Coastal Training Program Strategic Plan

Transcription

1 Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Strategic Plan June 2012 LSNERR Document # 2012-CTP-1003

2 Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Program Context... 3 Programmatic... 3 Ecological and Social... 3 Contribution to the Reserve s Goals and Objectives... 4 Supporting the Reserve s Guiding Principles... 5 Program, Mission and Goal... 5 Priority Issues and Training Needs... 6 CTP Focus Areas... 6 Focus Area A: Shoreland Zoning and Water Law... 6 Focus Area B: Watershed Management and Land Use Planning... 6 Focus Area C: Water Quality and Stormwater Management... 6 Focus Area D: Wetland Protection, Restoration and Mitigation... 7 Focus Area E: Species of Interest... 7 Focus Area F: Climate Change Adaptation Planning... 7 CTP Objectives, Outcomes and Strategies... 7 Objectives... 8 Strategies... 8 Training Tools and Identified Preferences... 9 Current and Anticipated Partnerships... 9 Priority Audiences... 9 Monitoring, Evaluation and Program Administration... 9 List of Appendices Appendix A. Logic Model Appendix B. Advisory Committee Appendix C. Needs Assessment Appendix D. Market Analysis Appendix E. Marketing Plan Appendix F. Yearly Action Plan Appendix G. Training Tools and Budget Appendix H. Current and Anticipated Partners Lake Superior NERR CTP Strategic Plan Page 2 of 9

3 Introduction The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (Lake Superior NERR) was designated in 2010 and is the 28th reserve in the NERR system and the 2nd freshwater estuarine reserve on the Great Lakes. It is situated on the freshwater estuary at the confluence of the St. Louis River and Lake Superior located on the southwestern tip of Lake Superior and is bordered by Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Lake Superior NERR is in the pre-operational phase of developing a Coastal Training Program (CTP) to complement the developing research and education programs by addressing the coastal resources management information and training needs of coastal decision makers in the Wisconsin and Minnesota portions of the Lake Superior basin. This document represents the strategic plan for the operational phase of the CTP and currently reaches out to six coastal counties located in Wisconsin (Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron) and Minnesota (Carlton and St. Louis). Program Context Programmatic The Lake Superior NERR CTP engages and informs resource management and decision-making professionals, elected officials and volunteers in the maintenance and restoration of healthy Lake Superior coastal ecosystems. Coastal training efforts will target specific audiences and competency levels, and staff will work in partnership with existing organizations and entities that currently provide trainings to enhance local and regional training opportunities. Ecological and Social The Lake Superior NERR is located in the St. Louis River Freshwater Estuary (SLRFE) at the western end of Lake Superior. The Reserve, 16,697 acres in size, is comprised of publically held wetlands, beach, and upland forest habitats. The St. Louis River is the largest U.S. tributary to Lake Superior and is bordered by the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Historically, aquatic communities in this drowned river mouth freshwater estuary consisted mainly of shallow coastal wetland habitat. Many acres have been dredged and filled to accommodate the shipping industry. Though the St. Louis River watershed was extensively logged during the late 1800 s and into the early 1900 s the region s land cover remains predominately forested. The location of this freshwater estuary, at the headwaters of the Great Lakes, together with the protection provided by an 11mi bay-mouth sand bar, make it the busiest U.S. port on the Great Lakes. Prior to European settlement, the region was home to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and remains so today, with tribal reservation lands located adjacent to the City of Cloquet, Minnesota, approximately 20 miles west of Duluth, Minnesota. The Superior-Duluth region is one of the major urban areas on Lake Superior with a population of 279,771 (2010 census). Some 3.5 million visitors each year contribute more than $400 million to the local economy, drawn in large part by the beauty and natural amenities of the St. Louis River and Lake Superior. Lake Superior NERR CTP Strategic Plan Page 3 of 9

