Compiled by Brian Katz and Ellen Raabe

CONFERENCE PHOTOS: Page 1

The Suwannee River Basin and Estuary Integrated Science Workshop was co-sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Suwannee River Management District (SRWMD) and the Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI). The workshop built on the successful basin-wide conference sponsored by the Suwannee Basin Interagency Alliance, held three years ago in Live Oak, Florida. The workshop was held at the Lion's Club in Cedar Key and coordinated by Brian Katz (USGS) and Ellen Raabe (USGS).

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	The four main topics at this year’s workshop included: water quality and geochemistry, hydrogeology, ecosystem dynamics, and information management. In a breakout group, representatives from various agencies brainstormed together about the top research priorities and information gaps for each of the four main topics. Left to right: Michael Hein (Water & Air Research, Inc.), Rodney DeHan (Florida Geological Survey), Barbara Poore (USGS-FISC), Jim Preacher (USGS Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Program Coordinator), Jennifer Oates (USGS-FISC), Jeff Keay (USGS-FISC), Mike Crane (USGS-EROS Data Center), Paul Lee (Florida Department of Environmental Protection), Sarah Kruse (University of South Florida)
	Approximately 125 scientists from various agencies met in Cedar Key, Florida, Sept. 22-24, 2004 to address research and management objectives in the Suwannee River basin and estuary.
	Anxious for presentations to resume, participants quickly found their seats. Left to right: Jack Kindinger (USGS-FISC), Tom Armstrong (USGS Eastern Region Science Coordinator) and Lisa Robbins (USGS-FISC Center Director)
	Tom Armstrong (USGS Eastern Region Science Coordinator) and Lisa Robbins (a USGS-FISC Center Director) took time during a break to discuss research project ideas.
	Jack Kindinger (USGS) had the opportunity to discuss water-related issues with Sonya Jones (USGS-Norcross, Ga.) and Jess Weaver, the USGS Deputy Regional Executive for Hydrology.
	Kirk Webster (Deputy Executive Director from SRWMD) and Al Hine (a professor at the USF) had an opportunity to network during the workshop.
	Janet Oehmig (Legislative Aide for Fla. State Senator Nancy Argenziano) was welcomed to the workshop by several USGS representatives. Nancy Argenziano heard about the science workshop and sent a representative to hear a summary of the findings.
	Lynn Lefebvre, Bob Bonde and Cathy Beck proudly represented the USGS-FISC Sirenia Project. The protected manatee, Gulf sturgeon and Saltmarsh vole were ranked the top three favorites for species T-shirts.
	Concluding each of the four workshop sessions eight breakout groups met to brainstorm about top priorities for the Suwannee River.
	Doug Nemeth (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC)) volunteered to be a session chair during the “Information Management, Modeling, New Tools” session. To Doug’s left is Brian Katz (USGS-FISC).

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