ABOUT THE CONFERENCE · 2018-04-05 · Nutrient Tracking Tool (NTT) Sunday, July 29 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Instructors: Ali Saleh, TIAER at Tarleton State University; Kannon Narayana,

ABOUT THE CONFERENCENew Mexico’s rich culture and diverse landscape makes it the prime location to celebrate the 73rd SWCS International Annual Conference theme, Culture, Climate, and Conservation. Bordered on the east by the Sandia Mountains, to the west by Petroglyph National Monument, and with the Rio Grande flowing through its center, Albuquerque possesses many of the natural features characteristic of New Mexico, a state of mountains and mesas, desserts and forested wildernesses. Whether you’re exploring the downtown Convention Center site, venturing into Spanish-influenced Old Town Albuquerque, or learning about local pueblos and native traditions, the blend of cultures and lifestyles serves as a reminder of the many stakeholders that are part of and affected by land management decisions.

The research to be shared and stories to be told from across the nation will fit right into this location where conservation spans resource concerns, cultures, and landscapes. In addition to learning about some of the management challenges and partnership opportunities that face ecosystems worldwide, attendees will experience the vibrant culture of New Mexico through the local Forum and Flavor event, will witness conservation efforts first-hand through tours, and will hear from leading speakers in the conservation field. Specialty tracks that focus on rangeland and forest restoration as well as the use of technology to advance conservation will also be offered at this year’s conference. Collectively, all of these areas of focus will provide a forum for conservation professionals from around the world to come together to discuss successes and challenges, combat shared obstacles, and accelerate conservation efforts.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

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SUNDAY, JULY 29 Half-Day Workshops, New Members/First Timers/Student Orientation, Student Development Session, and Regional

Forum and Flavor Reception

MONDAY, JULY 30 Regional Roundtables and House of Delegates, State of Society Address, Pritchard Keynote Lecture, Breakout Sessions, Exhibitor and Poster Reception, and Silent Auction

TUESDAY, JULY 31 Plenary Session, Breakout Sessions, and Awards Luncheon

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1 Breakout Sessions and Conservation Tours

PROGRAM TOPICS AND AREAS OF INTERESTThe theme for this year’s conference is Culture, Climate, and Conservation. In addition to the general conference theme tracks, the program committee has also selected three specialty training tracks.

» 2018 General Conference Theme

» Forest Restoration: Research, Policy, and Applied Science of Ecological Restoration across Landscapes and Watersheds

» Rangeland Restoration, Health, and Grazing Management: Adapting Conservation Planning for a Changing Climate

» Using Technology to Advance Conservation

The following eight topic areas will be covered within the General Conference Theme training track:

» Adaptive Management of Conservation Efforts

» Conservation Economics and Policy

» Conservation Models, Tools, and Technologies

» Conservation in Organic, Specialty, and Small- Scale Agriculture

» Outreach, Education, and Community Engagement

» Social Sciences Informing Conservation

» Soil Health Resources, Indicators, Assessment, and Management

» Water Resource Assessment and Management

July 29 - August 1, 2018 | Albuquerque, NM | www.swcs.org/18AC 3

TECHNICAL AND LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS The professional development workshops held in conjunction with the SWCS Annual Conference will be eligible for continuing education credits from various certifying organizations. Early registration rates will be available through June 20.

An Integrated Environmental, Economic, and Farm Management Decision-Making Tool: Nutrient Tracking Tool (NTT)

Sunday, July 29

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Instructors: Ali Saleh, TIAER at Tarleton State University; Kannon Narayana, TIAER at Tarleton State University; Rewati Niraula, TIAER at Tarleton State University

The Nutrient Tracking Tool (NTT) is a user-friendly, web-based model developed by Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (TIAER) staff in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture. NTT estimates cost effective, eco-friendly land management operations and conservation practices associated with crop and animal production. Agricultural Policy/Environmental Extender (APEX), Farm-level Economic Model (FEM), and Animal Production Life Cycle Analysis Tool (APLCAT) are the models driving NTT.

APEX model simulates the environmental impacts of land management operations at the whole-farm and small watershed scales. FEM simulates the economic impacts of agricultural practices, conservation

practices, and policies. APLCAT simulates the water footprint, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with beef cattle production.

NTT includes weather, soil, and basic land management data for most of the contiguous United States. The users can enter a baseline and alternative management systems. After running the models, NTT integrates the results and produces a report showing the nitrogen, phosphorous, sediment loss potential, and crop yield differences between the baseline and alternative management systems.

Attendees of the workshop will learn how to apply APEX, FEM, and APLCAT in the NTT framework to make their own environmental, economic, and farm management decisions. Specifically, they will learn about (1) APEX, FEM, and APLCAT programs in NTT; and (2) details on how NTT works, data requirements for the models, available data with the tool, how to enter input parameters, how to run the models, and how to interpret results.

