The June 3-4 virtual meeting was a great success, with 165 people attending from 17 states and 6 countries. Drainage and conservation researchers and professionals in industry, state and federal agencies, universities, and private organizations met for 1.5 days to discuss cutting edge technical information, learn what agencies and industry are doing, network, and plan the future of the new Conservation Drainage Network.
Pre-recorded technical presentations and uploaded posters provided great information and a basis for online discussions, and these continue to be available. Recordings of the live meeting sessions, which include shorter summary presentations and discussions, are provided with the agenda below.
Thanks to all the presenters, moderators, facilitators, recorders, and participants who shared their expertise and ideas in lively discussions throughout the meeting.
Feedback and
action steps from the meeting
Link to 2020 Meeting Follow Up and Feedback
I was amazed at how effective this meeting could be without being there in person.

It was a very useful meeting with some of the best researchers in the field. The meeting is a great opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and contribute to shaping the future of drainage research.
Fantastic source of information.
Excellent example of how a virtual meeting can be done. Also, fellowship with great colleagues.
Agenda and session recording links
Session 1: The Conservation Drainage Network and Our Drainage Future
Session 2: Conservation Drainage Implementation – Industry and Agency
- Keegan Kult
- Ruth Book and Alan Gillespie
- Teferi Tsegaye
- Jim Dobrowolski
- Kathy Boomer
- Katie Flahive
- Jeff Frey
Session 3: Highlights of State Drainage Reports by NCERA-217 Members
Session 4: Drainage Research – Highlights and Discussion (1)
Session 5: Drainage Research – Highlights and Discussion (2)
Session 6: Charting a Course for the Conservation Drainage Network