakeholder engagement and facilitation, public policy development and environmental issues management. Through her consulting practice, Karen has been employed by a variety of public and private sector clients here in Ontario as well as in Western Canada.  She has worked extensively with First Nations, government at all levels, special interest and environmental non-government organizations, industry and business as well as communities.   Karen subscribes to the notion that none of us have all of the answers, but all of us have some of the answers.  She believes that collaboration and partnership leads to innovation and learning which in turn can produce results that are truly remarkable. Presentation Description: Our world is changing rapidly.  Catalytic change is upon us.  Exponential population growth, economic and political volatility, social change and environmental uncertainties.  What are the key drivers that will affect the future of our most critical resource?  What is our water future? Title: Water Ethics: Value Judgments in Environmental Policy Speaker: Dr. Ingrid Stefanovic, University of Toronto Presentation Biography: Dr. Ingrid Stefanovic is a Professor of Philosophy and former Founding Director of the Centre for Environment at the University of Toronto. Her research and publications explore how values affect environmental policy development and decision making. She teaches courses in environmental philosophy, environmental decision making, climate ethics and water ethics. Recent books include Safeguarding Our Common Future: Rethinking Sustainable Development (SUNY, 2000) and the co-edited volume, The Natural City: Re-Envisioning the Built Environment (University of Toronto Press, 2011) Presentation Description: A discussion of how ethical questions underlie water policy issues. Is water a human right, or is it an item for sale? If water is a commodity, how do underlying values affect issues such as water pricing policies, or the nature of water infrastructure investment? Title: Occupy Water Speaker: Mark Calzavara, The Council of Canadians Presentation Biography: Mark Calzavara is the Ontario-Quebec Organizer for the Council of Canadians, Canada’s largest member-based social justice organization.  Mark has been an environmental activist for more than 20 years with groups such as Greenpeace and the Rainforest Action Network. He played a key role in the successful campaign to stop Dumpsite 41 and continues helping communities throughout the region to protect their water sources. Presentation Description: From the historic watershed declaration of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation in northern Ontario to the fight against the multi-billion dollar Mega-quarry in Melancthon, communities are “Occupying” their human right to water and rejecting the promises of market based solutions for protecting water. How will these conflicting world views influence the fate of the world’s most extraordinary source of fresh water, our long suffering Great Lakes? W2C - Where Should We Focus our Restoration Efforts? Restoration has typically been opportunistic, primarily focusing on available funding and willing landowners. However, new approaches prioritize opportunities and strategically target projects to achieve natural heritage targets. The session will focus on a number of new wetland restoration planning initiatives being implemented. Title: Restoration Opportunities Planning in the GTA – a New Technique for Implementing Planning on a Watershed Basis Speaker: Ralph Toninger, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Ralph holds a Master of Science in Forestry and a Bachelor of Science in Ecology from the University of Toronto. He is currently the Manager of Habitat Restoration within the Restoration and Environmental Monitoring Division of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. He oversees a variety of habitat restoration, monitoring, and management projects in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The core of his work has focused on wetland and shoreline restoration. Most importantly he is an avid naturalist and general “Nature Nit Wit”, that loves to talk to anyone that will listen. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Eco-Hydrologic Approach to Restoration Planning Speaker: John Stille, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: John Stille has a BA in Geography at the University of Western Ontario (1998) and Post Graduate Diploma in Ecosystem Restoration at Niagara College (2000).  John Stille has worked in the field of Ecological Restoration since 2000.  In 2000, he completed a 6 month contract working on coastal restoration and fisheries monitoring in Cootes Paradise for The Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington.  From the end of 2000 through 2003, John worked with Habitat Works Inc (Dillon Consulting) working his way up to site supervisor for large scale ecological restoration projects.  From 2003 to present time John has worked in the Restoration Services Section of TRCA managing a wide variety of restoration projects throughout TRCA’s jurisdiction. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Prioritizing Wetland Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Adaptation to Climate Change: Credit Valley Conservation’s Wetland Restoration Strategy Speaker: Paul Biscaia, Credit Valley Conservation Presentation Biography: Paul Biscaia is a Restoration Technician with Credit Valley Conservations Restoration and Stewardship Department.  He received is HBsc in Environmental Science from Trent University and Fish and Wildlife Technology diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College.   At Credit Valley Conservation his focus is CVC’s wetland restoration strategy and assisting private landowners with restoration options on their property. Presentation Description: Credit Valley Conservation has developed a wetland restoration strategy based on a screening of existing GIS data to assist providing direction where to focus their restoration efforts in the watershed. W2D - Special Workshop (Part 2): Fostering Sustainable Behaviour Doug McKenzie- Mohr is a pioneer and leader in the rapidly growing field of community-based social marketing. This session is part two of two-part workshop that will cover identifying barriers to behavior change, designing effective programs, using pilots, and techniques for program evaluation. Participants should register for both Part 1 and 2. Speaker: Doug McKenzie-Mohr Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. W2E - Drainage and Stewardship Can the two co-exist? Challenging Responsibilities – Partnerships Between Drainage and Stewardship Title: Top Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Cropland Drainage Speaker: Sid Vanderveen, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Can Drainage Infrastructure Be Green? Yes! Speaker: Jacqui Laporte, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Presentation Biography: Jacqui is an Environmental Specialist with OMAFRA in the Clinton Resource Centre, covering Huron and Bruce Counties.  She is a graduate of Fleming College, and worked for Ministry of  the Environment as an Environmental Officer before coming to OMAFRA.   She is the technical advisor for the Environmental Farm Plan program in Huron and Bruce.  In the past year, she has been actively involved in stewardship programs with the Pine River Watershed Initiative, Ausable Bayfield, Maitland Valley and Saugeen Valley Conservation Authorities.  Provincially, she assists OMAFRA on issues related to drainage, species at risk, and nutrient management. Presentation Description: Jacqui will speak about a shift in perception about agricultural drainage, and how it relates to stewardship and environmental protection. Title: Agricultural Drain Design for Grass Pickerel, a Species of Special Concern Speaker: Ian Smith, UEM Consulting Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. W2F - Protecting the Source through Forest Stewardship This session will showcase the complete toolkit for forest protection and stewardship in Ontario, and highlight opportunities for collaboration between leading forest conservation groups. Case studies will be presented, demonstrating creative linkages between forestry and water, and the diverse interests of multiple stakeholders. Title: MFTIP and Other Forest Stewardship Tools Speaker: Mike Halferty, Ontario Forestry Association Presentation Biography: In his role with the OFA Mike directs the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program, provides landowner support and outreach, and works on development of private land stewardship initiatives. He represents the OFA on various committees such as Carolinian Canada Coalition, Ontario Invasive Plant Council and the Ontario Network for Ecosystem Services. Prior to joining the OFA, Mike worked with the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Forestry Research Partnership in Mattawa, Ontario. Mike holds an honours B.Sc. and a Master of Forest Conservation from The University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Education. Presentation Description: The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) is intended to provide fair property assessment for forested lands, reduce financial burden for woodlot owners and encourage long-term sustainable management of the province’s private forests. This session will discuss how MFTIP can help landowners achieve their management objectives, and how the program interacts with other initiatives such as the Conservation Land Tax Incentive (CLTIP). Title: Forest and Tree By-laws are they Working? - The York Region Experience Speaker: Ian Buchanan, York Region Presentation Biography: Ian has been working for the Regional Municipality of York as the Manager of Natural Heritage and Forestry since 2002. Responsibilities include the management of the York Regional Forest, the administration of the Forest Conservation By-law, Urban Forestry programs and the Greening Strategy.  Before working for the Region he held positions with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources over 13 years including GTA Fish and Wildlife Lead, York/Durham Supervisor and was the Ecologist for York and Durham. He worked as an ecologist in the private sector on the east coast of Canada, and also worked for Conservation Authorities and the Royal Ontario Museum. He has been an Associate of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto since 2004, is a member of the Ontario Forestry Association Board of Directors and the Invasive Species Centre Board of Directors. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph in Fisheries and Wildlife (1984). Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Managed Forest Conservation Easement Agreements – Thinking Beyond Incentive Programs Speaker: Sean Fraser, Ontario Heritage Trust Presentation Biography: Sean Fraser has worked across Canada and internationally in the field of cultural heritage conservation for over 20 years. He has practiced as an independent consultant in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia. Formerly a Preservation Officer with the City of Toronto, he has worked at the Ontario Heritage Trust’s since 2001 and is currently the Manager of the Trust’s Acquisitions and Conservation Services Department, which integrates the agency’s natural and cultural heritage portfolios and programs. Sean has written and lectured extensively on the topics of architectural conservation and sustainability. Presentation Description: In the private sector, “working forests” are often voluntarily managed to meet the requirements of sustainable forestry certification or tax incentive programs. Working with owners of managed forests, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the professional sustainable forestry community, the Ontario Heritage Trust has developed an approach that will enable donors to sign conservation easement agreements that run with the land in perpetuity to ensure the protection of the core natural heritage values of the property while allowing for sustainable harvesting. The result is that even with successive ownership changes, the forests continue to be managed according to best practices developed in an approved stewardship plan. Without an approved plan, no forest harvesting is permitted. This paper will introduce the relatively simple concept of a managed forest conservation easement agreement and explain the essential parameters and broader opportunities that this legal tool presents to owners of managed forests, stewardship councils, conservation authorities and land trusts. W2G - Flowing in the Right Direction In this session, we'll hear from organizations that are getting it right and creating positive behaviour change in people around water issues. Title: The Blue W Program and Positive Tap Water Promotion Speaker: Evan Pilkington, Blue W Presentation Biography: In addition to being the Founder and Director of the Blue W, a national tap water refilling network, Evan has acted as Project Manager for many local and international water loss management and water efficiency consulting programs. Working in the water sector for more than a decade has allowed Evan to establish strong partnerships with municipalities, corporations and community groups across the nation. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Caring for Our Watersheds Speaker: Dan Orr, Lower Trent Conservation Presentation Biography: Dan has been with Lower Trent Conservation since 2006 working on and expanding the education, and communications program.  He has brought a children’s water festival, and the Yellow Fish Road program into the watershed, not to mention taking LTC into the likes of Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and QR Codes.  He is well versed in social media, and ran Conservation Ontario’s social media accounts for close to 14 months. Dan is a dad, sailor, activist, and bass player in his spare time.  http://about.me/danorr Presentation Description: In 2009, Lower Trent Conservation was given a personal cheque from the President of an agriculture company based in Alberta to run a school competition in his home town of Campbellford.  This presentation explains the origins and implementation of Caring For Our Watersheds. http://ltc.on.ca/events/education/cfow/ Title: The Water Conservation By-law in the Region of Waterloo: Changing Habits Speaker: Steve Gombos, Region of Waterloo Presentation Biography: Steve Gombos completed an environmental degree at University of Waterloo in 1989 and immediately began working for the Essex-Windsor Waste Management Committee.  In 1990 he joined Waterloo Region’s Transportation and Environmental Services Department where he has worked ever since.  During the first 10 years he held several positions in the Waste Management Division.  In 2001 Steve assumed his current role as Waterloo Region’s Manager of Water Efficiency.  He is responsible for developing both the Water Efficiency Master Plan and implementing the water efficiency programs coming from the plan.  Steve is the past Chair of Ontario Waterworks Association’s Water Efficiency Committee and actively supports research initiatives focusing on best practices both nationally and internationally. Presentation Description: Information was not made available.