Fee: $70 early/$95 late (after June 20)

Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Model

Sunday, July 29

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Instructors: Mark Nearing, USDA-ARS; Mariano Hernandez, USDA-ARS

This workshop is designed to provide attendees background on dominant hydrologic and erosion process on rangelands, equations implemented in the Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Model (RHEM), and how to access and interpret model predictions using examples from across the United States for different ecological and climatic conditions. Predicting soil erosion is a common practice in rangeland management for assessing the effects of management practices impacts on sustainability and soil health. RHEM was specifically designed to address rangeland conditions for estimating runoff, erosion, and sediment delivery rates and volumes at the spatial scale of the hillslope and the temporal scale of a single rainfall event. RHEM links the model’s hydrologic and erosion parameters with rangeland plant community by providing a new system of parameter estimation equations based


on diverse rangeland datasets through a simple web-enabled interface. Model inputs are surface soil texture, slope length, slope steepness, slope shape, dominant plant life form, percentage of canopy cover, and percentage of ground cover by component. Climate (precipitation intensity, duration, and frequency) is estimated for sites within the United States with the CLIGEN stochastic weather generator. Attendees will need to bring a Microsoft Windows-based laptop to run the model during the workshop. The RHEM model can be accessed at https://apps.tucson.ars.ag.gov/rhem/. RHEM scientific publications can be accessed at http://apps.tucson.ars.ag.gov/rhem/docs.


Using Compost to Build Soils, Reduce Erosion, and Improve Soil Moisture Retention

Sunday, July 29

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Instructors: Jean Bonhotal, Cornell Waste Management Institute; Angel Hinckel, Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District

Use of compost, a recycled product, for controlling erosion and sedimentation can reduce costs, increase effectiveness of revegetation, and promote environmental protection. Compost blankets (a layer of compost spread or blown onto a slope to a depth of 1 to 4 inches) and berms (a triangular dike of compost placed perpendicular to directed and sheet flow) have been used to reduce soil loss and improve soil moisture retention. Application of compost blankets can stabilize slopes, and compost filter berms can filter and slow the flow of moving water in ditches.

The use of a compost blanket has been shown to reduce runoff and erosion by absorbing rainfall impact and retaining water with a slow release. The blanket can suppress weed growth, while providing a medium for germination and growth of seeded plants. Applications help remediate compacted soil and reduce crusting, facilitating percolation into underlying soil. It can be particularly useful in late season construction, controlling runoff before vegetation can be established. A virtual tour with demonstrations will illustrate the effectiveness of these these tools.

Compost filter berms offer advantages over traditional measures such as silt fences and straw bales and filter out fine particles and associated chemical contaminants from water flowing through them. They can collect large volumes of sediment without becoming clogged. Compost berms can be left in place, thus eliminating removal costs. It is recommended that such berms be used to diffuse flow above steep slopes where compost blankets are installed.

Comparative demonstrations will be conducted of different compost properties, such as water holding capacity, organic matter content, particle size, and nutrient content.


The Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains at dusk. Photo credit: Marble Street Studio.

Sandia Mountains .Photo credit: Kip Malone


OUTDOOR CLASSROOM: EDUCATIONAL TRAINING TOURSAll tours will take place on Wednesday, August 1. Departure and return times are subject to change. Final details will be provided at www.swcs.org/18AC. The tours will give exposure to interesting and informative conservation work happening in the area. Be sure to register early to secure a seat. SWCS reserves the right to cancel a tour that does not have the minimum number of attendees and to change the maximum number of attendees. Late fees apply if you register after June 20, so reserve your seat early!

Tour #1: Manzano Mountains Watershed Restoration Tour

Wednesday, August 1

7:45 AM – 5:45 PM

This tour, sponsored by the Edgewood and Claunch-Pinto Soil and Water Conservation Districts, US Forest Service, and SWCA Environmental Consultants will follow the Salt Mission Scenic Byway along the east front of the Manzano Mountains. Attendees will visit multiple sites within Manzano Mountain watershed and observe restoration activities that highlight emergency stabilization and rehabilitation practices implemented after high severity wildfire. Representatives from the Chilili Land Grant, Cibola National Forest, and private property residents will discuss the impact of the wildfires on the local communities and how various partnerships were formed to assess and implement land treatments needed to mitigate accelerated runoff, soil erosion, and debris flows from the burned area. The tour will conclude at the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument-Quarai Ruins, which encompasses the archaeological remains of prehistoric Native American settlements, historic remains of a pueblo abandoned in the 1670s during the Spanish colonial period, the ruins of a 17th-century Spanish mission compound, and 19th-century Spanish ranching artifacts. The site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and was added to the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in 1980. Lunch will be provided during this tour.


