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Big Science on the Big Muddy

Presentation by Susannah Erwin, Ph.D, U.S. Geological Survey River Studies Branch

Susannah Erwin, a Research Hydrologist for the River Studies Branch of the U.S. Geological Survey, will look at some of the cutting edge scientific tools being used to understand the life cycle of sturgeon and the nature of the Missouri River.

Tracking Dye

Biologists, hydrologists and geologists collaborate on a project on the Upper Missouri River in Montana to map the flowing river and larval sturgeon drift. The experiment included a tracer experiment using fluorescent dye, the release of hundreds of thousands of larval pallid sturgeon, and an extensive hydraulic measurement campaign conducted over hundreds of river miles. Photo courtesy of USGS

Time and Place

Tuesday, February 21, 2017
7:00 pm

Les Bourgeois Vineyards Bistro
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Presentation by Susannah Erwin, Ph.D, Research Hydrologist with River Studies Branch of U.S. Geological Survey

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

NOTE – This month’s presentation will be the THIRD TUESDAY this month. In March, we’ll return to our normal 2nd Tuesday. 

The Bistro Restaurant will not be open during our Jan, Feb, and March Sessions – the presentation will take place upstairs. We’re sorry for the inconvenience! The bar, however, will be open to serve drinks to you! 

Presentation is FREE and open to the public!

This is our second consecutive presentation looking deep into what science has learned about the ancient pallid sturgeon since the Endangered Species Act kicked the science into gear. In the process, scientists are learning much more about how the Missouri River ecosystem works, and how it isn’t working. And using cutting edge techniques in the process.

The term “Adaptive Management” is used to describe science and management decisions on the Missouri River, but how does it really work? How do scientists identify and address fundamental gaps in knowledge, test hypotheses, and deliver critical information to decision makers?

Science Boat

Research hydrologist Dr. Susannah Erwin and hydrologic technician Brian Anderson inspect velocity data on the Upper Missouri River during the larval drift study.

As a Research Hydrologist for the River Studies Branch of the U.S. Geological Survey, Susannah Erwin, is deep into the modeling of complex river processes such as hydrology, hydraulics, sediment transport, and geomorphology. In today’s talk, she’ll look at an example of a large-scale field experiment on the Upper Missouri River, MT, conducted in summer 2016.

The experiment consisted of a tracer experiment using fluorescent dye, the release of hundreds of thousands of larval pallid sturgeon, and an extensive hydraulic measurement campaign conducted over hundreds of river miles. Dr. Erwin will examine how results are being used to inform how dams and reservoirs are managed.

 

Directions

  • 14020 W. Hwy BB, Rocheport, MO
  • Take I-70 to the Rocheport, MO, exit (Exit #115). It’s the first exit east of the Missouri River.
  • Head north toward Rocheport.
  • After about a mile, turn left at the sign for Les Bourgeois Bistro. Follow the signs to the Bistro. You will probably need to park in the lot above the Bistro and walk the trail down.
  • The presentations are held in upstairs in the restaurant. The restaurant is no longer open on Tuesdays but the bar is! You are welcome to bring your own food or snacks.

Resources and Links

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The Big Muddy Speaker Series in Rocheport

is hosted by these wonderful partners.

Click here for a list of upcoming presentations»

Special thanks to Les Bourgeois Vineyards for giving us the opportunity to use their beautiful space overlooking the Missouri River. All speakers are presenting for free! Thank you all for sharing your knowledge with us!

The Big Muddy Speaker Series also takes place monthly in Kansas City and St. Charles.

The Big Muddy Speaker Series is partially funded by the Mo. Dept. of Conservation.