5:30pm - 7:00pm	Exhibitor Galleries Wine and Cheese / Birds of Prey
7:00pm - 8:00pm	Harvest Banquet Dinner
8:00pm - 11:00pm	Chart Your Own Course and Desserts
	Chart Your Own Course Following dinner on Wednesday evening delegates have a choice of activities: Desserts in the Exhibit Hall Continue to Mix and Mingle with Exhibitors until 10:00PM (Location: Exhibitor’s Gallery. Conversation supplied.) Latornell Hockey Summit Either play or cheer for your favourite teams at the Hockey Summit Delegates attending the Symposium are once again invited to lace up for pick up hockey. We’re looking for enthusiastic hockey players – skills not required. (Location: Arena. Bring your own equipment.) Mini Putt Tournament The A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium is pleased to offer a new Chart Your Own Course activity. Delegates are invited to participate in the mini putt tournament. (Location: Mini Golf Course in the Leisure Dome) Astronomy Presentation Water in space: A hands-on astro-expedition From Mars to the Moon to comets and some of Jupiter’s 63 moons, you may be surprised at how many world in our solar system have water. RAIN-OR-SHINE, join award-winning science journalist and “wilderness astronomer” Peter McMahon for an interactive tour of the water sources of our solar system, during the peak of the annual Leonid meteor shower. You’ll have the chance to look at dozens of meteors per hour as well as planets and their moons through the latest telescope models, GPS star finders, and augmented reality iPad apps. In the event of cloud, an all-request 3D planetarium show will tour participants around the sky, while telescopes will be demoed on outdoor objects with a guide to selecting and using gear. Bio: “Wilderness Astronomer” Peter McMahon has written or produced science stories for CTV, Discovery Channel, the Toronto Star, Canadian Geographic, Sky News, and Today’s Parent. His latest book on space tourism - published by Kids Can Press - hits bookshelves as of September 2011. (Location: meet at The Watering Hole Café)
9:00pm - 11:00pm	Hospitality Suite

Day 2 - Thursday, November 17, 2011

8:00am - 10:00am	Registration
8:30am - 10:00am	Concurrent Sessions
	T1A - Building Capacity for Adaptation to Climate Change for Watershed and Shoreline Managers Enhanced science and information will be the foundation of all climate change adaptation initiatives. Robust environmental monitoring as well as local modeling of both the changing climate and the environmental response are critical to an adaptive approach. This session highlights initiatives that are working on water resources tools that will build the capacity of Great Lakes shoreline and watershed managers to adapt to climate change. Title: Upper Great Lakes Study and a Proposed Hydroclimate Data Distribution System Speaker: Wendy Leger, Environment Canada Presentation Biography: Wendy Leger is a Water Projects Officer with the Boundary Waters Issues Unit at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Environment Canada. Wendy has over 20 years of experience working on Great Lakes water quantity and water management related projects. She is currently the Canadian co-lead of the Adaptive Management Group on the International Joint Commission’s Upper Great Lakes Study and is a technical advisor to the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River government Working Group examining a new approach to managing flows and levels for that part of the system. Her work on both of these efforts focuses on an adaptive management approach for managing the risks associated with Great Lakes-St. Lawrence water level changes due to climate change. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Highlights of the Ontario Regional Adaptation Collaborative Speaker: Dr. Quentin Chiotti, Association for Canadian Educational Resources Presentation Biography: Dr. Quentin Chiotti has been working in the field of climate change adaptation for almost 20 years, as a Post Doctoral Fellow, with Environment Canada, and at Pollution Probe. He has published extensively in the field, and has contributed to three national assessments on climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation. Of note, Quentin was the co-lead author to the Ontario chapter in the NRCan led report From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate 2007, and was a member of the Ontario Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation. Dr. Chiotti is currently the co-lead of The Gateway project, in partnership with the Association for Canadian Educational Resources, Pollution Probe and MNR, funded through the Ontario Regional Adaptation Collaborative by MNR and NRCan. Quentin gave one of the keynote presentations at the A.D. Latonell Conservation Symposium in November, 2008. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Surface Water and Groundwater Monitoring for Climate Change Speaker: Dajana Grgic, Ministry of the Environment Presentation Biography: Dajana Grgic is currently the Coordinator for the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network Program at the Ontario Ministry of Environment. She has a BSc. degree in Water Resources Engineering and has been working with the MOE since 1995. Dajana also has more than fifteen years of experience in stormwater and groundwater management as well as Information Management in Canada and abroad. Recently, Dajana was successful in obtaining funds for the OPS Innovation Project - Continuous Groundwater Quality Monitoring and the PGMN/PWQMN Programs Climate Change Assessment Project. Dajana is a Co-Chair for the PGMN/PWQMN Programs Climate Change Assessment Project. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. T1B - Water and Finance Sectors that depend on water for their operations could face financial and operational risks if they do not have access to water. Water also represents opportunities for businesses that are developing innovations in water supply, efficiency, treatment, etc. This session will explore the topic of water finance and how water is driving the development of new policies and decision making. Title: CDP Water Disclosure Project Speaker: Susan McGeachie, Deloitte Presentation Biography: Susan McGeachie recently joined the Deloitte Sustainability and Climate Change consulting practice where she specialises in creating solutions for the corporate sector’s sustainability-related challenges with a focus on consumer business, transportation, mining and real estate. Specialist issue areas include efficient management of natural resources, financial valuation of sustainability initiatives, and risk assessments. Previously experience includes the analysis of environmental, social and governance performance of large cap global stocks for institutional investors. Susan is an adjunct professor with the University of Toronto where she teaches a course in Environmental Finance. She has an MBA in international business and finance from the Schulich School of Business. Presentation Description: 2011 marks the launch of the inaugural Water Disclosure Project report by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Deloitte, CDP’s global advisor on the Water Project, will cover business risks and opportunities, corporate reporting, measures and performance benchmarks, investors and other stakeholder requirements and action towards sustainable water management. The presentation will bring a global perspective complemented by an understanding of how water issues are managed at the local level. Title: Helping to Successfully Embedding Environmental Sustainability Into Business Speaker: Sandra Odendahl, Royal Bank of Canada Presentation Biography: As the Director of Corporate Environmental Affairs at RBC, Sandra leads a team responsible for global strategy and leadership in the areas of environmental credit risk management, environmental products and services, bank-wide environmental programs, and external relations related to corporate sustainability issues. Born in Ottawa, Sandra has an M.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto. Sandra is a licensed professional engineer, and earned her CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation in 2007.  Sandra’s education and professional experience blends science, technology and finance to solve challenging environmental issues and provide opportunities to promote environmental sustainability within RBC and with partner organizations.  She lives with her husband and two children in Toronto. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Advancements in the Economics and Governance of Water Resource Management Speaker: Jeff Wilson, Green Analytics Presentation Biography: Jeff specializes in environmental and natural resource economics, with particular expertise in the areas of natural capital, non-market valuation, and cost-benefit analysis. He is co-founder and Vice President of Green Analytics, a consulting and research firm specializing on issues at the economic - environment interface. Prior to establishing Green Analytics, Jeff served as a senior economist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, providing policy analysis and advice on a variety of natural resource management issues. As has also worked for Credit Valley Conservation helping them advance their understanding of ecosystem services. Jeff holds a Master of Science with concentration in environmental economics from the University of New Brunswick. Presentation Description: Exploring the role of economics in the management of water resources from regional and watershed perspective T1C - How Much Habitat is Enough? - Exploring the Philosophy of Thresholds and Targets Many organizations have adopted Environment Canada’s targets in their restoration and protection efforts. However, it can be unclear as to what targets aim to achieve and whether they can be implemented across Southern Ontario’s varied landscapes. This session will begin with a panel discussion on philosophies around habitat thresholds and targets followed by an overview of Environment Canada’s proposed update to their wetland and riparian habitat guidelines. Moderated by Graham Bryan, Environment Canada Moderator: Graham Bryan, Environment Canada Biography: Graham holds an MSc from the University of Toronto and has worked for non-government organizations and government agencies with a focus on natural heritage conservation, land trusts and protected areas. As the Biodiversity Coordinator for CWS-Ontario Region, Graham is concerned with the conservation of ecosystems and landscapes to protect and recover wildlife species. He accomplishes this through providing the best available science advice to Canadians and helping coordinate the actions of the Canadian Wildlife Service in Ontario. Speaker: Ken Towle, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authroity Presentation Biography: Ken Towle is the terrestrial ecologist at Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority.  He received a Masters degree in Environmental Studies from York University in 1990 and has since worked in the fields of conservation biology, restoration ecology and environmental education in the non-profit sector, as a consultant, and for the past 13 years with conservation authorities.  One of his main interest areas is landscape restoration for biodiversity conservation. Presentation Description: Are we asking the right question?  Despite being of some value, the cover recommendations are for habitat only, and are based on limited data.  There is much more to consider. Speaker: Dan Kraus, Nature Conservancy of Canada Presentation Biography: Dan is the Manager of Conservation Science and Planning for The Nature Conservancy of Canada - Ontario Region.  He has been guiding the application of the Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint and is involved in a variety of conservation planning projects from the landscape to the property scale. Dan is a co-author of the CWS publication “Beyond Islands of Green – A Primer for Using Conservation Science to Select and Design Community-based Nature Reserves” and the “Great Lakes Islands Conservation and Biodiversity Atlas”; and is currently working on the Lake Erie Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.  Dan lives in the headwaters of Bronte Creek where he enjoys chopping wood and raising happy chickens. Presentation Description: Applied nature conservation must make difficult decisions about how to allocate limited resources. The biodiversity targets and thresholds we choose today will ultimately shape our future ecosystems. Speaker: Paul Smith, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Presentation Biography: Paul Smith is currently a Senior Policy Advisor in the Environmental and Land Use Policy Unit, at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Paul has worked in the environmental management field for many years as a policy analyst, land use planner, parks planner and biologist. While working with the province, he has also worked for the Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Heritage Trust.  He holds degrees from the University of Guelph and the University of Waterloo, Faculty of Environmental Studies. He lives in Guelph with his wife and ten-year-old son. Presentation Description: How Much of Anything is Enough? Growing population and increasing consumption place demands on our natural resources. Ecologists look to Environment Canada’s “How Much Habitat is Enough?” document for guidance. But what are targets for all those other uses? How much agricultural land do we need? Where is Ontario’s best agricultural land? How does the concentration of prime farmland affect land use? How do we make trade-offs and compromises among land uses? T1D - Sustainability and Well-Being This session will explore how to define and inspire sustainability at a time when global issues are having an immediate impact on our quality of life and severely compromising the earth’s life support systems – climate change, exponential population growth, consumer appetites and technological advancements -challenge our abilities to sustain ourselves. This session provides knowledge, guidance and direction to overcome those challenges. Title: Defining Sustainability Speaker: Tom Mahood, CH2M Hill Engineering Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: The Wicked Problem of Climate Change: Moving from Fear, Doubt and Inaction to Informed Hope and Far Reaching Change Speaker: Grant Linney, Former President Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. T1E - Stewardship and Social Marketing Using the principles of community-based social marketing to advance stewardship. Title: “Love the Tank You’re with” – Huron-Kinloss Community Septic Inspections (HK-CSI) Speaker: Matthew Pearson, BM Ross and Associates Limited Presentation Biography: Matt is a Principal and the Senior Planner at B.M. Ross & Associates Limited, an engineering and planning firm based in Goderich, Ontario.  Matt’s work focuses on integrating environmental planning principles into the engineering project work undertaken by the firm. He leads the Planning Group, which uses the concepts of sustainability, effective consultation and geographic information systems to develop comprehensive projects in the areas of infrastructure planning, information management, and environmental protection.  His current work includes an innovative application of a Septic Re-inspection Program in a lakeshore municipality, using Community Based Social Marketing as the foundation to achieve positive change in environmental attitudes. Presentation Description: The Township of Huron-Kinloss implemented a municipal wide Community Septic System Inspection Program five years ago as part of an integrated approach to protecting and preserving the local environment.  The program uses Community-Based Social Marketing as a means to link the actions of residents to the water quality of Lake Huron. Title: Are You Well Aware? Speaker: Sharyn Inward, Green Communities Canada Presentation Presentation Biography: Sharyn Inward has two decades of experience researching, developing, funding, implementing, managing and evaluating community-based environmental awareness and action programs. Noteable examples include Cancer Prevention (Women’s Health and Environmental Network); Well Aware and Pesticide Free Naturally (Green Communities Canada). Latest work includes developing and implementing the RAIN Program (addressing lot-level stormwater management in eight Ontario communities) for Green Communities Canada and designing green buildings and houses. Specialties include community engagement, program development, water quality, stormwater management, energy efficiency, green building, passive solar greenhouses, strawbale construction, insulated concrete form construction, architecture for small, natural buildings. Presentation Description: My presentation will include: an overview of green communities and delivery model social marketing and community engagement basics well aware program summary rain program summary summary of social marketing and community engagement program development and key success factors. Title: RAIN: An Ecological Approach to Lot-Level Stormwater Management Speaker: Sharyn Inward, Green Communities Canada Presentation Biography: Sharyn Inward has two decades of experience researching, developing, funding, implementing, managing and evaluating community-based environmental awareness and action programs. Noteable examples include Cancer Prevention (Women’s Health and Environmental Network); Well Aware and Pesticide Free Naturally (Green Communities Canada). Latest work includes developing and implementing the RAIN Program (addressing lot-level stormwater management in eight Ontario communities) for Green Communities Canada and designing green buildings and houses. Specialties include community engagement, program development, water quality, stormwater management, energy efficiency, green building, passive solar greenhouses, strawbale construction, insulated concrete form construction, architecture for small, natural buildings. Presentation Description: My presentation will include: an overview of green communities and delivery model social marketing and community engagement basics well aware program summary rain program summary summary of social marketing and community engagement program development and key success factors. T1F - Aquatic Species at Risk Update: What's New in 2011? Participants in this session will receive an update on activities and progress to date from government agencies that have SAR programs directed towards the recovery of aquatic SAR. Topics will include the identification and protection of critical and regulated habitat for fish and freshwater mussels. Title: Identification of Critical Habitat for Endangered Freshwater Mussels Speaker: Shawn Staton, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Using Freshwater Mussels to Monitor Ecosystem Recovery in the Ausable River Watershed Speaker: Brynn Upsdell, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Brynn Upsdell has been the Water Quality Technician at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority since 2008.  There, she works as part of a team that monitors water quality and aquatic species in the Ausable River and Bayfield River watersheds.  Brynn has also worked in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to identify critical habitat for aquatic species at risk in the Ausable River watershed. Presentation Description: Results from mussel surveys that took place in the Ausable River watershed in 2006 and 2011 are compared.  Target areas and activities for ecosystem restoration efforts are then identified. Title: Ontario’s Endangered Species Act: An Update on Current Initiatives to Protect Aquatic Species Speaker: Scott Gibson, Ministry of Natural Resources Presentation Biography: Scott is a fisheries biologist with more than 15 years of experience working in the field of fisheries management, including positions in both government and private sector.  Scott is currently the Aquatic Species at Risk Specialist for the Ministry of Natural Resources, in which his main role involves providing guidance and science support related to fishes and freshwater mussels in the implementation of the Endangered Species Act. Presentation Description: Provide overview of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act and give an update on MNR’s current initiatives and activities that have recently been completed or are underway to help protect and recover aquatic species at risk in Ontario. Title: Redside Dace: ESA Habitat Regulation and Guidance Speaker: Mark Heaton, Ministry of Natural Resources Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. T1G - Water Cooler Talk The value of water can often be difficult to communicate to any audience. We’ll discuss how to successfully communicate the value of water to other organizations and the general public. Title: Communicating the Value of Water Speaker: Christine Zimmer, Credit Valley Conservation Presentation Biography: Christine Zimmer is the Manager, Water Protection and Restoration for the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC).  With a team of 15 staff, Christine is responsible for developing tools, guidance documents and providing assistance to stakeholders implementing Low Impact Development (LID) practices in both new and existing urban areas.  Christine and her team are also responsible for in-stream real-time water quality and quantity monitoring and monitoring of innovative stormwater technologies. Prior to CVC, Christine obtained her masters degree in engineering from the University of Guelph, and worked for a leading UV manufacturer, as the Regional Sales Manager/Project Manager. Presentation Description: Water is essential to Life and has been declared a human right by the UN- yet 884 million people lack safe drinking water (or 1 out of 5 people), 2.6 billion lack adequate sanitation (1 in 3 people)- why is that?  Geographically 45% of world is under water supply stress (or 2/3 of the world’s population) yet it doesn’t make the headline news- why not?  This session will discuss the value of water and different ways to communicate the importance for protecting it. Title: Who Will Protect Our Waters? Speaker: Mark Mattson, Waterkeepers Biography: Mark Mattson is the full-time President & Waterkeeper with Lake Ontario Waterkeeper. A criminal lawyer by training, Mattson works tirelessly to champion due process and public access to clean waterways. As a testament to his commitment, Mattson co-founded Lake Ontario Waterkeeper in 2001. As the primary spokesperson for the charity, he gives a voice to the cares and concerns of the millions of people who live in the Lake Ontario watershed.  Mark has a purpose to protect and celebrate Lake Ontario and to work with communities towards a future where we can all safely swim, drink, and fish. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Public Engagement for the Long Term Water Conservation Strategy Speaker: Cheri Buxton, York Region Presentation Biography: Cheri Buxton is an Environmental Program Technologist with the Regional Municipality of York. In her position, she is responsible for developing and delivering public environmental education and outreach programs. Cheri has over 13 years experience working in the Environmental Field with a strong focus in the areas of water and education. Some of her previous experience includes: Program Manager for The Friends of The Water Campaign; Educator at the Sichuan Applied Engineering College in China; Environmental Officer for the City of Barrie Environmental Officer for the Ministry of the Environment Regulatory Compliance and Policy Technologist for the Ontario Clean Water Agency, and Regulatory Compliance Technologist for York Region. Presentation Description: Shaping the future state of water in York Region: A look at the use of social innovation to guide public engagement.
