Science Committee

Co-Chairs: Wendell Koning Individual Public Member, Nilo Sinntamby, Miistakis Institute

Role

To provide leadership, guidance and technical support in the areas of scientific research, data collection, assessment, integration, and dissemination.

Key Activities

  • Organize and execute technical information exchange forums, notably the annual BRBC Science Forum.

  • Support Citizen Science Workshops as appropriate.

  • Provide technical guidance to the Board of Directors (and other standing committees) on emerging issues within the basin and keep the greater membership aware of these issues as they relate to their mandates and interests.

  • Provide guidance and direction on scientific initiatives (e.g., monitoring and modeling) in support of the BRBC projects (e.g., the “State of the Watershed Report, a living document).

  • Promote good science regarding watershed management in the Bow River Basin.

  • Assist the Board of Directors with the review and selection of research funding proposals in keeping with the goals of the BRBC Funding Policy and mandate.

Membership and Meetings

  • There are approximately 25 active BRBC members on this committee from a wide spectrum of scientific backgrounds ranging from water quality chemists, biologists, limnologists, hydrologists, geologists and engineers.

  • The committee meets monthly between September and June to discuss ongoing projects and topical issues regarding watershed management.

  • Meetings frequently have guest speakers on a topic of interest to keep the committee informed on novel advancements or emerging topics.

  • The committee often spurs creation of subcommittees to address specific needs and complete specific tasks (e.g., Science Forum Planning Sub-committee, Groundwater Subcommittee).

Recurring and Ongoing Projects

  • Annual BRBC Science Forum, which takes place in May each year

  • A rural groundwater well monitoring citizen science project.

  • Supporting BRBC citizen (community science workshops)