Center for Regional Enviornmental
Science and Technology (CREST)

The Center for Regional Environmental Science and Technology (CREST). The Center was formed to respond to intensifying needs for high-quality, independent scientific studies of the natural and physical environment. The Sacramento region is experiencing rapid population growth, with attendant pressures on agricultural lands, open space, quality and supply of water, air quality, and wildlife populations. Increasing pressures on the natural systems and overlapping interests of agencies, industries and special interest groups have created the need for this impartial and broad-based science consortium. The Center will focus on critical elements and processes affecting the region's air, water, soil, and biotic environments. The Center will provide politically neutral study design, data collection, interpretation and storage. The Center will also examine the historical and future impacts of social choices on natural systems including plans and policies to modify or regulate those natural systems.