10:00am - 10:30am	Refreshment Break
10:30am - 12:00pm	Concurrent Sessions
	T2A - Stormwater Management for Sustainable Watersheds Stormwater management practices are important to many aspects of water management including flood protection, water quality control, erosion control and water balance to natural features. This session will explore opportunities for innovative stormwater management and the need for an integrated set of water management criteria to select and size stormwater management practices. Title: Opportunities for Stormwater Management Speaker: Henry Jun, Ministry of the Environment Presentation Biography: Henry Jun is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Land and Water Policy Branch.  Over the past nine years, he has led or advised on wastewater management policies for Ontario, including stormwater management, industrial wastewater, municipal sewage, combined sewers, sewer use and best management practices.  More recently, he has led an environmental policy review of municipal stormwater management in light of climate change.  He is a Professional Engineer.  His past role with the Ministry includes advising on waste management policies for Ontario and providing engineering review of applications for waste management and air emissions approval. Presentation Description: The presentation covers Ontario’s stormwater management policy framework and examples of recent initiatives. Title: New Stormwater Management Criteria for Watershed Protection Speaker: Sameer Dhalla, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Sameer is the Manager of Water Resources at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. He has over 13 years of experience in both the private and public sector and has worked on various projects from watershed planning to floodplain management. At the TRCA, Sameer manages a team of engineers and scientists in reviewing development applications, implementing water resources projects and developing water management guidelines and policies. Presentation Description: The effective management of stormwater is essential to achieve sustainable watersheds.  Sameer’s presentation will introduce why managing stormwater is important for watershed protection and introduce new polices and criteria that are currently being developed by the TRCA to encourage sustainable and effective stormwater management. Title: Case Studies - Implementation of Innovative Stormwater Management and Low Impact Development Speaker: Christine Zimmer and Kyle Vander Linden, Credit Valley Conservation Presentation Christine Zimmer's Biography: Christine Zimmer is the Manager, Water Protection and Restoration for the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC).  With a team of 15 staff, Christine is responsible for developing tools, guidance documents and providing assistance to stakeholders implementing Low Impact Development (LID) practices in both new and existing urban areas.  Christine and her team are also responsible for in-stream real-time water quality and quantity monitoring and monitoring of innovative stormwater technologies. Prior to CVC, Christine obtained her masters degree in engineering from the University of Guelph, and worked for a leading UV manufacturer, as the Regional Sales Manager/Project Manager. Kyle Vander Linden's Biography: Kyle Vander Linden is a water resources specialist with Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC) since 2008.  During his time at CVC, Kyle has been directly involved with the implementation of pollution prevention demonstration projects, municipal winter salt management studies, low impact development, and innovative stormwater technologies.  In addition, Kyle has also been heavily involved with education and outreach helping manage the Save the Leopard Frog school program which has provided over 4000 student participants with outdoor education. Prior to CVC, Kyle received his Masters of Environmental Studies in Planning from the University of Waterloo, and worked for a green roof company as a project manager of installation and farm operations. Presentation Description: One of the main challenges to LID implementation is the general lack awareness of local LID projects and/or the perceived notion that no local LID projects exist.  To tackle this challenge, CVC and its partners have not only began to document long standing LID projects within Ontario, but have also implemented a number of LID and innovative stormwater management projects in recent years.  The following presentation will discuss these “in the ground projects” and highlight how CVC and its partners are trying raise awareness and the LID knowledge base across private and public sectors alike. T2B - Looking Towards Source Water Protection Implementation Local drinking water threat activities have been identified, but how can we address them? As local committees and stakeholders prepare to write source protection plan policies, they maybe faced with challenges. This session will identify some of those challenges and the approaches taken by experts to address them. Title: Protecting Drinking Water Sources in Lake Ontario Speaker: Beverley Thorpe, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Beverley Thorpe is the source water protection project manager for the CTC Source Protection Region which is coincident with the Credit Valley, Toronto and Region and Central Lake Ontario conservation authorities.   Beverley has also worked for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for over 25 years and in the environmental consulting sector for nearly 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Science degrees specializing in Applied Ecology from the University of Toronto. Through her work and academic training, Beverley has had a long interest in the protection of water quality, including the Great Lakes and in environmental protection policy development.  One of her current opportunities and challenges is the development of source water protection policies to protect municipal drinking water supplies in the CTC Source Protection Region’s portion of Lake Ontario. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Can Source Water Protection and Aggregate Extraction Coexist on the Southern Ontario Landscape? Speaker: Moreen Miller, Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: New Municipal Water Supply Sources and Implications/Challenges of Source Protection Speaker: Bill Banks, Banks Groundwater Engineering Limited Presentation Biography: Bill is a graduate of the University of Guelph in Water Resources Engineering.  He continues to enjoy a rewarding career in the field of hydrogeology, specializing in groundwater resources assessment, development, management, and protection.  Examples of the types of projects he has completed in Canada and overseas include: groundwater supply programs, watershed studies, environmental impact studies for greenfield land development, and source protection studies.  Bill’s recent experience with source protection technical studies and current development of several municipal groundwater supply sources is the impetus for his presentation. Presentation Description: In light of current Source Protection requirements, there are new challenges in developing municipal water supply sources.  Examples of groundwater-based systems will highlight some of the implications. T2C - How Much Habitat is Enough? – Revisiting Forest and Open Country Guidelines Nine years after the release of Environment Canada’s “How Much Habitat is Enough?” the guidelines are being reviewed with an intent to broaden the context around their use and implementation. This session will provide an overview of an Environment Canada project that assessed open country in Southern Ontario followed by an overview of the proposed updated guidelines for forest and open country habitats. Title: How Much Habitat is Enough? – Revisiting Forest and Open Country Guidelines Speaker: Graham Bryan, Environment Canada Presentation Biography: Graham holds an MSc from the University of Toronto and has worked for non-government organizations and government agencies with a focus on natural heritage conservation, land trusts and protected areas. As the Biodiversity Coordinator for CWS-Ontario Region, Graham is concerned with the conservation of ecosystems and landscapes to protect and recover wildlife species. He accomplishes this through providing the best available science advice to Canadians and helping coordinate the actions of the Canadian Wildlife Service in Ontario. Presentation Description: The How Much Habitat is Enough? guidelines represent a federal wildlife mandate and have influenced land use planning, restoration and conservation since 1998. This presentation (TIC and T2C) will outline a draft 3rd edition of this publication. The speaker and panel (T1C) will also stress the need for agencies and organizations to set goals (how much habitat for what?), to look at other complementary approaches to landscape planning, and to constantly seek the best science and best local landscape knowledge. T2D - Fostering Sustainability in Municipalities This session will demonstrate through case studies how cities and towns are recognizing and planning for sustainable development, growth and environments in which their communities can grow and thrive. Title: Sustainable Actions - City of Hamilton Speaker: Heather Donison, City of Hamilton Biography: Heather Donison is the Senior Project Manager for Sustainability for the City of Hamilton. In this role she co-ordinates the City of Hamilton’s Vision 2020, Sustainability Plan, Clean Air Hamilton, Climate Change programs and the Hamilton Community Energy Collaborative. Prior to joining the City of Hamilton Heather was Executive Director of Green Venture, a community based non-profit environmental organization. Heather Donison has a degree in Chemistry from McMaster University and spent many years developing water and wastewater treatment processes. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Sustainable Actions - York Region Speaker: Teresa Cline, Region of York Presentation Biography: Teresa Cline is a Planner with York Region’s Long Range and Strategic Planning Branch.  She is currently the project manager for the Region’s New Community Design Guidelines and the Sustainability Strategy.  Teresa also has 10 years’ experience in development approvals with the Community Planning and Transportation Departments at York Region.  She is a full member of CIP and OPPI and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Sustainable Actions – Town of Markham Speaker: Katie Burns, Town of Markham Presentation Biography: Katie has been the Town of Markham’s Sustainability Coordinator since 2008.  Her work focuses on Markham’s Greenprint Sustainability Plan, which is a long-term comprehensive plan that addresses the social, cultural, environmental and economic well being of the community for the next 50-100 years.  Katie is also responsible for coordinating social media and supporting local food and food security initiatives.  Katie holds a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University that focused on municipal sustainability planning. Presentation Description: An overview of the Greenprint, Markham’s Sustainability Plan.  It will cover the process of developing the plan including, engagement with the community, staff and government jurisdictions, in addition to funding. T2E - Collaborative Governance Collaborative governance takes as its starting point the idea that working together creates more lasting, effective solutions. This session will look at successful examples. Title: The Importance of Collaborative Governance for Resolving Wicked Problems Speaker: Hugh Simpson, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Presentation Biography: Hugh has been involved with policy and programs for water resource management and protection in municipal and provincial settings for more than 20 years.  He is currently the provincial lead at OMAFRA for source water protection and groundwater quality, and has a keen interest in agri-environmental risk management, collaborative governance and decision making, and knowledge translation and transfer. Hugh lives with his family in Kitchener. He is a licenced geoscientist, and is working part-time on a Ph.D. in Water Policy and Governance at the University of Waterloo. Presentation Description: Wicked problems, particularly those involving water and risk, are difficult to solve. This talk profiles how a history of good relationships and collaborative work can help tame such environmental challenges. Title: Challenging Responsibilities - Partnerships Between Drainage and Stewardship Speaker: Brett Ruck, Town of Fort Erie Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Kawartha Region Lake Management Planning - A Model of Successful, Inclusive Collaboration Speaker: Rob Messervey, Kawartha Region Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Rob has been the CAO of the Kawartha Region Conservation Authority (based in Lindsay) since mid-2009. As CAO, he is responsible under Board direction for developing and delivering resource management programs across the Kawartha lakes region. Rob started his career with the Otonabee and Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authorities, and then served 6 years as General Manager at Lower Trent C.A. From 1986 to 2009, Rob worked with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. He was the Manager of the Conservation Authorities Program; District Manager in the Aylmer, Midhurst and Aurora District field offices; Director of Lands and Waters; and  Manager of Water Resources, in which he had oversight for the Conservation Authorities Program, and responsibilities for Great Lakes protection and management, various emergency management programs, surface water monitoring and drinking water source protection. Rob has an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree from the University of Waterloo and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario. Rob grew up in Peterborough, and currently lives in Claremont with his partner Karen. He is a Director on the Ontario Board of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada; a downhill ski instructor at the Devil’s Elbow Ski Club near Bethany; and he instructs half-marathon and marathon running clinics through the Running Room. Rob has three daughters. Presentation Description: This presentation will demonstrate how an inclusive and creative collaboration process was  built, resulting in political support, vast community engagement and public awareness of  lake management planning initiatives and strategic actions to address water quality issues impacting the Kawartha Lakes. T2F - Changes in Aquatic Communities with Urbanization Urban effects on aquatic systems continue to be documented. The effects need longer term data sets to evaluate these changes over time. This session will explore observations made on data sets in the Toronto area. Title: Setting the Stage – 60 Years of Urban Effects Speaker: Deborah Martin-Downs, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Deborah Martin-Downs, M.Sc., is the Director of the Ecology Division of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. In this capacity she is responsible for a team of technical specialists in the fields of geoenvironmental, watershed planning, natural heritage, flood risk and infrastructure, water resources engineering, source water protection, and environmental monitoring.  