Tour #2: Tijeras Creek Remediation, Demonstration, and Education Project

Wednesday, August 1

1:00 PM – 5:30 PM

This tour, sponsored by the Cuidad Soil and Water Conservation District and Solutions Inc., will visit the Tijeras Creek remediation project. Tijeras Canyon and the remediation project are located east of Albuquerque where urban runoff creates flooding, erosion, and pollution problems. The Tijeras Creek project demonstrates methods that can be used to reduce the impacts of urbanization on the streamside environment and water quality. These methods include reshaping of eroded areas, installation of swales and stilling basins, and plantings. Slower runoff velocities, enhanced site stability, water infiltration, and filtration now allows Tijeras Creek to flow cleaner again, much like it did before urbanization.


Tour #3: Acequias Tour of Agricultural Systems

Wednesday, August 1

1:00 PM – 5:30 PM

This tour, supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Santo Domingo Pueblo, and private land owners, will visit agricultural systems north of Albuquerque in the Rio Grande Valley. Attendees will observe how acequias are used for irrigation. Acequias are historic and community-operated watercourses adopted from Spain and former Spanish colonies, and have been used in New Mexico for approximately 400 years. Farms on Santo Domingo Pueblo and along the Rio Grande will be visited to observe the maintenance, improvement, and conservation of acequias and how these historic and cultural irrigation systems are supporting conventional and organic production systems.



SYMPOSIA TRAINING SESSIONSSymposia training sessions provide more comprehensive and in-depth coverage of a specific topic. They are scheduled as one or more 90-minute sessions and will take place on Monday, July 30; Tuesday, July 31; and Wednesday, August 1. Symposia are organized by an individual(s) and typically incorporate multiple presenters, panel discussions, or other formats as determined by the organizer.

CEAP: Measuring and Understanding the Effects of Conservation Practices within Watersheds

Adaptive Management of Conservation Efforts

Daniel Moriasi, USDA-ARS

Conservation and the 2018 Farm Bill

Conservation Economics and Policy

Alyssa Charney, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Lightning Conversations on the Science and Policy of Conservation


Lindsey Yasarer, USDA-ARS

Using Ecological Sites and State and Transition Models to Support Objective-Based Conservation Planning

Conservation Models, Tools, and Technologies

Michael Kucera, USDA-NRCS

Wetlands Conservation in Agricultural Landscapes: Significant Findings and Recent Modeling Advances in CEAP Wetlands


David Mushet, US Geological Survey

Southwest US Dust Monitoring and Mitigation Symposium

Outreach, Education, and Community Engagement

Emile Elias, USDA-ARS Southwest Climate Hub

Meta-Review of Barriers and Motivations for Farmers to Adopt Conservation Practices

Social Sciences Informing Conservation

Linda Prokopy, Purdue University

Assessing and Expanding Soil Health for Production, Economic, and Environmental Benefits

Soil Health Resources, Indicators, Assessment, and Management

Wayne Honeycutt, Soil Health Institute

Carbonomics: The Amazing Economy of the Soil


Keith Berns, Green Cover Seed

Food and Environmental Security: Developing Joint Solutions


Jeffrey Strock, University of Minnesota

Rangeland Erosion Processes and Modeling

Rangeland Restoration, Health, and Grazing Management: Adapting Conservation Planning for a Changing Climate

Mark Nearing, USDA-ARS


ORAL PRESENTATION TRAINING TRACKSOral presentations are opportunities to share the results of conservation research projects and/or lessons learned through professional experience with conservation projects, systems, programs, and technologies. Each presenter will be given 20 minutes: 15 minutes to make the presentation and 5 minutes for questions. Oral presentations are scheduled on Monday, July 30; Tuesday, July 31; and Wednesday, August 1.


» CEAP: Effects of Conservation Practices on Soil and Water Resources in the Upper Washita Basin

» Circular Buffer Strips (CBS): An Innovative Way to Add Ecosystem Services to Irrigated Agriculture

» Farmer Networks and Nitrogen Management Trials in North Carolina

» Methods to Enhance Irrigation Water Conservation for Vegetable Production in Florida

» Microbial Diversity of Locally Derived Effective Microorganisms in Composting Broiler Litter and Its Role in Enhancing the Potentiality to Mineralize Nitrogen in Soil and Improve the Nutritional Value of Edamame

» New Arkansas Discovery Farm in the Eucha-Spavinaw Watershed Advances Innovative Wastewater and Manure Management for a Full-Time Dairy Operation

» Non-Traditional Partnerships for Watershed-Based Agricultural Conservation

» Phosphorus Stratification and Edge-of- Field Phosphorus Losses in the Western Lake Erie Basin

» Rebuilding Soil Ecosystems for Improved Productivity in Biosolarized Soils

» Strategies for Soil and Water Conservation and Sustainable Forage Corn Production in New Mexico: Increasing Cutting Height, Decreasing Row Spacing, and Forage Quality Considerations

» Water Use Efficiency of Winter Canola under Different Limited Irrigation Approaches


