MEDIA ADVISORY
October 13, 2020

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

NOTE: This update has corrected Zoom information for the Oct. 15 meeting. 

Science Panel to discuss the Science Work Plan

The Puget Sound Partnership's Science Panel will meet on Wednesday, October 14, from 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on Thursday, October 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the October 14-15 Science Panel meetings will be virtual Zoom meetings for all participants and the public. 

For the October 14 session, join the meeting at https://zoom.us/j/92527189934?pwd=bUcvNHUwWndPbjAwRkJXY2ZoSW83QT09 Meeting ID: 925 2718 9934, Password: 679492. Dial from any phone: +1 253 215 8782. Meeting ID: 925 2718 9934, Password: 679492. 

For the October 15 session, join the meeting at https://zoom.us/j/97532484407?pwd=bkVvVklzVXlZY09HVmhRUTJxTXBjZz09 Meeting ID: 975 3248 4407, Password: 477831. Dial from any phone: +1 253 215 8782. Meeting ID: 975 3248 4407, Password: 477831.

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 for a decision about the 2020-2024 Science Work Plan, science work actions, and the development of a science enterprise that supports Puget Sound ecosystem recovery. Presentation 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 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 the 2022-2026 Action Agenda update process. The discussion will include feedback from the Science Panel about methods and concepts for organizing priority outcomes for the Action Agenda and feedback about the process of identifying priority outcomes. Presentation by Don Gourlie, environmental planner at the Puget Sound Partnership.
  
  
• A presentation and discussion about alternative future scenarios analysis. This session will provide an update on scenario progress since the July 16 work session and will include discussion of next steps and the evolving roles of other boards in the process. Presentation by Katherine Wyatt, assistant science director at the Puget Sound Partnership.
  
  
• A presentation and discussion about the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project. This session will provide the Science Panel with an update on two parts of the Salish Sea Marine Survival Project: (1) developing a synthesis of marine survival research findings and (2) completing the development of the Atlantis model and running its simulations to test impacts to salmon marine survival. Presentation by Michael Schmidt, deputy director, Long Live the Kings, and Hem Nalini Morzaria-Luna, ecosystem modeler, Long Live the Kings. 
  
  
• A presentation about evaluating the effectiveness of critical area ordinances with regards to forest changes in riparian habitat. Critical area ordinances are land use regulations that are used to help conserve the natural environment, maintain fish and wildlife habitats, and protect drinking water.  Presentation by Ken Pierce, landscape spatial analytics section manager at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

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.