4 The soils within the watershed are predominantly clay and poorly drained. The relatively flat topography combined with loss of wetlands and forest cover have acted to disrupt stream hydrologic and channel erosion patterns, especially during high precipitation and flood events. Channel erosion also contributes to increased turbidity and high sediment delivery rates downstream. Though the freshwater estuary had serious water quality problems into the early 1970 s, water treatment by the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District began to reverse this trend in the mid to late 1970 s. Conditions have dramatically improved during the past 30 years and many fish and wildlife populations have recovered. The lower St. Louis River has been identified as an Area of Concern (AOC), one of seven on Lake Superior, and a Remedial Action Plan has identified nine beneficial use impairments. Delisting targets have been developed and regulatory agencies in Wisconsin and Minnesota are developing research projects based on these targets. Recent projects have focused on fish and wildlife habitat restoration, contaminated sediment remediation and ballast water treatment technology to reduce invasive species introductions. Contribution to the Reserve s Goals and Objectives The mission of the Lake Superior NERR is to work in partnership to improve the understanding of Lake Superior freshwater estuaries and coastal resources and to address the issues affecting them through an integrated program of research, education, outreach and stewardship. The Reserve goals as stated in the management plan are: 1. Conduct applied research and monitoring to increase the understanding of Lake Superior freshwater estuaries and coastal ecosystems; 2. Educate youth, students, community members and visitors about Lake Superior freshwater estuaries and coastal resources and improve their ability to address coastal issues; 3. Increase the ability of community leaders and other decision makers to address critical Lake Superior coastal management issues; and 4. Protect and enhance the ecological health of the St. Louis River Watershed and Lake Superior coastal habitats. The Reserve s third goal to increase the ability of community leaders and other decision makers to address critical Lake Superior coastal management issues primarily involves the CTP. The CTP supports this goal by the commitment to integrate the program with the research and education sectors of the Reserve through the development and implementation of education, research and stewardship programs. The Reserve s management plan contains seven objectives. These objectives are broad statements describing what the Lake Superior NERR intends to accomplish during the first five years. The CTP will strive to support four of those objectives within the framework of this strategic plan. These objectives, stated below, are also identified in parenthesis after the CTP outcomes in the following section of this plan. Reserve Objective 1: Conduct baseline or foundational research and activities needed for longer-term research and monitoring directed at improving the understanding of the St. Louis River Freshwater Estuary, its interactions with Lake Superior, and the short and long-term ecological changes within Lake Superior freshwater estuaries and coastal ecosystems. Reserve Objective 2: Improve understanding of the socio-economic aspects of the St. Louis River Freshwater Estuary. Reserve Objective 3: Increase public awareness of the ecological and cultural significance of the St. Louis River Freshwater Estuary. Reserve Objective 5: Provide research-based educational outreach programming and skills training that address the Lake Superior coastal management issues and needs of community leaders and other decision makers. Lake Superior NERR CTP Strategic Plan Page 4 of 9

5 Supporting the Reserve s Guiding Principles The Lake Superior NERR Guiding Principles initially form the framework for the development of the CTP. The CTP will address these principles in coordination with the research and education sectors by the development of workshops, resources and services. The Guiding Principles include: Promote understanding, appreciation and protection of the unique freshwater estuary systems of Lake Superior Demonstrate the application of watershed principles Create a vital community asset and a destination for visitors Become a model for long-term community involvement and inter-governmental cooperation Conduct research of local, statewide, regional, national, and international importance Provide leadership for integrated research, management and educational outreach related to freshwater estuaries. The CTP will foster the application of these principles by engaging decision-makers in learning about the values and functions of Lake Superior freshwater estuaries, the importance of these ecosystems to their communities and the tools they can utilize to protect and sustain these systems. Program, Mission and Goal The Lake Superior NERR CTP will address coastal management issues and examine key coastal ecosystem processes that affect the SLRFE as well as other Great Lakes freshwater estuaries. Coastal management issues will be researched and the knowledge gained will be transferred to coastal decision makers through the education and CTP sectors in order to improve their ability to address these issues. The CTP will address locally and regionally significant issues for coastal decision makers based on Lake Superior NERR and other peer-reviewed research. For example, trainings and training materials will be developed for municipal officials, planning boards, state and local government staff and natural resource managers to address the management issues such as watershed planning, stormwater management and climate change. This plan identifies several priority focus areas for programming that will address short term outcomes described in the Lake Superior NERR CTP logic model (Appendix A). The Lake Superior NERR CTP has established an ad-hoc advisory committee to provide input on the strategic plan, needs assessment, and workshop planning and implementation (Appendix B). Workshops, technical training and other outreach programs and techniques will be developed and implemented in order to further the mission and goals of the Lake Superior NERR. The strategic plan has incorporated the results of CTP Mission and Goal The mission of the Lake Superior NERR CTP is to enhance the protection and stewardship of Lake Superior coastal wetlands and watersheds by providing science-based training and technical assistance to professionals, officials and volunteers who make decisions impacting Lake Superior and its watershed. The goal of the Lake Superior NERR CTP is to increase the ability of community leaders and other decision makers to address critical Lake Superior coastal management issues. the CTP Needs Assessment and CTP Market Analysis. The CTP Coordinator will plan and coordinate training events for local coastal decision-maker audiences and will work closely with the Education and Research Coordinators, and other Lake Superior NERR staff to translate research and monitoring information and develop education programs based on Lake Superior NERR priority management issues. Materials will be jointly developed by sector coordinators to support workshop issue areas. Partnerships are being developed with regional and state agencies in order to maximize opportunities for training. Additional resources to address Lake Superior and Great Lakes coastal issues will continue to be identified and grant proposals developed to secure additional funding. The CTP staff will serve on national, state, and local boards, committees, and/or workgroups, contribute to the development of Lake Superior NERR management, education and research plans and administer the CTP grants and budgets. Lake Superior NERR CTP Strategic Plan Page 5 of 9

