Randy Brown
Current Job: Section 309 Coordinator
Current Project: Developing a 5-year Section 309 assessment and strategy for PA's two coastal zones
State(s) working in: Pennsylvania
Where are you from: Doylestown, PA
What do you think is the main reason we should protect SAV?
Habitat and biodiversity
How do you feel your research will make a difference in the SAV community?
In Pennsylvania, the Coastal Program has done extensive mapping of shellfish and SAV habitat in Philadelphia's tidal rivers. This work was completed utilizing sidescan sonar coupled with underwater HD video and subsequently converted into GIS maps for analysis.
What is one of your best memories working with SAV?
Working on the Delaware River
What keeps you motivated to keep caring about the future of SAV?
Seeing the passion of other groups / agencies who care about the health of the Delaware Estuary.
More about Randy’s story
I grew in Doylestown, PA and have stayed in the area most of my life. After graduating from Temple University, I got a job with the PA Department of Environmental Protection first as an intern, and then full time as a permit reviewer in the Wetlands and Waterways section. This lasted for roughly 20 years, with my work concentrated on the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone (DECZ).
About 2 years ago, I took a different position with PA's Coastal Resources Program working primarily with Section 309 grants. Fortunately, my new position allows me to continue the field work I've been doing with shellfish and SAV in the DECZ, while also allowing me to work in Pennsylvania's other coastal zone in Lake Erie.
