by Sally Abella
Campbell’s Resort, Lake Chelan
This year’s WALPA conference will be held October 30th through November 1st, 2019 at Campbell’s Resort, located at the south end of Lake Chelan. The resort has been a very popular destination for the conference in the past, and we are looking forward to seeing many old and new friends there.
Our theme this year, Lakes are for Everyone, was chosen to highlight the inclusiveness that lakes encourage for all users. There are so many ways to enjoy lakes, as well as to protect them, and promoting the health of lake ecosystems results in better experiences and more enjoyment for all.
Workshops on Wednesday, October 30th will include one concerning advanced limnological techniques, and another on invasive species, including identification. They will cost $10 above the cost of the conference. The invasive species workshop will be open to all, with conference registration not required. We are also working on again offering continuing education credit needed for some professionals in lake management fields.
We welcome abstracts from everyone on a wide variety of lake topics, honoring our inclusiveness theme by honoring your interests, work programs, and research on lakes and their watersheds!
You may submit an abstract for either a presentation or a poster by September 30th (deadline extended). Click here to submit your initial proposal. Sessions will be crafted based on the submissions we receive, but have generally included topics such as recent noxious weed updates, nutrient and pollution reduction reports, problem algae information and recent research, and watershed impacts on lacustrine food webs.
To make it especially fun this year, we will honor the Halloween holiday and run a costume contest during the Thursday evening get-together that features great snacks, a no-host bar, live auction, and the traditional basket raffle. Plan on seeing a watery bunch of strange characters cruising the snack and raffle tables!
The photo contest is back again, also encouraging the inclusiveness theme. Send us your best pictures of lake use and enjoyment–by humans or others. We will have them posted so you can vote for Best Picture in time for the Thursday night get-together.
Register today with this link because the discount for early registration ends August 30th. Other discounts are available for students and members of lake associations.
A block of rooms has been reserved at Campbell’s Resort and early reservations are encouraged to get a reduced rate on rooms. Please call (800)-553-8225 and refer to group reservation number 545803 to get the group government rate of $94/night +tax for single occupancy or $114/night + tax for double occupancy.
To register for the conference or help sponsor it, or to submit an abstract or a photo to the photo contest, or with any other conference questions, visit: https://www.walpa.org/annual-conference/
