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Kendra L Russell

Kendra Russell is the Chief of Staff for the USGS Energy and Mineral Resources Mission Area. The Energy and Mineral Resources Mission Area delivers actionable science that informs crucial management decisions and investments impacting the Nation's economy, environment and national security. This includes mapping critical minerals, supply chain analysis, geologic resource assessments and more.

Prior to joining EMMA, Kendra served as the Delaware River Master in the Water Resources Mission Area at USGS – a position that leads operations, including directing releases as needed from the New York City Reservoirs, and determines the strategic direction of the office. She joined the USGS to serve as the Deputy Delaware River Master in 2018. Previously, Kendra was a senior international affairs specialist at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and worked as a hydraulic engineer with experience in numerical hydraulic and sediment modeling as well as stakeholder engagement and facilitation. She is a Professional Engineer and holds a Master’s Degree in Geography and Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University.

Professional Experience

  • Chief of Staff, Energy and Mineral Resources Mission Area, US Geological Survey

  • Delaware River Master, US Geological Survey

  • Senior Advisor BIL Coordination Detail, US Geological Survey

  • Deputy Delaware River Master, US Geological Survey

  • Senior International Affairs Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation

  • Civil Engineer, Bureau of Reclamation

Education and Certifications

  • Professional Engineer

  • M.S., Geography and Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University

  • B.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University

Science and Products

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2016–November 30, 2017

Executive SummaryA Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954 (New Jersey v. New York, 347 U.S. 995), established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes the diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs owned by New York City be made under t
Authors
Kendra L. Russell, William J. Andrews, Vincent J. DiFrenna, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2015 - November 30, 2016

Executive SummaryA Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954 (New Jersey v. New York, 347 U.S. 995), established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes the diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from reservoirs owned by New York City to be made under the su
Authors
Kendra L. Russell, William J. Andrews, Vincent J. DiFrenna, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2014–November 30, 2015

Executive SummaryA Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954 (New Jersey v. New York, 347 U.S. 995), established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes the diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from specific reservoirs owned by New York City be made under
Authors
Kendra L. Russell, William J. Andrews, Vincent J. DiFrenna, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2013–November 30, 2014

Executive SummaryA Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954 (New Jersey v. New York, 347 U.S. 995), established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes the diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from specific reservoirs owned by New York City to be made und
Authors
Kendra L. Russell, William J. Andrews, Vincent J. DiFrenna, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

A numerical investigation of the mechanisms controlling salt intrusion in the Delaware Bay Estuary

Salinity intrusion in coastal systems is mainly controlled by freshwater inflows. However, extreme events like drought, low-pressure storms, and longer-term sea level rise can exacerbate the landward salt migration and threaten economic infrastructure and ecological health. Along the eastern seaboard of the United States, approximately 13 million people rely on the water resources of the Delaware
Authors
Salme Ellen Cook, John C. Warner, Kendra L. Russell
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2012–November 30, 2013

A Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954, established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs, owned by New York City, to be made under the supervision and direction of the River Master. The D
Authors
Vincent J. DiFrenna, William J. Andrews, Kendra L. Russell, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2011–November 30, 2012

A Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954, established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs, owned by New York City, to be made under the supervision and direction of the River Master. The D
Authors
Vincent J. DiFrenna, William J. Andrews, Kendra L. Russell, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2010–November 30, 2011

A Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954, established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs, owned by New York City, to be made under the supervision and direction of the River Master. The D
Authors
Vincent J. DiFrenna, William J. Andrews, Kendra L. Russell, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2009–November 30, 2010

A Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954, established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs, owned by New York City, to be made under the supervision and direction of the River Master. The D
Authors
Kendra L. Russell, Darwin Ockerman, Bruce E. Krejmas, Gary N. Paulachok, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Decision analysis to support development of the Glen Canyon Dam long-term experimental and management plan

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and Argonne National Laboratory, completed a decision analysis to use in the evaluation of alternatives in the Environmental Impact Statement concerning the long-term management of water releases from Glen Canyon Dam and associated management activities. Two primary decision analysis methods, multicri
Authors
Michael C. Runge, Kirk E. LaGory, Kendra Russell, Janet R. Balsom, R. Alan Butler, Lewis G. Coggins,, Katrina A. Grantz, John Hayse, Ihor Hlohowskyj, Josh Korman, James E. May, Daniel J. O'Rourke, Leslie A. Poch, James R. Prairie, Jack C. VanKuiken, Robert A. Van Lonkhuyzen, David R. Varyu, Bruce T. Verhaaren, Thomas D. Veselka, Nicholas T. Williams, Kelsey K. Wuthrich, Charles B. Yackulic, Robert P. Billerbeck, Glen W. Knowles
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link
Photo of the Ben Franklin Bridge spanning the Delaware River

Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin

The USGS Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity and quality necessary to support modern water prediction and decision support systems for water emergencies and daily water operations. The Delaware River Basin was the first NGWOS basin, providing an opportunity to implement the program in a nationally important, complex interstate...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
link

Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin

The USGS Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity and quality necessary to support modern water prediction and decision support systems for water emergencies and daily water operations. The Delaware River Basin was the first NGWOS basin, providing an opportunity to implement the program in a nationally important, complex interstate...
Learn More
link
Photo of a USGS streamgaging station along the Delware River

Office of the Delaware River Master

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a Decree in State of New Jersey v. State of New York and City of New York in which the Court established the position of the Delaware River Master.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Office of the Delaware River Master

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a Decree in State of New Jersey v. State of New York and City of New York in which the Court established the position of the Delaware River Master.
Learn More

Science and Products

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2016–November 30, 2017

Executive SummaryA Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954 (New Jersey v. New York, 347 U.S. 995), established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes the diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs owned by New York City be made under t
Authors
Kendra L. Russell, William J. Andrews, Vincent J. DiFrenna, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2015 - November 30, 2016

Executive SummaryA Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954 (New Jersey v. New York, 347 U.S. 995), established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes the diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from reservoirs owned by New York City to be made under the su
Authors
Kendra L. Russell, William J. Andrews, Vincent J. DiFrenna, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2014–November 30, 2015

Executive SummaryA Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954 (New Jersey v. New York, 347 U.S. 995), established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes the diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from specific reservoirs owned by New York City be made under
Authors
Kendra L. Russell, William J. Andrews, Vincent J. DiFrenna, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2013–November 30, 2014

Executive SummaryA Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954 (New Jersey v. New York, 347 U.S. 995), established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes the diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from specific reservoirs owned by New York City to be made und
Authors
Kendra L. Russell, William J. Andrews, Vincent J. DiFrenna, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

A numerical investigation of the mechanisms controlling salt intrusion in the Delaware Bay Estuary

Salinity intrusion in coastal systems is mainly controlled by freshwater inflows. However, extreme events like drought, low-pressure storms, and longer-term sea level rise can exacerbate the landward salt migration and threaten economic infrastructure and ecological health. Along the eastern seaboard of the United States, approximately 13 million people rely on the water resources of the Delaware
Authors
Salme Ellen Cook, John C. Warner, Kendra L. Russell
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2012–November 30, 2013

A Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954, established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs, owned by New York City, to be made under the supervision and direction of the River Master. The D
Authors
Vincent J. DiFrenna, William J. Andrews, Kendra L. Russell, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2011–November 30, 2012

A Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954, established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs, owned by New York City, to be made under the supervision and direction of the River Master. The D
Authors
Vincent J. DiFrenna, William J. Andrews, Kendra L. Russell, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2010–November 30, 2011

A Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954, established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs, owned by New York City, to be made under the supervision and direction of the River Master. The D
Authors
Vincent J. DiFrenna, William J. Andrews, Kendra L. Russell, J. Michael Norris, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Report of the River Master of the Delaware River for the period December 1, 2009–November 30, 2010

A Decree of the Supreme Court of the United States, entered June 7, 1954, established the position of Delaware River Master within the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the Decree authorizes diversion of water from the Delaware River Basin and requires compensating releases from certain reservoirs, owned by New York City, to be made under the supervision and direction of the River Master. The D
Authors
Kendra L. Russell, Darwin Ockerman, Bruce E. Krejmas, Gary N. Paulachok, Robert R. Mason,
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Decision analysis to support development of the Glen Canyon Dam long-term experimental and management plan

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and Argonne National Laboratory, completed a decision analysis to use in the evaluation of alternatives in the Environmental Impact Statement concerning the long-term management of water releases from Glen Canyon Dam and associated management activities. Two primary decision analysis methods, multicri
Authors
Michael C. Runge, Kirk E. LaGory, Kendra Russell, Janet R. Balsom, R. Alan Butler, Lewis G. Coggins,, Katrina A. Grantz, John Hayse, Ihor Hlohowskyj, Josh Korman, James E. May, Daniel J. O'Rourke, Leslie A. Poch, James R. Prairie, Jack C. VanKuiken, Robert A. Van Lonkhuyzen, David R. Varyu, Bruce T. Verhaaren, Thomas D. Veselka, Nicholas T. Williams, Kelsey K. Wuthrich, Charles B. Yackulic, Robert P. Billerbeck, Glen W. Knowles
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
link
Photo of the Ben Franklin Bridge spanning the Delaware River

Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin

The USGS Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity and quality necessary to support modern water prediction and decision support systems for water emergencies and daily water operations. The Delaware River Basin was the first NGWOS basin, providing an opportunity to implement the program in a nationally important, complex interstate...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
link

Next Generation Water Observing System: Delaware River Basin

The USGS Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) provides high-fidelity, real-time data on water quantity and quality necessary to support modern water prediction and decision support systems for water emergencies and daily water operations. The Delaware River Basin was the first NGWOS basin, providing an opportunity to implement the program in a nationally important, complex interstate...
Learn More
link
Photo of a USGS streamgaging station along the Delware River

Office of the Delaware River Master

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a Decree in State of New Jersey v. State of New York and City of New York in which the Court established the position of the Delaware River Master.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Office of the Delaware River Master

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a Decree in State of New Jersey v. State of New York and City of New York in which the Court established the position of the Delaware River Master.
Learn More
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