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| Coastal Training Program |
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| Topics for Training |
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As one outcome of the market analysis, the South Slough NERR staff and the CTP Advisory Group identified the following six topics for which training that was not easily available from other sources. For each topic, several important target audiences are indicated.
survey_summary
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| 1. Tideland Restoration |
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Over the past decade Oregon has witnessed an increasing trend of restoring lost ecosystem functions to habitats that previously had been altered to accommodate human development. In estuarine habitats examples of this kind of work have included removing dikes and levees to restore tidal circulation to previously-drained marshes; restoring, enhancing and constructing tidal channels; restoring, enhancing or constructing new salt marshes; relocating streams, and installing channel structures such as large wood to increase the complexity of stream habitat. South Slough has played a leading role in developing techniques for restoring estuarine lands, especially salt marshes and tidal channels, and is particularly well-suited for providing training on this topic.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Landowners, estuary program managers, planners, conservation groups, wildlife managers, watershed councils, public agencies, regulatory officials, fishermen, restoration practitioners.
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| 2. Invasive Species Management |
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The rapidity with which non-native, exotic plants and animals are becoming established in the United States is of national, state and local concern. Invasive species management costs as much as $125 billion annually. The CTP works with local weed management authorities such as the Coos County Weed Advisory Board and the Oregon Invasive Species Council to develop awareness of the problems associated with the spread of non-native species and seek solutions.
TARGET AUDIENCES: port managers, landowners, oyster growers, agricultural and timber land managers, shippers, fisheries managers, fishermen, mariculturists, oyster growers, estuary program managers, forestry, small woodlot owners and managers, landscapers, master gardeners, arborists.
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| 3. Water Quality Management |
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Water quality is important in South Slough and the greater Coos Bay because of the needs of human health and to protect a thriving shellfish industry. Coos Bay is the largest producer of oysters in the state of Oregon. Coliform bacterial outbreaks, oil spills, and other water pollution can seriously harm shellfish for human consumption. Water quality also determines whether or not salmon can thrive in a watershed.
TARGET AUDIENCES: watershed councils, irrigation districts, soil and water conservation districts, landowners, oyster growers, public health managers, coastal community planners, property developers, agricultural managers, water quality managers.
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| 4. Marine Protected Areas |
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The use of marine protected areas to protect critical areas of the ocean from some extractive uses such as mining and drilling, or the use of marine reserve to prohibit all extractive uses, including fishing has taken on added important in recent years. The expanded use of marine protected areas received support from two recent commissions, including one commissioned by the President, that examined the state of the oceans and issued reports calling for greater protection.
Some states, including Oregon, have embraced the concept of using marine reserves to manage critical ocean habitats. Acceptance of these controversial designations has been somewhat limited in coastal communities. South Slough NERR’s Coastal Training Program is working to better understand community attitudes regarding marine protected areas.
TARGET AUDIENCES: fishermen, seafood processors, policy makers (state, regional), gas, oil exploration companies, shippers, marine mammal managers, conservation groups, fishery managers.
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| 5. Visitor Impacts |
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Managing visitor impacts on cultural and natural resources
The growing popularity of coastal recreation means that the impact of visitors on natural and cultural resources is growing, too. The CTP is working with partners to assure that communities consider the impacts of visitors on coastal resources.
TARGET AUDIENCES: chambers of commerce, coastal, land-use planners, local government officials, transportation managers, estuary program managers, developers, tourism promoters and vendors, conservation groups, environmental professionals, wildlife scientists.
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| 6. Climate Change |
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Preparing for the effects of climate change on coastal communities
Climate change may force radical responses by coastal communities faced with rising sea levels, increased storm activity, flooding, drought or other effects. While this is not a pressing topic for CTP at present, other threats, such as the potential impact of a tsunami, also emphasize the need for hazard and risk preparedness. Future CTP involvement will be guided by community perceptions and needs for information or training.
TARGET AUDIENCES: coastal and land-use planners, developers, emergency services, natural resource managers, conservation groups, wildlife managers.
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