Low Impact Development Workshop

Courtyard by Marriott, Rivermarket District
Little Rock, Arkansas
September 4th & 5th, 2008

Communities across the nation are faced with the rapid conversion of forests and agricultural lands to urban areas resulting in a loss of wildlife habitat and the deterioration of water quality. Low Impact Development (LID) is a comprehensive array of site planning, design and pollution prevention strategies that create a more
economically and ecologically functional urban landscape. The LID approach to site development will result in urban landscapes that maintain and restore the ecological integrity of receiving waters while reducing construction, maintenance and inspection costs.

This workshop offers an in-depth introduction to the economic benefits, ecological goals, planning techniques, design principles, analytical methodologies, implementation strategies, and monitoring results of LID technology for urban stormwater management. Workshop attendees will gain a technical understanding of how to apply integrative management to meet local watershed protection goals and regulatory requirements.  Case studies and innovative city programs that are implementing LID practices and improving community awareness and action will be explored.

Key LID topics that will be covered include:

  • Beyond Rain Gardens :  LID Principles, Practices, and Techniques
  • Maintenance and Cost Issues
  • Case Studies:  New Development, Redevelopment, and Urban Retrofit
  • Hydrology & Hydraulics: Analytical Principles, Modeling, and Monitoring
  • Policy Implications

Who should attend this training:  This new technology involves multiple disciplines and has far reaching impacts in urban stormwater management, land use planning, water resources protection, site planning/design, best management practices, building requirements, and construction & maintenance of stormwater infrastructure. Local, state & federal government administrators and regulators; developers, builders, & contractors; land use/development planners, civil/environmental engineers, & landscape architects; environmental professionals/consultants; environmentalists and interested citizens will benefit from this training.

Training approach, instructor, and presenters:  The workshop will be taught through interactive lectures, handouts and case studies.  Attendees will also work through a design exercise during the course.  

Mr. Larry S. Coffman is the main instructor for the training.  Mr. Coffman has over 30 years of experience in urban stormwater management and is considered the nation’s foremost expert on LID technologies and programs. Mr. Coffman was a founder of the LID Center in Maryland; pioneer of bioretention/rain gardens and the principle author of the nationally acclaimed Prince George’s County, Maryland’s LID planning and design manuals.  

Other experts, both local and national, will share their experiences, while discussing the challenges they face in implementing LID practices in their communities. 

Course presenters include:
Scott Cahail, Kansas City, MO
Martin Maner, Central Arkansas Water
Dr. Marty Matlock, University of Arkansas
Van McClendon, Pulaski County
Mark Willobee, Geosyntec, Inc
Martin Smith, Larson, Burns, & Smith, Inc

Host and sponsors:  The Mid-South Watershed Training Program is a US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) funded regional program developed by the Watershed Conservation Resource Center (WCRC) to provide education and technical tools needed for environmental professionals, watershed coordinators, conservation districts, and other watershed stakeholders to understand and apply the watershed approach as a means to conserve, restore, and protect our natural resources.  Through this program, the WCRC has partnered with Audubon Arkansas, Central Arkansas Water, Pulaski County, and the City of Little Rock to design and organize the LID Workshop.  Other entities contributing resources to the LID workshop are: US EPA; University of Arkansas; Kansas City, MO; Geosyntec; and Larson, Burns, & Smith, Inc.

Agenda and Travel Information: The course schedule, content, and speakers can be found in the agenda.  Also detailed travel information including location, directions, lodging, parking, and sites can be found in the travel information document.

Registration:  To register, please download and follow the directions on the registration form.  If you have questions, please contact Lori at (479) 444-916 or at llinn@watershedconservation.org.  The course tuition is $225 and includes course materials, two continental breakfasts, two lunches, break refreshments, and parking at the designated city parking garage behind the Marriot at E. 2nd Street and Sherman Street.  

The WCRC is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization
Watershed Conservation Resource Center, 380 W. Rock Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, (479) 444-1916