 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Workshops
Spring Classification
Instructor: Dr. Abe Springer of NAU
Students will learn the theory and techniques of classifying spring ecosystems
based on their physical and biological characteristics. We’ll split
our day between the classroom and the field to introduce theory and then
demonstrate materials and techniques. Anyone who teaches earth science,
manages spring ecosystems, or simply conducts the basic science of springs
should attend the course.
Intro to Geographic Information Systems
Instructor: Mark Manone of NAU
Geographic information systems are among the most powerful tools available
to water resource professionals today because they facilitate the analysis
of large amounts of data using spatial queries. In this hands-on, all-day
workshop, you’ll learn GIS concepts, build a basic hydrogeologic
model, and incorporate data and maps into your GIS. The workshop will
include morning and afternoon sessions, and you’ll have access to
a laptop computer. The morning session will focus on the basics of ArcGIS
— specifically, how to navigate and use the program. Students will
spend the afternoon building a basic hydrogeologic model using ArcHydro.
Well Design
Instructors: Marvin Glotfelty, Mike Alter, Rochelle Destrampe, and
Phil Bredfeldt of Clear Creek Associates
This all-day workshop will cover the “nuts and bolts” of designing
and installing water supply wells. The presenters will discuss criteria
for selecting the right drilling method — mud rotary, air rotary,
reverse rotary, cable tool, or dual rotary—and the most appropriate
materials. You’ll also learn about borehole analysis methods such
as lithologic logging, geophysical logging, depth-specific water sampling,
and others. Other topics will include driller oversight, well completion
and development, post-construction tests for plumbness and alignment,
health and safety, troubleshooting, and innovative ways to deal with problems
like low production or poor water quality. Finally, the workshop will
address contract documents and criteria that owners can use to accept
or reject a well in a fair and equitable manner.
Project WET Conservation Curriculum
Instructor: Mansel Nelson of NAU
This workshop will be based on the National Project WET Curriculum and
Activity Guide, a collection of “innovative, water-related activities
that are hands-on, easy to use, and fun” for K-12 students. The
Guide has been extensively field-tested and is available only to those
who attend Project WET workshops. Attendees will also receive the Conserve
Water Educators’ Guide for Grades 6–12, which describes the
ins-and-outs of water conservation for middle school teachers and high
school students. Features include a hydrologic primer for background information
and case studies drawn from actual situations. We’ll spend about
1.5 hours visiting a local water treatment plant or other hydrologic attraction.
Drought Planning
Instructors: Gregg Garfin, Holly Hartmann, and Kathy Jacobs of the
University of Arizona
Severe, sustained drought has impacted Arizona during the past 10 years,
causing recent rural water shortages, low reservoir levels, and destructive
fires. This condition has prompted the recent legislation requiring water
providers to submit drought plans to the Arizona Department of Water Resources
within 2 years. This half-day workshop will focus on the use of climatology
and forecasting in drought planning. It will consist of three, 1.5-hour
modules featuring lecture, Q&A, and discussion. Topics will include
Arizona drought history, atmospheric controls, potential effects of climate
change, and online resources. The presenters will also introduce seasonal
climate forecasts and drought planning tools for small water providers.
Xeriscaping
Instructor: Steve Morgan of T. Barnabas Kane & Associates
A properly maintained xeriscape can easily consume less than one-half
the water of a traditional landscape. Given the ever-increasing water
demands that Arizona communities face, xeriscaping is an attractive conservation
option for homeowners who want to create visually appealing landscapes
using water-efficient plants. Join us in this nontechnical workshop to
learn basic xeriscape concepts for various Arizona ecological zones.
Field Trips
Verde Canyon Railroad
Leader: Dr. Abe Springer of Northern Arizona University (NAU)
This scenic, half-day ride traverses the heart of the Verde River canyon.
Three special tour guides will be on hand to discuss the natural and human
history of the region and the train route.
Abe Springer has been a faculty member in the Department of Geology since August 1994. He received his Ph.D. in Hydrogeology from the Ohio State University. He teaches classes in hydrogeology, groundwater flow modeling, contaminant hydrogeology, introductory geology, and environmental geology.
Fossil Creek
Leaders: John Mitchell of Arizona Public Service (APS) and
Jim Janecek of NAU
APS’ recent decommissioning of its Childs-Irving hydropower project
has restored normal flows along more than 14 miles of Fossil Creek. This
unique, spring-fed stream had been diverted in 1909 to operate Arizona’s
first hydroelectric plants, which generated power for mines and early
communities. Because it contains unusually high levels of calcium, Fossil
Creek offers habitat for some very rare fish species. Senator John McCain
— whose bill would designate Fossil Creek as Wild & Scenic —
recently described it as “…an extraordinary natural resource
comparable to the more famous Havasu Creek in the Grand Canyon, with deep
blue pools, waterfalls, and striking rock formations.” This field
trip will focus not only on restoration activities but also on the engineering
aspects of the power plants.
A registered, certified professional civil engineer in the State of Arizona, John Mitchell has been with APS for over 15 years. He has served as the Project Engineer throughout the decommissioning process for the Fossil Creek Dam. He is very knowledgeable on the plant’s operations.
After spending 9 years in the consulting industry, Jim Janecek received his Master’s of Engineering from NAU and later became Director of the Sustainable Water Resources Alliance. Jim was part of the team that conducted detailed hydrologic, hydraulic, and sedimentation analyses to asses the effects of removing the dam. He also developed the revegetation plan for the deconstruction zones.
Visit the Arizona Hydrological Society website at www.azhydrosoc.org.