NEWRY – For six hours on May 16, ecologists, environmentalists, recreationists and state planners will discuss riverbank ecology and sprawl at the eighth annual Androscoggin River Watershed Council Conference. It kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with registration at the Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River Ski Resort.

This year’s event, which is open to the public, will key on protection and management of lands near the shores of rivers, lakes and other wetlands.

“Managing and protecting our natural landscape requires legal and scientific knowledge about a variety of topics,” said Council Executive Director Charles Knox. “The conference will be valuable for landowners, conservationists, developers, lawyers, teachers, consultants, town and state officials, and other interested citizens.”

A special afternoon session with leading experts from GrowSmart Maine and state and regional planning agencies, will be devoted to sprawl in Maine and how it is being addressed throughout New England.

Noted ecologist David Publicover of the Appalachian Mountain Club is the kickoff speaker. A host of workshops will feature experts on land use regulations, shoreline erosion controls, land protection methods, and river ecology.

The registration fee is $30, which includes lunch. For registration details and directions, visit www.androscogginriver.org or call 603-466-3433.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com