Nurturing and Sustaining Public Support in Tidal Restoration
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The document discusses the importance of public outreach in tidal restoration projects, emphasizing government transparency and community education on habitat value. It suggests optimal timing for outreach, highlights common concerns from the public, and stresses the need for continuous engagement even after project completion. Key elements include understanding local buy-in, addressing community-specific issues, and considering broader regional outreach.
Nurturing and Sustaining Public Support in Tidal Restoration
- 1. Nurturing and Sustaining Public Support in Tidal Restoration Jeremy M. Bell Buzzards Bay Coalition 2012 Decision Makers Workshop Series
- 3. Why do outreach? • If project is on public land, outreach is a must (government transparency) • Can serve to educate the public on value of habitat being restored • Will help to identify issues that may come up during permit process. =
- 4. When is the right time? • Town buy-in, local advocacy is key town administrator or other decision maker multiple town staff should be involved • Right before permits are submitted is too late. • Before data collection is too early. • Best time is after some data collection, early in feasibility study, possibly alternative selected.
- 6. Issues Often Raised • • • • • • • Flooding Salinity intrusion Safety Sea level rise Vegetation changes Traffic issues Water quality • • • • • Smells Loss of open water Cost-benefit Property rights Rare species
- 7. Private Landowners • Direct work on private property requires signature of the landowner on NOI • May also need Right of Entry
- 8. Find Your Audience • Consider outreach beyond local area for projects with potential regional significance • Try to anticipate key issues of interest to the community • Invitations to key stakeholders may be worth the effort
- 9. After the Fact: Tell Your Story • Outreach should continue after project is complete • Media follow-up • Public presentations • Awards • Signage • Education • Monitoring