(pdf version workshop and plenary session descriptions)

 (Please note: descriptions subject to change as we finalize workshops with presenters)

Plenary Session 1: “An Unprecedented Effort: The Oregon Plan for Salmon & Watersheds, 1997 – 2007”

Keynote Address: Former Governor John Kitzhaber

Recognizing that salmon are an integral part of Oregon’s cultural identity, this stellar panel participated in an unprecedented effort to turn the tide on the salmon’s decline knowing that only a cooperative effort, sustained over time would succeed. The essential elements of the planning and action process represented grassroots involvement, ownership and commitment based on a simple founding concept: “if we all work together to restore our watersheds, the load on any individual will not be more than can reasonably be borne.” Join panelists and colleagues for a fascinating conversation about the origins and evolution of the Oregon Plan for Salmon & Watersheds, from the early concept to its current reality.  Moderator: Louis Solliday, Department of State Lands;  Panelists: Louie Pitt, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs; Ken Bierly, OWEB; Ray Wilkeson, Oregon Forest Industries Council; Bruce Taylor, Defenders of Wildlife; Dana Erickson, Long Tom Watershed Council

Plenary Session 2, “The Oregon Plan and Beyond: Renewing the Vision for Collaborative Watershed Management, 2007 – 2020.”

Keynote Address: Angus Duncan, Bonneville Environmental Foundation

With each passing decade, we learn more. In the 1980s and 1990s, for example there was not as holistic a focus on watershed restoration; the emphasis tended to be that if we fix the rivers the salmon will come. But, questions began to emerge that changed the face of salmon recovery and watershed restoration. Today, we continue to question: what’s the most strategic way to implement our various recovery and conservation plans. Leaders in the forefront of this dialogue, each deeply concerned with creating a lasting local, citizen-based, watershed approach to natural resource management will explore the question of how we continue to make Oregon’s unprecedented and internationally-acclaimed approach relevant in the face of increasing pressure on natural resources from population increase, shifting precipitation regimes and increasing demands for water.  Moderator: Donna Silverberg, DS Consulting; Panelists: Tom Byler, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; Dan Carver, Oregon Agriculture Commission; Jeff Oveson, Grande Ronde Model Watershed; Cathy Macdonald, The Nature Conservancy; Sue Knapp, Governor’s Office

Session 1. Project Design

Need help navigating design and implementation for an in-stream project?  This session will take you through the process from conception to implementation. Topics will include getting technical assistance for developing design concepts; finding the right engineering firm to design the project; construction logistics, and finding resources in the community to help implement the project. Presenters: Dan Heagerty, David Evans and Associates; Krey Price, Tetra Tech; Jon Souder, Coos Watershed Association; Amy Horstman, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

 Session 2. Permitting  

Learn about the process of obtaining State and Federal permits for in stream work projects, including environmental compliance and removal/fill permits. Agency representatives and experienced project managers will explore with you the process of obtaining permits for an in-stream project. Presenters: Tim Bailey, ODFW; Megan Callahan-Grant, NOAA;  Mary Hoffman, Army Corps of Engineers; Kirk D. Jarvie, DSL

 Session 3. Contractor Management

Don’t really have time to learn how to operate an excavator or backhoe as you implement that fish passage project? This session will delve into the process of hiring and working with contractors on construction projects. Topics will include contractor selection, contract development and negotiation, developing bid documents, managing the work on the ground, and planning for contingencies. Presenters: Rachel Hoffman, Tillamook Estuary Partnership; Lyle Kuchenbecker, Grande Ronde Model Watershed; John Runyon, ESA Adolfson; Joe Sheehan, ODFW

 Session 4. Clinic for Technical questions

This clinic will provide an opportunity for project managers to get answers to challenging technical questions in a small group setting.  Feel free to bring specific design or project implementation questions and work closely with experienced project managers to get the advice you need. Presenters: Amy Horstman, U.S. Fish and Wildlife; Rachel Hoffman, Tillamook Estuary Partnership; Lyle Kuchenbecker, Grande Ronde Model Watershed;  John Runyon, ESA Adolfson; Joe Sheehan, ODFW

