The investigators will continue to develop and provide science-based information to educate citizens and public officials about growth issues and land use pressures and their associated impacts on natural resources in the coastal zone, and offer tools and techniques to enhance their ability to address the pressures of coastal growth.
Objectives of this continuing effort are to (1) assist individuals and groups, including appointed and elected officials, land use planners, citizens groups, interagency working groups, and private, non-profit organizations to understand the impacts of coastal growth and, in particular, the impacts of land-use decisions on coastal natural resource condition, (2) assist communities with solving coastal growth related problems through the delivery of information and tools developed through Consortium research programs (e.g., LU-CES), (3) develop outreach and education programs to offer advice and assistance to coastal communities in developing comprehensive land use plans consistent with environmental health and resource conservation, (4) maintain existing and establish new linkages and collaborative partnerships on the national, regional and local level to develop and deliver programs related to the coastal community development effort, (5) collaborate and work with other SCSGE specialists to assist local governments, individuals, and other client groups develop sustainable natural resource-based recreation and tourism programs, and (6) enhance professional skill level and expertise in areas of land use planning and coastal resource management through professional development activities.