Dr.
Robert M. Hirsch serves as Associate Director for Water. In this
capacity, Dr. Hirsch is responsible for all U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) water science programs. These programs encompass research and
monitoring of the nation’s ground water and surface water resources
including issues of water quantity as well as quality. He has served as
the leader of USGS water programs since 1994. As Associate Director he
represents the interests of the USGS in scientific, technical, and
leadership aspects of hydrology and serves as the Director’s principal
advisor on water-related issues. In his capacity as spokesperson for the
USGS and its water resources mission, Hirsch holds the title of Chief
Hydrologist. (from
USGS
webpage)
Dr.
Hirsch's Keynote presentation will discuss the
contradictory demands of 'public policy' vs. 'public need'. These
competing interests are implicit in answering the questions of in-stream
flow for protection of aquatic ecosystems versus the needs of water
systems for human and agricultural uses.
Highlighted
will be the
nationally debated issue of the connections between surface water and
ground water, as illustrated by cases related to wetland
preservation/destruction.
Also,
the
changes in climate and how these will affect water management. The
past is no longer a key to the understanding the present and planning
for the future as the changes we are now dealing with (i.e. global
warming) have not been dealt with before.
Plus,
the
current status of the Clean Water Act and how it is changing to address control
point and non-point sources.
