MSU Extension holds Water School
From staff reports
If you’re interested in learning about the many facets of water, its importance to our economy and environment, and what you as a local official or decision maker can do to protect this valuable resource, please plan to attend Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s two-day Water School: Essential Resources for Local Officials, Sept. 17-18 from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center on 6686 S. Center Highway. The MSU Extension Water School is a joint project between MSU Extension and Michigan Sea Grant.
MSU Extension Water School is a policy-neutral, fact-based program. The objective of the two-day program is to provide local decision makers and appointed and elected officials with critical, relevant information needed to understand Michigan’s water resources, including the fundamentals of water science, in order to support sound water management decisions and increase awareness of current and future local and state water issues. As an elected or appointed official, you are a valued leader with a unique opportunity to make important decisions regarding the future of our water resources.
Water School features both in-class presentations and interactive learning demonstrations along with a field-tour. The program will include sessions on a) water quantity; b) water quality; c) economics, finance, and planning; and d) water policy issues. Relevant topics presented as part of this course include: Michigan’s Blue Economy; local water issues; water quantity and groundwater availability in Michigan; dealing with water quality issues affecting the waters of Michigan; critical connections to Michigan’s Water Strategy; fiscal benefits of water management; how to incorporate water into local planning and placemaking; risk management approaches; water policy at the federal, tribal, state and local levels, and an online toolkit to help address water problems. The field-tour session will enhance the classroom content by highlighting innovative green infrastructure and low impact development practices in the Northwest Michigan area.
