Preserving and Restoring Our Coastal Heritage. 1997 Coastal America Progress Report

摘要

Coastal Americas ongoing commitment to explore ways to improve the partnership process at all levels was illustrated by the day-long workshop held in conjunction with the Coastal Zone 97 conference in July 1997, in Boston, Massachusetts. The workshop provided an open forum to discuss issues important to the continuing success of Coastal America---strengthening the federal partnership, increasing state and local involvement, enhancing the use of volunteers and nongovernmental organizations and generating greater public awareness. Looking forward, discussion also revolved around the future of the partnership and the means for integrating the Coastal America process with other coastal programs at the national, regional and local levels. The Coastal America Principals Group met on April 29, 1997, and on November 6, 1997. They discussed partnership goals and objectives and issued a strategic plan to provide guidance on the partnerships long-term direction. Continuing focus on educational/outreach activities resulted in the designation of three more Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers in 1997. The National Implementation Team met monthly and remained actively involved in national policy issues providing the framework to the Coastal America process. In October, 1997, Coastal America held its annual retreat in Cape May, New Jersey. Emphasis was again placed on seeking new ways to improve the interagency partnership process and to identify opportunities for future collaboration. Discussions led to the conclusion that increasing awareness of the Coastal America partnership process is key to its continuing success. An increase in awareness must be approached from all levels, including: heightened federal knowledge of the process$ further inclusion of state and local organizations in project planning and implementation$ more participation by local communities through volunteers and nongovernmental organizations.