MEDIA ADVISORY
March 9, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Hyde, 360.819.3045, kevin.hyde@psp.wa.gov  

Science Panel to discuss Vital Signs revision project

The Puget Sound Partnership's Science Panel will meet on Wednesday, March 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the March 11-12 Science Panel meeting will be a virtual Zoom meeting for all participants and the public. 

Join the web portion of the meeting at https://rossstrategic.zoom.us/j/176485856 Meeting ID: 176 485 856. Dial from any phone: +1 669 900 9128 or 877 853 5247 U.S. Toll-free. Meeting ID: 176 485 856. Full Zoom instructions are included in the meeting agenda, which is available here: https://psp.wa.gov/board_meetings.php

Meeting highlights include:

• An update and discussion about the Vital Signs revision project, by Elizabeth McManus, principal at Ross Strategic. The Puget Sound Partnership is engaged in a collaborative effort to revise the Vital Signs and indicators related to water quality, water quantity, habitats, and species and food webs to incorporate lessons learned over the past ten years and address known concerns highlighted in existing studies and critiques. 
• An update and discussion about the 2020-2024 Science Work Plan. The goals of the Science Work Plan are to assess how ongoing research addresses decision-critical uncertainties relating to the recovery of Puget Sound, identify additional science needs to support ecosystem recovery, and make recommendations for priority science actions. It also responds specifically to state statute (RCW 90.71.290(5)). Click here to view the 2016-2018 Science Work Plan.
• A presentation and continued discussion about alternative future scenario analysis. The discussion will address how the scenario project is progressing in terms of timing, scope, and resources, as well as how to provide feedback or engage more broadly. 

The full Science Panel agenda and meeting materials are available at https://psp.wa.gov/board_meetings.php. 

If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please notify the Special Assistant to the Boards, Deborah Hagen, at 360.819.0057.

If you need any support day-of please contact Tess Wendel via email or phone at twendel@rossstrategic.com or 206.792.4018. For emails please note PSP Science Panel in the subject line. Please note that if you are unable to get the call-in number to work on a regular phone, the first step for troubleshooting is to try on a mobile phone or to try computer audio.

About the Science Panel

The Science Panel's expertise and advice are critical to the Puget Sound Partnership’s efforts to develop a comprehensive, science-based plan to restore Puget Sound. The members, appointed by the Leadership Council, are chosen from the top scientists in Washington State.

About the Puget Sound Partnership

The Puget Sound Partnership is the state agency formed to lead the region’s collective effort to restore and protect Puget Sound. Working with hundreds of governments, tribes, scientists, businesses, and nonprofits, the Partnership mobilizes partner action around a common agenda, advances Sound investments, and tracks progress to optimize recovery. For more information, go to www.psp.wa.gov.