Eco-Culture Research Gallery Presentation

Anouncement of Examination: Master's Exam/Project and Thesis Defense (Ryan Weiss)

School of Architecture and Planning

Community and Regional Planning and Water Resources

Title: Fluvial Geomorphic Response to In-Stream Structures: the Effects
of Design, Planning and Restoration of the Comanche Creek Catchment,
New Mexico, USA.

Date: November 12, 2008

Time: 11:00 AM

Location: SAAP, RM. 327

Committee Chair: Dr. William Fleming

Committee Members: Dr. David Henkel, Jr., Abraham Franklin


Abstract:
Anthropogenic impacts to the Comanche Creek catchment of northern New
Mexico have resulted in impaired water quality and aquatic habitat for
Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Federal and state policies promulgating
collaborative, multi-stakeholder watershed-based restoration endeavors
have driven the implementation of in-stream, riparian and upland
treatments in the catchment. This research addresses restoration
endeavors through a review of stream channel and watershed planning,
policy and restoration. Drawing upon case studies from current
literature, policies driving watershed restoration and the use of
in-stream structures to improve aquatic habitat and water quality were
reviewed. A stream hydrograph was extrapolated utilizing streamflow
evaluations from a hydrologically similar gaged catchment. Analysis of
fluvial geomorphic trends was completed through field observations and
channel geometry surveys of cross-section, longitudinal profile and
substrate throughout reaches impacted by in-stream structures. Trends
in fluvial form and processes at discrete locations indicate response
to present flow and sediment regimes. Downstream trends in channel
geometry suggest overall disequilibrium within the catchment. Data does
not reveal whether goals and objectives of in-stream structures and
overall catchment restoration endeavors have been achieved. Monitoring
over multiple spatial and temporal scales and a post-project appraisal
are recommended for objective determination of success or failure of
restoration endeavors. Critical data analysis and reporting to funding
agencies by both restoration practitioners and scientists is proposed
for policy review and development at federal and state levels to
further refine collaborative watershed-based restoration endeavors.

Announcement of Master's Project Defense of Ruji Rajbhandari

School of Architecture and Planning

Community and Regional Planning Program

Title: Monitoring Water Quality and Riparian Health in the Rio la Casa
Forest Restoration Project,Mora County, New Mexico

Date: November 4, 2008

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: George Pearl Hall RM. P130

Committee Chair: Prof. William Fleming

Committee Members: Prof. Jose Rivera, Andrew Erdmann


Abstract:
Fire suppression for many years has been created smaller trees and
denser forests. These conditions act as fire fuels as well as
decreasing the health of the forest. Increased density not only
affects the health of forest but also has an impact on communities due
to fire hazards. In response to these concerns, a mechanical fuel
reduction project is being implemented in the Walker Flats areas in
Mora County.The project is a Collaborative Forest Restoration Program
funded by the U.S. Forest Service. This program involves many
different stakeholders including the United States Forest Service, the
Santa Fe National Forest, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico
State University, New Mexico Highlands University, La Jicarita
Enterprise Community (as contractor) and other state, local,
non-profit and educational agencies. The goal of this study is to
monitor changes in watershed health, riparian health and water quality
in response to forest thinning in Walker Flats area.

Graduate Research Symposium Deadline Extended!!

The deadline for the CRP GSA Graduate Research Symposium has been extended to March 24th. The coversheet for proposals can be downloaded here.

SOLAS Presents Evelyn Flores

TRANSNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM 2008, PLANNING IN MEXICO: TRADITIONS AND PEDAGOGY

PLANNING IN MEXICO: TRADITIONS AND PEDAGOGY

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING
COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING

Monday March 31
10:00 - 10:30 OPENING. Dean Roger Schluntz/ Eliseo Torres
Pearl Hall, Garcia Auditorium

1. PLANNING IN METROPOLITAN AREAS IN MEXICO CITY
10:30 – 11:30
a. The Planning Paradigm in Mexico: Fifty years of Planning Processes and Future Prospective for the XXI Century
Guest Speaker: Dr. Juan Jose Chaparro
College of Urban Regional Planning
Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico, UAEM


