Kristina Ribellia and Dr. Sasha Richey McLarty Present at the CBDL Conference & Annual Meeting

On Thursday, November 13th, Kristina Ribellia, Executive Director of the Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD), and Dr. Sasha Richey McLarty, Assistant Professor at Washington State University, co-presented at the Columbia Basin Development League’s (CBDL) Conference and Annual Meeting held at Big Bend Community College. Their presentations highlighted water sustainability initiatives in the Columbia Basin.

Dr. Sasha Richey McLarty (seated), Assistant Professor at Washington State University, and Kristina Ribellia (standing), Executive Director of the Columbia Basin Conservation District.

Kristina Ribellia presented on the Columbia Basin Sustainable Water Coalition (CBSWC), a collaborative effort that brings together local stakeholders to address regional water sustainability challenges. Dr. Richey McLarty presented on the Groundwater Web App, an upcoming interactive web platform designed to help monitor and analyze groundwater resources across the region.

Kristina Ribellia (left) and Dr. Sasha Richey McLarty (right) share insights on the upcoming Columbia Basin Groundwater Interactive Web App.

Attendees learned how these initiatives aim to support informed decision-making for water management, conservation, and planning in both agricultural and urban areas. The session emphasized the importance of combining community collaboration with innovative tools to address water challenges in the Columbia Basin.

The 2025 CBDL Conference provided a platform for regional leaders, educators, and community members to discuss economic development and sustainability initiatives, highlighting ongoing efforts to support resilient water resources in the region.