Wednesday, October 15, 2025
- Concurrent Session IV: 10:00–11:30 a.m.
- Concurrent Session V: 1:15–2:45 p.m.
- Concurrent Session VI: 3:15–4:45 p.m.
8:00–9:30 – Welcome and Morning Plenary
Katy Thompson, Planning Committee Co-Chair
Morning Plenary: Soil Organic Matter—Does It Hold Water?
Dr. Anna Cates, University of Minnesota
9:30–10:00 – Poster and Vendor Refreshment Break
Track I
Nitrate Dynamics in Agricultural Systems
Meeting Rooms 4–6
Moderator: Marcey Westrick
Co-Moderator: Patrick Nash
10:00–10:20 – Modeling Hydrologic Impacts of Land Use Changes in the Straight River Watershed Using SWAT+
Harprabhjot Kaur Dhaliwal, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
10:20–10:40 – Stochastic Estimation of Regional Nitrate Source Apportionment in Minnesota
Xiang Li, University of Minnesota
10:40–11:00 – Nitrate Leaching in a Winter Barley – Soybean Double-Cropping System
Jason Hickman, University of Minnesota
11:00–11:20 – Demonstrating the Nitrate Tradeoff Exploration Tool
Philip Margarit, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
11:20–11:30 – Q&A
Track II
Modeling Frameworks, Data Collection, and Trends
Ballroom A
Moderator: Ann Banitt
Co-Moderator: Steve Weiss
10:00–10:20 – Minnesota's Forward-Thinking Framework for Statewide Green Stormwater Infrastructure Integration
Della Schall Young, Young Environmental Consulting Group
10:20–10:40 – Bringing It All Together – Integrating Surface Hydrology, Hydraulics, and Groundwater to Understand Minnesota’s Water Complexities
Nicholas Thomas, HDR
10:40–11:00 – Seasonal Water Quality Trends in Minnesota Rivers: Nitrate, Phosphorus, and Sediment Trends for Open Water Months
James Jahnz, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
11:00–11:20 – Ditch Those Soggy Field Forms: Modernizing Data Collection at the MPCA
Benjamin Lundeen, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
11:20–11:30 – Q&A
Track III
Lake Management and Ice Impacts on Primary Producers
Ballroom E
Moderator: Holly Wellard Kelly
Co-Moderator: Joel Larson
10:00–10:20 – Defining Successful Lake Vegetation Management Plans: Long Lake Eurasian Watermilfoil Case Study
Jimmy Marty, Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.
10:20–10:40 – Seasonal Shifts in Primary Production Across Trophic Gradients in Diverse Lakes
Anthony Chukwubueze Okoboshi, University of Minnesota Duluth
10:40–11:00 – Source Water Protection and Management: Comprehensive HAB Mitigation
Alex Gerling, Hazen and Sawyer
11:00–11:20 – The Relationship Between Chlorophyll and Nutrients Under Ice: Diverse Systems Across Seasons
Drew Check, University of Minnesota Duluth
11:20–11:30 – Q&A
Track IV
Bioaccumulation, Biological Spread, and a Campaign for the Future
Meeting Rooms 7–9
Moderator: Leah Gifford
Co-Moderator: Ryan Johnson
10:00–10:20 – Monitoring Microplastics in an Urban Watershed
Eoghan O'Neill, Capitol Region Watershed District
10:20–10:40 – Mercury in Northern Minnesota Watersheds: An Update on the State of Science Regarding Mercury Cycling and TMDL Implementation
Spencer Washburn, Geosyntec Consultants
10:40–11:00 – 2026 Mississippi River Campaign: Sacred Water, Shared Future
Casandra Champion, Metropolitan Council Environmental Services
11:00–11:20 – From Soils to Streams: Characterizing the Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in Minnesota Watersheds
Anu Li, University of Minnesota
11:20–11:30 – Q&A
Track V: Special Session
Groundwater Chloride and Its Influences on Surface-Water Quality
Meeting Rooms 1–3
Moderator: Jared Trost
Steward: Jim Stark
Discussion Panel
- Ben Janke, University of Minnesota
- Andy Leaf, USGS
- Chandi McCracken–Holm, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Justine Dauphinais, Coon Creek Watershed District
- John Gulliver, University of Minnesota
10:00–11:20 – Presentation
11:20–11:30 – Q&A
11:30–12:15 – Lunch
Student and Early Career Lunch Tables
During both conference day lunches, students and early career professionals can join reserved tables where various water industry professionals will be seated and have a chance to learn more about different careers in the academic, public, and private sectors. No advanced registration needed—but come with questions!
