The Conservation Foundation's
Environmental Summit
A River Runs Through:
Exploring the Ecological and Community Impacts of Dam Removal on Local Waterways
Thursday, November 12th
8:30am – 12:00pm
Virtual
About
What happens when we give rivers room to flow again?
For generations, dams have shaped our local waterways, supporting industry and communities. Today, communities across the country are taking a closer look at removing these structures — and the results can be remarkable. Free-flowing rivers can create healthier habitat for fish and wildlife, improve water quality, address aging infrastructure and safety concerns, and open new opportunities for recreation and connection with nature.
This year’s Environmental Summit will explore the ecological and community impacts of dam removal through local stories. Presenters will share science and research on rivers and watersheds where nature is rebounding, explore what dam removal can mean for local communities, and discuss how we can balance ecological restoration with the needs and concerns of the people who live, work, and play along our waterways.
Join us to discover how restoring the natural flow of our rivers can benefit both people and nature — and what these changes could mean for our own communities.
Speakers
Brook McDonald
President & CEO
The Conservation Foundation
Sarah Burns
Director National Dam Removal Program
American Rivers
Steve Pescitelli
Retired Fish Biologist
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Deanna Doohaluk
Watershed Project Manager
The Conservation Foundation
Sarah Hunn
Director
DuPage County Stormwater Management
Jennifer Rooks Lopez
Director of Planning and Land Protection
Forest Preserve District of Kane County
John Quail
Director of Policy and Conservation
Friends of the Chicago River
Janine Prorok
River Rats
Marty Melchior
Principal Geomorphologist/River Ecologist
Inter-Fluve