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IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW LETTERS, 2002
Citation:
EPA. IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW LETTERS, 2002.
Description:
The following letters provide a summary of the Environmental Protection Agencys comments regarding 2002 Implementation Review of nineteen estuary programs in the National Estuary Program. Various strengths within the programs included use of implementation progress and tracking systems, wetlands restoration and management, technical assistance, public outreach, involvement and education, invasive species management, leveraging of funds, local liaison programs, focus/work on critical issues, assessing program effectiveness, resources and state support, monitoring programs and environmental results, international coordination, nitrogen-loading evaluations, long-term finance strategies, TMDLs, planning/capacity building, stakeholder involvement, local watershed planning, coordination with state agencies and local governments, land conservation, water quality monitoring programs, and smart growth. Weaknesses that were noted include lack of visibility and autonomy of Program Offices, inadequate numbers of staffing, failure to utilize EPA Section 320 funds, environmental monitoring and indicators, long-term funding, EPA work plan submission, goals and objectives, benchmarks for indicators, increased outreach and coordination, local support, priority setting, management of growing resources, State support, defining program responsibilities, TMDLS and resource needs, scientific coordinator, partner support, improving monitoring and data management, and participation at the national level.