6 Priority Issues and Training Needs LSNERR staff have completed two surveys that provide critical information to the development of the CTP: a needs assessment, to determine the priority issues and preferred delivery methods of coastal decision makers (Appendix C); and a market analysis of current coastal training providers in the region (Appendix D). Working in cooperation with a variety of local, regional, state and national partners (identified through the market analysis), the CTP will focus on the top-ranked topics identified by respondents of this survey. The market analysis provided an inventory of existing coastal training programs, topics offered and audiences served in the St. Louis River watershed and western Lake Superior region. The goal is to identify potential partnership opportunities as well as potential overlaps in training programs, priority coastal management issues that have received inadequate attention by other training providers and audiences that have unmet training needs. Based on these assessments training events will be planned, developed and coordinated and technical assistance made available in cooperation with partnering agencies to address identified needs (Appendix E). The results of the needs assessment indicate that high priority training subject areas are watershed management, water quality, invasive species and stormwater. Specific topics of interest are climate change impacts, Great Lakes Areas of Concern, shoreland zoning and water law, wetland mitigation and banking, effective outreach and education strategies, sustainable design and development, and community-based social marketing. Stated training needs in the technological tools area included map sharing and GIS techniques, stakeholder communication and social marketing, and data collection and management tools. CTP Focus Areas Focus Area A: Shoreland Zoning and Water Law The St. Louis River watershed is located in both Wisconsin and Minnesota and water laws for each state determine riparian rights and shoreland regulations. Coastal planners, natural resource managers and decision makers would benefit from having a better understanding of the shoreline zoning and water laws for both states (and local jurisdictions) as they pertain to Lake Superior estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Focus Area B: Watershed Management and Land Use Planning Watershed management is a proactive approach coordinating land use and water management decisions to protect water resources and help communities define and prioritize local needs in relation to the regional issues and goals. Land-use planning concepts have evolved from a single approach to a more complex system that includes considering resource management goals and ecosystem values and increasingly incorporating integrated and holistic development approaches. Land-use planning provides a forum within which land-use management options can be identified and developed. Land cover changes in the Lake Superior basin have modified surface water runoff patterns that include increases in volume and velocity of runoff. Several factors contributing to this problem include reductions in forest cover and wetlands and increases in impervious surfaces. There continues to be a need for decision makers to coordinate beyond political jurisdictions in order to address watershed management and land use planning needs. Focus Area C: Water Quality and Stormwater Management The Clean Water Act identifies water quality goals for the nation and outlines processes and legal foundations for monitoring, assessment, and management to ensure water protection and use for a variety of purposes. Water quality information is obtained by measuring current conditions against a set of criteria or quality guidelines that identify expected values for excellent quality versus poor quality waters. The guidelines are derived based on the water quality standards use designations and related water quality criteria established in code. The St. Louis River estuary is impacted by stormwater runoff that has contributed to its current status as a Great Lakes AOC. Identified Beneficial Use Impairments include beach closings due to bacterial contamination, excessive nutrient loading and loss of fish and wildlife Lake Superior NERR CTP Strategic Plan Page 6 of 9

7 habitat. The area of the Superior Harbor around Barkers Island (location of Lake Superior NERR) and a beach on Wisconsin Point has also recently been added to the state 303d list as an impaired water body for bacteria as required by the Federal Clean Water Act (303d). Focus Area D: Wetland Protection, Restoration and Mitigation Due to its unique geography, geology and climate, the region surrounding the Lake Superior NERR has a large diversity and abundance of wetland ecosystems. Wetlands represent significant economic value because of the ecological services they provide to the community including flood prevention, water purification, and ecological support for fish and wildlife populations, recreation and tourism. Local decision makers, whether elected or appointed officials, volunteer committee members, or staff, face difficult questions about how to meet community needs for housing, public infrastructure, and economic development while also protecting sensitive natural resources. These audiences need to be provided with information about how wetlands benefit Wisconsin s communities and practical steps they can take to improve consideration of wetlands and wetland laws in local land use decision-making. Local understanding the role of wetlands on the landscape will help in identifying and prioritizing sites for protection, restoration and mitigation. Focus Area E: Species of Interest The Lake Superior NERR lands and connecting waterways include numerous occurrences of rare species and community types. Within the Wisconsin portion of the St. Louis River watershed, there are records from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource Natural Heritage Inventory Program for nine rare natural communities and six endangered species, nine threatened species, and 37 species of special concern; of these, two are federally listed as threatened and one is federally listed as endangered. In addition, these areas are also being threatened or negatively impacted by invasive species, which can also take a toll on the local economy and decrease recreational opportunities. Invasive species can change ecological relationships among native species and can affect ecosystem function, structure, and economic value. Ballast water from Great Lakes and ocean-going ships are regularly exchanged in the working port throughout the shipping season and a variety of non-native species are introduced as a result of this water exchange. Also, boaters and fishermen also inadvertently transport invasive species from Lake Superior and SLRFE to smaller inland lakes and watersheds as well as transport invasive species to the SLRFE and Lake Superior. Focus Area F: Climate Change Adaptation Planning Climate change is a complex and often debated societal issue. Despite the complexity and associated challenges, communities and agencies find themselves having to address immediate climate impacts and needing to plan for future climate scenarios. As these planning processes move forward, it is important to provide individuals with locally-relevant, science-based information. Information and guidance is also needed related to the potential methods for incorporating evolving climate information into planning processes. CTP Objectives, Outcomes and Strategies The Lake Superior NERR CTP will strive to meet the following objectives and accomplish the following short and mid-term outcomes as stated in the CTP logic model during the first five years. The outcomes will be accomplished by the following strategies and will relate specifically to the focus areas identified in this plan. The annual plans to address these objectives and focus areas are described in the Yearly Action Plan (Appendix F). Lake Superior NERR CTP Strategic Plan Page 7 of 9

