Jack MacPherson
Nominating Agency:

For nearly 40 years, Jack MacPherson has been an innovator in the areas of hydrology and flood forecasting computer programs. Largely self-taught, Jack has worked in both the public and private sector. Throughout his career he has shown a commitment to:

• Improving our understanding of the consequences of flooding
• Developing a better understanding of hydrological cycle and its impact on humans
• Using this information to assist Conservation Authorities to fulfill their flood warning and flood forecasting mandates by developing specialized computer program packages
• Working to continuously improve these programs
• Encouraging standardization of the programs, tools and equipment used in flood forecasting

During his career Jack has been involved in:

• The development of floodplain mapping for various urban and rural areas
• Numerous floodplain policy studies
• Watershed studies for several Conservation Authorities
• The design and construction of weirs, dams and flood control channels
• The creation of a real time flood forecast model currently being used by a number of Conservation Authorities
• The network design and analysis of flood warning systems for nine Conservation Authorities
• Assisting with the development and design of Provincial Flood Warning Criteria

Always generous with his time and expertise, Jack has been a willing teacher, conveying his knowledge of watershed to colleagues and the general public. Jack is well respected by his peers and upon his retirement this year, will leave a legacy using innovative approaches to upgrading our flood forecasting capabilities and improving our capacity to protect lives and property.

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