She has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo (1979) and a Master of Science in Zoology and Environmental Studies from the University of Toronto (1985).  Deborah is on the Board of Bloom Centre for Sustainability (formerly OCETA), co-chair of the Latornell Symposium, and a steering committee member of Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition, Ontario Water Conservation Alliance and Greening Greater Toronto. Presentation Description: This presentation will provide a brief historical perspective on fish community change in the Greater Toronto Area,  some of the resources available and why looking back can assist in making good management decisions and identify causes of change. Title: Water Quality in the Toronto Region as Indexed through Water Chemistry and Benthic Macroinvertebrates Speaker: Angela Wallace, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Angela is an Analyst with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority who specializes in the aquatic ecology and of urban areas.  Angela works for the Watershed Monitoring and Reporting section in the Ecology Division at TRCA.  She has worked for TRCA for the past four years and her previous experience includes positions at the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and in environmental consulting. Presentation Description: Angela will be presenting on the water quality of streams in the Toronto Region and its relationship to urbanization.  She looked at the water quality using both standard water chemistry and as well as biologically using benthic macroinvertebrates. Title: Stream Fish Community in the Toronto Region: Spatial and Temporal Trends Speaker: Melanie Croft-White, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Melanie has worked as a Technician in the Regional Watershed Monitoring and Reporting Section at TRCA since 2008. Her work focuses on data analysis and reporting of aquatic biota and environmental data collected through the regional watershed monitoring program.  She enjoys the challenges associated with using multiple large datasets to identify trends across the region. Presentation Description: Melanie will be describing the current fish community composition and distribution within TRCA’s jurisdiction and she will make comparisons to historical fish populations in the Region. Title: Effects of Urbanization: 10 Years of Monitoring Stream Fish and Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity within 9 Watersheds Across the Toronto Region Speaker: Jan Moryk, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Jan Moryk works for the Watershed Monitoring and Reporting section in the Ecology Division at TRCA.  His work focuses on data analysis and the reporting of data collected through the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program.  Jan has a variety of research interests.  In the past two years his most current work has revolved around the response of streams and fish communities to urbanization. Presentation Description: Jan will be speaking to us about the changes in the Toronto streams fish community as a response to urbanization.  Part of his presentation also touches upon the subject of stream benthic macro invertebrates and their response. T2G - Social Media, Session One: Achieving Social Media Success How can your organization best measure success and monitor your progress as you engage with your audience in the age of Web 2.0? Learn social media best practices from experts in the field and finally get the answer to the question “How do I know if I’m doing it right?” Title: Beyond Farmville - Is Social Media Actually Good for Business? Speaker: Scott Adams, Birchbark Media Presentation Biography: Scott Adams is the founder and president of Birchbark Media, a content marketing agency with a focus on social media, video production and adventure travel.  Scott’s ultimate goal is to help companies grow and engage with their audience, while having a lot of fun along the way.  Scott has helped several businesses tell their stories through all the new fancy mediums - video, social media, blogs, search and geoloacation.  From early days as a wilderness guide, Scott maintains a passion for the great outdoors and in his spare time he can often be found wondering the Canadian wilderness, paddle and camera in hand. Presentation Description: Keeping pace with the evolution of online marketing has become increasingly difficult for organizations. There has been a fundamental shift in the way we communicate and this session will provide guidance for understanding the variety of social media marketing channels and choosing the right strategies to build effective social interactions that drive brand awareness and influence real people. Title: Harnessing the Social Web to Boost Your Presence in Search Engines Speaker: Chris Adams, gShift Labs Inc. Biography: Chris is the co-founder and CTO of gShift Labs, an SEO Software vendor that has developed game changing technology that provides search data and analytics to marketing professionals to help them in the reporting, understanding and management of their search engine optimization strategies. As past co-founder and CTO of Hot Banana (HB) Software, a search engine friendly web content management system that was acquired by Lyris Inc. in August 2006, Chris was directly responsible for all engineering, product management and data infrastructure of the Web Content Management software offering He is a published author, advisor, and speaker on a variety of Search Marketing and Web site optimization topics. He is an expert in the area of Web Sites, Landing Pages, Web Analytics and Search Engine Optimization, and how Web content can be best leveraged. In his personal life, he is the Board Chair of the Barrie Film Festival, Advisory Council member of Georgian College – School of Visual Arts & Design (SVAD), and is also Advisory Chair of Georgian College - Web Design & Development Curriculum. Presentation Description: Five plus years ago an SEO strategy consisted of optimizing on-page factors such as meta data and title tags. Then backlinking became super important as Google considered references to your site an indication of its relevance (and still does). As our world constantly evolves, so too does Google’s ranking algorithm. In December 2010 Google and Bing officially announced that they factor ‘social signals’ into how content is ranked. These social signals primarily come from Facebook, Twitter and more recently, Google +1. I talk with many business executives who find SEO frustrating because Google constantly tweaks its algorithm, which changes how content and web pages rank. For example, a web site can rank #5 one day then #7 the next. Here’s why I believe this is a good thing, along with 11 steps to creating a conversation with your SEO strategy to maximize your content’s reach across your web presence to create relevance and to build your reputation and relationships. At the core of Google’s organic search business is the objective “to get you the most relevant results as quickly as possible.” Pretty simple. Social signals are now being factored in because according to Google, “relevance is about relationships, as well as words on webpages”. In effect, your audience and/or customers have a say in defining your relevance. So how can you align your SEO strategy to match Google’s view on the importance of fresh content and a social presence? Join me in my presentation to learn more.
12:00pm - 1:45pm	Pioneer Award Luncheon
2:00pm - 3:30pm	Concurrent Sessions
	T3A - Environmental and Economic Considerations for Agricultural BMPs Agricultural best management practices (BMPs) at the farm and subwatershed scale are examined with regard to environmental and economic effects. Two studies in Ontario combining monitoring and modelling will be examined as well as an EG&S approach for Lake Winnipeg. Title: Evaluation of Multiple Best Management Practices in Fairchild Creek Watershed Speaker: Dr. Wanhong Yang, University of Guelph Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Watershed Based Best Management Practices Evaluation in Huron County Speaker: Mari Veliz, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Costs and Benefits of Reducing Nutrients in Lake Winnipeg: Using an Ecological Goods and Services Approach Speaker: Monika Drozdz, Environment Canada Presentation Biography: Monika Drozdz is an economist in the Regulatory Analysis and Valuation Division at Environment Canada. She is currently leading a project to assess the costs and benefits of nutrient reduction measures in the Lake Winnipeg Basin, using an ecological goods and services approach. In addition she is conducting cost-benefit analyses on regulations of wastewater systems effluent and automobile greenhouse gas emissions. Monika has a Masters in Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics from the University of Guelph and an undergraduate economics degree from McMaster University. Presentation Description: This study assesses the effectiveness of several policy options to manage/reduce nutrient loading in the Lake Winnipeg Basin while considering their effects on the provision of ecological goods and services. T3B - On-the-ground Drinking Water Source Protection Activities Local stakeholders are already looking toward source protection implementation. This session will provide a local perspective on what’s happening now across the Province to protect sources of drinking water. Title: Grand River Watershed-Wide Wastewater Optimization Pilot Project Speaker: Mark Anderson, Grand River Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Mark Anderson is a Professional Engineer with a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo.  He has been working for the Grand River Conservation Authority in Cambridge ON for the past 9 years as a Water Quality Engineer.  Mark has been actively involved in the development and implementation of river water quality monitoring activities, as well as water quality modelling and assimilative capacity studies. Presentation Description: The Grand River Watershed-wide Wastewater Optimization Pilot project brought together wastewater professionals from across the watershed to increase awareness of the benefits of optimization and share the experiences of Guelph and Haldimand, who are watershed leaders in optimization.  A key objective was to create a watershed community to enhance collaboration and share knowledge.  Optimization is seen as a best management practice for wastewater treatment to improve the quality of the Grand River. Title: Evaluating the Potential to Reduce Phosphorus Loadings to Lake Simcoe through Water Reuse Speaker: David Arseneau, AECOM Presentation Biography: David is a water resources engineer practicing water reuse, ecological restoration, and stormwater management for AECOM in Kitchener, Ontario.  He is completing the Master of Engineering and Public Policy program at McMaster University, and has investigated ecological restoration policy issues in Ontario.  On his free time David is an avid runner, reader and writer. Presentation Description: Costly treatment upgrades are proposed to meet wastewater discharge limits mandated by the Lake Simcoe Protection Act. This study evaluates water reuse as a potentially cost-effective alternative to reduce phosphorus loadings. Title: Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program: Four Years of Local Work to Protection Sources of Drinking Water Speaker: Paul Heeney, Ministry of the Environment Presentation Biography: Paul has been with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for almost 12 years.  The first eight years were spent in various capacities in the environmental assessment program.  Currently, he is a manager with the source protection programs branch of the drinking water division of MOE. In this role, Paul is responsible for several program areas, including ministry liaison and support for source protection committees across the province, managing program development and delivery partnerships between the Province and conservations authorities and municipalities, and managing the several grants programs, including the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program. Paul graduated from Trent University in 1995 with an honours bachelor of science degree in environmental sciences.  In 1998, Paul completed his master in environmental studies at York University. Presentation Description: An overview of the results of the ODWSP to date and a preliminary look at the value the program has had on the protection of municipal drinking water sources. T3C - What’s the Plan? Natural Heritage Planning A natural heritage system plan can be used to protect natural core areas and corridors and restore links between them. This session will look at the natural heritage planning process. Title: Components of Collaborative Natural Heritage System Design Speaker: Lorraine Norminton, Ministry of Natural Resources / ReLeaf Hamilton Presentation Biography: Lorraine Norminton is the Stewardship Coordinator for the Hamilton-Wentworth Stewardship Council. The Ontario Stewardship Program is part of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Lorraine has been employed by the Ministry of Natural Resources for the last 10 years. She holds a HBSc in Biology, and has been working in the field of Natural Resources for the last 15 years.  Lorraine’s knowledge base is in community planning, forestry, land management, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Currently one of the initiatives of the Stewardship Council is ReLeaf Hamilton. This project has brought together numerous partners in the Hamilton area. In Lorraine’s spare time she enjoys being of the water either kayaking or rowing. Presentation Description: ReLeaf Hamilton was established to facilitate and encourage collaboration among organizations and individuals interested in greening Hamilton’s landscapes. We have completed the NHS MARXAN modelling exercise so that the model is available and useful for all its members and the wider public; providing resources for maintaining & improving natural heritage systems; and educating the public about the value of natural heritage systems. Title: Landscape Connectivity for Wildlife in the Lake Simcoe Watershed, Ontario Speaker: Aaron Walpole, Ministry of Natural Resources Presentation Biography: I am currently a biologist with the wildlife research section of the MNR where I contribute to research on the biology, conservation and management of wildlife populations in Ontario.  Prior to this, I studied ecology and wildlife biology at Trent University and Sir Sandford Fleming College.  My interests in landscape connectivity have drawn me to the Lake Simcoe watershed where I would like to contribute to the identification and delineation of movement corridors for terrestrial wildlife. Presentation Description: Fragmentation threatens biodiversity.  Increasing landscape connectivity will help reduce these threats. I will present research on methods to delineate wildlife corridors that increase connectivity for wildlife populations in the Lake Simcoe watershed by using theoretical electrical currents. Title: Policy and Science: Strengthening Vaughan's Natural Heritage Network Speaker: Tony Iacobelli, City of Vaughn Presentation Biography: Tony Iacobelli is Senior Planner (Environment) reporting to the Policy Planning department at the City of Vaughan. His university background is in biogeography, specializing in plant ecology and forest microclimatology. Tony’s work experience at World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) involved conservation science and landscape ecology in support of terrestrial protected areas planning.  