|
|
|
|
| Coastal Training Program |
|
|
|
| What is CTP? |
|
|
Improving the stewardship of coastal resources requires making sure that local and regional decision makers have the best and latest scientific knowledge at their fingertips. Through the Coastal Training Program, the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (South Slough NERR) provides an integrated approach to connecting decision makers with the information they need.
Coastal decision makers are individuals whose duties include making decisions that affect the coast and its resources. In Oregon’s rural coastal zone, decision makers include managers of both public and private lands, natural and cultural resource managers, coastal and community planners, local elected officials, business owners and operators. They may also include farmers or ranchers; soil and water conservation districts, watershed councils and professional associations; recreation enthusiasts, researchers and technicians, and even private citizens.
By enabling dialogue among scientists and managers, CTP serves as a conduit for rapid exchange of information between decision makers and technical experts.
The goal of the Coastal Training Program is better-informed decision-making to improve coastal stewardship locally and regionally. CTP meets its goal by:
- Increasing the application of science-based knowledge and skills by local and regional coastal decision-makers.
- Providing opportunities for discussion and collaboration among coastal decision makers.
-
Supporting coastal decision makers and facilitating their efforts to understand the role of human activity in the coastal environment.
|
| History |
|
In 1988, at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Florida, educators initiated a series of bimonthly training workshops to assist coastal managers and other decision makers participating in planning and regulation of Florida's shores. In cooperation with the Florida Coastal Management Program, these training workshops were expanded to provide similar services throughout the state.
Encouraged by the program's early success, in 1993 NOAA took the Florida model as a blueprint for a new Coastal Training Program for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Coastal management training workshops began at 11 national estuarine research reserves, including South Slough NERR. Participating reserves collaborated with state coastal zone management programs and Sea Grant extension to develop training programs that were responsive to the needs of specific audiences, needs that would often vary depending on time and place. The program has led to policy changes and new coastal management initiatives, and expanded cooperative efforts to address many problems affecting the nation's coasts.
Encouraged by the program’s early success, the NERRS incorporated training workshops, called coastal decision-maker workshops, into the basic operations of each reserve beginning in 1998.
Now the CTP is fully implemented or is being implemented at 23 of 26 national estuarine research reserves nationwide. A reserve with a fully-implemented coastal training program receives approximately $90,000 each year to support a CTP coordinator and provide some funds for training.
To date, an estimated 25,000 coastal decision-makers have participated in NERRS coastal decision-maker workshops. The National Estuarine Research Reserves have gained valuable experience in developing and conducting technical training, and have initiated networks and dialogue with hundreds of decision makers within their respective local communities. Other federal agencies and training providers are beginning to be aware of the CTP model and are evaluating its applicability in other fields.
|
| A Template for Training |
|
A successful Coastal Training Program depends on a detailed understanding of local environmental problems and conditions, stakeholders´ needs, and available training resources.
For example, in 2002, the South Slough NERR´s CTP staff developed a training strategy to address six critical environmental topics that are closely allied to research and stewardship objectives at South Slough NERR and considered important by a wide range of decision makers. A carefully-designed four-step blueprint was used to develop the strategy.
Conduct a Market Analysis
Staff first analyzed the availability of professional training programs offered within the Oregon coastal zone to determine what kinds of training were provided by other sources, such as universities, professional associations or public agencies. The market analysis helped South Slough staff determine environmentally-significant issues where appropriate outreach and training was lacking.
The major accomplishment of the market analysis was identifying six topics on which South Slough could provide training that was not easily available from other sources.
Advisory Group
After completing the market analysis, the South Slough NERR formed an advisory group of coastal managers, educators and outreach specialists to identify and describe training opportunities revealed by the market analysis. The advisors also suggested specific target audiences that were likely to benefit from training or outreach. The advisory group generally meets once a year to review progress and consider additional needs.
The major accomplishment of the advisory group was to prioritize the six training topics and identify target audiences pertinent to each topic.
Needs Assessments
Next South Slough NERR staff began conducting needs assessments of the target audiences to learn more about specific topics that needed to be addressed, how the information should be structured, and what methods of delivery or training were most appropriate.
Needs assessments are conducted as often as they are needed. Some may be broad and general, and seek information from several target audiences to learn about shared needs. Others may be narrower in scope and designed to elicit information about the specific needs of a specialized audience.
Marketing Plan
South Slough NERR uses its interactions and partnerships with coastal decision makers to increase the familiarity of the Coastal Training Program, extend the availability of coastal training throughout Oregon's coastal zone and increase awareness of the Coastal Training Program as a tool for problem-solving.
|
| Partnerships |
|
|
Partnerships play an important role in the CTP. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Estuarine Reserves Division (NOAA/ERD) provides the CTP with technical assistance, program policy guidance and budget planning; and support for program development and implementation. Oregon’s Coastal Program and Oregon Sea Grant participate in the advisory group and training partnerships.
Other local and state partners include the Coos Watershed Association, the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Coos Soil and Water Conservation District, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development; the Oregon Coastal Environments Awareness Network (OCEAN), the Coastal Environments Learning Network (CELN), local Native American tribes, and other agencies, organizations and individuals.
|
| Additional Documents |
|
|
Earthquake Tsunami Connection workshop.
Be sure to download the Family Disaster Supplies Kit.
|
|
|
