Karen Marshall NWMA: Leading the Way in Stormwater Management

Karen Marshall, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the environmental field, has made a significant impact in the stormwater management industry through her leadership role at the National Watershed Management Association (NWMA). As the Executive Director, she has guided the organization in its mission to promote sustainable water resource management practices and advocate for policies that protect and restore watersheds.

Karen Marshall’s Impact on Stormwater Management

Under Karen Marshall’s leadership, NWMA has emerged as a prominent voice in the stormwater management arena. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have driven meaningful progress in the field, including:

• Advancing Policy and Regulations: Marshall has played a pivotal role in shaping stormwater management policies and regulations at both the national and state levels. Her expertise has been instrumental in developing legislation that promotes green infrastructure, low impact development (LID), and other innovative solutions to mitigate stormwater runoff.

• Promoting Education and Training: NWMA, under Marshall’s guidance, has invested heavily in education and training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals in the stormwater management industry. This includes workshops, webinars, and online courses that cover a wide range of technical and regulatory topics.

  

• Fostering Collaboration and Partnerships: Marshall has fostered strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, municipalities, industry professionals, and environmental organizations. This collaborative approach has facilitated the exchange of best practices, promoted innovation, and accelerated the implementation of effective stormwater management strategies.

• Enhancing Research and Development: NWMA has supported cutting-edge research and development in stormwater management through its partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF). This partnership has funded groundbreaking research projects that have advanced scientific understanding of stormwater pollutants and the effectiveness of various management practices.

Innovative Stormwater Management Solutions

Karen Marshall’s leadership has inspired NWMA to explore creative and innovative approaches to stormwater management. These solutions focus on capturing, storing, and infiltrating stormwater runoff to reduce its impact on water quality and quantity:

• Green Infrastructure: Marshall has been an advocate for green infrastructure solutions, such as bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavements. These techniques mimic natural water infiltration processes, reducing runoff and improving water quality.

• LID Practices: NWMA has promoted the adoption of low impact development (LID) practices, which aim to minimize stormwater runoff by dispersing it at the source. LID techniques include downspout disconnections, rain barrels, and vegetated roofs.

  

• Smart Water Management: Marshall has embraced the use of smart water management technologies, such as sensors and data analytics, to optimize stormwater management systems. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of stormwater flows and automated responses based on rainfall patterns and water quality conditions.

  

• Performance-Based Stormwater Management: NWMA has developed a performance-based stormwater management framework that evaluates the effectiveness of stormwater management practices based on their ability to meet specific water quality and quantity goals. This approach encourages the adoption of innovative solutions that deliver measurable results.

Karen Marshall’s Vision for the Future

Karen Marshall’s vision for the future of stormwater management is centered on creating resilient communities that can withstand the challenges of climate change and urbanization. She believes that by investing in sustainable stormwater management practices today, we can protect and preserve our water resources for future generations.

Marshall emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving this vision. She calls for continued partnerships between government agencies, municipalities, industry professionals, and environmental organizations to develop and implement comprehensive stormwater management solutions. She also encourages the exploration of new technologies and approaches that can further optimize stormwater management practices.

By embracing innovation and fostering collaboration, Karen Marshall and NWMA are leading the way in creating a more sustainable future for stormwater management. Their efforts are essential for protecting our water resources and ensuring the health and well-being of our communities.

Table 1: Stormwater Management Statistics

Table 2: Benefits of Green Infrastructure

Table 3: LID Practices and Their Benefits

Table 4: Performance-Based Stormwater Management Metrics