Coastal America Partnership A Public-Private Collaboration for Conservation To protect, preserve and restore our Nation s coastal resources David C. Batson Deputy Director
COASTAL AMERICA The Purpose Protect, preserve and restore the nation's coastal/aquatic ecosystems through existing federal capabilities and authorities Collaborate and cooperate in the stewardship of coastal/aquatic living resources through integrating federal, state, local, corporate and NGO efforts Provide a framework for action Focus agency expertise and resources Engage private entities Corporate & NGO Produce environmental results
COASTAL AMERICA The Partnership Federal Executive Office of the President Departments of Agriculture / Commerce / Defense / Energy / Health & Human Services / Homeland Security / Housing & Urban Development / Interior / Justice / Labor / State / Transportation Environmental Protection Agency National Aeronautics & Space Administration National Science Foundation Corporations - Over 200 Partners State & Local Governments - Over 30 Partners NGOs, Universities & Associations - Over 80 Partners
COASTAL AMERICA Goals & Objectives Improve coordination of coastal/aquatic programs Tool: Coastal America Partnership / 20 years Increase corporate involvement in coastal issues Tool: Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership / 10 years Improve coastal & marine environmental education Tool: Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers / 15 years Leverage existing & new partnership opportunities Tools: Military, AmeriCorps, Smithsonian,
COASTAL AMERICA Inspiring Corporate Partners Coastal America encourages & supports the contribution of corporate resources by: Providing a network of federal & state agencies to identify & develop projects which corporate partners can assist with funding & in-kind resources Establishing venues for local public-private collaboration Supporting a regional network of corporate partners interested in wetland & coastal issues Recognizing the contributions of corporate partners
COASTAL AMERICA National & Regional Structure NWRIT UM/GLRIT NERIT MARIT SWRIT SERIT AKRIT GMRIT PIRIT
COASTAL AMERICA A Collaborative Process - National Level National Policy Identify policy issues & ensure resolution in a timely manner to support projects Example Cost-sharing of the beneficial use of dredged material Sonoma Baylands, CA - before Sonoma Baylands, CA - after
COASTAL AMERICA A Collaborative Process - Regional Level Regional Plans Incorporate environmental protection and restoration objectives in regional planning efforts Example - New England Coastal habitat restoration concurrent with transportation development Galilee, RI - before Galilee, RI - after
COASTAL AMERICA A Collaborative Process - Local Level Local Projects Combine financial resources, technical expertise and legislative authorities to implement collaborative restoration and protection projects 200 projects in 26 states; over 300 nonfederal partners participating Example - Removing obstructions to anadromous fish migration in North Carolina Quaker Neck Dam - before Quaker Neck Dam - after
COASTAL AMERICA Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership Purpose - Foster collaboration between federal and state agencies and private corporations to restore wetlands and other aquatic habitats and educate the public Process - Corporations contribute funds and in-kind resources to implement aquatic habitat restoration, education and research projects endorsed by Coastal America Regional Implementation Teams CWRP funds critical for project implementation Lonsdale Marsh, RI TX CWRP funds leverage federal program resources for restoration of Bahia Grande, TX
CWRP Regional Structure Active (Board established & projects selected): AK, CA, CT, DE, GA, LA, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, TX, VA & MD Under Development: FL, MS, OR, WA, others Preliminary Activities: HI, MI, MO, NC, TN, others
Why CWRP? Membership in CWRP provides corporations with: Chance to provide key funding match to leverage government approved projects Ready options for supporting corporate sustainability & social responsibility programs Maximize community relations, obtain tax deductions, PR Establish positive relationships with government leaders Before After Demolition of Rains Mill Dam, NC
CWRP Accomplishments Over 300 corporate & NGO partners 240+ projects supported in 15 states In excess of $112 Million in funding leveraged Over 44,000 acres & 975 stream miles restored or protected More than 2,500 students & teachers educated Nearly 11,500 volunteer hours supported
Education & Outreach Students spend a day on EPA research vessel, OSV Anderson through transportation & lunch provided by CWRP partners
CWRP Management Subcommittee Chair Co-Chair Treasurer cwrp.org
Coastal America supports partners through Partnership Awards Programs Partnership Awards Special Recognition Awards Delaware Bay Oyster Restoration Task Force Spirit Awards National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium Alaska SeaLife Center s Sea Train
Coastal America supports partners through Leadership Award Programs Regional Leadership Award John H. Chafee Coastal Stewardship Award National Leadership Award
Coastal America supports partners through Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers The CELC Network reaches over 20 million people annually
COASTAL AMERICA Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers Purpose - Increase public awareness of critical coastal issues and encourage involvement in activities that benefit coastal ecosystems Process - The national network of CELCs combines their resources with the of the federal, state and local partners to educate the public about the value of coastal and marine resources The Veracruz Aquarium in Mexico is the first International CELC The Vancouver Aquarium designation signing ceremony
Coastal America CELC Accomplishments 23 Centers across Nation; Canada & Mexico Ocean Literacy Coalition Exhibits on Key Issues (Invasive Species, Corals) Conservation Projects (Citizen Volunteers) Educational Programs (Wetlands Courses) Ocean Interpretative Stations & Control Centers National Student Summit on Oceans and Coasts National & Regional Ocean Art Contests All supported through CWRP partner contributions