The River Mile Community Gatherings
These new gatherings are presentations on a variety of topics and by a variety of presenters. They occur on the last Wednesday of every month from 3:30 to 4:30 PM Pacific Time.
February 24, 2021
Dr. Eric Larson, University of Illinois
"The weird, hairy crayfishes of the Pacific Northwest: an overview of the ecology and conservation of the pilose crayfishes Pacifastacus connectens and Pacifastacus gambelii."
If you've encountered a crayfish in the Pacific Northwest, odds are that it was either our native, iconic signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) or one of a number of non-native species introduced from eastern North America. However, the region is home to other, rarer native species, including the two species of pilose or "hairy" crayfishes: Pacifastacus connectens and Pacifastacus gambelii. Long under-studied, my laboratory has been conducting research on the ecology, distribution, evolution, and conservation status of these unusual animals across Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada and Utah. Here I'll summarize our current understanding of two of the region's most poorly known freshwater species.
March 24, 2021
Jim Ekins, Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension
"From fires to fishable: the U.S. Federal Clean Water Act"
The Clean Water Act of 1972 is one of the cornerstone environmental protection laws in the United States. It resulted in profound water quality improvements throughout the country. With some amendments along the way, it stood the test of time as a well written, robust piece of legislation. But where did it get it’s start? How is it organized? How is it implemented today? And what emerging challenges to the law should we be aware of? Let’s explore the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, and as it’s formally known, in this 40-minute presentation by a guy who was two years old when it passed, Jim Ekins, Ph.D., Area Water Educator for University of Idaho Extension.
April 28, 2021
Starr Farrell, USFS Kettle Falls.
How the water that fills Lake Roosevelt comes down from the Pend Oreille River. We have a ton of the head waters up on the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger Districts. Will talk about the agencies and our philosophies and how they interact to help create a thriving ecosystem and play area for the public.
May 26, 2021
TBD