» Adoption Model Analyzing Conservation Policy for Mitigation of Soil and Nutrient Loss in the Red River and Mississippi River Basin

» Conservation Up and Down: Watersheds, Natural Hazards, Cities, and Green Infrastructure

» Effects of Precision Agriculture, Soil Conservation, Nitrogen Rate, and Temporal Trends at Farm and Watershed Scale

» Modeling the Economic Benefit of Water Conservation in Irrigated Agriculture: A Regional Impact Analysis


» Bringing the Discovery Farms Project to Study the Effectiveness of Vegetated Riparian Buffers on Agricultural Land

» Compaction Susceptibility of Select Alabama Kanhapludults

» Conservation Tillage Effects in the Atlantic Coastal Plain: An APEX Examination

» Coping with Water Scarcity: Alternate Wetting and Drying as Mitigation Strategy for Water-Shortages in a Rice Irrigation System in the Philippines

» Effects of Setback Distance on the Removal of Manure Constituents in Runoff

The cottonwood trees that line the Rio Grande turn golden in the fall. Photo credit: Marble Street Studio


» Evaluation of Conservation Practices within the Choptank River Watershed in Maryland Using AnnAGNPS

» Evaluation of Soil Vulnerability Index (SVI) for an Intensively Managed High Desert Irrigation District

» Identifying and Comparing Climate and Water Quality Quantification Tools to Drive Conservation Practice Adoption

» Identifying Best Management Practices to Reduce Nutrient and Sediment Load Exports: Watershed vs. Field-Scale

» Meeting Goals and Tracking Quantified Progress: An Update on the Hypoxia Task Force

» New Pasture Condition Scoring Tool

» Nitrogen and Phosphorus Accounting in US Food Supply Chain and Potential for Improvement

» Nutrient Tracking Tool: A User-Friendly Tool for Evaluation of Water Quality and Quantity as Affected by Various Agricultural Management Practices

» Strategic Rotational Grazing for Improving Soil Health, Water Quality, and Forage Productivity in Beef Pastures

» The Potential of Cover Crops to Alleviate Extreme Weather Events in Agriculture

» Tree and Shrub Selection Guide for Conservation in the Great Plains

» Turf Replacement Program Evaluation

» Using Ecological Sites and State and Transition Models on a Nebraska Farm

» Watershed Assessment Modelling to Identify Critical Sources of Pollution and Evaluate Effectiveness of Conservation Management Practices

» Websim: Cloud-Based Tools for Estimation of Soil Loss for Conservation Planning

Conservation in Organic, Specialty, and Small-Scale Agriculture

» Partnerships to Support Conservation with Organic Producers

» Supporting Biodiversity in Organic Systems

» Supporting Pollinators with Agroforestry Practices


» Common Ground Common Water: Film as A Tool for Shared Understanding of Water Resource Protection

» Conservation on Rented Farmland: Developing Effective Outreach for Non-Operating Landowners

» It Takes a Village: A Case Study on Collaboration and Implementation to Reduce Sediment and Phosphorus from Agricultural Landscapes in the Maumee River Basin, Ohio

» Securing Water for and from Agriculture through Effective Community and Stakeholder Engagement

» Smart Solar Siting: Combatting Climate Change While Protecting Farmland

» Soils Information and Effective Conservation: You Can’t have One Without the Other

Late summer field of sunflowers just west of Albuquerque. Photo credit: V.L. Wood


» Sustainability Training in Agricultural Resource Systems (STARS): A Train-the-Trainer Model for Agriculture and Natural Resources Professionals


» A Warning from Vanished Civilizations: The History and Continuing Impact of Walter Lowdermilk’s “Conquest of the Land Through 7,000 Years”

» Building Farmer Efficacy to Promote Conservation Adoption

» Factors Affecting Adoption of Cover Crops in US Soybean Production


» Assessing Dynamic Soil Properties and Inventorying an Ecological Site on Coastal Plain Soils in Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) and Pasture Land Cover/Uses

» Assessing Soil Erosion with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Precision Conservation

» Assessment of Contaminated Soil Health Using Polyarenes Ratio as Indicator

» Evaluating Compaction BMP Effects on Soil Properties and Demonstration of Soil Moisture Monitoring for Compaction Prevention in Heavy Clay Soils of the Northeast

» Impact of Cover Crops on Soil Biological and Biochemical Properties of Udic Haplustolls

» Interpreting Soil Health Dynamics via Improved Quantification of Soil Aggregate Stability

» Interseeded Cover Crops into Standing Corn and Soybean Decrease Soil Residual Nitrate

» Slope-Velocity-Equilibrium and Evolution of Surface Roughness on a Stony Hillslope

» Soil Health and Maize Yield Analysis Detects Long-Term Tillage and Cropping Effects

» Soil Health Testing and Biological Indicators of Cover Crops in Northeast Kansas

