Inland Bays science committee virtual meeting set Feb. 16

The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays invites the public to attend its virtual Scientific & Technical Advisory Committee meeting from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, when presenters will focus on recent research related to water quality and watershed condition in the Inland Bays.

STAC meetings are a fantastic opportunity for residents to learn about local environmental issues and ask questions about the latest research in the Inland Bays. This committee provides objective, science-driven advice and guidance to the center’s board of directors and other cooperating agencies with interests in the Inland Bays.

New STAC member Dr. Kristen Coveleski, a senior water resources engineer and geomorphologist with the environmental restoration firm Inter-Fluve, will discuss recent projects she has led. These include dam removal and bypass projects to restore free passage of migratory fish, as well as cranberry bog and stream restorations.

“We are extremely excited to have Kristen join the committee,” said Dr. Marianne Walch, CIB science and restoration coordinator. “Environmental restoration projects are a major focus of the center’s management plans for the Inland Bays. We’ve recognized a need for additional expertise in this area on the STAC to help advise our work.”

Olivia Devereux of Devereux Consulting will provide a development update on a nutrient loading model for the State of Delaware known as the Delaware Targeting and Planning Tool. It will allow researchers and environmental managers to predict the impact of existing and planned pollution-control practices on water quality in area rivers and bays.

Walch and STAC Chair Jennifer Volk will lead a later discussion of projects to be included in the center’s fiscal year 2023 work plan. STAC members will be able to provide feedback on the plan and specific STAC goals for the upcoming year.

The public and media are encouraged to attend the Zoom meeting at https://udel.zoom.us/j/99628698900 using the passcode “science.” To join by phone, dial 646-876-9923 and enter meeting ID 996 2869 8900.

A draft agenda and details about the committee and past meetings can be found at inlandbays.org/stac.

The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays is a nonprofit organization established in 1994, and is one of 28 National Estuary Programs. With its many partners, the center works to preserve, protect and restore Delaware’s Inland Bays and their watershed. Learn more at inlandbays.org.