2019 Conference
The 2019 conference focused on the contribution of clean water to the health and economy of the Great Lakes.
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported RMI 2019 in November! Experts from related areas of the economy and environment outlined major challenges facing water quality and their impact on rural Michigan. Keynote speakers included Collin O’Mara, president and chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation, and John Ikerd, visionary economist and author. The resulting whitepaper is a condensed summary and call-to-action as an outcome from our collective efforts.
Read the 2019 conference whitepaper.
Opening Remarks
Jeff Abernathy, Alma College President, and Jason Peters, Augustana College Professor of English, give their opening remarks at the 2019 Rural Michigan Initiative.
Keynote Presentations
Keynote Presentation: Colin O’Mara
Colin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, gives his keynote presentation at the 2019 Rural Michigan Initiative.
Keynote Presentation: John Ikerd
John Ikerd, renowned author, gives his keynote presentation at the 2019 Rural Michigan Initiative.
Presentation Slides
Presentation 1: The Case of the Pine River Watershed
Dr. Murray Borrello and Dr. Timothy Keeton of Alma College give a presentation on pollution in rural water sources, specifically the Pine River Watershed.
Presentation 2: Threats to Health In and Around the Great Lakes
Dr. Joan Rose of Michigan State University gives a presentation on the health of the Great Lakes region.
Presentation 3: Challenges in Addressing Water Quality Issues in Rural Michigan
Kara Cook, from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office, gives a presentation on water quality issues in rural Michigan.