» Using Low Organic Matter Soils to Compare Conventional Soil Organic Carbon Measurements

Water Resource Assessment and Management

» Biological and Electron Donor Limitations to Denitrification in Constructed Wetlands as Revealed by Sediment Organic Matter and Microbiome Characterization

» Changing Water Balances in an Irrigated Watershed Transitioning from Furrow to Sprinkler Irrigation

» Comparison of Some Reference Evapotranspiration Equations Under Semiarid Conditions with Limited Climatic Data

» Connecting Human and Hydrologic Systems to Understand Sustainability of Traditional Irrigation Communities in New Mexico

» Effect of Ridging on Water Availability and Yield Performance of Soybean in Northern Ghana

» Effects of Land Application of Reclaimed Wastewater on Surface Water Quality

» Evaluating the Effect of Pasture Type and Grazing Intensity on the Hydrology of Southern Great Plains

» Improving Storm Water Quality by Stabilizing Construction Site Soils

» Reducing Sediment and Nutrient Loadings through River and Streambank Restoration

» Salinas Valley 2020: Industry Resilience Birds in flight over the Rio Grande in winter.Photo credit: Morimoto Photography


» Successful Watershed Management: Getting to Scale

» Updating the Curve Number Method for Rainfall Runoff Estimation

» Water Harvesting and its Impact for a Sustainable Rural Livelihoods in Tehuledere, South Wollo, Ethiopia

» Water Rights and Fights: Lao PDR Dams on the Mekong River

» Wildflower Growth Response to Construction Site Soil Conditions

Forest Restoration: Research, Policy, and Applied Science of Ecological Restoration across Landscapes and Watersheds

» Evaluation of Forest Silvicultural Treatment Effects on Runoff and Sediment Yield in a Northern New Mexico Forest

» Inventory and Monitoring of Tree Resources in Agroecosystems Using High-Resolution Imagery

» Post-Wildfire Rehabilitation on Federal Lands

» US Military Exemptions from Environmental Permitting and Regulation

» Watershed Restoration following Wildfire: A Case Study from the Manzano Mountains, New Mexico


» Assessing the Impacts of Conservation Practices on Rangeland Health and Ecosystem Services in the Rio Puerco Watershed

» Determining Successional Response of Sonoran Desert Rangeland Communities to Increased Fire Disturbance

» Enhancing Soil Sustainability and Soil Health in an Integrated Crop-Grazing System

» Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems for Enhancing Soil Health in the Northern Great Plains, United States

» Modeling the Nitrogen Balance of Beef Cattle Production

» Native Warm Season Grasses for Adapting to Climate Change, Improving the Sustainability of Grazing Systems, and Improving Water Quality in Tennessee

» Soil Health Evaluation in Three Texas Rangelands

» The Unintended Consequences of Rangeland Water-Conservation Structures

» Toward Operational Remote Sensing of Public Land in Southeastern Arizona

Using Technology to Advance Conservation

» Advancing Wetland Restoration with Mapping and Incentives

» Application of Multiple Approaches to Enhance Conservation at the Mahantango Creek and Choptank CEAP Sites

» Characterization and Evaluation of Riparian Buffers on Sediment Load in Goodwin Creek Watershed

» Developing a Construction Stormwater BMP Plan Using a Systems Approach

» Planning for Resilience: Hurricane Related Catastrophic Soil Interpretations through National Cooperative Soil Survey Data

» Sediment and Nutrient Load Modeling: Quantifying the Effects of Conservation Practices, an Interactive Web-Based Management System to Prioritize Practice Placement and Maximize Pollutant Load Reductions

» Slow-Release and Environmentally-Friendly Compost Production with Magnesium and Poultry Waste for Improving Soil Health and Sustainable Crop Production

» Targeting Conservation Practices in an International Watershed Using PTMApp

» Tracking and Addressing the Loss of Each State’s Important Agricultural Lands


POSTER PRESENTATIONSPoster presentations report the results of research or lessons learned on a specific theme-related topic. Posters will be on display throughout the conference in the Exhibit Hall, and presenters will be available during exhibit hours.


» Resistance Is Futile…or Is It? Do Plant-Soil Feedbacks Promote Lehmann Lovegrass to the Detriment of Blue Grama?


