National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTF):
The purpose of the NTF is to provide environmental professionals from tribes, EPA, and other organizations an opportunity
to meet and discuss current policies, regulatory initiatives, funding, and technical topics in air quality.
The NTF is a cooperative endeavor co-sponsored by The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) and the
National Tribal Air Association (NTAA). The NTF is a cost-share event. Attendees are responsible for travel expenses;
however a limited number of scholarships to cover transportation and lodging costs are available.
2013 NTF:
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), the National Tribal Air Association (NTAA), and the Fort
McDowell Yavapai Apache Nation would like to invite you to attend the 14th Annual National Tribal Forum on Air Quality,
to be held at:
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort and Casino
Fountain Hills, Arizona
April 30-May 2, 2013
2013 NTF Sponsors:
ITEP would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting the 2013 NTF:
All tribal environmental professionals, US EPA representatives, and members of national or local organizations with interets in air quality and climate change issues in Indian Country are encouraged to attend. This conference is designed to allow attendees a venue to share with and learn from one another. Conference highlights include:
- Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Awards Ceremony
- Special networking sessions
- Updates on new and upcoming rules and regulations
- Tribal case studies
- EPA listening session
- Air quality and health impacts
- Optional training sessions and tribal site visits the day before the conference
- The latest on climate change, indoor air quality, and much, much more!
For more information about the NTF, please contact:
Lydia Scheer, Program Coordinator, Sr.
NAU-ITEP
Tel: 928/523-6887
Email: Lydia.Scheer@nau.edu
Vendors and Exhibitors:
A limited number of vendor and/or exhibitor tables are available at the NTF, as well as various advertising opportunities.
Details and pricing are available on the Vendor/Exhibitor Request form below.
Click HERE to download the Vendor/Exhibitor Request form. [MSWord]
Sponsors:
Is your organization or company interested in becoming a sponsor for the NTF? Help enhance the conference and make your
mark by signing on to be a top-level sponsor. This is the surest way to get your organization or company to stand out
above the rest! Details for sponsorship levels are below; for more information, please contact the conference organizers.
Sponsorship Levels:
Platinum ($2,500 and above) – logo displayed prominently at
event and on printed program; verbal recognition of sponsorship during plenary session; up to 30 minutes exclusive
non-compete time during event for you to promote your business or organization; complimentary half-page full-color
and half-page black-and-white advertisements in conference program; two (2) free conference registrations; one (1)
complimentary exhibitor space.
Gold ($1,500-$2,499) – logo displayed prominently at event and
on printed program; verbal recognition of sponsorship during plenary session; complimentary 3”x5.25” full-color
advertisement in conference program; two (2) free conference registrations; one (1) complimentary exhibitor space.
Silver ($500-$1,499) – logo displayed prominently at event
and on printed program; verbal recognition of sponsorship during plenary session; complimentary half-page black & white
advertisement in conference program; two (2) free conference registrations; one (1) complimentary exhibitor space.
For more information about the NTF, please contact:
Lydia Scheer, Program Coordinator, Sr.
NAU-ITEP
Tel: 928/523-6887
Email: Lydia.Scheer@nau.edu
Presentations, Posters and Training Sessions:
We want to hear from YOU at this conference! If you're interested in presenting a poster, hosting a training session,
or giving a presentation please let us know. The more we can do to highlight and enhance the great work of tribes,
the more we'll learn from one-another and improve the welfare of us all!
Click HERE
to download the Presentation/Poster request form.
Is there a topic or issue you would like hear about at NTF? Do you have a specific training need that you would like
to see offered in conjunction with NTF? Click HERE to email
the conference coordinators.
Eco-Café Information & Networking Session:
The Eco-Café is a unique session held during the NTF where conference attendees can circulate to a variety of tables
or stations that pique their interest, and are able to ask questions and interact one-on-one with the table presenters.
Eco-Café tables can be used to present a special project, highlight services available, get feedback from potential
audiences about a topic, and enhance networking among attendees, among other things. The Eco-Café portion of the
agenda has been a great success and with your participation, it will be again!
Click HERE
for more information or to sign up for the Eco-Café.