12:15–1:00 – Luncheon Session
Nibi: Anishinaabe Perspectives of Water Relations
Michael Waasegiizhig-Price, MS, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
Anishinaabe People have always recognized the relationship that we, as humans, have to our surrounding environment. These relationships are taught and maintained through language, storytelling, and ceremony. This presentation will offer a new, rather ancient, perspective in our connection to water based upon Anishinaabe teachings. By combining Indigenous knowledge and wisdom with science, we may find new ways to honor and protect our waters in our resource-dependent world.
Track I
Water and Phosphorus Storage in Tiled Landscapes
Meeting Rooms 4–6
Moderator: Marcelle Lewandowski
Co-Moderator: Erik Brenna
1:15–1:35 – Dual Benefits of Water Storage: Water Quality and Crop Productivity
Jeffrey Strock, University of Minnesota
1:35–1:55 – Economic Analysis of Drainage Water Recycling Systems: Costs, Benefits, and Next Steps
Bailey Bocchino, ISG
1:55–2:15 – Storage in Rural Landscapes: Lessons Learned from 20 Years of Storage Implementation in the Minnesota River Basin
Jacob Rischmiller, ISG
2:15–2:35 – Investigating Sediment and Phosphorus Patterns Through Baseflow Separation and Concentration Discharge Analysis to Determine Characteristics of Loading in Midwestern Agricultural Watersheds
Ashlyn Cowgill, University of Minnesota
2:35–2:45 – Q&A
Track II
Monitoring and Removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern
Ballroom A
Moderator: Kari Benjamin
Co-Moderator: Lorin Hatch
1:15–1:35 – Removing Frequently Detected Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) from Stormwater with Augmented Biofilters
Zihang Wang, University of Minnesota
1:35–1:55 – Bioeffects-Based Approach to Evaluate Attenuation of Stormwater Toxicity by Best Management Practices
Dalma Martinovic–Weigelt, University of St. Thomas
1:55–2:15 – Passive Sampling and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Enhanced Contaminant Monitoring in Minnesota Waterways
Ian Mundy, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth
2:15–2:35 – Feasibility of an Upscaled Electrode-Integrated Biofilter for Sulfate Treatment and Sulfur Recovery
Jack Thompson, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth
2:35–2:45 – Q&A
Track III
Improving Stormwater Pond Performance
Ballroom E
Moderator: Todd Shoemaker
Co-Moderator: Erick Francis
1:15–1:35 – Update on Spent Lime as an Alternative for Sediment Phosphorus Inactivation
Greg Wilson, Barr Engineering Co.
1:35–1:55 – Riparian Vegetation: A Secret to Pond Function
Jack Distel, City of Bloomington
1:55–2:15 – Ten Years Evaluating Success of the Salo Pond Alum Treatment System in St. Anthony Village
Alicia Nelson, WSB
2:15–2:35 – Optimizing Urban Water Quality: Filtration Bench Retrofits in Existing Stormwater Systems
Emily Jennings, SEH
2:35–2:45 – Q&A
Track IV
Addressing Chloride and Water Quality in Urban Settings
Meeting Rooms 7–9
Moderator: Alycia Overbo
Co-Moderator: Jared Trost
1:15–1:35 – Source Water Protection in MN: Establishing a Surface Water Program
Danielle Luzinski, Minnesota Department of Health
1:35–1:55 – A Hidden Source: Investigating Dry Weather Chloride Spikes in an Urban Stream
Chase Vanderbilt, Coon Creek Watershed District
1:55–2:15 – Minnesota Adopts Low Salt Design in Stormwater Manual
Connie Fortin, Bolton & Menk
2:15–2:35 – The Cold Climate Center of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technology (CCCESIT)
Andrew Erickson, St. Anthony Falls
2:35–2:45 – Q&A
Track V: Special Session
Lessons Learned in Stream Restoration Practice and Research
Meeting Rooms 1–3
Moderator: Wade Johnson
Steward: Ann Banit
Speakers:
- Dr. Karen Gran, University of Minnesota Duluth
- Luke Lunde, WSB
- Mark Pranckus, Inter-Fluve
- Karl Koller, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
1:15–2:35 – Presentation
2:35–2:45 – Q&A
2:45–3:15 – Poster and Vendor Refreshment Break
Track I
Soil Health, Irrigation, and Nutrients
Meeting Rooms 4–6
Moderator: Joel Larson
Co-Moderator: Marcey Westrick
3:15–3:35 – What Do Farmers Think About Soil Health Practices?
