COASTAL AMERICA UPDATE |
WINTER 1998-'99 |
[FIGURE] Mr. William Cavanaugh, President of Carolina Power and Light, Mr. Pipkin, Secretary McDevitt, and Mr. Michael McGee, Environmental Protection Agency.
The team responsible for the removal of the Quaker Neck Dam, received a 1998 Partnership Award. Ambassador Mr. James Pipkin, Counselor to the Secretary of the Interior, presented the award at the opening session of the conference "Managing the Albemarle Pamlico Sound" on December 19, 1998, in New Bern, North Carolina. "The idea of the removal of the Quaker Neck Dam originated in the people, in the broadest and best sense," said Mr. Pipkin. In addition, Carolina Power & Light Company received a Special Recognition award from Coastal America for their critical leadership role in the removal of the dam. As a result of the work of the team, over 1000 miles of main stem and tributaries in the Neuse River basin were re-opened to anadromous fish migration. Mr. Wayne McDevitt, Secretary, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, reminded attendees that natural resources belong to all of us. "Our children will inherit a natural world that i s depleted or enriched as a result of our actions today . . . Let our legacy be that we were worthy of their expectations."
A film depicting the Quaker Neck Dam removal story is available from the Coastal America office. This NOAA produced film recently won the Finalist Award at Worldfest Flagstaff, International Film Festival, in the Ecology/Environment/Conservation category.
[FIGURE] Mr. Terry Garcia presents the 1998 Partnership Award to Dr. Brandt Henningson, Chair of COBRA.
The Cockroach Bay Restoration Alliance (COBRA) received a 1998 Partnership Award in conjunction with the opening reception of the 23rd Annual Conference on Water Management at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida on October 7, 1998. Mr. Terry Garcia, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, presented the awards. Mr. Garcia noted that 115 acres of coastal and wetland habitat have been successfully restored by a partnership of federal, state and local agencies and private entities. Over 300 volunteers removed exotic plants and planted marsh grass. Spearheaded by the Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the team is working to restore an additional 385 acres of diverse habitats. "The Cockroach Bay project is a wonderful example of an action-oriented partnership that works," said Mr. Garcia.
The Coastal America Principals held their fall meeting on December 9, 1998. Mr. Terry Garcia, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, chaired the meeting. Mr. Garcia noted that during his attendance at the Coastal America retreat, he was impressed by the quality of the staff working on the partnership, and their dedication to the goals of Coastal America, and government reinvention.
Program Update: Ms. Virginia Tippie reviewed the accomplishments of the past six months, highlighting the 1998 Partnership award events, Coastal America retreat in Alaska, designation of the Alaska SeaLife Center as the ninth learning center, and downlink of the National Ocean Conference plenary sessions at seven learning centers.
National Initiatives: The Principals supported the continued focus of Coastal America to use the existing regional team structure to support the implementation of the Clean Water Action Plan, and reiterated the need for the regional principals and the regional teams to review the recommendations from the National Ocean Conference.
Operational Issues: Several options were presented to the Principals regarding the operation of the Coastal America Coordinating Office and the regional teams. In general, the Principals understand the need for additional support, and institutionalization of the partnership. However, they noted ongoing budget decreases and other obstacles to significant changes. The Principals agreed to increase agency contributions to the Coordinating Office and to continue to provide staff support.
Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers: Over the last two years, the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center network has grown from two to nine facilities. In order to assure the continued effective operation of the program, the Principals approved an evaluation of the current efforts. The study, which should take about a year, will evaluate the current status, including areas for change or improvement. During this time, there will be a moratorium on additional learning center recommendations, except in those Coastal America regions which do not have any designated facilities. At the end of the study, the Principals will receive recommendations on possible changes to the criteria, as well as recommendations for modifications to the overall program.
Marketing Plan:The Principals approved the concept and goals of a plan to increase awareness of Coastal America.
[FIGURE] Dr. Robert Ballard at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
Dr. Robert Ballard, noted ocean explorer, discussed his many discoveries at a lecture at the National Aquarium in Baltimore on November 19, 1998. He described his expeditions from finding the luxury liner the Titanic to locating ancient ships in the Mediterranean. He also described the innovative Jason Project, which enables young people to experience the thrill of exploring the ocean. He noted the vast expanses of the ocean still to be explored, and encouraged today's youth to continue the exploration.
Dr. Roger Payne, President and founder of the Whale Conservation Institute gave a lecture at the Mystic Aquarium in November 20, 1998. In his talk, "My Life With Whales," Dr. Payne traced his life of expeditions around the world studying whales.
[FIGURE] Dr. Westphal presents 1998 Partnership Award to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Manager Charles Hebert.
On December 7, 1998, Dr. Joseph Westphal, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, presented a 1998 Partnership Award to the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Restoration Team. At a ceremony, held at the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown, Rhode Island, Dr. Westphal said "The Ninigret Restoration Team has made significant progress towards helping to solve a major ecosystem problem in the northeast, the restoration of native grasslands. This partnership process, facilitated by Coastal America and jointly led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Reserves, was key to this successful restoration." He also spoke about the mutual trust and improved communication created by this partnership. The Team worked together to use an Army Reserve Unit to remove portions of the old runway at the Refuge, allowing restoration of the native sandplain habitat.
|
Federal Partners | Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) | Internal Site |
|
|
Coastal America Reporters Building |
This page was updated |