President's Message

Well as I sit here and watch much of our water solidify for the winter, I wanted to pass on a few bits of news from our section.
I have just returned from the AWRA 2011 Annual Water Resources Conference  in Albuquerque New Mexico. You were recognized as the 2011 Outstanding State Section for "recognition of a Section's activities in advancing water resources knowledge in the Section; number, type, and scope of Section activity; special activities of unusual note; and number of National Members in the section." Congratulations. I can also report that all of the state section presidents met for an idea exchange - comparing what each of the sections do - and we are doing well and serve as a good example of a strong section. The conference was an excellent forum for sharing ideas and learning what is going on elsewhere in the country, although Alaskan issues were noticeably absent. I'd recommend the meeting for any of you who have to opportunity to attend next year in Jacksonville, FL (November 12-15, 2012).

Speaking of meetings next year, the planning for our Section's annual meeting is coming along nicely. It will be held March 5-7 in Juneau, AK with the theme "Alaska's Waters: Challenges & Opportunities". Look for a call for abstracts and information on the meeting, field trip, and workshop delivered to your inbox soon.

It's not to early to start thinking about presentations for the conference, helping solicit student scholarship applications, and volunteering to serve on our board of directors next year.

Enjoy the snow and I'll see everyone in Juneau.

Sincerely,
Chuck Podolak
President, Alaska Section