1:00 – 2:00 Pearl Hall Garcia Auditorium
b. Inner City Planning: The Plan for Alvaro Obregon County in Northern Mexico City Metropolitan Area
Guest Speaker: Professor Sergio Flores
College of Architecture, UNAM, Mexico
President: Assoc. Latinomericana de Ensenanza en Urbanismo y Planeacion, ALEUP

2:30-4:30 Visit Design Classes

5:00 PM Pearl Hall Speakers Series
The City of Morelia in Mexico and the transformations in the XIX Century that led to a World Heritage City by UNESCO.
Guest Speaker: Professor Jaime Vargas
Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Mexico

7:00 PM Reception: George Pearl Hall

Tuesday April 1st

AM Visit Design Classes

12:00 Lunch: Plaza Level, Pearl Hall

2:30 – 4:00 Pearl Hall Auditorium

2. METROPOLITAN PLANNING IN THE REPUBLIC OF MEXICO
a. Planning in Secondary Cities: The Plan for Metropolitan Guadalajara, Jalisco. From State to Local Planning
Guest Speaker: Dr. Juan Angel Demerutis
Centro Universitario de Arte, Arquitectura y Diseño
Universidad de Guadalajara

b. Planning in Metropolitan Mexico City Satellite Towns: The Plan for Ixmiquilpan in the State of Hidalgo.
Guest Speaker: Maestro Enrique Soto
Urban Planning Program Coordinator
UNAM, Mexico City

Reception – Hispano Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday April 2nd
10:00 – 11:00 Pearl Hall Auditorium
3. PLANNING AND LAND REGULARIZATION IN MEXICO
a. Housing Policies and Land Use
Guest Speaker: Professor Edith Jiménez
Instituto de Estudios Económicos y Regionales, CUCEA
Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico

4. PLANNING IN THE U.S.-MEXICAN BORDER
11:00 – 12:00
a. Planning for a Conurbation across Borders: El Paso TX and Ciudad Juarez
Guest Speaker: Dr. Sergio Pena
Associate Professor
University of Texas at El Paso

12:00 Plenary Session

CRPGSA announces a call for proposals for its annual symposium on April 19th.

The Community & Regional Planning Graduate Student Association announces
a call for proposals for its annual symposium on April 19th.

Proposals will be accepted in three focus areas--Community Development, Natural Resources/Environment, and Built Environment/Place Making--from graduate students in any UNM department.

Proposals should include a one to two page statement that expresses what topic you would like to present, how you will present it, and how the research benefits community. Your application should also include the proposal form found here.

Proposals will be rated on the following.
1. Technical merit of the project and comprehensiveness of the research.
2. Benefit to the community.
3. Clarity / Feasibility of the presentation in a 15 minute period.
4. Completeness of application.

Priority will be given to students defending a thesis/project in the spring semester who are presenting on thesis related topics.

Proposals are due March 14th by 12pm to Liz Siletti in the CRP office in the George Pearl Hall.

Please direct questions to Victoria Hirschberg by e-mail at vic413@unm.edu.

The symposium will take place on April 19th from 11am to 5pm in George Pearl Hall.

CRP GSA Meeting, Please Join Us!

Congratulations again to Winnie, Mike and Moanna! Please join us for the February Meeting of the Community & Regional Planning Graduate Student Association (CRPGSA) on Thursday, February 21 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in George Pearl Hall (room TBA).

We'll be celebrating the newly elected council representatives and also brainstorming about the use of space in our new buildings. So bring your appetite (lunch will be served) and ideas/solutions for George Pearl Hall!

Also, save the dates for the following upcoming CRPGSA co-sponsored activities:
Wednesday, February 27, 11:30-12:30 - School of Architecture & Planning Student Forum
Saturday, April 19 - CRPGSA Spring 2008 Research Symposium

Finally, if you're interested in the American Planning Association (APA), Planners Network (PN) or any other planning-related conference, please email Sarah Wentzel-Fisher at sarahwentfishing@gmail.com. She's collecting names of students for a group proposal to the department for funding!

Community & Regional Planning Graduate Student Association (CRPGSA)
University of New Mexico
crpgsa@unm.edu