To provide a framework for the conversation, participants will read a paper by panel members and engage in pre-conference discussion on a virtual platform.  Participants will have the opportunity to present virtual posters to inform the discussion on karst research and conservation during this pre-symposium activity.  The symposium will consist of two panel sessions which will set the stage for breakout group discussions to identify mutually relevant areas of interest and potentially fruitful areas for collaboration.  Participants should be prepared to interpret their work and knowledge for interested individuals from a different discipline in small group discussions.  

8:30 Introduction and Welcome

8:45 Panel discussion of the science around karst watershed conservation:

• Timothy H. Bonner, Texas State University, San Marcos
• Jean Krejca, Owner, Sara Environmental LLC
• Jay Banner, University of Texas at Austin

9:15 Break out groups: How does your work intersect with issues around Karst watershed conservation? What are the challenges and important questions?

9:45am Conference coffee break

10:15 Panel discussion thinking about the social implications of karst watershed conservation

10:45 Break out discussions:  How can academic and applied researchers collaborate? What is the role of researchers in communicating science to society?

11:15 Large group discussion to share outcomes from group discussions.
11:30 Conclude