The National Academies’ Gulf Research Program is developing a strategy to advance scientific understanding of the ongoing and future transitions of the Mississippi River Delta and its associated ecosystems in order to inform future societal decisions. This initiative responds to the recommendations in a National Academies report regarding riverine sediment delivery and related diversion and management activities.

In 2014–2015, a design competition called Changing Course: Navigating the Mississippi Delta's Future was held to plan self-sustaining landscapes for the lowermost Mississippi River. The competition produced three winning designs and engaged numerous scientists, engineers, and planners. These designs had several common points, including planning for a smaller and more sustainable delta; reconnecting the river to sustain wetlands; creating a more sustainable navigation channel; and maximizing port and maritime activities.

This webinar will focus on the critical science questions and requirements that emerged from the designs. The panel will consist of three members of the Changing Course competition leadership team and will be moderated by GRP Senior Scientist Don Boesch, who was also a member of this team.

Panelists

• Steve Cochran, Associate Vice President for Coastal Resilience, Environmental Defense Fund. Mr. Cochran has been the chief of staff for a Louisiana Governor, director of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, and director of EDF’s National Climate Campaign. He managed the Changing Course Design Competition and is currently also serving as Campaign Director for the Restore the Mississippi River coalition.
• Denise Reed, Professor, University of New Orleans. Dr. Reed is a coastal geomorphologist who has conducted research on salt marshes in Europe and San Francisco Bay as well as in Louisiana. Previously, she served as chief scientist at the Water Institute of the Gulf and contributed to Louisiana’s Comprehensive Coastal Master Plan.
• Clint Willson, Director of the Center for River Studies, Louisiana State University. Dr. Willson is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, where he has been on the faculty since 1998. His specialty is modeling flows of water and sediment. He designed and now operates the Lower Mississippi River Physical Model, one of the world’s largest movable bed models