Hosted by the California Lake Management Society, the theme of this year's symposium reflects the high value that the NALMS' membershhip has for protecting and enhancing the quality of our most precious resource - water. After this year's drought, folks in the Mid-Atlantic region are a lot more aware of how precious that resource really can be.

Why should I attend this year's symposium?

PLUSES:

• Opportunities to meet other citizens, scientists and professionals involved in lake restoration and protection to see the latest in lake management techniques.
• Opportunities to learn about what happens when your drought lasts for thousands of years, how man has affected some of the highest quality lakes (e.g., Tahoe) and how solutions to man-made problems are being implemented and how they are working.
• Opportunities to share 'war stories' about lake management and to appreciate some of the problems faced at home ('Oooo - glad we don't have to deal with that!').
• Opportunities to get the latest information about lake management equipment, consulting and engineering services and educationa and reference resource material that's available.
• Between the holiday travel rush periods.
• Great prices on accomodations
• Opportunities for exercising off those unwanted Thanksgiving and symposium meal pounds.
• Holiday shopping opportunities at the silent auction and for western trinkets and such.
• Great entertainment value.
• Did I mention that you might learn something about lake protection and restoration?

MINUSES:

• With the meeting right after the Thanksgiving weekend travel rush, travel arrangements might be difficult.

Solution: make your travel arrangements NOW. Check around for the best rates in the region - Baltimore-Washington Airport sometimes has the best airfares and it's just a short drive from many places in the Mid-Atlantic. (Last year, I drove to Toronto to take advantage of cheap, in-country fares to Calgary and saved at least $500 over leaving from any US city in the region!)
• I've got no money.

Solution: Save NOW! Early registration saves you considerable money. If you qualify for a student travel/registration scholarship, apply for one. If your agency or company will support you, tell them that it's not in Canada this year, so there's no out-of-country travel required. Finally, while the odds are very much against you, you could actually make money on this trip at all the gaming opportunities available - DO NOT try this with company/agency money though, or you'll have a new address, a view through bars, a number instead of a name, a colorful jumpsuit for your wardrobe and NO WAY to help manage or proect lake watersheds. In other words, you'll be better off waiting for the Prize Patrol van to drive up with a check.

For lots more information about the symposium, registration, tours and events, exhibitor booths, travel and lodging arrangements, see the NALMS website at: http://www.nalms.org.

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