International Erosion Control Association Board Director Carol Forrest, CPESC, CPSWQ, P.E., was killed Sunday, Aug. 13, in a helicopter crash outside of Astoria, Ore. Forrest was preparing to take part in Flight of Discovery, an aerial expedition to study the environmental and cultural changes along the Lewis and Clark trail.
"A hole opened in my and many people's lives today," said Sandy Mathews of the IECA Western Chapter. "Carol is one of the people who truly lived and enjoyed and excelled in all aspects of life and followed her passions."
Forrest shared her more than 28 years of experience in urban runoff, stormwater quality and watershed management with professionals around the country through workshops and seminars. She has authored many articles and manuals focusing on stormwater management and erosion and sediment control.
"I know that I am not the only one who looked to her as a mentor," said Mathews. "She was a support as I fledged as a professional in this field and she remained my sounding board for ideas and initiatives and was a model for my professional development."
In addition to being a regular instructor for IECA, Forrest donated a great deal of time to the organization most recently serving as technical vice president on the board of directors and as a member of the Professional Development Committee. Forrest also volunteered her time to CPESC Inc., serving as the chair of the Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control Council and to her alma mater, San Diego State University, where she helped develop a state-of-the-art soil erosion research laboratory.
"I have been privileged to know Carol both professionally and as a friend for many years. I join many others in mourning her loss," said Lee Johnson, CPESC, IECA board member. "I will never forget the many contributions she has made to the furthering of the International Erosion Control Association and this industry."
During her career as a consultant and principal of GeoSyntec Consultants, Forrest was involved in erosion control, stormwater management and NPDES compliance issues on more than 600 construction sites throughout the U.S. Her work following the 1991 Oakland firestorm and 1993 Southern California fires earned her URS's Innovative Practice Award and Project Manager of the Year Award.
