Reminder: Keystone Coldwater Conference Set For February 19-20 In State College

The 2010 Keystone Coldwater Conference will be held on February 19-20 in State College. This year the theme is, "Responsible Energy Development: Protecting Our Coldwater Resources."

Early registration and poster session proposals are due by February 1.

Sponsors of the Conference include: PA Trout Unlimited, Coldwater Heritage Partnership, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Fish and Boat Commission, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, National Trout Unlimited, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. ThePA Environment Digestis also a supporting sponsor.

On Friday there is an optional workshop on the basics of wind energy development and gas exploration and extraction in Pennsylvania. The workshop is an additional $20. Information will include economic, regulatory and policy considerations, along with the basic processes used to explore, site and implement the development of wind farms and gas wells.

On Saturday, the program begins at 8:30 a.m. with several keynote speakers. Eight breakout sessions will round off the morning and afternoon, with topics related to oil and gas exploration, wind power generation, access and transmission corridors, and coal extraction.

Presentations will highlight research, case studies, proactive community action, policy and regulations, and targeted outreach and advocacy that have played a part in ensuring environmental protection.

Email poster submissions to Deborah Nardone, PA Council of Trout Unlimited, at: dnardone@coldwaterheritage.org or call 814-359-5233 by February 1.

The Conference will provide attendees the opportunity of sharing of ideas and concepts among diverse groups with common interests, such as nonprofit organizations, Trout Unlimited chapters, sportsmen’s groups and watershed associations, along with environmental professionals from conservation districts, agencies, consulting firms and academics.

The Conference will be held at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, in State College.

For program information: Call the Coldwater Heritage Partnership at 814-359-5233 or visit the Keystone Coldwater Conference webpage.

To register, visit the Conference registration webpage. Conference registration fee: $45 (until February 1); $60 (after February 1); $20 (optional workshop Friday).