» Community-to-Farm Organic Waste Utilization


» Predictions of Hydrological Modification on a Tropical Wetland

» Spatial Distribution of Plant Available Nitrogen in Conventionally Managed Beef-Pastures of Southern Piedmont, Georgia

» Spatial and Temporal Variability of Metal Concentration in Agricultural Fields Downstream from the 2015 Gold King Mine Spill

» Total Sediment Lead (Pb) Concentrations in a Northwestern New Mexico Irrigation Ditch Following the Gold King Mine Spill

» Using Ecological Sites and State and Transition Models in New Mexico to Support Conservation Planning


» Visualizing Western Soil Properties Using Web Resources


» Perceived Barriers to Participation in Federal Conservation Programs


» Adding a Wheat Cover Crop to Improve Soil Physical Properties in North Carolina

» Ecological Agriculture Application with Winter Flooding

» Impacts of Integrated Crop-Livestock System on Soil Quality Parameters in South Dakota

» Improving the Science Behind Soil Health: NRCS-University Collaborative Dynamic Soil Properties (DSP) Studies

» Nitrogen Mineralization from Selected No-Till Crop Residues

» Streamlining Soil Quality Indicators for Arid and Semiarid Cropping Systems

» Strengthening Soil Health to Suppress Verticillium Wilt in Northwest Potato Production Systems


Water Resources Assessment and Management

» Monitoring the Effectiveness and Prioritization of Conservation Practices

Forest Restoration: Research, Policy, and Applied Science of Ecological Restoration across Landscapes and Watersheds

» Mapping Tree Resources in the Great Plains Using High-Resolution Imagery


» Characteristics, Motivations, and Experiences of Agriculture Producers Who Participated in Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs – Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

» Distribution of Biological Soil Crusts and Their Influence on Soil Stability in the Rio Puerco Watershed

» Erodibility of and Dust Emissions from Bare Soil Surfaces in the North American Southwest

Using Technology to Advance Conservation

» A Spatial Decision Support System: A Virtual Watershed Model for Big Creek

» Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) Version 3: A New Method Of Sub-Catchment Delineation to Better Link Upland and Riparian Settings and Enhance Watershed Planning Technologies

» Can Spatial Detail on Practice Placement Opportunities in Watersheds Inform Regional Conservation Planning Strategies? Results of a Virtual Multiwatershed Experiment

» Denitrification Bioreactors to Limit Nitrate-Nitrogen Migration


EVENTS, MEETINGS, AND LUNCHEON

SUNDAY, JULY 29New Members/First Timers/Student Orientation

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

New members, conference first timers and students, will have the opportunity to network with one another and discuss the conference with SWCS leadership and Board of Directors who will share tips for navigating the agenda, connecting with fellow conservationists, and making the most out of time spent at the conference. Attendees are encouraged to use this time to ask questions about the conference and the Society.

Student Development Session

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM

SWCS will hold a special session for student attendees. The session will unveil the professional development opportunities throughout the conference, discuss benefits of an SWCS student membership, ways to engage in professional networking, and more. Attendance is encouraged for student members and professionals wishing to connect with students.

MONDAY, JULY 30Regional Roundtables and House of Delegates (For Chapter Leaders and Members)

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

Prior to the conference kickoff, regional roundtables and the House of Delegates will be held. Regional roundtables provide chapter members an opportunity to meet with SWCS leadership and others from their region for a discussion on local events and issues. The House of Delegates session serves as platform for chapter leaders and members to communicate regional natural resource and chapter needs to SWCS leadership. A light breakfast will be provided.

Monday Plenary Session and Pritchard Lecture

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

The Monday Plenary Session will open with the State of Society address by Board Chair Rex Martin

Regional Forum and Flavor Reception Sunday, July 295:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Culture, Climate, and Conservation: The Future of New Mexico

Invited Presenters: Kurt Riley, Sky City-Acoma Pueblo Governor; Kenny Salazar, President of New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts

This year’s conference reception, organized by the SWCS New Mexico Chapter, will include a selection of themed dishes/appetizers highlighting the local flavor of Albuquerque, along with a cash bar. Spend time networking with colleagues from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, followed by presentations from invited speakers.

New Mexico, a state characterized by its extremely diverse geography, culture, and agricultural practices, is facing new challenges within the industries of agriculture and food production, including issues related to sustaining healthy lands for livestock, wildlife, and local communities as well as ensuring clean and abundant water for future generations. Additionally, the state’s natural resources will be affected by a changing climate, emerging technologies, and an evolving society. Presenters will explain how their organizations are addressing changes in cultural traditions, highlight progressive conservation programs and practices, and discuss what adaptation measures may be taken to meet societal resource needs.

A ticket for this event is included with full conference registration. Additional tickets may be purchased online in advance for guests or at the registration table if available.

Guest Tickets: $30 early/$40 late (after June 20)

and CEO Clare Lindahl. The Pritchard Lecture keynote will follow. Watch www.swcs.org/18ac for announcement of this year’s Pritchard lecturer.

July 29 - August 1, 2018 | Albuquerque, NM | www.swcs.org/18AC

Conservation Innovation Grants Showcase

10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in conjunction with SWCS, will again host the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Showcase at the SWCS Annual Conference. Since 2004, CIG has supported the development of innovative natural resource conservation approaches and technologies on working lands. This year’s showcase includes an overview of the CIG program and three themed panels. The first panel highlights innovations in water management technologies and approaches. The second panel explores CIG projects that address the natural resource challenges of historically underserved producers. The final panel includes presentations from CIG grantees demonstrating innovative technologies for managing dairy waste.