For more information about the NTF, please contact:
Lydia Scheer, Program Coordinator, Sr.
NAU-ITEP
Tel: 928/523-6887
Email: Lydia.Scheer@nau.edu
Registration
Registration is now CLOSED.
Agenda
Click HERE to
download agenda. [pdf]
Optional Pre-Conference Sessions:
Several OPTIONAL sessions are planned for Monday, April 29, 2013. The sessions are free to attend (unless otherwise noted),
however, travel support will NOT be provided for attendees. Please check the appropriate box below if you would like to
register for a session.
- NEW SESSION! Monday, 4/29, 9 am – 5 pm, BAM-1020 Training Session
- Session description: Met One Instruments, Inc. staff will provide a brief training session on their BAM-1020 air monitoring instrument on. If you are interested in attending this training session, please contact Lydia Scheer Lydia.Scheer@nau.edu as soon as possible.
- Session 1, Monday, 4/29, 2 pm – 5 pm: Solar Installations Tour
- Session 1 description: Attendees will see the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Air Monitoring site featuring 12 KW sand 1.5 KW solar photovoltaic systems, discuss installation procedures, energy production, and economics of the setup. Next, the tour will feature a visit to a zero-energy residence where electricity has not been purchased for over 3 years. The tour will show: how energy usage is monitored; solar panels from 3 different manufacturers; one system with battery backup; and four different inverter types including Enphase micro inverter that allows monitoring individual panel energy output on the internet. There will be ample time for discussion and questions. For pictures and more information please click HERE. Tour will involve approximately 1 hour drive time total, with multiple stops. Hat and water are recommended. Transportation will be provided for up to 22 passengers.
- Session 2, Monday, 4/29, 1 pm – 5 pm: Site visit to Gila River Indian Community Air Monitoring Site, Sacaton, AZ
- Session 2 description: The Gila River Indian Community (GRIC)'s Air Quality Program operates three air monitoring sites within the Community, all of which are part of the State and Local Air Monitoring Sites (SLAMS) network. GRIC monitors for PM10, Ozone and Met parameters at the three sites. Closed-toe shoes, hat and water are recommended. GRIC monitoring site is approximately 60 minute trip one-way. Transportation will be provided. Space is limited to 12 passengers.
- Session 3, Monday, 4/29, 3 pm – 5 pm: Site visit to Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Air Monitoring Site, Scottsdale, AZ
- Session 3 description: The Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC)'s Air Quality Program operates five air quality stations within the Community. The Senior Center air monitoring station is one of four tribal networks of State and Local Air Monitoring Sites (SLAMS) that reports data collections of ozone, PM10 and PM2.5 in EPA Region 9. For more details on the monitoring site tour, including instrumentation at the site, please click HERE. Closed-toe shoes, hat and water are recommended. SRPMIC monitoring site is approximately 20 minute trip one-way. Transportation will be provided by SRPMIC. Space is limited to 30 passengers.
- Session 4, Monday, 4/29, 10 am – 6 pm: BioSphere2 Guided Tour
- Session 4 description: Biosphere2 is located 2 hours southeast of Phoenix, AZ. Experience the remarkable Biosphere2, state-of-the-art research and interpretive science center first-hand! Entry into Biosphere 2 is led by an interpretive specialist who takes you inside and under-the-glass, through the upper Biomes, as well as the basement "technosphere". Your tour will conclude in the custom-built underwater ocean viewing gallery where you can explore the million-gallon ocean and its real coral reef. The walking tour of Biosphere2 consists of approximately 150 stairs (up and down); the walking route is just under one mile round-trip, with a considerable amount of standing during the 1½-hour tour. The interior of the Biosphere2 research facility is heated and cooled based on current research protocols and as a result visitors may experience a variety of heat and humidity conditions on the under-the-glass guided tour. Comfortable, closed-toed shoes, sun hat and water are highly recommended. Visitors who have medical considerations or other special needs should arrange for a less rigorous tour in advance (additional fees may apply). Transportation will be provided for up to 11 individuals; mandatory $25/person fee is required, payable upon arrival.
For more information about the NTF, please contact:
Lydia Scheer, Program Coordinator, Sr.
