Alina Layng Response to Question #1:

1.  What qualifications and experiences (e.g., education, professional background, relevant technical expertise, experience with collaborative decision making, etc.) do you bring to the SLV Water District Board of Directors?

I am a graduate of Oregon State University where I majored in Biology and minored in Marine Biology.  I have been a public servant my entire career, whether it be representing the federal or state government collecting critical data, or participating in non-proprietary research to create new open source technological advancements.  I have fostered relationships with NGOs, private landowners, as well as local and federal agencies, to allow site access for monitoring and built partnerships among agencies.​

I was asked to come to this beautiful area of California to apply my expertise in salmonid survival studies utilizing ​telemetry technology to help better understand how drought conditions affect salmonid migration.  The ability to monitor fish migration and behavior is crucial to understanding the impacts of extreme climate conditions, water operations, and developing management strategies to minimize threats.

I have been involved in many projects in our area, including installing monitoring equipment on the Felton Bladder Dam and conducting topographic land surveys for the Carmel Dam Removal geomorphological study. I saw first-hand the impact the previous fire had on water quality, and how it affected the salmonid rearing at the Scott Creek Hatchery near our valley.​ The work I have done gives me a unique insight into our watershed and the best methods to protect the beneficial use of water for all users.  To learn more visit www.AlinaLayng.com