SF Natural History Series

Understanding Sand Mining in SF Bay
Guest Speakers: Brenda Goeden and Ian Wren
7pm Wednesday, August 19th, 2015 (doors open 6:30pm)
FREE at the Exploratorium Bay Observatory Gallery (see directions at the bottom for details)
and please let them know if you are coming.

Sand mining in San Francisco Bay is a little known industry that has existed since the early part of the 20th century. Come learn about this activity that occurs in the deep subtidal areas of the Bay and provides sand for construction projects throughout the Bay Area. The talk will include some of the latest science, a discussion of mining effects on the marine environment and outer coast beaches, and a look at known concerns about sand mining. Ten-year permits for mining have recently been issued, so it’s a great time to understand the efforts and advances being made in the science and industry of local Bay sediments.

Ian Wren is the Staff Scientist for San Francisco Baykeeper, which works to maintain a healthy ecosystem for wildlife and Bay Area communities. Ian is a hydrologist and works primarily on issues of stormwater, sediment management, nutrients and sea level rise. He has been involved in advocacy and litigation over impacts associated with sand mining and dredging and believes sustainable sediment management is critical to maintaining a thriving Bay ecosystem and economy in the 21st century.

Brenda Goeden is the Sediment Program Manager at the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC). She supervises implementation of dredged sediment strategies. She works in collaboration with the regulatory and resource agencies in the Bay Area. Her work involves both site placement and quality testing. The BCDC was the first Coastal Zone Management Agency in the nation. They regulate Bay Fill and development, aiming to provide maximum feasible public access to the Bay.

RESERVATIONS AND DIRECTIONS

Reservations can be made at reserve@exploratorium.edu or 415-528-4444 option 5.

Please let the Gallery know if you are coming.

The lecture will be at the Exploratorium Bay Observatory Gallery at the back of the museum. The special event entrance is through the gate on the outside of building, past the main entrance (as depicted in the map). Someone should be out front helping guide (the museum itself will not be open). Please visit the Exploratorium website for directions to the museum.