I want to give you a quick update on AWRA-WA activities since our last newsletter. Specifically, selection of AWRA-WA fellowship recipients, events, updating our newsletter and preparing for the State Conference.

Each year, AWRA-WA provides fellowships to Washington state students working in water resources. This year we received many outstanding applications covering water resource issues across the state and globe. In April, the Board voted to award fellowships to four students. There is more information on the recipients in this newsletter. AWRA-WA fellowships help support students in their research projects by providing a $2,500 award, AWRA membership, and attendance at the State Conference. In addition to the fellowships, the Board voted to provide state conference admission for up to an additional six students.

In April, AWRA-WA and AWRA-CWU (Central Washington University) sponsored an event in Ellensburg. Arden Thomas of Kittitas County spoke on the topic of Kittitas County’s Trailblazing Water Resource Program. The event was held at the Pearl Bar and Grill with approximately 40 people attending.

As you may have noticed, AWRA-WA has updated its newsletter format to provide more information to members about upcoming events and opportunities. Many thanks to the Membership and Communications Committee for all their work to develop this new newsletter template.

Please join us for the Annual State Conference on September 28, 2023. The theme for this year’s conference is: The Four Corners of Washington – Water Resource Challenges and Adaptations. This will be our first in-person State Conference since 2019. The Conference will be at the Mountaineers Seattle Program Center. The Conference Committee has been working diligently to develop a great event including a post-conference reception.

I am looking forward to the upcoming conference and I hope to see you there. Your membership and the corporate sponsorships are pivotal in supporting AWRA-WA’s goals. If you are interested in joining any of the planning committees, please reach out to me or any board member. We would love to hear your suggestions for upcoming events.

Please feel free to reach out to me at kuchan@confluencelaw.com or (206) 502-4403.