The Science Board, as part of the Science and Technology (S&T) Program, ensured the application of world-class science to the Louisiana Coastal Area Ecosystem Restoration Plan (LCA Plan) by providing national perspective and oversight of general scientific processes and structure of the LCA Program in support of the Program Management Team (PMT) and the S&T Program Director. The specific charge of the Science Board was to:

• Understand and improve the technical underpinnings of the LCA Program
• Review the structure and operations of the LCA S&T Program
• Review and improve the processes for integrating the S&T Program activities

Science Board members were agents for facilitating communication between the Project Management Team (PMT) and the scientific and technical community. Board members possess the highest level of expertise and stature so that their advice is respected by the public, scientists, agency technicians, staff and management. Board members also had the ability to sustain a balanced view of issues. The Science Board members provided insights on how to improve credibility and clarity regarding LCA issues, as well as how to better connect science and management. The Science Board was directed by the U.S. Geological Survey, specifically Dr. Dawn Lavoie, Science Coordinator, Gulf Coast and LMV and Mr. Jim Stefanov, Deputy Regional Executive: South Central Area.  Board members included:

 

Dr. Peter Goodwin, Chair College of Engineering, Center of Ecohydraulic Research University of Idaho	Dr. Joseph Fernando Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences University of Notre Dame
Dr. John Wells Dean of the School of Marine Science and Director Virginia Institute of Marine Science	Dr. G. Ronnie Best Coordinator, Greater Everglades Science Program USGS; University of Florida/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center
Dr. Robert Dean Deptartment of Civil and Coastal Engineering University of Florida	Dr. Robert P. Brooks Director, Riparia Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Stephen Brandt Director, Oregon Sea Grant Program Oregon State University	Dr. Susan Cutter Carolina Distinguished Professor of Geography Director Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute University of South Carolina
Dr. John Teal Scientist Emeritus Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution	Dr. Don Boesch, Past Chair President, Center for Environmental Science University of Maryland
Dr. George Tanner Dept. of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation University fo Florida	Dr. Connor Bailey Dept. of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Auburn University