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Coastal Storms Program
Southern California PilotOutreach and ExtensionThe Human ComponentWhile better information and technology is increasingly important to the understanding of severe coastal storms, the human component remains vital as well. To be truly useful, the products and services of the Coastal Storms Program (CSP) need to be utilized by people throughout the region. Active outreach to local stakeholders and other potential users generates an awareness of the tools. It also allows for early input into the design of the tools to be responsive to local needs. Education then teaches how to use a particular tool to those who are interested. Developing the “human-ology” along with the technology ensures that the local benefits of the CSP continue long after the pilot program ends. Outreach and Extension is an important component of CSP and will be spearheaded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coastal Services Center . To ensure the ultimate success of the program, the Center has developed local partnerships with the Sea Grant Extension program in Southern California . Sea Grant faculty members will engage and educate local stakeholders throughout the life of the program. The Center will provide the training and necessary assistance to help the various local partners take full advantage of the tools and information being developed. How the Project Will WorkA regional outreach coordinator, Dolores Wesson, has been provided through the Coastal Storms Program and the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System, and is working with the California and University of Southern California Sea Grant programs. Dolores is conducting stakeholder meetings, developing an outreach and extension network, and identifying training and technical assistance needs. Dolores also serves the project leads by engaging the stakeholders and potential users in conversations to provide feedback on project design and implementation. Taken together, these activities are helping to broaden the project leads’ understanding of the local issues while expanding local partnerships and facilitating implementation of other CSP projects. For Additional InformationDolores Wesson Rebecca Smyth |
