Cayuga Lake Watershed Network
Program Committee (formerly Outreach Committee)
Conference Call
September 13, 2010

Present: Dale Baker (Chair); John Mawdsley (Board of Directors Chair), Roxy Johnston, Rebecca Ruggles, Judy Pipher

Agenda:

1. Fall Conference Update – 3 speakers tied down thanks to Roxy, and IO will co-sponsor. The date is 23 Oct. Timeframe? Morning seems reasonable since there is impetus to collaborate with the Bioneers Conference, who have an afternoon event at the Women’s Community Center. It was suggested that the talks be 40 minutes each, with a 30 minute panel discussion. Panel 30 min. Break 15 minutes and 10 min questions each speaker. Suggested time 9:30am – 1pm, although that could slide depending on the Bioneer’s schedule, and relative proximity of the two events. Rebecca will call Gay Nicholson (Sustainable Tompkins) tomorrow. Perhaps we could have it at Unitarian Church Annex if the Bioneers are actually at Women’s Community Center. Bioneers will coadvertise our event. John Mawdsley had been tasked to find location at the last meeting; once we know the Bioneer’s particulars, one of us could follow up on location unless John could do it immediately. Bill Kappell, USGS, is the first speaker, and will focus on hydrofracking while setting the stage as to the area’s geologic history. Susan Riha, Cornell, will follow. She will address how municipalities look at development, as it pertains to climate change models. Municipalities need to, for example, change storm water rules in preparation for changed climate. Liz Moran, a consultant on the dredging of the Cayuga Inlet, has a broad background. For example, she was pivotal in the Cayuga Lake Characterization. We all felt that the original title “What Price Development?” made sense (although we also discussed “What Price Progress?”)
2. Sunset on Cayuga – our committee suggests a spring event instead of next fall – building on the interest of past participants.
3. Board Process and advocacy positions. We feel that the Board needs to develop the process whereupon the advocacy positions taken by the Network are formulated. An example is Hilary’s letter this spring – some Board members were unaware. This also relates to Hilary’s question re: AES vs. DEC. Is a Conference appropriate? There then took place some discussion as to the future of AES and Coal-fired plants. AES shut down production summer 2009 and may not be around. There are questions as to the environmental impact on the lake, even if it closes. We need to learn more before we discuss potential conferences. How do we educate ourselves. Is it the purview of the Issues Cte.? It is clear the Program Cte. needs to discuss this and other issues with the Issues Cte. Obtain background information and present it to the Board. Dale and Roxy are to officially refer this to Issues Committee, or seek clarification of Committee roles in this instance.
4. Wells Relationship and events. One suggestion was that every Wednesday in the summer we have a seminar. This plan would uese Wells facilities when under-utilized. John brought up the 5 year understanding at the last meeting. A conversation with Wells is in order to see if they prefer summers, when students and faculty are gone, or the school year, when both are available. Dale will ask Hilary and John to engage Wells and seek ways for our presence there can be of on-going and greater mutual benefit.
5. Kayaking event long range planning. After fall conference.
6. Other issues - We have a ready-made wetlands conference (repeat of this spring) which we could hold at Montezuma . The speaker from Montezuma (Tom Jasikoff) suggested this, and also mentioned that Montezuma has a ready-made base of interested participants.
7. Next planning meeting – October 8 at 3pm