I received an invitation to this in the mail and am planning on going. I am primarily representing Town Branch Trail and the Town Branch watershed, which is a subset of our beloved Elkhorn, but watersheds throughout our region are being represented, so it would be cool to have some paddlers for other home watersheds.

Bluegrass Watershed Summit.
Draft vision 3.0

Tuesday, October 23, 2007
6:00 PM (Registration opens at 5:30)
Lexington, KY

A Gathering of core leaders working at the watershed level to:

1. Share information,
2. Identify common issues, and
3. Draw from each others knowledge and strength.
4. Inspire those working in unorganized areas to get organized!

PURPOSE:
Key to a Summit. is meeting as equals. This is not a workshop, lecture series, or "top down" training.
There is considerable expertise and experience among the individual leadership working in our Bluegrass Watersheds.

The Summit's purpose is to establish a direct network of these experts by bringing these individuals together to share their experiences.

WHO IS INVOLVED?
Key Leadership working at the watershed level in the Central Bluegrass Region of Kentucky (Eco-Regions 71K and 71L).

This includes specific tributaries of the Middle Kentucky, South Licking and Upper Salt River watersheds. (including Elkhorn, Upper Eagle, Strode's, Stoner, Silas, Townsend, The Howard's, Slate, Muddy, Silver, Paint Lick, Sugar, Dix, Hickman, Jessamine, Clear Fork, Glens, Upper Salt, Benson, Six Mile, etc..)

When explaining this to those still stuck in the "County" mind set, try Shelby, Franklin, Scott, Fayette, Bourbon, Montgomery, Clark, Madison, Garrard, Lincoln, Boyle, Mercer, Washington, Taylor and Anderson.

Since Dinner is involved, participation is by pre-registration or RSVP to invitation only.
We will provide you with location information and directions upon registration for the event.

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?

1. Gathering together under one roof to meet each other.
2. Participating in a series of roundtables on our common interests. (including the science, politics, logistics and finance of our work)
3. Sharing a meal together as we discuss what issues came forward from the roundtables.
4. Concluding with a forum on future directions in our watersheds.

Does this sound too chaotic?
Perhaps, but the format does provide a setting for each of us to contribute what we can, and come away with what we need from the process.

How can I Help?

1. Schedule the date and join us!
2. Form a delegation from your watershed by inviting those you are working with to join us as well.
3. If you are part of a government, commercial or service program and have resources to offer (such as funding technical expertise, materials) , we would like to send us a one page summary of those programs/services with contact information. Display space will be available if you have materials to distribute.
4. Join the steering committee for the event (Now being formed)

Further Background:

1. Draft text of Bluegrass Partnership Grant Application to Kentucky American Water Company submitted by Amanda Abnee Gumbert.
2. Participants will be asked to participate in facilitated roundtables that will address specific topics.
* What are you spending time and resources on now in your watershed?
* What has been successful for you?
* How can that be replicated in other watersheds?
3. Following topical discussions over dinner, we will re-convene over desert in geographic groups based on watershed areas throughout the bluegrass.

[www.kywater.net]

Let me know if you sign up -- zmerkin at gmail

I have signed up for this conference and plan to work on the Glen's Creek watershed.

Allen