U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
News Release
Sept. 22, 2006 Athena Clark 334-395-4141 athclark@xxxxxxxx
Alabama Celebrates World Water
Monitoring Day
Editors: High resolution
images of this event are available on: ftp://ftpext.usgs.gov/pub/er/al/montgomery/USGS-AUM/
Scientists from the USGS Alabama
Water Science Center joined ecology students from Auburn University at
Montgomery (AUM) at Cypress Creek in Montgomery, Ala. this week to demonstrate
field sampling techniques of water resources. This event is part of an
ongoing cooperative agreement between USGS and AUM and in celebration of
World Water Monitoring Day.
Mayor Bobby Bright joined the efforts
and shared with the AUM students his vision of the restoration of Cypress
Creek as part of the Montgomery Riverfront development in downtown Montgomery.
“I am excited about the existing
partnership between USGS and AUM and the potential of further collaboration
in the future,” said AUM Chancellor Dr. John Veres.
“USGS is the primary federal water
quality monitoring agency, and we at AUM are privileged to be a party to
a cooperative agreement with the USGS Alabama Water Science Center,” said
Dr. Rosine Hall, AUM – Department of Biology. “This gives us the
opportunity to collaborate scientifically with USGS staff, and it allows
our environmental biology students many opportunities to take part in federal
programs, to watch, and to learn from the professional staff, said Hall.
“USGS is privileged to share a
Cooperative Agreement with AUM,” said Athena Clark, Director, USGS Alabama
Water Science Center, “The Cooperative Agreement allows USGS and
AUM to share science resources. Being able to teach students about
the importance of water resources and USGS field sampling techniques was
an important part of World Water Monitoring Day for Alabama,” said Clark.
Water samples will be processed
at the USGS National Laboratory in Denver, CO. Lab results will be
shared with AUM students to further their lessons
World Water Monitoring Day is an
international outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement
in protecting water resources around the world. Hosted by the Water
Environment Federation (WEF) and Earth Conservation Corps., this annual
observation is intended to increase and sustain public education about
monitoring and clean water; increase visibility of volunteer monitoring;
and enhance partnerships among volunteers and professionals interested
in, and working on, water-related issues. Since its inception in
2002, more than 80,000 people have participated in 50 countries.
As in past years, monitoring, water-related
festivals, and other events will take place within a window from September
18 through October 18. For more information, please see: www.worldwatermonitoringday.org.
The USGS serves the nation by providing
reliable scientific information to: describe and understand the Earth;
minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water,
biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our
quality of life.
To receive USGS news releases go
to http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/list_server.asp
to subscribe.
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Diane Noserale
Media Relations, Eastern Region
U.S. Geological Survey
150 National Center
Reston, VA 20192
phone: 703-648-4333
fax: 703-648-4588
