Unlock Knowledge: Expert Talks & Insights

EDUCAIIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Colorado State University - B.A., emphasis on earth sciences, physical sciences, political science, history and forestry.
• School of Law, University of Colorado-J.D, emphasis on water rights, oil and gas, utility, environmental and mineral rights law.
 Admitted to the bar in California, not practicing law in Nevada.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Serves diverse public, private, NGO, environmental, law, business, and finance organizations.
• Private clients include California Steel Industry, Federal White Cement, Washington Mutual Bank, among others.
• Environmental clients include The Wildlands Conservancy, League of Women's Voters and National Audubon Society.
• Major financing include Goldman Sachs, Plainfield Asset Management, Bankers Trust, Kennedy Funding, among others.

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NOTE:

• American Consulting Engineers Council Honor Award for Engineering Excellence (for a water/wastewater project Dedicated by the President of the United States)
• Turbo-jet and piston engine craft pilot, including instrument rating.

John Musick, Esq, (John Musick) our Volume I speaker, kicks off the Facts v Fiction Luncheon with his presentation "The Law of the River." Having 50 years experience in water law, with specific expertise along the Colorado River, John lays out Nevada's unique advantages among the seven states that make up the Colorado River Compact.

While not licensed in Nevada, he is licensed in California and has overseen a variety of projects that include natural resource acquisition, development and wholesale/retail sales requiring due diligence and capital. His expertise includes land, water, minerals, oil, gas or the green technology alternatives to those feed-stocks to industry, agriculture and business.

John understands the history of water rights, and the responsibility that development has to securing water so that growth pays for itself and does not land on the backs of existing residents.

• Three Term Mayor of Aspen, CO 1973-1979
• Board Member -World Affairs Council of Las Vegas
• Chairman - UNLV International Business Advisory Board
• Nevada Advisory Committee of the US Global Leadership Coalition
• US Dept of Commerce District Export Council
• Director of the Worldwide Fund for Nature Living Planet Campaign at the international Secretariat in Switzerland

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

• PhD, Agronomy: Turtgrass Science, University of Connecticut, 2000 Dissertation
• MS, Natural Resources Management and Engineering:
• Hydrology, University of Connecticut, 1996 Thesis
• BS, Natural Resource Conservation: Soil Science,
• Texas – A&M University, 1991

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Dr. Kopp is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Plants, Soils & Climate Department at Utah State University She serves on the Board of Directors of USU's Center for Water Efficient Landscaping
• Board Member and past president of the Utah Water
• Conservation Forum
• Works with many federal, state and municipal agencies toward water use efficiency in the state of Utah, the Intermountain West, and beyond.

Dr. Kelly Kopp, PhD is our Facts v Fiction presenter for Volume III, "Is there any such thing as Useless Grass?" Dr. Kopp is a professor and extension specialist at Utah State University, and the State of Utah's specialist in both turfgrass science and water conservation in landscaping. Her focus is on conserving water, while recognizing the benefits of natural turf within landscapes and on the health of our water supply. Something she advocates for throughout the country.

Dr. Kopp's presentation covers some of the research she has done during her 27 year career and the importance of turfgrass materials in landscapes. Specific topics include turfgrass function, species and varieties, irrigation testing, controller technologies, irrigation scheduling, and a section on artificial turf.

This is an invaluable presentation that brings forth information not currently being considered among decision makers in our community. Dr. Kopp's education and years of experience offer a tremendous opportunity to understand what has been overlooked by our elected leaders when adopting water conservation policies in Southern Nevada.

INTRODUCTION:

• I have about 51 years of experience installing and updating Irrigation system and creating beautiful landscape. My mission is to present an efficient in and sustainable irrigation systems focused in saving water and money, create a quality works and happy homeowners.

LANDSCAPE:

• Is the process of transforming a garden, park or other piece of land in a more attractive and useful design adding various ornamental aspects like plants, tree, shrubs, rocks, pebbles, rocks or fences, etc.

Larry Fossan is our Volume IV Speaker, "It's all about the Data." Larry has been Sun City Anthem's Maintenance Manager for over 17 years. The community, who's landscaping he oversees, has over 7000 homes ranging in size from 1080 to 3172 square feet, two golf courses and extensive common areas. Labeled Sun City Anthem's "Grass-Assassin", Larry has overseen the removal of 100,000 square feet of grass within the community to be in compliance with AB356 (Useless Grass Removal).

What you will discover is that Larry loves grass, recognizes its value, and shares how it can be managed responsibly with proper oversight and the utilization of technology. He has amassed an incredible amount of "data" to back up his efforts on how to reduce water use while preserving as much turf as possible within a landscape plan. Larry shares this information during his presentation which is invaluable for anyone wanting to maintain grass within their landscapes while still reducing outdoor water use.

LIFE'S WORK AND ACCOMOPLISHMENTS:

• Norm founded Schilling Horticulture in 2003
• KNPR 88.9 FM Co-Host of Desert Bloom
• UNLV Arboretum Horticulture Supervisor
• LWWD Lead Groundskeeper-Demonstration Gardens
• Charter Member of So Nevada Arborist Group
• Recipient of 2010 SNWA Linn Mills Award
• Desert Green Conference Bill Tomiyasu Memorial Award - 2014
• So Nevada Arborist Group (SNAG) Tree Trail Blazer Award

Norm Schilling is the Volume V and final speaker at our Facts V Fiction Luncheon, "For the Love of Landscapes." His roots in horticulture go back to 1988 having served as Lead Groundskeeper at the Desert Demonstration Gardens, and Horticulture Supervisor for the UNLV Arboretum. For years, Norm has had a close relationship with SNWA. Earning a degree in Ornamental Horticulture, Norm founded Schilling Horticulture Group, Inc (Schilling Horticulture I Beautiful, Sustainable Landscapes) in 2003, a licensed landscape contractor and is now the most decorated landscape design firm in Southern Nevada, having been recognized for his many contributions to landscaping, including the prestigious Bill Tomiyasu Memorial Award. (Tomiyasu, Bill, 1882-1969 | UNLV Special Collections Portal)

Norm's presentation simplifies the need to protect trees and their relationship with natural turf. How once compromised, like all of us, they are susceptible to an untimely death, and also spends time sharing the dangers of current SNWA and LVVWD policies. His understanding of the importance of a holistic approach to water conservation and the preservation of our urban forest comes from his vast experience and love of landscape design. Norm brings the luncheon to a close with his down to earth connection to Las Vegas, who as a native, recognizes what is at stake and that it is our duty to protect our environment.