8 Objectives 1. By 2015, 80% of participating CDM s will be able to recognize coastal management issues and be able to describe them. 2. By 2017, 80% of CDM s and training providers will recognize LSNERR as a primary resource for partnerships and networking opportunities and will regularly interact with LSNERR. 3. By 2017, 75% of CDM s involved with LSNERR priority issues will apply science-based information through integration with reserve programs and the scientific community. 4. By 2015, 75% of CDM s involved with LSNERR priority issues will utilize LSNERR workshops, focus groups, seminars and other meetings to meet their training needs. 5. By 2017, 75% of CDM s involved in LSNERR priority issues will indicate that they have used LSNERR website to access tools, resources or register for trainings. 6. By 2013, 100% of trainings will be evaluated using a variety of tools and will include advisory committee input in order to refine and optimize the CTP. Strategies Outcome 1a: Lake Superior decision-makers acquire science-based knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions concerning Lake Superior and the St. Louis River watershed. (Supports the Reserve s Management Plan Objective 5; CTP Objective 4) Strategy 1a: The Lake Superior NERR CTP will provide training and technical assistance programs in the identified focus areas by providing a minimum of six workshops or technical assistance programs annually. Outcome 1b: Decision-makers learn how to access and utilize reliable science-based information and tools needed to make informed decisions (Supports the Reserve s Management Plan Objective 3; CTP Objectives 2 and 5) Strategy 1b: An accessible library of resources and tools will be developed. This information will be available through multiple venues and coastal decision makers will be offered training on how to access and utilize information found in the library. Outcome 1c: Coastal decision-makers recognize the environmental, economic and social value of Lake Superior and SLRFE coastal resources. (Supports the Reserve s Management Plan Objective 2; CTP Objective 1) Strategy 1c: The CTP will synthesize, interpret and make available research on economic benefits, ecosystem services, and environmental and social values of Great Lakes water quality and coastal resources. This information will be made available to diverse audiences through the website, factsheets, audio-visual products and lecture series. Outcome 2: A coordinated training market is developed that meets the needs of decision-makers in the Lake Superior watershed. (Supports the Reserve s Management Plan Objective 5; CTP Objectives 2 and 5) Strategy 2a: Training providers will meet to discuss and coordinate training needs, priorities and collaborative opportunities. Train-the-trainer courses will be facilitated to address effective outreach and education strategies and an evaluation of current audience needs will be completed for additional targeted audiences. Strategy 2b: A CTP webpage on the Lake Superior NERR website will be developed. Resources will be continually updated and will include a newsletter, workshop listings, and registration and will also provide access to library resources and tools. Outcome 3: The scientific community is aware of decision-maker needs and works towards developing research to address resource management challenges. (Supports the Reserve s Management Plan Objective 1; CTP Objective 3) Strategy 3: The CTP will work at local and regional levels with researchers and coastal decision makers to encourage multiple avenues to address research on pertinent resource management issues. Lake Superior NERR CTP Strategic Plan Page 8 of 9

