Nebraska Water Center seminars focus on hydro-tourism and economic development in Nebraska

Fishing as the sun sets over Lake McConaughy (Credit: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)
Fishing as the sun sets over Lake McConaughy (Credit: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)

The Nebraska Water Center (NWC), in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources, will begin its annual Spring Water Seminar Series this February. The 2022 Series will highlight the significance that water holds in and around Nebraska and its ability to bring people from all walks of life together. The Series is open to the public and will be held at Hardin Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus at 3:30 p.m. every other Wednesday.

In addition, the series – with writing assignments and in-class, student-led discussions on alternate weeks – doubles as a one-credit hour undergraduate/graduate course listed under NRES/AGRO/GEOG/GEOL 484/884 and WATS 484. Students interested in registering should be junior level or above.

The 2022 seminars will feature an extraordinary slate of specialists representing everything from city engineers to indigenous educational consultants to river outfitters. This diversity in fields and experience will highlight how water means something different to every individual but is also something that unites us.

Established in 1968, the series provides a forum to increase awareness and allow for meaningful conversation regarding these issues. The series is a cornerstone of NWC’s mission to help the University of Nebraska become an international leader in water research, teaching, extension and outreach.

This year lectures include:

February 2 - Wynn Hjermstad, Community Development Manager, City of Lincoln; Glenn Johnson, Former General Manager of Lower Platte South NRD

February 16 - Shane Sigle, River Designer, JEO Consulting Firm; Steve Rames, City Engineer, City of Norfolk

March 2 - Chris Chizinski, Associate Professor, UNL School of Natural Resources; Dean Rosenthal, Administrator, Fisheries Division, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

March 23 - Colby Johnson, Regional Supervisor, Nebraska State Parks; Regina Carlini*, Director of Economic Development, KCAD; Deb Schilz*, President, Ogallala City Council

April 6 - Shane Doyle, Educational Consultant, Crow Tribe of Montana

April 20 - Rich Mercure, Little Outlaw Canoes, Tubes & Kayaks; Mike Murphy, General Manager, Middle Niobrara NRD; Matt Sprenger, Project Manager, US Fish and Wildlife Service

*invited

More details at: https://watercenter.unl.edu