This showcase runs from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday, July 30. Following the showcase, CIG project posters will be included in the poster presentation session held in the poster display area of the exhibit hall from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Exhibitor and Poster Reception

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

This reception offers a prime opportunity to visit with exhibitors showcasing their newest technology, programs, products, and services. Attendees will have the opportunity to view posters and hear from the authors. This is also a great time to connect with potential business associates and reconnect with colleagues. A selection of themed dishes/appetizers highlighting the local flavor of Albuquerque will be served, along with a cash bar. A ticket for this event is included with full conference registration. Additional tickets may be

purchased online in advance for guests or at the registration table if available.


TUESDAY, JULY 31Awards Luncheon

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Winners of this year’s SWCS awards will be honored during this luncheon. A ticket for this event is included with full conference registration. Additional tickets may be purchased online in advance for guests or at the registration table if available.


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) Watershed Assessment Studies Annual Meeting

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Please join Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) CEAP scientists to learn about and discuss the CEAP Watershed Assessments, the small watershed studies within CEAP. This year’s meeting will follow a symposium on the general program, featuring a synthesis of key findings and next steps for CEAP watersheds. Presentations in this meeting will feature ongoing ARS CEAP Watershed Assessments (including one new project to learn about), review of the effects of conservation practices that have been measured, and major take-home messages of projects. Group discussions will follow to get input on future directions for CEAP Watershed Assessments. Come learn about the work and share your feedback!

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEUS)Attendees who wish to receive Continuing Education Units/Credits should designate the certification program for which they are seeking CEUs when registering for the conference. SWCS will arrange for Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits in the soil and water area. By attending the full conference and workshops, attendees have the ability to earn up to 20.5 CEUs. Additionally, SWCS will work with attendees to arrange credits for certified, licensed, or professional engineers (PE); agronomists (CPAg); soil scientists and classifiers (CPSS and CPSC); crop consultants (CPCC); foresters; range managers (CPRM); grassland professionals (CGP); professionals in erosion and sediment control (CPESC) and storm water quality (CPSWQ); and others as requested.


REGISTRATION INFORMATIONTo complete registration online, please visit www.swcs.org/18AC. The early registration cut-off is June 20, and the online registration cut-off is July 18, 2018.

The conference registration fee covers one attendee. If guests wish to attend educational sessions, a conference attendance option must be purchased. Please use the appropriate area on the registration form to purchase additional tickets for guests to attend the Regional Forum and Flavor Reception, Exhibitor and Poster Reception, Awards Luncheon, or other special events. Register and pay online at www.swcs.org/18AC, OR return the completed form and payment to:

Soil and Water Conservation Society Attn: 2018 Annual Conference Registration 945 SW Ankeny Road Ankeny, IA 50023

Fax: 515-289-1227

Questions? Call 1-800-THE SOIL (800-843-7645) or email [email protected].

Payments for conference fees, tours, meal functions, and activities must accompany registration and will be accepted in US funds only—credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express) or check. Cancellation of conference registration, tours, meal functions, or activities must be received in writing no later than July 5, 2018, to be eligible for a refund. If a cancellation is received on or prior to July 5, a full refund will be issued less a $75 processing fee per conference registration, a $25 processing fee per workshop and tour attendee, and a $5 processing fee per special event ticketed items. Due to contract commitments made to service providers, no refunds will be made for conference registrations, workshops, tours, meal functions, or activities after July 5, 2018.

Special Needs

Please indicate on the registration form any physical or dietary needs. SWCS is committed to meeting the needs of persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Workshops, Special Events Tickets, and Tours

Workshops, special events tickets, and tours will be handled on a reserved ticket basis only and do not need to accompany a conference registration. Tickets will be sold at the conference based on availability, but it is best to purchase as early as possible to guarantee participation. Tours, workshops, and special meal functions may be cancelled without sufficient participation. These events are subject to minimum and maximum capacity controls. SWCS reserves the right to cancel if minimum registrations are not reached or for other reasons beyond our control. Maximums may also be adjusted, so reserve your space early. If a tour is cancelled or minimums are not met, attendees will have the option to exchange tickets for another tour or request a full refund. Refunds for cancelled activities will be given after the conclusion of the annual conference.

ACCOMMODATIONSTo view options for SWCS discounted hotel room blocks, please visit www.swcs.org/18AC.

Transportation

The Hyatt Regency Albuquerque is located approximately 10 minutes from the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). Our recommended economical method of travel to and from the airport is to take a taxi (approximately $15 each way), Uber, or Lyft. You may also wish to arrange private shuttle service or rental car.

Albuquerque offers public transportation from the airport to downtown; however, that particular route does not run on Sundays. Please plan accordingly if your arrival date is Sunday, July 29.

For additional transportation information, please visit www.swcs.org/18AC.

