Cary Institute Hosts a Science & Management Forum
Road Salt: Reducing Impacts to the Environment and Human Health
On Tuesday, February 13 from 9am – 12:30 pm, join the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies for a science and management forum exploring the impact that road salt has on natural areas and drinking water supplies, with a focus on successful salt reduction strategies.
To promote safe winter driving conditions, deicers are applied to roadways throughout the Northeast. The most commonly used deicer is sodium chloride, otherwise known as road salt. In New York State alone, state and local governments apply 500,000 tons annually. This inexpensive deicer comes with hidden costs to both the environment and human health.
Event speakers will include representatives from the Cary Institute, Paul Smith’s College, New York State DOT, University of Montana, and Bard College. The schedule is as follows:
9 am Welcome, Joshua Ginsberg, Cary Institute
9:10 am The State of the Salt: What We Know about Road Salt Contamination in the NE US, Stuart Findlay, Cary Institute
9:40 am Road Salt Reduction Initiatives in the Adirondacks, Dan Kelting, Paul Smith’s College
10:10 am Regional Perspective: New York State Success Stories, Michael Lashmet, NYSDOT
10:35 am Break – Refreshments provided
11:00 am Best Management Practices: A National View, Laura Fay, University of Montana
11:35 am Connecting Salt Practices with Salt in Streams, Eli Dueker, Bard College
12 noon Wrap-up: Next Steps, Kathleen Weathers, Cary Institute
The event is co-sponsored by The Dutchess County Environmental Management Council and the Cornell University.
Cooperative Extension. Funding is provided by Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation.
Attending this forum may qualify towards three hours of New York State required municipal training credit.
Certificates for full participation will be available at the end of the session.
The event will be held in the Cary Institute’s auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44) in Millbrook, NY. The event is free. Reservations are required. Register online at http://www.caryinstitute.or
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is one of the world’s leading independent environmental research organizations. Areas of expertise include disease ecology, forest and freshwater health, climate change, urban ecology, and invasive species. Since 1983, Cary Institute scientists have produced the unbiased research needed to inform effective management and policy decisions.
