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The role of the USSD Committee on Public Awareness (COPA) is to provide information on the role of dams in the management of water resources to benefit society and the natural environment.
COPA's main objective is to better inform the public, Federal and state agencies, environmental organizations and professionals on the role of dams and the benefits that dams provide to society. To accomplish its mission and goals, COPA is developing multi-media presentations that can be used by the USSD membership and by teachers, agencies, associations and other water resources professionals. These presentations highlight the benefits of dams to society, including flood control; water supply; hydroelectric power; irrigation; recreation; water quality; fish and wildlife enhancement; aesthetics; and boating, rafting and kayaking.
COPA initiated the informative continuing article in the USSD Newsletter titled Did You Know? to provide members with short stories on the benefits of dams.
COPA has developed a video on dams titled Water and Dams in Today's World. Copies of the video are available from USSD.
The Committee on Public Awareness, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has also developed an educational website.
COPA provides support to the International Commission on Large Dams Committee on Public Awareness and Education. Recent work has provided the pros and cons of dams and the effects of reservoirs on people and the natural environment.
Further information may be obtained by contacting the Committee Chairperson:
- Rebecca Ragon
- Corps of Engineers
- 7701 Telegraph Road
- Alexandria, VA 22315
- Telephone: 703-428-6820
- Fax: 703-428-3732
- e-mail: rebecca.ragon@usace.army.mil
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