Pacific Northwest Agriculture and Water Quality and Idaho Ground Water Conference Set Oct. 19-20, 2004 in Boise, Idaho

BOISE, IDAHO — The fifth Agriculture and Water Quality in the Pacific Northwest Conference, along with the Idaho Connections Ground Water Technical Workshop, will be held October 19-20, 2004, at the Boise Centre on the Grove Convention Center in Boise, Idaho.

This will focus on agricultural and water-related issues in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Featured invited speakers include Senator Mike Crapo; Patrick Takasugi, director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture; and Ann Klee, the nominated EPA assistant administrator. Luncheon speakers are Dr. Philip Mote of the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, who will speak on the potential effects of global warming; and eastern Washington producer Read Smith, who will discuss future conservation challenges for water quality.

On October 20 an expert panel will discuss water quality — pesticides — endangered species issues. A second panel will discuss Idaho Magic Valley Ground Water Management issues. The ground water management panel is comprised of Karl Dreher, director of the Idaho Water Resources Department; Laird Noh of Kimberly and co-chair of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer Group; Dr. Randy MacMillan of Clear Springs Foods; and Lynn Carlquist, vice chairman of the North Snake Ground Water District. Twelve sessions will cover a variety of water, ground water, and agricultural-related topics.

In addition, two concurrent water quality workshops will be offered for $35 each on Monday, October 18. One workshop will provide animal producers and nutrient management planners with training on animal feed and nutrient management planning. The other Monday workshop will focus on sustainable management for small acreage owners and will include a field tour. On October 21 and 22, isotope hydrology training will be provided for $100 by the U.S. Geological Survey.

This week-long event is organized and sponsored by agricultural, environmental and government organizations from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Registration forms are now available on the Internet at http://www.agwaterqualitynw.org.

The conference registration fee is $140 before September 27, and $190 at the door. The registration fee includes all sessions, breaks, and two lunches at the Boise Centre on the Grove Convention Center.

For more information visit the conference Web site or contact Steering Committee Chair Gary Bahr, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, at 208-332-8597 or the Far West Agribusiness Association in Spokane, Washington at admin@fwaa.org and 509-465-5055.

For additional information, please contact Kathy Sodhi at 208-332-8671.