Professor Laurel Larsen has been unanimously appointed by the Delta Stewardship Council as its lead scientist. Larsen is an expert in hydroecology, landscape dynamics, complex environmental systems, and restoration. “I look forward to working with Delta Stewardship Council, the Delta Independent Science Board, the staff of the Delta Science Program, and stakeholders to provide state-of-the-art independent science in support of the Delta Plan,” Dr. Larsen said. “This is a critical time for management of water in California, and science needs are more pressing than ever. I plan to build on some excellent initiatives established by my predecessor to maintain reliable funding for science research that anticipates future needs and to get a better grasp of the social-ecological interactions and feedbacks that impact the Delta.”
Created by the California State Legislature in 2009, the Delta Stewardship Council is composed of members who represent different parts of the state and offer diverse expertise in fields such as agriculture, science, the environment, and public service. Dr. Larsen’s appointment was the result of a nationwide search and is effective September 1, 2020. She replaces Dr. John Callaway, an internationally recognized expert in wetland restoration, specifically wetland plant ecology and sediment dynamics.