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Coastal Storms Program
Southern CaliforniaOutreach and ExtensionWhile 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 and allows for early input into the design of the tools to fill local needs. Interested locals are then taught how to use particular tools. Developing the “human-ology,” along with the technology, ensures that the local benefits of the CSP continue long after the program ends. Outreach and extension, an important component of the CSP, is spearheaded by the 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 are engaging and educating local stakeholders throughout the life of the program. The Center is providing 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 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 Wesson 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 InformationRebecca Smyth |
