2025 Water for Texas Conference: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

8:30am CST

Nature-based Solutions: New Shades of Green Infrastructure

Wednesday January 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CST

(1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)

Nature-based solutions can build a community's flood resiliency, enhance water quality, and improve the overall quality of life in a watershed. This panel will provide an update on the TWDB‘s statewide guidance manual on the application of nature-based solutions for flood mitigation in Texas, discuss opportunities and challenges of implementing these solutions, and share insights and experiences from practitioners across the state.

Speakers

Krista Bethune Melnar, P.E.

Stormwater Practice Leader, Freese and Nichols, Inc.

Krista Bethune Melnar serves as the stormwater practice leader at Freese and Nichols, where she is responsible for advancing a portfolio of stormwater and flood resilience solutions across the country. She has 25 years of experience addressing water resource challenges and implementing... Read More →

Charriss York

Program Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Charriss York is a program director at Texas Community Watershed Partners (TCWP), a program of the Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery Unit. Charriss leads the Green Infrastructure for Texas team working with communities to find nature-based solutions... Read More →

Jonathan Holley

Environmental Services Department Manager, Harris County Flood Control District

Jonathan Holley has worked at the Harris County Flood Control District since 2009 in several positions related to stormwater quality and environmental regulatory compliance. His current responsibilities include managing the district’s environmental services and mitigation banking... Read More →

Joshua Oyer

Coastal Resiliency Program Manager, Texas General Land Office

Josh is the coastal resiliency program manager at the Texas General Land Office with 17 years of experience in stakeholder engagement and outreach. He has worked for several agencies throughout his career including the Texas Water Development Board, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department... Read More →

Kelley Rich, P.E.

Senior Water Resources Engineer, Texas Water Development Board

Kelley is a water resources engineer with the Flood Science and Community Assistance Division at the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). She has worked on flood modeling and mapping efforts, flood risk reduction studies, and stream restoration projects in both the private and public... Read More →

Wednesday January 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CST
Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2

Breakout Session, Water Supply and Flood Planning: Navigating a Resilient Tomorrow

9:45am CST

Could you, Would you, Should you? Perspectives on Groundwater Exportation

Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CST

Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2

(1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas)

From dry, arid hills to humid bayous and wetlands, Texas' landscape represents 10 diverse ecoregions and massive variations in water availability, population, and development. This panel will deliberate how water can be moved to where it’s needed as well as the feasibility and implications that should be considered, such as future needs and impacts to local economies.

Speakers

Jeremy Mazur

Director of Natural Resources and Infrastructure Policy, Texas 2036

Jeremy serves as the director of infrastructure and natural resources policy for Texas 2036. Before joining Texas 2036, Jeremy’s legislative career began in the late 20th century as a policy analyst with the Sunset Advisory Commission. From there, he served as chief of staff for... Read More →

Natalie Ballew, P.G.

Director of Groundwater, Texas Water Development Board

Natalie Ballew is the director of the Groundwater Division at the Texas Water Development Board, which collects, interprets, and provides accurate and objective information on the groundwater resources of Texas to citizens, groundwater resource managers, policy makers, and lawmakers... Read More →

Natasha Martin

Attorney, Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody, PC

Natasha’s practice focuses on administrative and regulatory litigation with an emphasis in environmental and utility law. She has experience counseling clients on regulatory permitting and enforcement on air, water, and waste issues. Natasha has represented clients obtaining electric... Read More →

Shannon Rutherford

Partner, Terrill & Waldrop

Shannon S. (Shan) Rutherford is a partner at Terrill & Waldrop, where his practice focuses on groundwater supply project development and permitting. Shan also serves as general and special counsel for numerous special utility districts and nonprofit water supply corporations, representing... Read More →

Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CST
Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2

Breakout Session, Water Supply and Flood Planning: Navigating a Resilient Tomorrow