9 Training Tools and Identified Preferences Lake Superior NERR training and technical assistance will be developed and delivered based on the preferences of the coastal decision maker audiences as identified in the current needs assessment as well as additional in-depth assessments that will be conducted in the future. These preferences include training workshops that are: low cost, of short duration (one-day or less in length), occur during business day hours, and are held within 50 miles or less of the participant. These training opportunities will be developed in partnership with government agencies, non-profit organizations and academic institutions, through which funds will be leveraged to design, deliver and market programs. (Appendix G) Current and Anticipated Partnerships The Lake Superior NERR CTP will work with local and regional stakeholders and partners to accomplish the goals and objectives as stated in this strategic plan. Working together with partners, the CTP will serve to coordinate of educational programs, disseminate scientific information, and compile resources and tools that will assist decision-makers in addressing coastal resource management issues. Current and anticipated partners are listed in Appendix H. Priority Audiences The priority audience for the CTP is coastal decision-makers who are identified as professionals, officials or volunteers who make decisions impacting Lake Superior and its watershed. The initial needs assessment focused on elected and appointed government officials and natural resource planners, regulators and managers. These groups were chosen based on the importance of their professional role in coastal management decisions at the municipal, county and regional and state levels. Additional in-depth needs assessments will be conducted for audiences identified through the market analysis. These audiences could include planning and zoning boards, legislators, homeowner associations, real estate developers and contractors, commercial property owners and harbor, marina and port communities. Monitoring, Evaluation and Program Administration Training and technical assistance will be monitored and evaluated through the performance measures developed by the national CTP community. A logic model will be utilized to identify short, mid and longterm outcomes. Short-term outcomes will be measured mainly by participant evaluation surveys. Evaluation forms will be distributed to all training event participants to determine the overall participant satisfaction with the training and determine training effectiveness. Evaluation of training needs for new and emerging coastal resource issues or additional topics will be identified as well as follow-up information from previous workshops. Mid to long term evaluations will be conducted for training events to evaluate the extent of CTP impact beyond the training event. These follow-up assessments will occur 6-24 months after selected training events and will include personal interviews and surveys that will provide information about how the information and techniques disseminated through trainings are used and implemented. All results will be reported in semi-annual outcomes, success stories and database submissions to Estuarine Reserves Division in accordance with the CTP performance monitoring manual. The Lake Superior CTP is staffed by a coordinator employed by UW-Extension at 1.0 FTE. As the program develops it would benefit from additional administrative and technical support from students, interns and/or paid staff. Assistance will be need for workshop and training coordination including registrations, name tags, assembling materials, facility reservations, and catering. Additional assistance is also needed to address CTP website needs, bibliography and resource compilation, newsletters, and factsheets. Lake Superior NERR CTP Strategic Plan Page 9 of 9

10 Appendix A. CTP Logic Model Program: LSNERR CTP Logic Model Resources Activities Outputs Outcomes Short Medium Long Goal CTP coordinator Speakers Partners Facilities Equipment LSNERR Staff Identify target audiences and develop contact database. Develop survey for CDM s to identify priority coastal issues and training needs. Develop survey to identify other training providers and partnerships. Develop workshop agendas, secure speakers, facility Develop support materials for training and outreach Market analysis identifies regional training needs, opportunities and partnerships for training workshops Needs assessment identifying priority coastal management issues. Training workshops coordinated and implemented Support materials distributed to audiences. Program marketing plan implementation Advisory group formed and meeting CDM s acquire science-based knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions concerning Lake Superior and St. Louis River estuary watershed issues. CDM s learn to how to access reliable science-based information needed to make informed decisions. CDM s recognize the environmental, economic and social value of Lake Superior and SLRE coastal resources. Scientific community is aware of CDM s information needs. Coordinated training market that meets the needs of decision makers in the Lake Superior basin CDM s understand the impacts of watershed land use changes on coastal water quality CDM s recognize their decisions and actions can affect coastal resources. CDM s identify and allocate resources to address priority coastal resource issues. Scientific community develops and conducts research to address coastal issues of importance to CDM s LSNERR research is informed by CDM needs. Coastal wetland habitat is protected, enhanced and restored. CDM s apply LSNERR and other research to address priority coastal management issues. Promote informed decision-making and resource management among CDM s in order to improve the condition and management of St. Louis River Estuary and Lake Superior coastal resources.

11 Appendix B. LSNERR Coastal Training Program Advisory Committee LSNERR Coastal Training Program Advisory Committee The Coastal Training Program Advisory Committee (CT PAC) is a technical committee that provides advice and input to the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program regarding the program s goals, objectives, and strategies. The members formally meet 2 to 4 times annually and additionally respond to requests for advice and input from the CTP coordinator in order to advance the Reserve s goal of increasing the ability of community leaders and other decision makers to address critical Lake Superior coastal management issues. Membership Membership is comprised of 8 to12 individuals and organizations with expertise relative to coastal issues and training needs, especially as it relates to Lake Superior freshwater estuary issues. Membership in the committee is voluntary and, as a result, it is anticipated that membership in the committee will evolve over time. Members may participate in any CTP training at no cost. Coastal Training Program Advisory Committee (2011) Christine Ostern Douglas County Land Conservation Department christine.ostern@douglascountywi.org Mike Gardner Northland College Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute mgardner@northland.edu Diane Thompson City of Superior Environmental Services thompsond@ci.superior.wi.us Tracey Ledder Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Tracey.Ledder@wisconsin.gov Jane Anklam University of Wisconsin-Extension West Wisconsin Land Trust janklam@wwlt.org Kari Jacobson-Hedin Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa karihedin@fdlrex.com Kate Kubiak South St. Louis County Soil and Water Conservation District kate.kubiak@southstlouisswcd.org Travis Olson Wisconsin Coastal Management Program travis.olson@wisconsin.gov Jesse Schomberg Minnesota Sea Grant jschomberg@d.umn.edu Amber Westerbur Minnesota Coastal Program amber.westerbur@state.mn.us