From 2005 to 2008, Tony was Director of the Forests and Freshwater program at WWF-Canada. At the City of Vaughan, Tony’s role includes policy development, reviewing development applications, and working to reduce ecological footprints within the framework of Green Directions Vaughan, the Community Sustainability & Environmental Master Plan.  Current projects include the Natural Heritage Network Study and developing sustainability guidelines for use in the review of development applications, titled Measuring Environmental Sustainability Performance of Development. Presentation Description: Goal The study will assess the role of the existing Natural Heritage Network (NHN) in maintaining elements of biodiversity and ecological functions for the long term, consistent with Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2.1.2, and propose additional NHN areas to meet biodiversity and ecosystem function targets. Objectives The study will build on the recent natural heritage review by AECOM, which primarily identified remaining natural features consistent with Section 2 of the PPS.  MNR recently completed a wetland evaluation for the East Humber (August 2010) and the Region of York recently completed a significant forests study (2005).  As a result, the two focus areas of further study involve a significant wildlife habitat assessment and a headwaters evaluation.  Proposed additions to the NHN to maintain and/or improve wildlife habitat shall focus on land securement in the Greenbelt Plan area and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) area.  Maintaining overall watershed health shall focus on maintaining and/or improving the function of headwater streams.  Hence, the study will be guided by the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNR 2000) and the Evaluation, Classification and Management of Headwater Drainage Features: Interim Guidelines (TRCA 2009) to: Determine the viability and conservation contribution of the current NHN with respect to persistence of elements of biodiversity and ecological functions; Identify suitable ecosystem targets for the NHN in the City of Vaughan balanced with the population and employment targets in the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the Region of York land budget and preferred growth scenario; Specify and/or delineate potential additional NHN areas to meet the proposed ecosystem targets; and Deliver a refined Natural Heritage Network, including in a GIS format with appropriate attribute information for ease of use for all Planning staff. T3D - Responsible Rock: Building Cities with Sustainable Resources Ontario communities face many challenges when balancing a need for aggregate materials with community concerns over environmental impacts. This session will provide a primer on aggregate operations, examine legal requirements and industry best-practices for aggregate sites as well as looking at successful end uses for the sites. Title: Pits and Quarries 101: Understanding Aggregate Extraction Speaker: Alison Braithwaite, Walker Industries Holdings Limited Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Industry Best Practices: Can Voluntary Certification Improve Industry Practices? Speaker: Lorne Johnson, Socially and Environmentally Responsible Aggregate Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Responsible Rehabilitation: Is There Benefit in After-Use? Speaker: Brenda Axon, Conservation Halton Presentation Biography: Brenda Axon has worked for Conservation Halton for the past 30 years and is currently Manager, Watershed Planning Services.  In this capacity, she is responsible for watershed planning, environmental studies, ecological monitoring, and oversees a landowner stewardship program.  She has been involved in the review of a number of aggregate applications primarily addressing natural environment and rehabilitation matters.  Brenda has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. Presentation Description: The presentation will examine examples of quarry rehabilitation to a natural state and assess how successfully a functioning natural environment is re-established following extraction.  Consideration will be given to the opportunities and limitations faced in achieving this long term end state. T3E - Community Lake Stewardship This session will look at how shoreline owners, Associations, and their volunteers are working with all levels of government to ensure the ecosystem health of their lakes. Title: BioBlitz and Shoreline Surveys - Linking Science, Community and Stewardship Programs Speaker: Barbara King and Bridget Dilauro, Centre for Sustainable Watersheds Presentation Barbara King's Biography: Information was not made available. Bridget Dilauro's Biography: Bridget Dilauro graduated from the University of Toronto (Mississauga) in 2006 with an Honours B.Sc. in Biology. Following graduation she worked at an aquatics research lab, carrying out fisheries surveys and lab analysis of benthic invertebrates. She has worked for two years at the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds (CSW) under their stewardship and outreach program. This work involved conducting shoreline assessments, recommending property-specific actions, creating education materials, analyzing data and creating database. She worked with landowners, volunteers, lake associations and partners to ensure program success. Presentation Description: Too often scientific data is not transferred to communities while community stewardship is not built on current, relevant data. These programs help bridge this gap, empowering individuals to take action. Title: Community Mobilization for Lake Management Plan Implementation in the City of Kawartha Lakes Speaker: Dave Pridham, Kawartha Conservation Presentation Biography: Professional Background / Experience of Dave Pridham Employed by the Ministry of Natural Resources in 4 Ontario locations, from 1971 – 2006. Stewardship Coordinator for the City of Kawartha Lakes, 1995-2006, primarily involved with developing community partnership projects. Employed on a part time basis (from 1999-2007) by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association as the Program Representative for the Environmental Farm Plan for the City of Kawartha Lakes and Region of Durham. Employed since August of 2007 by Kawartha Conservation as the Manager of Stewardship and Technical Services. Presentation Description: The role of community organizations and volunteers in the initiation of lake management planning, their collaboration as the plan is developed, and their role in plan implementation. Title: Lake System Health in Cottage Country Speaker: Judi Brouse, District of Muskoka Presentation Biography: Judi is the Director of Watershed Programs for the District Municipality of Muskoka and the Muskoka Watershed Council. She has an undergraduate degree in Geography from the University of Waterloo and a Masters in Regional and Resource Planning from the same university.  Judi moved to Muskoka in February 1984 to work for the District Municipality of Muskoka as a planner. She has been responsible for the Lake System Health and the Recreational Water Quality program for over 25 years and led the review of the lake system health program. In 2001, when the District Municipality of Muskoka and the Muskoka Heritage Foundation created the Muskoka Watershed Council Judi became the Director of Watershed Programs for the joint venture.  Judi now spends most of her time working with volunteers on water quality, environmental health and shoreline stewardship issues. Judi has overseen the development of the 2004, 2007, and 2010 Muskoka Watershed Report Cards. Presentation Description: The presentation will provide an overview of the Lake System Health Program but focus on implementation of development. Muskoka, in conjunction with the OMOE)has implemented the Ontario Lakeshore Capacity model for over 30 years. Last fall the Province officially released the model as a guideline for use by municipalities across Ontario. What can the model tell you? Has it withstood the test at the OMB? How can it help inform the development of Official Plan policy? These questions and more will be explored T3F - One Fish, Two Fish - Evaluating Fish Habitat Fish need clean water, spawning and rearing grounds, clear migration routes and food. Human activities in or near waterbodies can degrade these important fish habitats. The speakers in this session will discuss tools and methods for evaluating fish habitat in Ontario. Title: An Introduction to ThermoStat: A Method for Assessing Thermal Regimes in Streams Speaker: Bastian Schmidt, Ministry of Natural Resources Presentation Biography: I am an employed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at Trent University in Peterborough. I graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Environmental Science. I earned a Geographic Information Systems post-graduate diploma at Sir Sanford Fleming College. I have worked in the field of aquatic resources research for the past 8 years. Presentation Description: My presentation introduces a software tool called ThermoStat. First the fundamentals of stream temperature regimes will be reviewed followed by a brief tour of the software’s data processing and analytical functions. Title: Geospatial Decision Support Tool for Fish Migration Above and Below Dams Speaker: Carolyn Bakelaar, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Presentation Biography: Carolyn Bakelaar has been working for Fisheries & Oceans Canada since 1993 when she started as a coop student. Since then, she has been involved in a number of mapping and geomatics initiatives including modelling of Fish Habitat Suitability, Lake Erie Habitat Supply, and the IJC Lake Ontario-Upper St. Lawrence Water levels study. She is also a key player behind the DFO Species at Risk maps available for each CA on Conservation Ontario’s website. Currently, Carolyn is DFO Central and Arctic Region’s GIS Coordinator and is developing a strategy for GIS delivery in the region. Carolyn has been involved in the development of the Geospatial Eel Decision Support Tool since its inception in 2007. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: The Biological Condition of Streams in the Saugeen Watershed Speaker: Chris Jones, Ministry of the Environment Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Quantifying Assimilative Capacity of Lake Simcoe Based on Cumulative Impacts to Biological Integrity Speaker: Les Stanfield, Ministry of Natural Resources Presentation Biography: Les is currently working for South Science Information Section of MNR.  Les has spent the last twenty years or so working to better understand the factors that influence the ecology of streams.  Through these efforts has evolved the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol; a standardized approach to inventorying landscape characteristics and a collaborative approach to monitoring.  Les is here today to discuss his latest efforts in the Lake Simcoe basin. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. T3G - Social Media, Session Two: Mapping Out Your Online Presence Has your organization effectively integrated social media tools into your overall marketing strategy and policies? Learn the value of social media strategy development and hear from organizations that have made the social web work for them. Title: Social Media 2012: Stop, Listen, Learn Then Strategize Speaker: Karen Bennett, Delta Media Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: It’s Not a Social Media Strategy, It’s a Marketing Strategy Speaker: Josh Muirhead, Socialmark Media Biography: Josh Muirhead has spoken at hundreds of conference on the impact that social media and how businesses need to start using these tools to better connect themselves with their customers. OMS calls him “A passionate student of life turned marketer” and his blog is quickly becoming the go to guide for fellow marketers and industry professionals.  His latest work involves the development of three social media courses for Georgian College. As an entrepreneur, he has founded Socialmark Media, a digital marketing firm focused on enhancing both the visibly and credibility of their clients. “We get people who like you to LOVE you, then they do the rest of the work.” Presentation Description: Has your organization effectively integrated social media tools into your overall marketing strategy and policies? Learn the value of social media strategy development and hear from organizations that have made the social web work for them. Title: Think Before You Tweet! Speaker: Jayme Crittenden, Conservation Ontario Presentation Biography: Jayme Crittenden is the Communications Officer for Conservation Ontario, and has held this role since March. She has worked in Communications and Marketing for four years, after obtaining an honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph. Previous to her role at Conservation Ontario, Jayme has worked for the Northeast Superior Forest Community in Chapleau ON, Conservation Halton, and Ontario Parks. Throughout her career, Jayme has gained valuable experience working closely with multiple stakeholders, including municipalities, the Provincial and Federal governments, national and provincial networks, and First Nations groups.  Jayme is a self proclaimed ‘tweet-a-holic’ and when she’s not busy obsessing over Conservation Ontario’s online presence; she spends her time reading, improving her culinary skills, and dreaming up adventures with family and friends. Presentation Description: I will talk about the importance of having a strategic approach to online communications, and I will provide an overview of Conservation Ontario’s social media strategy, its impacts, what’s worked for us and what hasn’t, and my tips for surviving social media stress.
3:30pm - 4:00pm	Refreshment Break
4:00pm - 6:45pm	Student Poster Display & Competition
4:00pm - 8:00pm	Silent Auction
7:00pm - 9:00pm	Gala Banquet
8:00pm - 9:00pm	Comedy Performance by Haim Goldenberg
9:00pm - 11:00pm	Hospitality Suite

Day 3 - Friday, November 18, 2011

7:00am - 10:00am	Registration
7:00am - 7:30am	Early Bird Conservation Breakfast
7:30am - 8:15am	Keynote Speaker Keynote Speaker Josh Fox, Filmaker (Gasland) Biography: Josh Fox is the founder and Artistic Director of International WOW Company a film and theatre company that works closely with actors and non actors from diverse cultural backgrounds, including members of the US Military, activist communities in sustainable energy and design and actors, dancers, designers and filmmakers from around the world to create new work that addresses current national and global social and political crises. Josh’s work is known for its mix of gripping narrative, heightened imagery and its commitment to socially conscious themes and subjects. Most recently, Josh wrote and directed GASLAND his first documentary that premiered at the SUNDANCE film festival in the US documentary competition. The film is about the largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history that has swept across the United States. What is uncovered is truly shocking--water that can be lit on fire right out of the sink, and chronically ill residents of drilling areas from disparate locations in the US all with the same mysterious symptoms.
