MEDIA ADVISORY
July 13, 2020

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

Science Panel to discuss alternative future scenarios analysis this week

The Puget Sound Partnership's Science Panel will meet on Wednesday, July 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on Thursday, July 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the July 15-16 Science Panel meetings will be virtual Zoom meetings for all participants and the public. 

For the July 15 session, join the web portion of the meeting at https://zoom.us/j/91188471408?pwd=cG1tNmhZcXJZb2pBbFdGMnh4L0VzZz09 Meeting ID: 911 8847 1408, Password: 766957. Dial from any phone: +1 253 215 8782. Meeting ID: 911 8847 1408, Password: 766957. 

For the July 16 session, join the web portion of the meeting at https://zoom.us/j/92598080111?pwd=SW85MEoxbkJHb3ZLSWZabkxPc2xwQT09 Meeting ID: 925 9808 0111, Password: 714442. Dial from any phone: +1 253 215 8782. Meeting ID: 925 9808 0111, Password: 714442.

Full Zoom instructions are included in the meeting agenda, which is available here: https://psp.wa.gov/board_meetings.php

Meeting highlights include:

• A presentation and discussion about alternative future scenarios analysis, by Katherine Wyatt, assistant science director at the Puget Sound Partnership. The objectives of this work session are to maintain and build collaboration and engagement across the boards and disciplines; further our understanding of driving forces of change and areas of uncertainty; begin to develop alternative strategies responsive to top drivers and areas of uncertainty; and connect this work to existing initiatives in the region and to the aspirational future we collectively strive for.
• A presentation and discussion about the 2020-2024 Science Work Plan, by Scott Redman, Science and Evaluation program director at the Puget Sound Partnership, and Katherine Wyatt, assistant science director at the Puget Sound Partnership. The session will involve discussion of the draft prioritized science work actions, the timing of the release of the draft Science Work Plan, and the timing of the presentation of the Science Work Plan to the Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council. The Science Work Plan responds specifically to state statute (RCW 90.71.290(5)). Click here to view the 2016-2018 Science Work Plan.
• A presentation and discussion about legislative policy priorities, by Jeff Parsons, legislative policy director at the Puget Sound Partnership. The session will include discussion about opportunities for the Science Panel to engage on policy priorities before and during the upcoming legislative session, along with discussion of the Science Panel's recommendations to the Leadership Council for the Partnership's top legislative priorities.
• A discussion of a proposal for an article, by Paul Mayer, ecologist at the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposed article will be a peer-reviewed publication that describes the current infrastructure for science that supports the adaptive management approach to Puget Sound recovery.  

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 Board Policy Specialist Jillian Reitz at 360.742.2936.

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.