NAU-ITEP
Tel: 928/523-6887
Email: Lydia.Scheer@nau.edu
Hotel/Logistics:
Hotel
Lodging arrangements will be made by ITEP for scholarship recipients and eligible presenters ONLY; please DO NOT contact
the hotel directly if your lodging is to be paid by ITEP.
All other attendees must make hotel reservations directly with the hotel. A group block reservation has been made
at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino,
located at 10438 North Fort McDowell Road, Scottsdale/Fountain Hills, AZ 85264. The hotel is owned and operated by the Fort
McDowell Yavapai Nation.
The group lodging rate is $119/night, plus applicable taxes and fees. This rate is available until April 10th or until the
rooming block has been exceeded. It is strongly recommended that you make hotel reservations as early as possible. Contact
the Hotel by phone at 480/789-5300 or online at www.radisson.com/nationaltribalforum/.
Reference "National Tribal Forum" for the group block rate. A credit card will be required at time of booking to
secure the room reservation.
The Radisson Fort McDowell Resort offers both standard rooms and suites, with widescreen TVs, coffee makers, in-room safes,
complimentary high-speed internet access and much more! On-site fitness center and pool as well as golf course, dining,
nightlife and casino activities provide excellent diversions after hours. The Resort also offers complimentary shuttle
into Fountain Hills (5 mile radius), 20% discount on a la carte services from the Amethyst Spa, and exclusive tee-time
discounts at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club adjacent to the Resort.
Logistics
Air Travel:
Two commercial airports serve the Phoenix-Metro area; both are approximately 25 miles from the Resort. Airline reservations a
re your responsibility (except presenters receiving travel support). See Scholarships section below for more information.
- Sky Harbor International Airport
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (Spirit, Allegiant, and Frontier Airlines)
Shuttle Service:
The Resort provides complimentary shuttle service within a 5-mile radius. Airport shuttle services are available from the following providers (fees apply):
- SuperShuttle – book online or by calling 1-800-BLUEVAN (1-800-258-3826)
- Arizona Value Shuttle – book online or by calling 1-866-909-3939
Parking:
The Hotel offers complimentary self-parking.
Scholarships:
ITEP will provide a limited number of scholarships to cover travel expenses for tribal employees; only ONE scholarship per tribe will be provided (not including selected presenters). Scholarships will be issued (reimbursed) AFTER the conference to cover eligible expenses including airfare, mileage, and meals up to the amount of $750.00 (for Alaska Native Villages, the scholarship amount will be $1250.00). Scholarship recipients will also have their lodging expenses (room and tax only) pre-paid by ITEP. If you are requesting a scholarship, please do not make any travel arrangements until notified. The deadline to request a scholarship is March 1, 2013.
Carbon Offsets:
ITEP will be offsetting the carbon footprint of the NTF meeting space and accommodations by purchasing offsets through Native Energy, an expert provider of carbon offsets, renewable energy credits, and carbon accounting software, that focuses on helping community-based initiatives addressing renewable energy. If you are interested in offsetting the carbon footprint of your travel to/from the NTF, please visit their website for more information.
For more information about the NTF, please contact:
Lydia Scheer, Program Coordinator, Sr.
NAU-ITEP
Tel: 928/523-6887
Email: Lydia.Scheer@nau.edu
Presentations:
Click HERE for 2013 NTF presentations.
Past NTFs:
2012 NTF:
Cherokee Nation's Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Tulsa, Ok
May 22-24, 2012
NTF Presentations:
Click HERE for presentations.
FINAL Agenda:
Click HERE for agenda. [pdf]
2011 NTF:
Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest Hotel and Casino
Spokane, WA
June 14-16, 2011
NTF Presentations:
Click HERE for presentations.
FINAL Agenda:
Click HERE for agenda. [pdf]
Optional NSR Consultation Session Agenda, June 13, 2011:
Click HERE for NSR agenda. [pdf]
For more information about the NTF, please contact:
Lydia Scheer, Program Coordinator, Sr.
NAU-ITEP
Tel: 928/523-6887
Email: Lydia.Scheer@nau.edu
Last updated: May 24, 2013