Craig Wilson of Stoel Rives Appointed California's First Delta Watermaster
7/8/2010

The Delta Watermaster position was created as part of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009. The Watermaster is charged with implementing and enforcing existing water rights laws and State Water Resources Control Board permits, licenses and decisions. The Delta is the major conduit for California's water system and is the most critically important estuary and wetland ecosystem on the west coast of North America.

Wilson is an attorney in Stoel Rives' Resources, Development and Environment practice group, where he has brought to the firm's clients his unique insights on practicing law before California's environmental and regulatory agencies. The firm has a 20-year history of providing legal advice related to acquiring, protecting, evaluating and transferring water rights.

"The State Water Resources Control Board has made a great choice in selecting Craig," said Tim Taylor, Managing Partner for Stoel Rives' California offices. "His experience with statewide water issues has been instrumental in helping our clients navigate the complex federal and state water law requirements. We wish him well in his appointed role."

"In Craig Wilson we have found an expert with long experience who clearly understands the interests and views of the competing parties as well as the science and law of water in the Delta," said State Water Board Chair Charlie Hoppin. "It is no exaggeration to say that the state's environmental and economic future may stand or fall on how California deals with the Delta in the next few years. Craig will play a key part in that chapter of our water history."

Wilson has 29 years of past service to the State of California, most recently as Chief Counsel responsible for directing all legal matters for the State Water Resources Control Board and its nine Regional Boards. He held a number of positions at the agency before becoming its top lawyer. He also served as a Captain with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG) from 1973 to 1976.

Wilson is a graduate of the University of California, Davis School of Law (1972) and the University of California, Davis (B.A. in 1969). He is listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2009.

About Stoel Rives LLP: Stoel Rives is a business law firm providing corporate and litigation services to a wide range of clients throughout the United States. The firm has nearly 400 attorneys operating out of 11 offices in seven states. Stoel Rives is regarded as a leader in corporate, energy, environmental, intellectual property, labor and employment, land use and construction, litigation, natural resources, project development and real estate law. The firm has offices in Alaska, California, Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah and Washington. For more information, visit www.stoel.com.