12 Appendix C. CTP Needs Assessment Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment January 2012 LSNERR Document # 2012-CTP-1002

13 Appendix C. Needs Assessment Final Table of Contents Introduction... 2 Needs Assessment Methods... 3 Survey Audience... 3 Survey Development and Dissemination... 3 Survey Response Rate... 4 Results... 5 Topical Preferences... 5 Training Categories... 5 Coastal Science... 6 Project Planning... 6 Technological Tools... 7 Regulatory Compliance and Permitting... 8 Logistical Preferences, Incentives and Resources... 8 On-Going Collaboration Conclusion Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment Page 1 of 12

14 Appendix C. Needs Assessment Final Introduction The five year management plan for the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) identifies the need for development of research-based, educational outreach programming and skills training that address Lake Superior coastal management issues and the needs of community leaders and decision makers. This document represents the initial needs assessment for the Lake Superior NERR Coastal Training Program (CTP), a new Reserve in the NERR system, which was designated in October Information presented in this document was collected by an online survey and stakeholder interviews. This document identifies the coastal management issues important to decision makers in the Lake Superior basin and forms the basis for training and outreach priorities for the Lake Superior NERR CTP. The geographic area covered by the needs assessment includes six coastal counties within the Lake Superior and St. Louis River watersheds in Wisconsin and Minnesota (Fig. 1). Figure 1. Needs Assessment s Geographic Area Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment Page 2 of 12

15 Appendix C. Needs Assessment Final Needs Assessment Methods Survey Audience Lake Superior NERR staff completed a survey using a distribution list they compiled. The distribution list was composed of , phone and addresses for elected and appointed officials, natural resource planners and managers from the six county area of interest (Fig. 1). While our initial focus for this needs assessment is within these six counties that include the majority of the land area and population centers of St. Louis River watershed and Wisconsin s Lake Superior basin, other counties may be added in the future. The number of cities, villages and townships within each county are described in Table 1. This was a newly created distribution list; since this is the first time the Lake Superior NERR has reached out to this targeted audience it resulted in a large database of contact information. Wisconsin coastal contact information was created from existing lists of the four coastal county-based planners, managers and local government officials. The Minnesota contact list was obtained from the MN Coastal Management and Sea Grant Programs which includes the Lake Superior basin watershed in St. Louis and Carlton counties. Table 1. Jurisdictions within Counties Covered in Needs Assessment Counties Cities Villages Townships Douglas Bayfield Ashland 2-13 Iron 2-6 St. Louis 3-3 Carlton 3-2 Survey Development and Dissemination Coastal decision- makers were surveyed using an online tool. The survey was distributed to individuals involved at all levels of government and whose roles included elected and appointed officials, managers, planners and regulators (Table X). Several tribal communities, non-profits and private consulting businesses were also contacted. Nineteen questions were developed for these audiences based on experience working with local and regional decision makers over the past few years and resources available through the NERRS intranet that include CTP needs assessments from other Reserves. A copy of the survey questions is included in Appendix A. The online survey instrument Qualtrics (ref) was utilized to develop and distribute the needs assessment survey through the University of Wisconsin Superior as a weblink. The request to participate in the survey included both and direct mailings, due to the limited number of addresses for the targeted audience. The and direct mailings Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment Page 3 of 12

16 Appendix C. Needs Assessment Final both included directions on how to complete the survey on-line as well as how to request a hard copy of the survey. A total of 275 s and 227 direct mailed requests to participate were sent out on September 19, Participants were asked to respond within two weeks. Reminders were sent on September 23, Due to a poor response rate during this time period the survey was reopened and reminder phone calls were made during the week of October th to city and county elected/appointed officials who were asked to respond by October 14, 2011, the final closing date for the needs assessment survey. Survey Response Rate This on-line survey was open for approximately four weeks. Twenty-seven of the 275 s and 6 letters were returned making the final count 248 s and 221 letters delivered making the total number of participants contacted 469. In several instances respondents used an alternate addresses instead of the city or county addresses listed on websites and those corrections were made to the database. In addition, many community members are not yet familiar with our reserve and the contacts made through this survey resulted in increased visibility and awareness of LSNERR mission and goals. The total number of survey responses was 79 representing an overall response rate for the survey of 16.8%. All responses were completed online; there were no hard copies of the survey completed. Elected and appointed officials, natural resource managers and planners (organizational roles) at the township, city, county and tribal levels (organizational affiliation) were the primary audiences of interest. Elected officials represented 57% of the overall responses by organizational role although only 11% of elected officials contacted responded to the survey. Managers represented 18% of the overall responses by organizational role even though 48% of managers contacted responded to the survey. Within each of the targeted organizational affiliations, approximately 25% responded to the survey. These targeted affiliations represented 90% of the overall respondents. Therefore the results of this survey represent the intended (targeted) audience. Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment Page 4 of 12

