Modern Threats to Age-Old Waterways

April 13, 2017 | 5:30 pm | Old Chapel | 

Dan Kelting, Executive Director of the Adirondack Watershed Institute

Although the Adirondack Park has been likened to an island and thus somehow separate and insulated, today it is under threats from outside that seem inexorable.  In the late twentieth century it was acidic precipitation falling from the skies, today it is invasive plants and animals creeping in on the boats and trailers.  We will hear the latest in the quickly moving invasion that may change the region’s waterways forever, and that right speedily.

Dan joined the faculty at Paul Smith’s College (PSC) in 2003 as Executive Director of the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI). From 1999 to 2003 Dan was a faculty member at North Carolina State University (NCSU), where he served as Co-Director of the Forest Nutrition Cooperative and Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry. Dan received his Ph.D. in Forest Soils from Virginia Tech and he also holds an A.A.S. in Forest Technology, a B.S. in Resource Management, and an M.S. in Forestry. Through his graduate work and activities at NCSU, Dan developed a range of expertise in natural resources science and management with particular emphasis on forest productivity, soils, and nutrient cycling. While at NCSU, Dan conducted forestry research and outreach activities throughout the southeastern U.S. and in Columbia and Chile. Under his leadership, the AWI has developed the largest water quality monitoring and aquatic invasive species programs in the Adirondacks. Dan uses data from these programs to support and leverage his research and that of the Institute. Dan also teaches upper level courses in Forest Soils and Laboratory Methods, and mentors students for their undergraduate capstone projects.

A light reception for guests will begin at 5:00 pm.