Water Resources

Thanks to a Switzer Foundation Professional Development Grant, I had the opportunity in January to attend the 13th National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment, titled “Disasters and Environment: Science, Preparedness and Resilience.” The conference brought together experts from many disciplines and sectors to delve into the complex challenges associated with preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters.

Natural ecosystems provide essential services for our communities. Forests and wetlands, for example, filter the water we drink, protect neighborhoods from floods and droughts, and shade aquatic habitat for fish populations.

Brenda Miles Zollitsch has been awarded her Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine's Muskie School of Public Services. Her focus has been on collaborative environmental policy planning and implementation. Her dissertation is entitled, "Documenting life cycle measures of collaborations working to implement stormwater policy in the United States". Her dissertation is available through Dissertation ProQuest.

Brenda Miles Zollitsch has been awarded her Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine's Muskie School of Public Services. Her focus has been on collaborative environmental policy planning and implementation. Her dissertation is entitled, "Documenting life cycle measures of collaborations working to implement stormwater policy in the United States". Her dissertation is available through Dissertation ProQuest.

The evidence keeps mounting that people living in impoverished, Latino towns around the San Joaquin Valley are in danger if they drink water out of their taps. Researchers this year linked dirty drinking water with many towns, such as Seville, Orosi and Tooleville in Tulare County. The culprit is widespread nitrates, which come from fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste and rotting vegetation. This month, a new study reveals people living in similar communities also are at a high risk of drinking arsenic in their water.

Examining the science of stream restoration, Rebecca Lave argues that the neoliberal emphasis on the privatization and commercialization of knowledge has fundamentally changed the way that science is funded, organized, and viewed in the United States.

Amy Clipp gave a webinar for us that offered ideas for bridging the gap between science and policy, with a particular focus on helping scientists apply their work in complex, political environments. Her stories are based on lessons learned advising the State of Louisiana on its 2012 Coastal Master Plan.

If it all plays out, the ongoing maintenance required by the green approach could be good for the local economy, according to Parrott: “With the green and sustainable infrastructure, you’re creating a new class of what we call green jobs for maintenance. The majority of those jobs are something local folks can do as opposed to the conventional process.” Additionally, the green jobs also tend to benefit “disadvantaged communities” more than conventional jobs, according to Parrott.