17 Appendix C. Needs Assessment Final Results Topical Preferences Respondents were asked to select three priority issues from a list of twenty broad topic areas for which they might benefit from additional training, technical assistance or knowledge transfer. The interest in these topics is shown in Table 2. (Topics < 10% omitted from table.) Figure 2. Identified Issues for Additional Training, Technical Assistance or Knowledge Transfer # of Respondents Watershed management Water quality Invasive species Stormwater Habitat protection Smart Growth Climate change impacts Port/harbor Water supply River/lake front Contaminated sediments Great Lakes water levels Sediment transport Fish and wildlife Hazards: coastal erosion Land cover changes Hazards: flooding Hazardous waste Public access Other (please specify) The topic areas that were identified as having the highest priority (> 25%) for training and technical assistance among respondents were: Watershed management (35%) Water quality (32%) Invasive species (30%) Stormwater (25%) Additional topic areas of interest include habitat protection ; smart growth ; and climate change impacts. Training Categories The survey listed four broad training categories: coastal science, project planning, technological tools and regulatory compliance and permitting. Within each of these training categories, specific subject areas were listed and respondents were asked to rate their interest in learning more about each of the subjects on Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment Page 5 of 12

18 Appendix C. Needs Assessment Final a 4-point (Likert) scale (1= top priority to 4 = not interested). They were asked to rate each of the topics listed. The top priority and very interested categories (1 and 2 on the scale) were combined and percentages calculated as the number of responses indicating the subject was a top priority or very interested/total number of responses for that question. The top three topics within each category are indicated in bold print. Coastal Science The coastal science category included ten topics related to the physical, chemical and biological characterization, processes and contamination relevant to the St. Louis River estuary and Lake Superior. The three highest rated topics were invasive species identification (68%), Great Lakes Area of Concern (61%) and climate change impacts on natural systems (58%). Three additional topics that were also highly rated (57%) include contaminated sediments, ecosystem-based management and basic hydrology. It should also be noted that nearly all ten topics rated over 50%, with only advanced hydrology (49%) and Great Lakes Limnology (39%) having lower rankings. This is indicative of the interest in a wide range of topical issues for the Coastal Science category. Table 3. Coastal Science Topics Please rate your level of interest in learning Top Very # % more about the following topics Priority interested Responses Invasive species identification and response Great Lakes Areas of Concern Climate change impacts on natural systems Contaminated sediments Ecosystem-based management Basic hydrology Coastal erosion Invasive species/ballast water Advanced hydrology Great Lakes limnology Project Planning Project planning covered a wide range of topics relative to the skills needed for effective project planning including technical skills, such as grant-writing, project evaluation, conflict management, and more subject based planning issues such as climate change and sustainable design. Within the eleven topics listed effective public outreach and education (63%), sustainable design and development (60%) and community-based social marketing (55%) were the three topics identified by respondents as the highest interest for training. Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment Page 6 of 12

19 Appendix C. Needs Assessment Final Table 4. Project Planning Topics Result Please rate your level of interest in learning more about the following topics. Top priority Very interested # Responses % Effective public outreach and education Sustainable design and development Community-based social marketing Project planning techniques Planning for climate change Effective grant-writing techniques Fish and wildlife management Public access issues and visitor management Meaningful program evaluation Conflict management Developing monitoring baselines Technological Tools The category of technological tools included eleven topics related to data collection and management, modeling and mapping tools as well as stakeholder communication. Survey respondents indicated that they would be very interested in training to increase their skills related to map sharing (57%), basic GIS mapping (52%) and data collection and management tools (51%). Interest in training on stakeholder communication, social marketing and engagement tool and project management tools were also highly rated at 50% and 49%, respectively. Table 5. Technological Tools Topic Results Please rate your level of interest in learning Top Very # more about the following tools priority interested Responses % Map sharing (Google maps, etc.) GIS mapping (basic) Data collection & management tools Stakeholder communication, social marketing & engagement tools Project management tools Monitoring & assessment tools Scenario visualization tools GIS mapping (advanced) Data processing tools Modeling tools Statistical software training Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment Page 7 of 12