8:30am - 10:00am	Concurrent Sessions
	F1A - Towards Connecting Watersheds with the Nearshore (Coastal) Zone of the Great Lakes The Great Lakes nearshore zone is a precious resource that requires science and information to understand and manage the issues it faces and the relationship to the contributing watersheds. This session examines some current experience in tackling these issues. Title: Setting Water Quality Targets for the Nearshore Speaker: Mary Thorburn, Ministry of the Environment Presentation Biography: Mary has gained insight into many of the challenges facing the nearshore of the Great Lakes through her work as a Great Lakes scientist, policy advisor and special projects coordinator for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.  Currently she is responsible for co-managing Annex 4 of the Canada-Ontario Agreement (COA) and implementing collaborative nearshore water quality monitoring and research projects on behalf of MOE and in support of COA. Presentation Description: Setting appropriate water quality targets for the highly variable nearshore area of the Great Lakes will not be an easy task to undertake.  Results and lessons learned from Great Lakes nearshore monitoring and research projects will be highlighted. Title: Linking the Grand River Basin Water Management Study to the Lake Erie Lakewide Management Plan and Nearshore Issues Speaker: Sandra Cooke, Grand River Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Sandra Cooke is the Senior Water Quality Supervisor with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).  Sandra has a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Masters in Environmental Biology and Ecology from the University of Alberta.  Sandra oversees the water quality program at the Authority which includes monitoring, modelling and reporting. Presentation Description: Lake Erie is a reflection of its watersheds.  A key goal of the update to the Grand River Water Management Plan is to improve water quality to maintain river health and reduce the Grand River’s influence on Lake Erie.  This presentation will explore the Grand’s linkage to the nearshore of Lake Erie. Title: Developing an Integrated Lake Ontario Shoreline Strategy: What Is Being Learned? Speaker: Kate Hayes, Credit Valley Conservation Presentation Biography: In her current capacity with Credit Valley Conservation, Kate Hayes manages a wide range of projects focused largely on ecosystem-based approaches to restoration and on broader biodiversity initiatives, including the Lake Ontario Integrated Shoreline Restoration Strategy and the Integrated Watershed Restoration Strategy. She has worked in both the public and private sector, in Canada and the United States, and has a particular interest in engaging the private sector in conservation and recovery efforts.  Prior work experience includes with Savanta Inc, Canadian Wildlife Services (Species at Risk Unit), and Toronto and Region and Conservation Authority. Presentation Description: CVC initiated the Lake Ontario Integrated Shoreline Strategy (LOISS) to better inform land use planning and management and to support the function of a bioregional corridor through targeted protection and restoration of natural heritage features and function. F1B - Corporate Water Stewardship: Water Sustainability and Businesses Many businesses are developing a better understanding of their water consumption, are recognizing that sustainable water use makes good business sense, and are therefore taking actions to reduce their water footprint. WWF has formed innovative partnerships with companies to promote water sustainability. This session will explore the partnerships that are being formed and will look at two businesses who are already taking action. Title: Strategic Partnerships Towards Water Sustainability Speaker: Monica Da Ponte, World Wildlife Fund Presentation Biography: Monica Da Ponte is Director, Strategic Partnerships at WWF-Canada.  Monica leads a portfolio of relationships that further WWF-Canada’s conservation goals, provide funding for critical conservation work, and help to build a conservation culture.  Monica also led the creation and development of the Living Planet @Work program, WWF-Canada’s employee engagement program and chaired WWF-Canada’s internal environmental committee. She joined WWF-Canada in 2007 after 7 years at Procter & Gamble in various business development and customer marketing roles.  She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing (1999) and a Masters of Business Administration with a specialization in Sustainability (2010, both from Schulich School of Business in Toronto. Presentation Description: My presentation will focus on The importance of water and how collaboration between the business and not for profit sectors can lead to positive impacts and value.  We will be highlighting how we have worked with key partners to drive transformative change. Title: CGLI Water Foot Printing Study – Partnership with Lafarge Canada Speaker: Dale Phenicie, Council of Great Lakes Industries Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Water Stewardship Strategy and Water Neutrality by 2020 Speaker: David Moran, Coca Cola Canada Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. F1C - Beyond the Plan: Lessons Learned from Implementing Natural Heritage Systems Natural heritage systems have become an important part of Ontario's land use planning framework. Numerous agencies and municipalities have developed and implemented natural heritage systems. This session explores the successes and lessons learned through the implementation of these systems. Title: Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy Speaker: Noah Gaetz, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Biography: Noah is a graduate from Brock University where he studied biology and environmental policy. He has been working with TRCA for 10 years where he currently supervises the terrestrial natural heritage group. Some of the current projects he is involved with include Ecosystem Recovery Planning, Road Ecology, Climate Change adaptation and the implementation of the Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Natural Heritage Studies: Lessons Learned in the Southwest and Next Steps Speaker: Jeff Brick, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Jeff Brick is a graduate of the University of Guelph and he has been with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority for 21 years.  Jeff is a Registered Professional Planner and he coordinates the Flood Control and Environmental Planning programs.  Jeff is also a part faculty member at Fanshawe College and he is currently enrolled in the Masters of Public Administration Program and the University of Western Ontario. Presentation Description: A number of County-based natural heritage studies have been completed in southwestern Ontario.  Over time, projects have shifted from being feature based inventories to landscape systems studies.  This presentation will cover lessons learned and discuss an initiative for moving forward with a standardized mapping and modeling approach. Title: Natural Heritage System: Science or Science Fiction? Speaker: Dr. Danijela Puric-Mladenovic, Ministry of Natural Resources and University of Toronto Presentation Biography: Danijela Puric-Mladenovic, MSc, PhD holds forestry degrees from the University of Belgrade and from the University of Toronto. She works with Southern Ontario Science and Information Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. She is also an adjunct professor with the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto. Danijela’s work links science with application to support conservation, restoration and long-term strategic planning and management of forests and vegetation in settled landscapes. Her work has an emphasis on: planning and management of settled landscape and forests; forest conservation and restoration; spatial and vegetation analysis; predictive modeling and mapping of present, past and future vegetation and species distributions; developing integrative and broad-scale sampling and vegetation inventory protocols that supports efficient collection of field data for various modeling, mapping, reporting and inventory needs; urban forest inventories and urban forestry. Presentation Description: I will discuss the science side of MNR – Natural heritage system approach, with lessons learned from that aspect; road blocks; what is good and what is “science fiction”;  and will give some recommendations / solutions. F1D - Making the Case for Green Infrastructure There are many definitions of green infrastructure in use today. In this session we will define green infrastructure and outline the rationale for including Green along with Grey Infrastructure, as well as the business case for doing so. Title: Protecting Water with Green Infrastructure Speaker: Colleen Cirillo, Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition Presentation Biography: Colleen Cirillo has a Master degree in Environment and Resource Studies from the University of Waterloo and has worked for Toronto and Region Conservation since 2000. In 2003 Colleen initiated the Healthy Yards Program, and in 2009 she co-founded the Horticulture Outreach Collaborative, which became a committee of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council in January 2010. She is the chair of this committee.  Currently she is on secondment from Healthy Yards and is coordinating the Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition. Presentation Description: Green infrastructure takes many forms including natural systems, parks, gardens, engineered wetlands, storm water ponds, green roofs and green walls, urban forests and meadows.  It also includes soil in volumes and qualities adequate to sustain vegetation and absorb water, as well as technologies like porous paving, rain barrels, cisterns and structural soils. This infrastructure provides a multitude of economic, social, environmental and health benefits, most of which are not fully recognized in current policies and public investment formulas. In 2009, six organizations came together to address this problem. The Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition envisions a future in which green infrastructure benefits to quality of life are recognized, protected, maintained and enhanced.  Colleen Cirillo, the coalition’s coordinator, will present on the benefits of green infrastructure and the coalition’s efforts to build a strong case for change. Special attention will be paid to the role of green infrastructure in water management. Title: Green Infrastructure - Gaps in Tools for Implementation Speaker: Liat Podolsky, Ecojustice Presentation Biography: Liat is a Staff Scientist with Ecojustice, Canada’s largest public interest law organization.  Working on issues ranging from biodiversity, sustainability planning, health of the Great Lakes and green infrastructure, Liat has been providing scientific expertise and litigation support to Ecojustice lawyers and clients since 2007. Prior to this, she worked as a policy analyst with the Ontario Ministry of Health, and with WWF-Canada on corporate partnerships. Liat holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Masters in Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto. Presentation Description: This presentation will explore the gaps in policies and programs for green infrastructure in Ontario, and identify tools to facilitate its implementation and more mainstream use across the province. Title: Making the Case for Green Infrastructure - Assessing the Economic Value of the Rouge Watershed Plan Sustainable Community Scenario Speaker: Mary Trudeau, Marbek Consultants Presentation Biography: Mary Trudeau is a principal with ICF Marbek Consultants and has more than 25 years experience in water policy advice, water infrastructure management and environmental program delivery. Prior to joining ICF Marbek, Mary managed operational and policy portfolios at the municipal level including stormwater infrastructure performance assessments, watershed monitoring programs and environmental effects assessments of municipal operations on receiving waterbodies.  Mary is a professional engineer in Ontario and holds a Master of Science in Environment and Management. Presentation Description: Making the Case for Green Infrastructure – Assessing the Economic Value of the Rouge Watershed Plan Sustainable Community Scenario is a presentation on the results of a study undertaken on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Environment to assess the benefits versus the costs of implementing green infrastructure to protect the Great Lakes. The study applied economic valuation techniques and the results clearly support implementation of low impact development. F1E - Community Science From “citizen science” to “community science”. Using community volunteers in gathering information and monitoring. Title: Adaptive Monitoring on a Budget Speaker: Lauren Sharkey, Community Stream Stewardship Program Presentation Biography: Lauren Sharkey is the Technician for the Community Stream Steward Program –a multi-partner conservation and stewardship initiative engaging landowners and communities in the enhancement of stream habitats through restoration projects, biological monitoring, and public outreach. Her background includes watershed monitoring at multiple Conservation Authorities, as well as environmental restoration and outdoor education for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Presentation Description: This presentation will discuss the many challenges and resulting opportunities of operating a small scale biological monitoring program with limited resources and staff. Experiences in sharing data, adapting techniques, and inter-organization cooperation will be discussed, as well as the limitations of this approach. Title: Monitoring the Moraine Speaker: Joyce Chau, EcoSpark Presentation Biography: Joyce Chau is a Program Manager of Science and Research at EcoSpark, an environmental charity in Ontario. Her expertise is around citizen science and community-based monitoring. Joyce manages the Monitoring the Moraine Program – focused on building a movement of engaged and informed communities to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine for generations to come. She was also on the steering committee for the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation’s Measuring Success Program and is an advisor to the Small Change Fund – a national charity that matches donors to local grassroots projects across Canada through online giving. Presentation Description: This presentation is examines the success and challenges of citizen science, using Check Your Watershed Day - an annual volunteer stream survey in watersheds - as case study. Title: The Conservation Volunteers Program at the Nature Conservancy of Canada Speaker: Kristyn Ferguson, Nature Conservancy of Canada Presentation Biography: Kristyn Ferguson has worked with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) since September 2007, originally as Ontario Region’s Conservation Biologist and since September 2009 as Ontario Region’s Stewardship Coordinator.  In her current role she is responsible for a variety of initiatives in NCC’s Ontario Region, including the Conservation Volunteers program.  Kristyn has successfully organized two seasons of Conservation Volunteers events in Ontario, in coordination with NCC staff and partners across the province.  She is passionate about getting the public involved in volunteer initiatives and educating them about stewardship issues happening both on NCC properties and in their own backyards.  Kristyn received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph in Environmental Biology in 2005, and a Master of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo in Restoration Ecology in 2007.  Her key interests in the conservation field include prairie and forest restoration, invasive species control, conservation planning and public outreach and education. Presentation Description: This presentation will provide a look into the Conservation Volunteers program at the Nature Conservancy of Canada including the goal of the program, how it works, what things have and haven’t worked for recruiting and involving volunteers, and how using volunteers to complete priority stewardship activities can benefit both an organization and its volunteers. F1F - Bridging the Gap This session will be making the link between geospatial data and the policy decisions being made on the landscape. Title: Spatial Framework for Storage and Analyses of Fish Habitat Data in Great Lakes' Areas of Concern: Hamilton Harbour Geodatabase Case Study Speaker: Andrew Doolittle, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Presentation Biography: Graduated from Ryerson in 1999 from Applied Geography, and Fleming College in 2000 as a GIS Applications Specialist.  Provides GIS support to DFO since 2001 with Fish Habitat Management and Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (GLLFAS).  Involved in various data management/mapping projects relating to fish Species at Risk applications (critical habitat, distribution mapping, webmapping and modeling).   