Marcelle Lewandowski, University of Minnesota Water Resources Center
3:35–3:55 – Evaluating the Impact of Irrigated Agriculture on Water Resources in Minnesota’s Central Sands
Isabella Radler, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
3:55–4:15 – A Nutrient Study in the Groundwater-Fed Straight River (Becker/Hubbard Co.)
Kevin Stroom, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
4:15–4:35 – Assessing Soil Residue Cover, Cover Crops, and Erosion Using Remote Sensing and Modeling
Edwardo Luquin Oroz, University of Minnesota
4:35–4:45 – Q&A
Track II
Evaluations of PFAs Fate and Removal Strategies
Ballroom A
Moderator: Kari Benjamin
Co-Moderator: Jared Trost
3:15–3:35 – Trace Organic Contaminants in Urban Stormwater and Removal by Biochar and Iron-Enhanced Sand Filters
Sarah Elliott, USGS
3:35–3:55 – Assessment of Long-Term Effectiveness of Particulate Amendments for In-Situ Remediation of PFAS in Mixed Contaminant Plumes
Amber McRae, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota
3:55–4:15 – PFAS Distribution and Water Quality in Landfill Leachate, Compost Contact Water, and AFFF-Impacted Sites: Implications for Adsorption-Based Separation
Tadele Haile, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth
4:15–4:35 – Evaluating the Fate of PFAs During Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste
Neda Amanat, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth
4:35–4:45 – Q&A
Track III
Lake Water Quality Trends
Ballroom E
Moderator: Anne Wilkinson
Co-Moderator: Lorin Hatch
3:15–3:35 – Utilizing Satellite Imagery and Machine Learning to Improve the Minnesota LakeBrowser: Incorporating Near Real-Time Updates and 4.6 Million New Water Quality Measurements Through High-Performance Computing
Leif Olmanson, Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota
3:35–3:55 – Legacy Phosphorus and Eutrophication in Our Border Waters – Steps Toward Understanding Dynamics and Implications for Management in the Rainy River–Lake of the Woods Watershed
Anna Baker, USGS Upper Midwest Water Science Center
3:55–4:15 – Phosphorus Offset Planning in the Red River Basin
Ted Preister, Red River Basin Commission
4:15–4:35 – Examining Complex Water Quality Trends in Metro Area Lakes
Catherine Polik, University of Minnesota
4:35–4:45 – Q&A
Track IV
Stream Restoration and Health Habitats
Meeting Rooms 7–9
Moderator: Nazli Yilmaz Wodzinski
Co-Moderator: Leah Gifford
3:15–3:35 – Comparing Fish, Invertebrates and Stream Habitat Between Full-Channel Realigned and Less-Disturbed Stream Reaches
Valerie Brady, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth
3:35–3:55 – Floodplain Excavation as a Cost-Effective Technique for Stream Restoration and Natural Channel Evolution
Lucius Jonett, Midwest Wetland Improvements
3:55–4:15 – Bioengineered Streambank Restorations on Morrison County Streams and Rivers
Mike Becker, Morrison SWCD
4:15–4:35 – Big Lessons from Little Creek: Fish Passage and Stream Restoration for the Recovery of Topeka Shiner in Missouri
Steve Herrington, The Nature Conservancy
4:35–4:45 – Q&A
Track V: Special Session
Effectiveness Monitoring in Minnesota: Understanding and Discerning Change
Meeting Rooms 1–3
Moderator: Benjamin Lundeen
Steward: Brent Dalzell
Speakers:
- Tiffany Schauls, Watershed Scientist – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Kristen Dieterman, Watershed Project Manager – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Jenny Jasperson, Watershed Scientist – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Benjamin Lundeen, Statewide Monitoring Coordinator – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
3:15–4:35 – Presentation
4:35–4:45 – Q&A