Panel discussion to explore Aquidneck Island’s watersheds

salvetoday Posted On March 14, 2016
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A panel of experts will come together Wednesday, March 16 to discuss the impact of human development on Aquidneck Island’s watersheds. Sponsored by the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, “Watershed in Focus” will be held at 7 p.m. in the Bazarsky Lecture Hall.

Sixty thousand residents of Aquidneck Island primarily rely upon surface water for their drinking water supply. More than 350 years of human development on the island has impacted its watersheds in many ways, and now these small, urban coastal watersheds are gaining considerable attention for the issues they face.

Moderated by Dr. Jameson Chace, associate professor in the Department of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, this panel of experts in the areas of watershed monitoring, hydrological research, community action, infrastructural planning and source water protection will discuss challenges and potential solutions.

Panelists include:

  • Kelly Addy, research associate in the University of Rhode Island’s watershed hydrology lab
  • Charles Allott, executive director of the Aquidneck Land Trust
  • Thomas Ardito, executive director of the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission
  • Elizabeth Herron, coordinator of the University of Rhode Island’s Watershed Watch program
  • David McLaughlin, executive director of Clean Ocean Access

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP at the Pell Center’s Eventbrite page. For more information, call (401) 341-2927 or email pellcenter@salve.edu.