Track 2:  Diversifying Funding

Session 1. Mystery and Magic of Fund Raising

Part 1: The Ongoing Search for Opportunity

Assess your current fund development strengths and limitations.  Learn techniques and strategies to increase funding.  Find out how to choose and implement fundraising strategies that are right for you. Discover how case statements and resource development plans can help communicate your need for funding and focus your efforts to get it. Presenters: Michelle Bussard, Forest Park Conservancy; Barbara Bell, Consultant

 Session 2.  Mystery and Magic of Fund Raising

Part 2: Friend Raising and Other Fun-raising Strategies

Does your watershed council have friends? Do your friends have money?  Consider the challenges and opportunities of developing and expanding a donor base to support your mission.  Explore opportunities to utilize your board and/or partners to help generate support.  Examine how you might share contacts with like-minded organizations and how to use newsletters, websites and special events to reach a broader audience and cultivate new supporters.   Presenters: Michelle Bussard, Forest Park Conservancy; Barbara Bell, Consultant

 Session 3.  Talking with Foundations

Are you prepared to start talking with foundations? Explore working with foundations to achieve your goals. Address your fears and concerns by learning from the foundations themselves. Learn about specific programs from representatives of several important regional foundations.  Look into the importance of relationship building.  Consider what questions to ask and what information to provide. Presenters: Sally Yee, Meyer Memorial Trust; Ray Jubitz, Jubitz Family Foundation; Kristina Wolniakowski, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

 Session 4. Casting a Larger Net – Sustaining Watershed Council Programs.

Explore innovative ways to fund programs with a longer time horizon. Learn how to negotiate the funding maze and successfully apply for state and federal grants. Hear about the array of grant programs that are applicable and accessible to councils. Learn about emerging funding trends.  Get pointers on securing non-federal match in order to be eligible for federal grant programs. Presenters: Bob Bower, Walla Walla Basin Watershed Council; Robin Jenkinson, Bonneville Environmental Foundation; Jon Souder, Coos Watershed Association; Jennifer Hampel, Coquille Watershed Council

Track 3:  Organizational Development

Session 1. Making the Most of it:  Watershed Councils as Non-Profits

Learn about the challenges and opportunities of becoming a 501(c) (3) organization.  Find out what pitfalls to avoid and how to benefit from your new status.  How might 501(c) (3) status influence board development and evolution? How will you maintain the role of traditional watershed stakeholders? Explore how to honor the obligations of a 501(c) (3) organization while maintaining an effective and inclusive watershed council.  Presenters: Deborah Dyson, Attorney; Dana Erickson, Long Tom Watershed Council; Jennifer Martin, Owyhee Watershed Council; Bob Kinyon, Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers

 Session 2.   Improving Board Leadership

Bring new energy and perspectives to your organization. Look at how to build new and stronger relationships between staff and board members.  Explore practical strategies to build on your board's strengths. Involve board leadership and staff to explore new strategies to identify how to govern more and manage less.  Presenters: Katherine Luscher, River Network; Liz Redon, North Santiam Watershed Council; Teresa Huntsinger, Oregon Environmental Council

 Session 3.   Using a Budget to Plan for the Future

Consider how best to portray and present budget information to the board and staff.  Explore how to transform your annual budget into a meaningful tool for evaluating choices, building unity on your watershed council, and plotting a course for the future. Presenters: Susan Schwartz, River Network; Ryan Houston, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council

 Session 4. Turning the Tide on Turnover

In the last biennium approximately one-half of Oregon’s watershed councils were affected by staff turnover, layoffs and/or reductions in staff hours.  What are the factors that influence staff recruiting, retention and job satisfaction?  Explore ways to develop, inspire and retain a strong, committed staff team.  Presenters: Ryan Houston, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council; Russ Plaeger, Sandy River Basin Council; Kate Bodane, Zetlin Strategic Communications; Jamie Sheahan, Columbia River Gorge Education Center