20 Appendix C. Needs Assessment Final Regulatory Compliance and Permitting Interest in the regulatory compliance and permitting topics was the highest for the topics of shoreland zoning/water law (70%) and wetland mitigation and banking (68%). Unlike the previous sections, these two topics were separated from the other topics by a relatively wide margin. The other topics were grouped much lower and ranged from 56% (coastal management compliance) to 50% (dredge spoil containment and remediation). Table 6. Regulatory Compliance and Permitting Topic Results Please rate your level of interest in learning Top Very more about the following tools Priority interested Responses % Shoreland zoning/water law Wetland mitigation & banking Coastal management compliance Stormwater - Phase II compliance Floodplain management compliance Dredge spoil containment and remediation Logistical Preferences, Incentives and Resources Getting a successful audience turnout for a training often depends on additional factors beyond the topic of the training. These factors can include individual preferences for logistics, specific incentives and resources offered by trainings. Therefore, survey participants were asked about their preferences for travel distance, time of day, length of trainings, and best month of the year for trainings. They were also asked to respond to which incentives would increase their likelihood of participating in trainings and what resources they would like to receive from training events. While respondents prefer to drive 25 miles or less, 90% of respondents also find it preferred or acceptable to travel up to 50 miles to attend a training workshop. More than 50% of the respondents indicated evenings would not be acceptable for trainings, while any time before 5 pm was preferred or acceptable by more than 75% of respondents. The preferred time frame for workshops was 2 hours to ½ day, though 1-day workshops were also acceptable. The months of January through April were the preferred months for trainings (23-31%) and May, October and November were also acceptable for over 50% of the respondents (Fig. 4). While 40% to 55% of the respondents indicated that the summer months of June, July, August and September, as well as December did not work well for trainings. Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment Page 8 of 12

21 Appendix C. Needs Assessment Final Figure 3. Preferred Months for Trainings Preferred Acceptable Bad 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Seventy-five percent of respondents indicated that the additional resources that would complement training workshops would be for participants to receive copies of speakers presentations. Also more than half indicated that receiving the contact information for other attendees and DVDs of the workshop would be beneficial. Interest was also expressed for self-paced on-line modules or courses. By far, the most important incentives that would assist respondents in deciding whether or not to attend a workshop included cost of the training and travel distance, while the majority indicated that receiving professional certification or having lunch provided was not as important for them. The low importance of professional certification within this population was confirmed through the Climate Adaptation Planning workshop held in September at which none of the 76 participants requested the AICP credits that were available. Many respondents (84%) also indicated that they might be willing to participate in a workshop or training session via a web-based format. Figure 4. Incentives to Attend Trainings Very important Somewhat important Not very important 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Lunch provided Low-cost training Travel distance Job pays your time Supervisor approval Professional certification Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment Page 9 of 12

22 Appendix C. Needs Assessment Final On-Going Collaboration The results of this needs assessment support water resource management priorities and training needs that LSNERRR staff has identified in the first year of operation. The LSNERR assisted with the organization of the St. Louis River Estuary (SLRE) Summit (February 2011) that provided a venue for research and management staff to share information about projects, priorities and data. Management agencies in both Wisconsin and Minnesota are currently focused on addressing the delisting targets for the St. Louis River Area of Concern - Beneficial Use Impairments (BUI s). Natural resource managers encouraged researchers to consider development of project proposals that would address these BUI s. One of the beneficial use impairments is contaminated sediment and several restoration/remediation projects have been completed in the past few years. LSNERR will continue to assist in the development of research projects and CTP will work with natural resource managers to develop outreach programs for coastal decision makers that focus on the SLRE Area of Concern. Douglas County Land Conservation Department (LCD) staff worked with LSNERR to develop a grant proposal for a wetland decision support tool as part of a larger Wisconsin Lake Superior basin watershed planning effort. Though this project was not funded the need for training on the appropriate citing of wetland mitigation and banking areas within the context of watershed planning at the town and county level was identified. In addition, state and federal water laws have undergone changes in the past few years that local planning boards are in need of information on in order to protect water resources. The WI DNR is responsible for administration of these federal and state mandates through regulatory programs such as shoreland zoning. CTP will continue to work with county LCD and zoning staff and WI DNR to provide training, GIS mapping tools and updated shoreland and floodplain requirements to town planning boards as they work to implement town land use plans. The City of Superior has recently created a stormwater utility to help fund stormwater management and address the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System: Phase II permit requirements. The CTP coordinator has worked with city staff to develop and implement neighborhood presentations about stormwater impacts to the SLRE and the role of LSNERR in non-point pollution education. Additional training for municipal staff, city elected officials and community members are being planned and will continue to address needs identified through this assessment. A successful Planning for Climate Change workshop was coordinated this fall (September 2011) and the local planning committee is interested in developing additional workshops for local audiences in the coming year. CTP will continue to work with regional and national partners including Old Woman Creek Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Needs Assessment Page 10 of 12