The
Peconic Estuary Program is an element of the US EPA National
Estuary Program. The estuary is located on the eastern end
of Long Island in southern New York State. It is a unique
water body that the Nature Conservancy has included on its
list of "Last Great Places." The estuary includes an array
of water and upland habitats, is home to many aquatic and
terrestrial species, and supports numerous recreational
and commercial activities. The surrounding area is characterized
by highly productive agricultural operations, including
wineries and ornamental growers, and by residential and
vacation homes.
The Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP)
for the restoration and protection of this valuable natural
resource recently has been approved by US EPA and the other
involved state and local partners. An important element
of the CCMP is to provide educational programming for the
organizations and individuals who use and enjoy the resources
of the Peconic, and whose activities can affect its quality.
To provide support in carrying out this key program element,
Cornell faculty representing the Regional Water Quality
Program have met with Peconic Estuary Program staff. As
a result of these discussions, we have drafted a concept
paper that identifies elements of a comprehensive educational
program and provides examples of educational activities
that can address key water quality issues and audiences.
As a next step, the regional program will propose carrying
out one or two small projects to gather input from stakeholders
and to test innovative educational approaches.
Developing effective models for working within the context
of locally based environmental initiatives offers substantial
opportunities for engagement by the Land Grant Universities.
Our involvement can serve as an important model for collaborative
approaches among EPA, the campus and county-based resources
of the Land Grant Universities and the other involved state
and local program partners.
In Region 2 alone, nearly a dozen major initiatives of this
type are currently underway, with many smaller projects
also being carried out. Locally based initiatives are rapidly
becoming important components of water quality programming
throughout the country. Involvement by the Land Grant institutions
provides unique opportunities to test and apply innovative
science-based educational approaches.
Project leads:
Ann Lemley
Chair, Department of Textiles and Apparel
Cornell University
209 Martha Van
Ithaca, New York 14853
Phone: 609 255-3151
Fax: 607 255-1093
atl2@cornell.edu
Deborah Grantham
307A Rice Hall
Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853-5601
Phone: 607 255-4931
Fax: 607 255-4662
dgg3@cornell.edu
