science and policy research: urban streams
additional thoughts, comments or criticisms

Responses are listed below, unedited except to correct obvious typographic errors.

Either approach for a meeting (one day before NABS versus a stand-alone meeting) would be fine.
- Peter Groffman

I am the team leader of the NAWQA Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems (EUSE) study. We've been talking recently with Tom Schueler, Karen Cappiella, and others at the Center for Watershed Protection about organizing a similar meeting (at least in some regards) on questions like "What is the state of the science regarding characterizing indicators of urbanization at a variety of scales, particularly indicators whose state can be controlled by regulators or developers? What is the state of the science in relating indicators of urbanization and stream biota? and What tools are available for local land managers and developers to evaluate the impacts of development on the PCB characteristics of streams?" So we are interested in seeing if there might be a way to combine forces/coordinate.
- Gerard McMahon

[note: We're talking with Jerry and Karen and have agreed in principal to join the two proposed meetings. We're very excited about this.]

I think this conference is definitely worth while, but it will be most effective if a good framework is set in place before the meeting. I look forward to working with all you urban stream people!
- Alison Purcell

I've conducted research on urban streams in Philadelphia, Vermont, and now Virginia. In Philadelphia, the research was part of a cross-disciplinary research project to specifically understand linkages between urbanization, riparian vegetation, channel morphology, and aquatic ecosystem health. We are still working on analysis and interpretation of this data. However, an opportunity exists to 'revisit' many of these sites to see how things have changed since they were first studied about 8 years ago; during which time some of the site's watersheds have stayed the same, while others have developed significantly. In Virginia, we (with Tess Wynn & Gene Yagow) recently started (this week) a new study on the impacts of urbanization on Virginia Coastal Zone streams. We already have 50 independent stream-sites selected between Richmond and Washington, DC. The study is focused on how urbanization (level and age) impacts channel enlargement/sediment loadings. We don't have an ecological component, but would certainly love to add one through partnerships. I'd like to be fairly involved in this. Definitely could be part of a subcommittee related to the physical impacts (hydrology/geomorphology), but, depending on time commitment, could be interested in executive committee as well. Thanks, Cully"
- W. Cully Hession

Note: the study Dr. Hession mentions sounds like a great opportunity for an interdisciplinary urban stream research project. Any urban aquatic ecologists working in the mid-Atlantic area interested in a potential partnership with Dr. Hession should contact him.

This is very exciting. Good job with the proposal. I second the need to bring in 'hard' scientists like hydrologists and engineers into this. I also encourage sociologists and/or economists being included in this, if not from the beginning, at least at some point.
- Brian Helms

Note: hey, ecologists are hard scientists too! But are engineers? :)

I attended the 2003 meeting in Melbourne and found it very helpful and interesting - I think another meeting devoted to urban streams is a GREAT idea.
- Juliet Simpson

Note-- I will be on sabbatical from ~ 15 January to the end of April, but will be in e-mail contact. Any ideas on whether EPA, and some other agencies, would potentially spring some monies for a conference?
- Ray Morgan

Note: we're going to talk to the EPA and USGS, and look into funding agencies and other sources-anyone with good suggestions on this, please post them to the listserv.

Be sure to include stormwater managers from local governments.
- Frank Henning

I think it's a great idea to develop a multidisciplinary group to address this issue. The action is long overdue.
- Tess Wynn

I think this is a great start, I do believe we need to make this an interdisiplinary effort (engineers and social scientists if possible).
- Cathy Gibson

I think this effort is an excellent idea.
- Wilfred Wollheim

If the stand alone meeting is not an option in terms of cost,etc. I would suggest a combination of a single day meeting/workshop prior to NABS as well special session(s) within NABS 2008.
- Jason May

I don't think it can be stressed enough that there is the need for better information transfer. As scientists, we need to provide clear information that is easily understood by decision makers and/or stakeholders. Protecting streams that are in reasonable condition will be much easier (and cheaper) than rehab efforts on one already degraded. Big picture planing, better decision making, "smart growth" for future developments would all benefit from better communication. Also, I don't think there is any single answer to the problems facing urban watersheds, stressing the need for interdisiplinary management, including ecologist, hydrologist, economist, etc. In my opinion, environmental health and economic prosperity go hand and hand.
- Matt Wooten

Another special issue of JNABS (or another journal) would be a nice product from this meeting. Field trips in association with the meeting would be fun. Meeting should include a means for researchers to establish actual working relationships after the meeting - sort of like an E-harmony for researcher collaborations.
- Paul Mayer

You are doing a great job and I have forwarded this opportunity to several professors at Texas State University.
- melani howard

I would be willing to serve on committees if in dire need.
- Mark Scott

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