FLOW
"Voices of the River" Symposium and Community Conversation
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Promotional poster by Patrick Mueller
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SYMPOSIUM FOCUS
Presentations and audience discussion focused specifically on the riparian and channel migration zones of the river, which were identified, in the Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis, as the least understood aspects of the river, but which have major impact on future use of the river by land owners, recreationalists, and agriculturists as well as survival of species. This discussion will seek to broaden understanding and enlighten planning efforts by user groups, civic leaders and policy makers. The symposium opened with research presentations by Dr. Susan Gilbertz' MSUB Environmental Studies students from Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory (2006), part of the overall Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis. Panelists will present historical, environmental, geologic and policy perspectives followed by a community discussion with audience members. Rocky Mountain College students will present their environmental projects via poster presentations after the symposium. Background of the Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis The Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis, of which Dr. Susan Gilbert's Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory is a part, is the culmination of an internationally unique, multi-agency, comprehensive watershed study that arose from the effects of the floods of 1996-1997. The data collected in this study addresses hydrologic, socioeconomic and biological issues on the Yellowstone River. This analysis has included an interdisciplinary scientific characterization of relationships between human activities and associated river system responses. Based on this analysis, recommendations were developed for management practices and actions that will provide sustainability to socioeconomic interests while maintain the long-term biological and physical integrity of the river system. |
PROGRAM
4:30-5:30
Youth Outreach and Gallery Reception in Northcutt Steele Gallery and Outer Gallery
Youth Outreach and Gallery Reception in Northcutt Steele Gallery and Outer Gallery
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5:15 - 7:15
"Voices of the River" Symposium and Community Conversation
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Photos: Anastasia Swarthout
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Susan J. Gilbertz, Ph.D.
Director, Environmental Studies Program Montana State University Billings Director, Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory (2006) Topic: Yellowstone Cultural Inventory overview, "Voices of the River" student presentation, community conversation facilitator. |
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Warren Kellogg
Chair, Technical Advisory Group, Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis Topics: The symbiotic nature of the river and native riparian areas forests from a “big picture” perspective. What are some future scenarios as increasing demands and encroaching development change the river. |
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Kayhan Ostovar
Associate Professor of Biology & Environmental Science Rocky Mountain College Topics: Wildlife species as indicators of river health |
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Burt Williams
Manager, The Nature Conservancy (retired) Member, Technical Advisory Group, Yellowstone River Community Effects Analysis Prior Member, Resource Advisory Committee, Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis Topics: How communities came together to create and sustain the Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis. Lessons learned for future consensus building. |
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Carrie La Seur, Ph.D., J.D.
Attorney for energy and environmental issues on behalf of farmers, ranchers, and Native Americans and Author Topics: Coordinating policy making. Rights of future generations to water and riparian area access. |
More information about her topic:
How New Zealand granted a river personhood: http://www.treehugger.com/environmental-policy/river-new- zealand-granted-legal-rights-person.html Hungary has created an Ombudsman for Future Generations: http://www.fdsd.org/ideas/the-hungarian-parliaments- ombudsman-for-future-generations/ Science and Environmental Health Network has drafted model guardian legal frameworks, available here: http://sehn.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Models_for_Protecting_the_Environment_ for_Future_Generations.pdf | ||
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7:15 - 8:30
Exhibition Reception and Science Project Poster Presentations from Rocky Mountain College students Katy Anderson, Gabriel Aponte, Sean Flyn and Jack Schultz |
Photos: Anastasia Swarthout
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MANY THANKS TO OUR SYMPOSIUM SPONSORS:
Yellowstone River Research Center
The Yellowstone River Research Center (YRRC) is a multidisciplinary research institute composed of geologists, ecologists, wildlife biologists, geographers, and social scientists at Rocky Mountain College (Billings, MT). The center is positioned in an area that is a microcosm of the northern Rocky Mountain region, where some of the nation’s most pristine environments coincide with ongoing processes of resource extraction, agriculture, industrial activity and increasing human settlement.
YRCC Goals:
The Yellowstone River Research Center (YRRC) is a multidisciplinary research institute composed of geologists, ecologists, wildlife biologists, geographers, and social scientists at Rocky Mountain College (Billings, MT). The center is positioned in an area that is a microcosm of the northern Rocky Mountain region, where some of the nation’s most pristine environments coincide with ongoing processes of resource extraction, agriculture, industrial activity and increasing human settlement.
YRCC Goals:
- Promote field-based research for undergraduates
- Foster collaborative, multidisciplinary research
- Improve and maintain YRRC’s research facilities
- Develop cooperative agreements and partnerships with external institutions, agencies and the community
- Support service learning opportunities and outreach between students and the community
- Maintain and expand monitoring programs that document ecosystem and geological change
MSU Billings Library
MSU Billings College of Arts and Sciences
MSU Billings Department of Art
MSU Billings Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies
MSU Billings College of Arts and Sciences
MSU Billings Department of Art
MSU Billings Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies
PRESS
"Flow" panelists Susan Gilbertz, Carrie La Seur and Kayhan Ostovar continue the dialogue about the Yellowstone River with Jay Kohn on "Face the State", a program of the Montana News Network which aired Sunday, March 6, 2016 on KTVQ.
http://www.ktvq.com/clip/12273105/face-the-state-the-future-of-the-yellowstone-river
http://www.ktvq.com/clip/12273105/face-the-state-the-future-of-the-yellowstone-river
"At project’s end, a close look at the Yellowstone River"
by David Crisp, The Last Best News, February 26, 2016
http://lastbestnews.com/site/2016/02/at-projects-end-a-close-look-at-the-yellowstone-river/
by David Crisp, The Last Best News, February 26, 2016
http://lastbestnews.com/site/2016/02/at-projects-end-a-close-look-at-the-yellowstone-river/
"Health of the Yellowstone topic of river talk"
by Mike Ferguson, Billings Gazette, February 26, 2016
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/health-of-the-yellowstone-topic-of-river-talk/article_a36cb497-30af-5694-8e9c-f04c80a149fd.html
by Mike Ferguson, Billings Gazette, February 26, 2016
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/health-of-the-yellowstone-topic-of-river-talk/article_a36cb497-30af-5694-8e9c-f04c80a149fd.html