Table of Contents

• Summary

• President's Notes

• State Conference Speaker Preview

• June Virtual Poster Series Recap

• Student Fellowship Awards & Research Articles
• Unveiling Alluvial Aquifer Potential - Brook Bauer
• Environmental Equity in the Columbia River Basin - Kinsey Freeman
• Managed Aquifer Recharge on Manastash Creek - Elif Myers
• Tracking Hydropower Dam Operations Using Satellites - Sarath Suresh

• AWRA-WA Basin Sponsors

June to August 2024 Edition

President's Notes

By Katherine Taiclet – Landau Associates and AWRA-WA Section President

Dear Members, 

As we enjoy the summer season, I want to extend my gratitude to all of you for your continued support and dedication to water resource management. Our collective efforts are crucial in addressing the challenges and opportunities in Washington’s water resources. I encourage you to stay connected with our community and participate in our upcoming events. 

The Board is thrilled to announce a new “behind the scenes” addition to AWRA-WA. Megan Balkovic, Website and Marketing Consultant for AWRA National, has agreed to team up with our Chapter. With Megan joining as our new webmaster, Patrick Vandenberg, who has served in this role for many years, along with Colin Buter more recently, will be able to focus on activities that are more valuable to them, the board, and our membership. Patrick is excited to engage with our student committees and contribute to the development of our newsletter. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Patrick for his years of dedicated service as our webmaster and look forward to his continued contributions in these new areas. 

The events committee is planning several exciting networking and learning events for the end of summer and this fall. Topics include Water and Power Developments (dinner at a Seattle venue), Taneum Creek updates (hosted in Ellensburg) and Restoration of Salmon Runs in the Pacific Northwest (held near Walla Walla). Stay tuned for updates on dates and confirmed locations. Please note that the topics may change. 

Upcoming Events:

• National Conference: Hosted in St. Louis, MO, Hyatt Regency St. Louis Arch September 30^th to October 2^nd, 2024. Super Saver registration rate ends August 10^th and hotel room block rate ends September 6^th. Join the AWRA, the Universities Council on Water Resources, and the National Institutes for Water Resources in bringing together a professional community of 60 years through the theme “Celebrating the Past and Planning for the Future of Water.” For more information, visit 2024 Joint 60th Conference (awra.org). 

• Annual State Conference: Reserve your seat at the Mountaineers Seattle Program Center on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Early Bird registration ends August 23^rd.We invite you to share with us networking, engagement, and learning through the theme “Fishable, Swimmable: Protecting Washington’s Waters.” The preliminary program and session information will be posted soon; AWRA Washington Section Annual State Conference 2024 (waawra.org). 

I invite you to make a meaningful impact on water resources management in Washington by volunteering your time and talents with AWRA-WA. Your involvement benefits our communities and environment. AWRA Washington Section - Get Involved (waawra.org).  

If you’re interested in serving on the board, volunteering with events, or lending a hand when needed, kindly contact me at kryf@landauinc.com or call/text me at 509-993-6505. 

Thank you for being a responsible water user. Together, we can ensure a sustainable water future for our community. Stay hydrated and enjoy the summer! 

~Katherine