Integrated Modeling Steering Committee
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a complex ecosystem that requires diverse models and tools to understand the multi-layered interactions between its environment and human dimensions. With many, and sometimes competing, interests across the region, robust modeling tools that integrate multiple factors are needed to forecast the outcome of management and climate scenarios for wildlife habitat, water supply and water quality, economics, social impacts, and others. The Integrated Modeling Steering Committee (IMSC) is a collaborative group providing leadership for increased capacity for modeling tools needed for science-based decision-making in the Delta.
The importance of integrated modeling and forecasting to support decision-making was highlighted in two key venues for collaborative science in the Delta in 2016 and these events led to the formation of the IMSC:
- A Delta Independent Science Board’s (Delta ISB’s) 2016 letter to key Delta decision-makers
- Recommendations from the 2016 Science Enterprise Workshop
With further support from the Delta Plan Interagency Implementation Committee (DPIIC), the IMSC was established in the fall of 2017 with the ultimate goal of creating a collaborative modeling community that can directly support decision-makers with complex and dynamic questions in the Delta region. Led by the Delta Science Program, the IMSC brings together managers and modeling experts from state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, private consultants, academia, and more. Those interested in joining the IMSC are encouraged to contact Ben Geske at Ben.Geske@deltacouncil.ca.gov.
Integrated Modeling Framework Workshop: One Delta, One Science, One Modeling Framework
When: February 28 & March 1, 2023 – 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: This workshop will be held as a hybrid workshop. We are offering both in-person and remote participation. In person attendance will be held in the CNRA Building Room 2-302 (second floor), 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA.
Event Details: The Delta Science Program is hosting a two-day hybrid workshop to discuss the next steps in developing a modeling framework and virtual collaborative center to integrate science, data, and models to better tackle environmental management challenges in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The workshop will explore case studies, share success stories from other systems, and include presentations, panel discussions, and breakout groups. The outcomes of the workshop will include strategies for implementing the framework and a virtual collaborative modeling center.
We have prepared and included the following background information, potential breakout room questions, and other references that will get you up to speed in preparation for the workshop.
The IMSC has guided Tetra Tech in its effort to create four technical memos and a synthesis paper - to be posted on this web page in the fall of 2020. These form the building blocks of a solid integrated modeling community.
The reports include Modeling Best Practices, Survey of Integrated Modeling Applications, Technological Challenges and Solutions, and Synthesis papers (Management Summary and Synthesis Report) to bring it all together.
An online living modeling inventory is also available that provides descriptions and features of models currently used in the Delta for engineering, biophysical, and social science disciplines.
- “Modeling Knowledgebase” (in first phase of production)
- CWEMF website
- Delta Monitoring User Group (DMUG) website
- Calendar of relevant integrated modeling events in the Delta
- Job opportunities
Questions?
To request regular updates on the IMSC or additional information regarding its work, please contact Ben Geske at Ben.Geske@deltacouncil.ca.gov.