Coastal Management Fellowship

2003-2005 Fellowship Project Summaries

California: Jennifer Dare from Oregon State University worked with the California Coastal Commission on a project entitled, "Development of a Predictive Tool for Coastal Bluff Erosion." The goal of this project was to develop a database that catalogs coastal erosion rates for areas of the California coast and create a pilot geographic information system (GIS)-based erosion prediction tool based on these data. She developed a set of criteria for evaluating coastal erosion rate data and a set of geologic parameters that may be correlated with coastal erosion. She also identified, inventoried, and compiled existing geologic, coastal erosion, and coastal armoring data into a GIS database. Finally, Jennifer conducted training seminars on the use of the database as an erosion prediction tool.

Delaware: The fellow from the University of Maine worked with the Delaware Coastal Programs and Delaware Division of Air and Waste Management on a dual-agency project entitled, "Development of a Brownfields Restoration and Re-Use Site Description Compendium for Coastal Communities." The goal of this project was to increase the rate and acreage of brownfield restoration and re-use in Delaware's coastal communities, thereby reducing development pressures and associated coastal impacts in undeveloped areas. Ed produced two documents for this project, the South Wilmington Brownfield Inventory and the South Wilmington Special Area Management Plan.

Minnesota: Dave Easter from Oregon State University worked with Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program on a project entitled, "Development of a Permit Monitoring and Compliance System for the Coastal Area of Minnesota." The goal of this project was to develop a permit monitoring and compliance system to collect data for evaluation and better decision making to ensure the proper protection of resources. Dave developed a comprehensive permit monitoring and compliance system that helped him evaluate the effectiveness of permitting programs. He also developed decision-making tools that integrate existing programs and evaluate trends based on review of the cumulative and secondary impacts.

South Carolina: The fellow from Nova Southeastern University worked with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources on a dual-agency project entitled, "Molluscan Shellfish Management Plan." The goal of this project was to restore and sustain the shellfish resources in South Carolina at levels that balance the ecological benefits and human use of the resources. Rebekah developed policy recommendations and guidance across agency jurisdictions attempting to create more streamlined and effective comprehensive management of South Carolina's shellfish resources.

Washington: Sophie De Beukelaer from Texas A & M worked with the Washington Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program on a project entitled, "Development of a Shoreline Assessment Curriculum." The goal of this project was to develop a shoreline assessment curriculum for integrating scientific information into the next generation of shoreline management plans. Sophie researched and evaluated existing data sources, ecosystem modeling efforts, and analysis reports. She also prepared a guidance document for conducting local shoreline assessments and developed an on-line tutorial. Steps for developing a shoreline Master Program and links to how-to pages can be found at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/shorelines/smp/toolbox.html.