Coastal Management Fellowship

2004-2006 Fellowship Project Summaries

Maine: Vanessa Levesque from the University of Vermont worked with the Maine Coastal Program and Maine's Department of Marine Resources on a project entitled, "Developing New Methods for Management of Nearshore Embayments in Maine." The goal of this project was to identify opportunities to institutionalize new approaches for management of Maine's embayments that are feasible, cost-effective, and supported by stakeholders. Vanessa identified alternative management strategies of embayments by conducting research, interviews, surveys, and focus groups. She then applied these management strategies in pilot project locations with involvement from stakeholders. Finally, she presented her recommendations to Maine's Land and Water Resources Council.

New Jersey: The fellow from Columbia University worked with the New Jersey Coastal Management Program on a project entitled, "New Jersey Coastal Public Access." The goal of this project was to continue to develop a tracking program for public access conditions in coastal permits, inspect public access sites, and develop a public access GIS database and map. Rob coordinated with other agencies, programs, and interested parties to collect and develop educational materials on the public trust doctrine for dissemination. He also prepared a public access policy guide for New Jersey. Finally, he worked with coastal managers to draft rule changes regarding public access to the coast.

New York: The fellow from the College of Charleston worked with the New York State Coastal Management Program on a project entitled, "Development of Guidance for Stream Restoration for New York State's Coastal Nonpoint Areas." The goals of this project were to advance the restoration of water quality in streams impaired by hydrologic and habitat modification and to further develop an overall strategy for the continued improvement of water quality in New York's riparian habitats. Amy developed a document that establishes a statewide protocol and provides guidance to restoration practitioners, local government officials, and agency staff. She also established a framework for a GIS-linked database of riparian restoration projects that serves as a reference for all restoration stakeholders statewide. Throughout the project, Amy also participated in ongoing riparian restoration work groups.

Oregon: Laurel Hillmann from Oregon State University was matched with Oregon's Parks and Recreation Department to work on a project entitled, "Rocky Shore Management." The goal of this project was to provide information and planning assessments necessary for enhancing management of Oregon's rocky shore resources and uses. Laurel conducted an interagency assessment and planning process for rocky shores management to support Oregon Parks and Recreation Department planning. She also filled in information gaps on rocky shores in the Oregon Coastal Atlas.