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Montana Water Legend
- 2005
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Chuck Parrett, 2005 Water Legend |
Chuck Parrett
U.S. Geological Survey
Chuck Parrett is a Montana native who has worked for the Montana U.S. Geological Survey Science Center since 1977. In his pre-USGS life, he worked for 8 years as a hydrologist/hydraulic engineer for two different Montana state agencies (MDT and DNRC). He received a B.S. in Engineering Science from Montana Tech in 1967 and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Montana State University in the 1970. While in Montana Chuck worked on a wide variety of surface-water investigations of floods and flood-frequency, flood-plain delineation, bridge scour, statewide streamflow estimation methods, wildfire hydrology, and extreme precipitation frequency. In the course of this work, he as has authored and coauthored close to 100 papers and reports that apply both simple and complex science and engineering principles to understanding the distribution, availability, and effects of surface water in Montana. Anyone associated with water science or management in Montana has this in common--they know and respect Chuck and his contribution to the better management of Montana's water resources. Chuck recently accepted a position with the USGS in Sacramento, where he and his wife Bonnie can be close to their daughter's family. We wish them good luck in their role as grandparents, and many happy returns to Montana.
A Bigger, Broader Tribute to Water Legend Chuck Parrett
I’m still kicking myself for not standing up in front of the crowd at AWRA to broaden the heartfelt tributes to Chuck Parrett, who last week was inducted into the Water Legend hall of fame. So here goes – my belated tribute.
Like Steve Hollenbeck, Chuck Dalby and Bob Davis, who actually gave speeches at the ceremony, I, too, had the honor of working with Chuck for a number of years. I, too, immensely admire his scientific and technical accomplishments, his clear thinking, and his prolific publications. And I, too, benefited greatly from his patient mentoring, even though we worked in separate sections of the USGS and officially had no mutual responsibilities.
Steve and Bob ably documented those aspects of the newest Water Legend. But what they did not mention – and what I think is of at least equal importance – are his voluntary contributions to the community and to the water resources to which he devotes his career.
Finding his home located almost precisely on the cusp between two hydrologic subunits, Chuck became a founding and active member of not one, but two citizen-led watershed groups, Upper and Lower Tenmile Creek. Lending his professional expertise to those groups, Chuck helped educate his fellow citizens who care about their environment. With his calm and straightforward demeanor, he helped guide and focus the enthusiastic group energies, providing reality checks where needed. He helped both groups obtain assistance from the USGS, and helped the USGS understand the groups’ needs and tailor its work accordingly. And he made certain the groups understood the implications of the scientific work so they could use it effectively. Scientific prowess is indeed worth honoring. But in my mind it takes more than that to be a true Water Legend. Chuck Parrett decidedly deserves the award because he applies his exemplary talents not only on the job, but also in the community; not only to the advancement of science, but also to making the world a better place.
Eloise Kendy
Hydrogeologist
Nov. 1, 2005 |
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