More recently, has become the GIS technical lead for Great Lakes Action Plan (GLAP) projects in various Areas of Concern (AOCs) including Hamilton Harbour, Huron Erie Corridor, and Bay of Quinte. He applies his GIS skills to building data models and GIS datasets that support research of fish habitat suitability, habitat supply, population and ecosystem models. Presentation Description: Description of a spatial framework approach for storage and analyses of fish habitat data in Hamilton Harbour using a geographic information system (GIS).  Construction of key spatial layers will be explained as well as their relationship to modelled output which enables quantitative measurements and analysis of fish habitat changes over time and space. Title: Using Web Mapping to Aid in Watershed Based Decision Making Speaker: Thomas Byvelds, South Nation Conservation Presentation Biography: Thomas Byvelds graduated from Carleton University with a Degree in Integrated Science with a concentration in science education in 2008.  In 2010 he graduated with honours from Algonquin College with a Post Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems.  Thomas was hired out of school by the South Nation Conservation Planning and Engineering department to construct an internal geoportal for the office.  He has now also working on other projects such as the City of Ottawa flood plain mapping updates SNC’s Source Water Protection information management system as well as maintaining and improving the geoportal. Presentation Description: South Nation Conservation has created a geoportal that allows its staff access to watershed data with a user friendly interface.  The portal includes data from SWP such as the IPZ and WHPA information as well as useful water quantity data such as our Flood Plain information.  The goal is to make this geoportal available to the public as well.  The presentation will explore the processes and challenges that were involved in designing and implementing web map technology and examine the Microsoft Silverlight, Geocortex and ESRI technology that was used. Title: Numerical Models for Adaptive Watershed Management: Visualization as Knowledge Management Tool Speaker: Thorsten Arnold, Drinking Water Source Protection. Saugeen, Grey Sauble, Northern Bruce Peninsula Source Protection Region Presentation Biography: Thorsten Arnold has worked with Source Water Protection since 2009. Before, he completed his Ph.D. in Germany, University of Hohenheim on integrated modeling of water use in Chilean irrigation agriculture. His thesis focused on the conceptual and technical integration and coupling of a multi-agent land use model with watershed models, to quantify economic benefits of water management options for farmers. Originally trained in marine environmental sciences and climate change issues, my interest has evolved toward knowledge management for integrated assessment and watershed modeling. PS: As SWP is cut back, my current contract will run out next year… Presentation Description: Our system for spatial model- and environmental time series allows simultaneous visualization and analysis of heterogeneous 1D/2D 3D measurements and model outputs; for debugging, integration, peer review and knowledge management at watershed level. F1G - Get Your Voice Heard Interacting with government at any level can be time consuming and result in very little policy change if you are not speaking their language. We’ll present various government relations strategies that you can implement in your organization. Title: Working With Your MPP Speaker: Laurie Scott, MPP Haliburton - Kawartha Lakes - Brock Biography: Laurie Scott is the MPP for the riding of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. Laurie is a registered nurse, with a diploma from Loyalist College in Belleville.  During her nursing career, she worked at Toronto General Hospital and Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay where she worked for 12 years in the Intensive Care Unit. Scott was elected to the Ontario Legislature in the 2003 provincial election and re-elected in 2007.  During this time she served as the PC Critic for Environment, Research & Innovation, Health Promotion, Training, Colleges and Universities and Seniors.  She also served on the Public Agencies and Social Policy legislative committees. In the recent provincial election, Laurie was again elected in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, winning by almost 6,000 votes.  Following the election, PC Leader Tim Hudak appointed Laurie the PC critic for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Women’s Issues. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: A Conservation Organization’s Approach to Government Relations Speaker: Julie Cayley, Ducks Unlimited Canada Biography: As Government Relations Manager for Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) in Ontario, Julie’s objective is to build and maintain key relationships and to promote and influence legislation and policy that enables DUC to deliver wetland conservation initiatives.  Julie manages DUC Ontario’s policy team and is an active member of a several councils and working groups including the Province of Ontario’s Biodiversity Council and board member on the Rural Ontario Institute. Julie came to DUC from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) where she worked in the areas of water quality, source water protection and nutrient management. Before joining OMAFRA, Julie worked for ten years for the Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan (De-listed in 2003 as one of the Great Lakes areas of concern).  Julie is a past board member of the Couchiching Conservancy, and was presented with the 2006 distinguished service award from the Northeast Agricultural and Biological Engineering Community (NABEC) recognizing her accomplishment as first woman and first Canadian to Chair the organization.  Julie has a solid grounding in Biology and Environmental and Resource Science from Trent University in Peterborough, and graduated from Class 8 of Ontario’s Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: How a Small Lake's Problems Became a Government Priority: Getting the Lake Simcoe Protection Act Speaker: Claire Malcolmson, Environmental Defense Presentation Biography: Claire Malcolmson is the Program Manager for Water at Environmental Defence.  Claire coordinated Environmental Defence’s “Campaign Lake Simcoe”, which led the charge for the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, from 2007 to 2011. In 2002 she created and coordinated Paddling Around Lake Simcoe (PALS), a project that inspired coordinated citizen’s action on the Lake. She has worked for the LSRCA, Sierra Club of BC, the Centre for Integral Economics, Earth Rangers, and the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition. In 2011 Claire got her Masters in Environmental Studies and Planning at York University, with a focus on watershed planning. Presentation Description: In getting the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, we used a classic campaigning strategy of defining the problem, building and focusing public support for a common goal, and using windows of political opportunity.
10:00am - 10:30am	Refreshment Break
10:30am - 12:00pm	Concurrent Sessions
	F2A - Current Ideas on Improving the Nearshore (Coastal) Zone of the Great Lakes The nearshore zone of the Great Lakes is one of the most ecologically stressed zones and also one of the most important social and economic zones for recreation, drinking water, stormwater and wastewater. Significant environmental issues are most acute in the nearshore and must be addressed. Provincial/Federal, municipal and coastal consultant perspectives will be explored. Title: Development of a Nearshore Framework Under the Canada-Ontario Agreement Speaker: Joanne Di Maio, Ministry of the Environment and John Marsden, Environment Canada Presentation Joanne Di Maio's Biography: Joanne has experience working in private consulting and for the provincial and federal governments. Since 2002, she has been involved in a variety of water management issues with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. She helped build the province’s water taking charges program and develop water policies to protect Lake Simcoe. Joanne holds a B.Sc. degree in Biology from the University of Toronto and an M.Sc. degree in Aquatic Ecology from the University of Windsor. John Marsden's Biography: John has over 19 years experience on Great Lakes programs with Environment Canada. In the 1980s he worked on federal-provincial Remedial Action Plan teams for a number of Areas of Concern. During the 1990’s, Mr. Marsden was a consultant to Environment Canada on the Federal PCB Destruction Program, a teacher of environmental studies at Fanshawe College, and a volunteer with a number of community based environmental initiatives. Since 2000, John has worked for Environment Canada as the lead for the Lake Superior Areas of Concern and Lakewide Management Plan and is now the Canadian Manager responsible for Great Lakes Lakewide Management Plans, the State of the Great Lakes Ecosystem Reporting and Conference, and the Lake Simcoe Program. Presentation Description: This presentation will provide some context and considerations as Canada and Ontario move forward on their commitment to “develop options and engage stakeholders and Aboriginal communities on a Canadian framework to assess and protect the aquatic ecosystem health of Great Lakes’ nearshore”. Title: Local Communities Working to Improve the Nearshore Zone Speaker: Sarah Rang, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: The Integration Imperative for Sustainable Coastal Management in the Great Lakes Speaker: Pete Zuzek, Baird & Associates Presentation Biography: Peter J. Zuzek, MES, CFM, P.Geo. – Mr. Zuzek has twenty years of professional experience with hazard investigations and coastal zone management studies at Baird.  He has a Master’s degree in physical geography from the University of Waterloo, is a Professional Geoscientist, a Certified Floodplain Manager, and the Vice-President of the Coastal Zone Canada Association. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. F2B - Water Policy Effective water policies that protect our water resources are of critical importance to all stakeholders. This session explores new narratives of water policy at the provincial and conservation authority level. Title: Improving Water Protection in the Greenbelt- Looking Forward to the 2015 Plan Reviews Speaker: Shelly Petrie, Greenbelt Foundation Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Water Opportunities Act – What’s on the Horizon for Water Management? Speaker: Theresa McClenaghan, Canadian Environmental Law Association Presentation Biography: Appointed as Executive Director of CELA in November 2007, Theresa McClenaghan holds an LL.B. from the University of Western Ontario (1984), an LL.M. (constitutional law) from Osgoode Law School (York University, 1999) and a diploma in Environmental Health from McMaster University (1999).  She is a member of the Bars of Manitoba and Ontario.  Theresa has practised public interest environmental law, both in private practice since 1985 and at the Canadian Environmental Law Association as counsel from 1998 to 2006.  From 2006 to 2007, Theresa was senior water policy advisor to the Ontario Minister of the Environment where she was responsible for overseeing the passage of the Clean Water Act, implementation of the remaining Walkerton Inquiry recommendations, establishment of water taking charges for commercial water takers, and passage of legislation to implement in law the provisions of the Great Lakes Charter Annex.  Notable litigation has included representation of Intervenors at the Supreme Court of Canada, Federal Court of Appeal and Ontario Court of Appeal on pesticide by-laws and the Oncomouse patent among others. Theresa’s expertise in environmental law includes environmental health, water law and policy, energy law and constitutional law. Theresa, along with other lawyers at CELA, represented the Concerned Walkerton Citizens in both parts of the Walkerton Inquiry.  She was CELA’s representative to several of the province of Ontario`s advisory committees dealing with Source Protection and nutrient management after the Walkerton tragedy.  Theresa also has been author or co-author of various environmental law book chapters dealing with water law, pesticides regulation and nuclear power regulation.  Theresa lives in Paris, Ontario, with her husband and their four children ranging in age from 8 to 17 years. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Grand River Watershed, Water Management Plan - Challenges and Opportunities Speaker: Lorrie Minshall, Grand River Conservation Authority Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. F2C - Telling the Story – Natural Heritage Reporting Whether it is to determine baselines, show trends, or measure successes, reporting is a key aspect of natural heritage planning and protection. Reporting may be done to address a number of needs ranging from meeting regulatory requirements; justifying resource allocations; to providing effective communication tools to further the cause at hand. This session will explore approaches to natural heritage reporting by various organizations. Title: Measuring Success on the Oak Ridges Moraine Speaker: Fred Johnson, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation Presentation Biography: Fred has worked as an environmental planner over the last 38 years; dealing with a wide range of complex land use, environmental, public engagement and resource management issues.  . As a civil servant with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) from 1978 to 2005, Fred had initiated and implemented many of the current concepts in ecosystem and natural resource management. These have become standard approaches used across Ontario and in other jurisdictions outside of the Province. Fred is a principle contributor to many of Ontario’s most important planning policies prepared in the last 15 years including the Provincial Policy Statement, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, and the Greenbelt Plan.  Over the last seven years, Fred has been working as an independent consultant (Enviroscape Consulting Services) with a number of clients on a variety of planning issues. This includes helping the Oak Ridges Trail Association complete a walking trail across the entire Oak Ridges Moraine and assisting the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation prepare its measuring success program. Presentation Description: This presentation will provide a brief overview of the measuring success program developed by the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation over the last 2 years. It will discuss the Foundations efforts to identify successes and failures in both the efforts of the Foundation and other agencies responsible for implementing the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan since its adoption in 2002.  This initiative has been carried on an extremely limited budget and has resulted in the adoption of several assessment and monitoring approaches that may be applicable in other areas of the Province.  The results and findings of 8 technical reports will be discussed including the degree to which implementers of the Plan have or have not met expectations. It will also review some of the recommendations that need to be considered in time for the formal review of the Plan scheduled for 2015. Title: Building Capacity for Reporting on the Status of Natural Areas in Ontario (Ecosystem Status and Trends Reporting) Speaker: Michael McMurtry, Ministry of Natural Resources Presentation Biography: Mike is the Natural Areas Ecologist with the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) in Peterborough. The NHIC is responsible for managing data on rare species, plant communities and natural areas and making this information available for conservation purposes. Mike manages a provincial database on natural areas such as Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, evaluated wetlands, provincial and national parks, conservation areas, Important Bird Areas and Biosphere Reserves. He also works with partners on projects involving natural heritage data. A recent example is "Islands of Life; A Biodiversity and Conservation Atlas of the Great Lakes Islands". Presentation Description: This presentation will address the need for regular province-wide reporting on the full spectrum of natural areas in Ontario. It will consider data sources, reports now available and the challenges of bringing this information together. Title: The Living City Report Card – an Assessment of the Environmental Health of the Greater Toronto Area Speaker: Sonia Dhir, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Linda Weichel, Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance Presentation Sonia Dhir's Biography: Sonia graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Life Sciences and York University with a Masters degree in Environmental Planning and Management.  She has been working with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority since 2006 and currently holds the position of Project Manager for the Humber River watershed. At TRCA she has led and worked on various environmental monitoring and reporting initiatives such as the award winning Report Card on the Health of the Humber River watershed (2008) and The Living City Report Card (2011).  