The value of the network is derived from member engagement. Committees were formed in 2021 to move the Network forward. Everyone is invited to join one or more committees. For more information about a specific committee, contact the listed committee chair. To join a committee, please fill out the linked form.
Annual Meeting Committee
Purpose: Work with the Organizing Committee to plan an engaging and impactful annual meeting each April. This includes developing the program, planning logistics, and local coordination.
Chair: Jeppe Kjaersgaard, jeppe.kjaersgaard@state.mn.us
Communication Committee
Purpose: Increase the visibility and impact of the Conservation Drainage Network by identifying and communicating activities of the Network and its members. This includes the website, outreach for the annual meeting, and identifying significant activities, publications, events, policies, and other opportunities that can be shared with the Network.
Chair: Ben Reinhart, ben@ecoexch.com
Education and Extension Committee
Purpose: Coordinate and advance education about conservation drainage for contractors, agency staff, farmers, and others. This may include identifying regional materials/publications, videos or other communication that need to be written or developed (i.e., new tools and updates) and increasing awareness of existing opportunities such as drainage schools.
Chair: Vinayak Shedekar, shedakar.1@osu.edu
Growth and Adoption Committee
Purpose: To foster agricultural producer adoption and management of conservation drainage through innovative partnerships and policy approaches to optimize environmental, crop production, and economic benefits.
Chair: Tom Christensen, tom@ecoexch.com
Research Summary Committee
Purpose: Increase translational research in conservation drainage with the Network and with external conservation drainage stakeholders. This includes seeking opportunities and developing mechanisms to share salient research findings and products.
Chair: Ehsan Ghane, ghane@msu.edu