Conference attendee lists will be shared with this year’s annual conference sponsors. You have the option to opt out of sharing your contact information on the registration form.

REGISTRANT INFO *RequiredName (please print)* _______________________________________ Company/Organization* _________________________

Address* ___________________________________ City* ___________ State/Province* _____ Postal Code* _________

Country* _________________ Phone _________________________ Email* __________________________________

Physical or dietary restrictions? Yes No If yes, please indicate: _______________________________________________

1. REGISTRATION Not a member of SWCS? Join today! Include a SWCS Conservationist level membership ($115) and save on registration.

Registration CategoriesEarly rate thru 6/20

Rate after 6/20

SWCS Member $435 $535Register and Join† $550 $650Nonmember $560 $660Senior (65+) $335 $435

Full-Time Student** Expected Graduation Date: _____________________

$250 $300

One-Day Member ‡ $250 $300

One-Day Nonmember ‡ $300 $350

One-Day Senior (65+) ‡ $185 $235

One-Day Full-Time Student**‡ Expected Graduation Date: _____________________

$130 $180

Wednesday ONLY $150 $200

† Rate includes a 12-month SWCS membership. ** Available to on-campus students only who carry at least 12 semester hours. Rate includes 12-month student membership or membership extension. Student scholarships are available. Please contact [email protected] for details.

‡ Please list day attending: ___________________

The following events are included with full conference registration. Please indicate below your intent to participate.

New Members/First Timers/Student Orientation (Sunday, July 29 at 4:00 PM) Student Development Session (Sunday, July 29 at 4:30 PM)Regional Forum and Flavor Reception (Sunday, July 29 at 5:00 PM)Regional Roundtables and House of Delegates (Monday, July 30 at 7:30 AM)Conference Kickoff (Monday, July 30 at 8:30 AM)Exhibitor and Poster Reception (Monday, July 30 at 5:00 PM)Tuesday Plenary (Tuesday, July 31 at 8:00 AM)Awards Luncheon (Tuesday, July 31 at 12:00 PM)

2. WORKSHOPS – SUNDAY, JULY 29 (Conference registration not required. Late fees apply after June 20) (1) An Integrated Environmental, Economic, and Farm Management Decision-Making Tool: Nutrient Tracking Tool (NTT) (2) Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Model(3) Using Compost to Build Soils, Reduce Erosion, and Improve Soil Moisture Retention

$70 early/$95 late x ___ = $____

$70 early/$95 late x ___ = $____$70 early/$95 late x ___ = $____

4. CEUS No charge. Please designate certification program: ______________________

5. EDUCATIONAL TRAINING TOURS – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1 (Conference registration not required. Late fees apply after June 20.) Please purchase tickets for yourself and guests as necessary.#1 Manzano Mountains Watershed $60 early/$90 late x ___ = $ _____ Restoration Tour (includes lunch) #2 Tijeras Creek Remediation, Demonstration $50 early/$80 late x ___ = $ _____ and Education Project #3 Acequias Tour of Agricultural Systems $50 early/$80 late x ___ = $ _____

3. SPECIAL EVENTS TICKETS (Late fees apply after June 20)Guest ticket(s) for Regional Forum and Flavor $30 early/$40 late x ___ = $ _____Guest ticket(s) for Exhibitor/Poster Reception $30 early/$40 late x ___ = $ _____Guest ticket(s) for Awards Luncheon $40 early/$50 late x ___ = $ _____

6. CONTRIBUTION Give and Support the SWCS Professional Development Fund $ ______

METHOD OF PAYMENT Choose One. Payment must accompany registration. All checks should be payable to SWCS.

1 Check (US funds) enclosed for $ __________ Check # __________

1 VISA 1 MasterCard 1 American ExpressCard Number _______________________________ Exp. Date ______________ CSV Code _______Name on Card ______________________________________________________________________Card Billing Address __________________________________________________________________City _____________________________ State/Province ___________ Postal Code _______________Signature __________________________________________________________________________

GRAND TOTAL $________ Go Green! Opt out of receiving a paper copy final program. Opt out of sharing contact information with conference sponsors

Register and pay online at www.swcs.org/18ac, OR return completed form and payment to:

Soil and Water Conservation SocietyAttn: 2018 Annual Conference Registration945 SW Ankeny RoadAnkeny, IA 50023Fax: 515-289-1227

73RD SWCS INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE

CULTURE, CLIMATE, AND CONSERVATIONALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO JULY 29 – AUGUST 1, 2018

REGISTRATION FORMEarly Registration Cut-Off: June 20, 2018 Online Registration Cut-Off: July 18, 2018

Register online at www.swcs.org/18AC

Documents

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE · 2018-04-05 · Nutrient Tracking Tool (NTT) Sunday, July 29 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Instructors: Ali Saleh, TIAER at Tarleton State University; Kannon Narayana,