Sonia works closely with the community-based Humber Watershed Alliance, a task force responsible for implementing the Humber Watershed Management Plan. Her primary responsibilities involve the establishment of partnerships, engaging the community in watershed management, environmental advocacy, implementing environmental projects that protect and restore habitats, near urban agriculture on public land, and communicating watershed health through the media, presentations and special events. Sonia is a Full Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Registered Professional Planner. Linda Weichel's Biography: Linda brings 20 years of experience at Canada’s largest employee-owned public relations firm, Media Profile, to her position as Vice President, Partnerships, CivicAction. Linda is responsible for developing and ensuring the successful execution of CivicAction’s strategy for initiating and sustaining relationships with its partners and stakeholders in its work to advance the Greater Toronto region. Linda also oversees CivicAction’s environmental initiative, Greening Greater Toronto and its projects including the Living City Report Card and the office building energy efficiency challenge Race to Reduce. Linda draws on her business leadership, communications expertise, and passion for city building as she drives a coordinated effort across sectors to support a region that flourishes through environmental action and innovation by its leaders and diverse communities. Presentation Description: We will share our methodology for preparing the most in-depth analysis of the environment and the activities that drive environmental health of any Canadian city region. Six factors (carbon, air quality, water, waste, land use and biodiversity) are used to assess the sustainability of a region. We will share the way in which we assigned targets to communicate progress and conditions, our grading system, and examples of leadership and opportunities for action – all designed to act as a yardstick to check against and deliver an ongoing call for action to ensure that our region flourishes. F2D - Bringing Green Infrastructure to Ground - Essential Steps There are a few things that can be done to get the Green Infrastructure train rolling - hear from some of the pioneers in this field and their experiences in what it has taken to get started. Title: Water Sensitive Urban Design in Melbourne Australia Speaker: Andrew Marshall Presentation Biography: Andrew has spent over eleven years working in the planning and stormwater management sector throughout Ontario and Australia.  While in Australia, he worked as a Strategic Planner with a municipal council and then as the Senior Stormwater Policy Advisor with Melbourne Water where he led capacity building programs for 38 municipalities.  Andrew was Melbourne Water’s primary liaison on stormwater management issues with the State Government of Victoria and the development community and also served on the steering committee of the Stormwater Industry Association of Victoria in 2009 and 2010.  Andrew has a degree from Trent University and currently resides in Peterborough with his wife Sarah and daughter Adelaide. Presentation Description: Andrew will discuss the history of Water Sensitive Urban Design in Melbourne Australia, describe how it became the mandatory method of stormwater management, and highlight what can be achieved once the foundations are in place. Title: The More You Pave… the More You Pay - the City of Kitchener’s New Stormwater Utility Speaker: Nick Gollan, City of Kitchener Presentation Biography: Nick Gollan is the Manager of the City of Kitchener’s newly formed Stormwater Utility and is responsible to ensure that the capacity and integrity of the stormwater system is available to address current and future needs of Kitchener. He has overall accountability for the operations, engineering, financial management and capital enhancements of the City’s stormwater system. Nick has overseen the implementation of Kitchener’s rate structure and is currently overseeing the Credit and Rebate Policy development – a shared services initiative with the City of Waterloo. Presentation Description: The presentation, "The More You Pave, The More You Pay" will focus on the study completed to implement the City of Kitchener’s Stormwater Utility. This will include an overview of the service level study, funding mechanism review, the chosen stormwater rate, implementation of the utility and lessons learned. Title: Peeling Back the Pavement: A Blueprint for Reinventing Rainwater Management in Canada’s Cities Speaker: Carol Maas, POLIS Project Presentation Biography: Carol Maas joined the POLIS Water Sustainability Project in late 2006, bringing her technical expertise in water and wastewater to the team. Carol completed her undergraduate degree at McMaster University in Chemical Engineering and Society specializing in water and wastewater engineering and the societal implications of technology. She has worked in the water and wastewater field for ten years in various capacities including consulting, research and development and process engineering. In 2006, Carol completed her Masters of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo and has since been investigating appropriate technologies for water treatment and conservation at the POLIS Project. She was appointed in 2011 as a board member to Ontario’s Water Technology Acceleration Project. Her current research focus is on the energy and carbon footprint of water use, application of alternative water sources such as rainwater harvesting and reuse, and regional and provincial water conservation policy. Presentation Description: We examine the question “What are the problems with conventional stormwater management and governance?” and offer step-by-step solutions for decision makers, community leaders, and water management staff to "peel back the pavement.” Title: Stormwater Pollution Prevention Demonstration Sites - Lessons Learned Speaker: Phil James and Jakub Wrobel, Credit Valley Conservation Presentation Phil James' Biography: Phil James has been with Credit Valley Conservation since 2007 working as a water resources engineer and implementing the recommendations of the Credit River Water Management Strategy.  Phil’s focus has been largely on restoration and stormwater retrofit projects in existing urban areas.  Projects include winter salt reduction studies, pollution prevention demonstration projects within industrial/commercial areas and stormwater retrofit projects on both public and private properties.  Prior to CVC, Phil worked in both the public and private sector. Jakub Wrobel's Biography: Jakub Wrobel has been with Credit Valley Conservation since 2008 working as a water resources technician. Jakub’s focus has been on site supervision for Low Impact Development and pollution prevention demonstration projects. Projects include features such as bioretention cells, permeable pavement, enhanced swales, sediment traps, and methods of spill diversion. Presentation Description: This presentation will provide an overview of three (3) commercial/industrial properties that became demonstration sites for showcasing a variety of pollution prevention and Low Impact Development techniques and the challenges facing implementation. F2E - Community Stream Stewardship This session will look at how shoreline owners and associations and their volunteers are working with all levels of government to ensure the ecosystem health of their lakes. Title: The Transformation of Marden Creek Speaker: Larry Halyk, Wellington County Stewardship Council Presentation Biography: Larry Halyk has been employed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) as a Stewardship Coordinator for the Wellington County Stewardship Council since 2001.  For sixteen years prior to that, he has held biologist positions with the OMNR at the former Simcoe and Cambridge Districts, and at the Lake Erie Management Unit.  Mr. Halyk holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from the University of Guelph. Presentation Description: Prior to the 1960s Marden Creek near Guelph Ontario was a popular fishing spot for native brook trout.  By the mid-1970s, the trout had virtually disappeared.  This presentation describes how the Wellington County Stewardship Council and Speed Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada worked with local landowners and community leaders to bring the trout back from the brink of extirpation. Title: Ontario Streams: Adopt-a-Stream Program Speaker: Doug Forder, Ontario Streams Presentation Biography: Doug began working with Ontario Streams in 1996 but resigned for to work as a wetland biologist for the Canadian Wildlife Service. During this time he was Vice President and President for Ontario Streams’ board. In the spring of’01, Doug returned as the full time Field Supervisor. He oversees Ontario Streams’ employees in the planning and implementation of all field projects. He is also the Project Biologist for the Rouge Wetland Creation Project, the Coastal Wetlands Rehabilitation Project, and is a member of the Redside Dace Recovery Team. Doug received his M.Sc from Southeastern Louisiana University, specializing in wetland ecology and restoration. Presentation Description: To discuss the Adopt-A-Stream Program’s goal, logistics of the first 3 years of the program (grants, boundaries, number and requirements of community stewardship groups) and outline work completed to date. Title: Little Creek Restoration Speaker: Meredith Carter and Dave Johnston, Otonabee Conservation Presentation Meredith Carter's Biography: Meredith  is currently the Manager of Planning, Regulations and Environmental Services at the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority in Peterborough, Ontario.  She is a graduate of the University of Guelph, and has also attended Trent University and Fleming College.  Meredith has been with Otonabee Conservation since 1998, and is involved with a number of programs related to watershed stewardship, land use planning, drinking water source protection and environmental education. Dave Johnston's Biography: Dave Johnston spent 17 years in the private sector with a Civil Engineering Consultant as a Senior Designer where he completed a wide variety of Civil / Environmental and Municipal engineering assignments throughout the Province of Ontario. Dave has been with the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority since 2006 where he provides Engineering review and design support for a number of Authority programs.  Mr. Johnston has recently completed the design and construction of a number of shoreline and river bank restoration  projects including the Little Creek, Riverview Creek and Cavan Creek within the Otonabee Region watershed. Presentation Description: The Little Creek Restoration Project, led by Otonabee Conservation, was completed in the fall of 2010.  This project involved the rehabilitation of a portion of Little Creek utilizing modern fluvial geomorphologic concepts and bioengineering techniques. In contrast to past management concepts, current methodologies recognize that a meandering watercourse with a naturally vegetated floodplain is the most effective, efficient, and stable method of controlling flows, maintaining healthy streams, and ultimately protecting life and property in a watershed. This presentation will highlight the partnerships that were established to facilitate this project, and the use of bioengineering and natural channel design to enhance habitat and protect existing infrastructure in a constrained urban setting. F2F - Common Ground This session will explore standardizing approaches to collecting and processing data to facilitate sharing between project partners - Locally and globally. Title: Open Data – for Conservation and Public Good Speaker: Jury Konga, eGovFutures Presentation Biography: Jury Konga is the Principal of eGovFutures Group and Chair of the Municipal Information Systems Association Gov 2.0 SIG.  He has over 30 years’ experience in IT, GIS, and Information and Management Consulting including 10 years as a GIS Services Manager with a local municipality Jury recently completed the development of an Open Data Framework for Canada’s leading Open Data cities (G4):  Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Ottawa and is currently developing an Open Data strategy for a non-profit urban planning research foundation.  Jury speaks on Open Government and Open Data across Canada as well as contributing in an advisory capacity for a variety of projects and organizations. Presentation Description: There is significant effort applied to the management and conservation of water.  Much of this depends on scientific data – there is a need to move this into a local- global Open Data realm for everyone’s benefit. Title: Large Scale Integrated Hydrology Data Speaker: Steve Leney, Ministry of Natural Resources Presentation Biography: I have a Bachelor or Science degree from Laurentian University where I studied Environmental Science with a focus on Geology and Hydrology.  Since then I have been working for the Ministry of Natural Resources in GIS and Remote Sensing.  For the past 5 years I have been a Project Manager with the Water Resources Information Program (WRIP). Presentation Description: WRIP has been working on new large scale hydrology and elevation products. This presentation will look at what we have accomplished, what we have learned and where we’re going. Title: Recent Advances and Future Directions for the Groundwater Information Network Speaker: Boyan Brodaric, Natural Resources Canada Presentation Biography: Boyan Brodaric is a research scientist at the Geological Survey of Canada where he works on data interoperability, including applications in hydrology, natural hazards, and geology. He received his PhD from Penn State University in Geographical Information Science, sits on the board of several journals and conferences, is involved in the development of international geospatial data standards, and leads the Canadian Groundwater Information Network, a national cyber-infrastructure for groundwater information. Presentation Description: The Groundwater Information Network includes provincial, federal, and other agencies working together for online delivery of groundwater information. This presentation will discuss new developments and future directions for GIN. F2G - The Next Wave: Youth and Water Issues A look at the insights today’s young adults can contribute to your organization’s direction. Title: Environmental Education K-12: A Focus on Water Speaker: Catherine Mahler, Ministry of Education Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available. Title: Engaging Youth with Water: Motivations, Challenges and Lessons Learned Speaker: Paul Tucker, EcoSpark Presentation Biography: Paul Tucker is the Environmental Education Manager for EcoSpark where he has worked since 2009. Before moving to EcoSpark, Paul coordinated the educational programs at Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR). He has also worked on environmental and social justice education programs internationally: in Tanzania and South Africa. He holds a BAH from Queen’s and a MA from York University. Presentation Description: Paul will discuss his experiences with EcoSpark’s Changing Currents program - a program that engages students with stream monitoring in southern Ontario. He will comment on the importance, lessons learned, and perceived gaps. Title: Ontario Nature’s Youth Council Speaker: Sarah Hedges, Ontario Nature Presentation Biography: Information was not made available. Presentation Description: Information was not made available.
12:00pm - 1:00pm	Young Conservationists Luncheon and Graduation
1:00pm - 2:00pm	Keynote Speaker Keynote Speaker Alexandra Cousteau and Jonathan Smith, Blue Legacy Alexandra Cousteau's Biography: National Geographic Emerging Explorer, award-winning filmmaker, and globally recognized advocate on water issues Alexandra Cousteau continues the work of her renowned grandfather Jacques-Yves Cousteau and her father Philippe Cousteau, Sr. At 34, she has already mastered the remarkable storytelling tradition handed down to her and has the unique ability to draw audiences into the weighty issues of policy, politics, and action. Cousteau is dedicated to advocating the importance of conservation and sustainable management of water in order to preserve a healthy planet. Her global initiatives seek to inspire and empower mainstream audiences to protect not only the ocean and its inhabitants, but also the human communities that rely on freshwater resources. Jonathan Smith's Biography: At age 31, Jonathan Smith has the bio of an innovator and entrepreneur twice his age, at least. Through Blue Legacy, he applies his expertise in cause marketing, message management and grassroots advocacy to the global conversation about water. Prior to joining Blue Legacy, Jonathan served as President and CEO of Earth911.com, a search engine and company dedicated to product stewardship and recycling that tops Google’s search results for “recycle” and “recycling”. In addition to working with Alexandra to manage Blue Legacy and serving as Producer for Expedition Blue Planet, Jonathan is writing his first book, Communicating Cause™: Emotionalizing Your Brand without Politicizing Your Life.
2:00pm - 2:15pm	Wrap Up