Salinas River Symposium: Program and Presentations

By Michael Jenks, Esq., Adjunct Instructor, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo

By Douglas Piirto, B.S. Forestry, M.S. Forest and Wood Science, Ph.D. Wood Science

Overview of rangelands, oak woodlands, and wildlife in the Salinas River watershed. Discussion of Central Coast livestock industry and local ranchers’ commitment to protecting the watersheds they live in.

Presented by Royce Larson, B.S. Watershed Science, M.S. and Ph.D. Rangeland Resources – University of California Cooperative Extension Area Watershed / Natural Resource Advisor on the California Central Coast

Review of research on pathogens being shed by livestock and wildlife in the Salinas River region and implications for microbial water quality and produce safety.

Presented by Rob Atwill, D.V.M., M.P.V.M., Ph.D. Infectious Disease Epidemiology – Director, Veterinary Medicine Extension, University of California, Davis

Presentation of applied research on water quality dynamics associated with livestock production on California’s rangelands with focus on microbial water quality. Discussion of management practices and strategies to minimize surface water microbial and nutrient pollution on working rangelands.

Presented by Ken Tate, B.S. and M.S. Rangeland Ecology, Ph.D. Water Resources – Rustic Rangeland Watershed Specialist, University of California, Davis

Presentation of natural history, climate change, and conservation efforts related to south-central California Coast steelhead trout with a focus on the upper Salinas River watershed.

Presented by Lisa Thompson, B.S. Zoology, M.S. Biology, Ph.D. Zoology – Chief Scientist with Regional San

Introduction to Waterways, a venture in geodynamic technology at Cal State University, Fresno, which allows users to perform four-dimensional research in history, statistics, and analysis backwards and forwards through time.

Presented by Peter McDonald, B.A. English, M.S. Library and Information Science – Dean of California State University, Fresno Library

To view the 5 minute demonstration of Waterways shown by Dr. McDonald at the Symposium, click the button and enter the password madden2013.

Click Here

Overview of studies carried out for river reaches in California, including the Salinas River that analyze streamflow and sediment composition, as well as their interaction to support aquatic ecosystems.

Presented by Samuel Sandoval Solis, B.S. Civil Engineering, M.S. Hydraulics, Ph.D. Environmental and Water Resource Engineering – University of California, Davis

Presentation of Stream Maintenance Program designed to reduce flood risk while protecting sensitive riparian habitat and enhancing cooperation between landowners, the agriculture industry, agencies and non-profits. Discussion of results and insights gained from a demonstration project completed along a 12-mile stretch of the Salinas River, from Chualar to Gonzales, by The Nature Conservancy, Monterey County RCD, Grower-Shipper Association and Monterey County Water Resources Agency.

Panel discussion with Abby Taylor-Silva, Vice President of Policy and Communications, Grower-Shipper Association; Paul Robins, Executive Director, Resource Conservation District of Monterey County; Abigail Hart, Salinas Agriculture Project Director, The Nature Conservancy