Watershed Symposium 2024

The poster session is a forum for presenters to highlight programs and to share successful ideas with colleagues by presenting a research study, a practical problem-solving effort, an innovative program, and more.

Posters are listed alphabetically by title. ==> See Full Abstracts

Establishing a Functional Flows Framework for the Great Salt Lake Basin
Farah Nusrat, Utah State University
Functional flows are components of flow regimes that sustain river, wetland, and the Great Salt Lake (GSL) ecosystems, including hydrological, ecological, geomorphic, and biogeochemical processes. Natural resource managers can utilize this framework to design strategies for increasing resilience of GSL Basin waterbodies to climate change.

Great Salt Lake Playa Dust Suppression via Artificial Surface Crusting
Zachary Claerhout, University of Utah / Department of Atmospheric Sciences
Kevin Perry, Department of Atmospheric Sciences / University of Utah
Dust from the exposed portions of the Great Salt Lake (GSL) lakebed poses a potential health risk that may need to be mitigated if the lake level remains low. This study investigates the efficacy of artificial surface crusting via surface soil saturation as a potential dust suppression mechanism on the GSL playa.

Novel Rapid Lead and Copper Detection Method in Drinking Water
Nick Halverson, e-sens
This abstract presents new viable alternative lead and copper methods for reliable and portable testing applications that would allow much greater access for water and wastewater testers.

Rio Tinto Reduce Reclaim Remediate
Kiani Ellingson, Rio Tinto
Julie LeFevre, Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto Kennecott is committed to environmental water stewardship. From the metering and measuring of everyday water use, the preservation of the Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve, and our donation of water to the Great Salt Lake, these efforts benefit Utah, the community where we operate.

Ever wondered how social media trends could enhance your watershed conservation or management efforts? This session is designed for natural resource professionals interested in harnessing the power of social media to boost their impact. We’ll explore how to create engaging content that converts followers into your biggest supporters.

Full Abstract:
It’s 2024, and everywhere we look there’s a new TikTok dance and Instagram trend and we’re left wondering – how does any of this relate to the important work we’re doing in our watershed? In a time where digital engagement shapes public perception and drives action, it’s more important than ever to have a strong brand identity online. Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate with volunteers, donors, stakeholders, and the public. Through social media, we have the opportunity to engage diverse audiences, raise awareness, and drive actionable change to conserve our watershed. This presentation explores the strategic approaches any individual, organization, or agency can take to leverage the power of social media to increase the awareness of your work in the watershed, build trust, and further your mission. This presentation also explores how “viral” content can help build up your community. We explore case studies from popular digital campaigns (including our own!) that have effectively led to real-world impacts in our watershed. We will look into the key elements that contribute to successful social planning, including compelling storytelling, visual appeal, and audience engagement strategies. This presentation will provide practical insights on creating content that resonates with our unique online audiences and sparks viral momentum. Attendees will learn about the importance of tracking digital analytics to tailor campaigns to best succeed, while addressing the challenges of social media – capacity, managing misinformation, addressing negative feedback, and maintaining brand authenticity. By diving into the current trends, we will illustrate how your teams can design and execute social media campaigns. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their social media presence, foster meaningful connection, and ultimately create a community that is more engaged on the resources and issues in our watershed.