Public Outreach Committee
Description of the Public Outreach Committee
Scott Wilson, USGS
ChairmanTel (337) 266-8644
Fax (337) 266-8513United States Geological Survey
National Wetlands Research Center
700 Cajundome Blvd.
Lafayette, LA 70506Dave Marks, USGS
Outreach CoordinatorTel (337) 266-8623
Fax (337) 266-8513United States Geological Survey
National Wetlands Research Center
700 Cajundome Blvd.
Lafayette, LA 70506Adele Swearingen, USDA-NRCS
Public Affairs SpecialistTel (318) 473-7686
Fax (318) 473-7682United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
3737 Government St.
Alexandria, LA 71302Rex Caffey, Ph.D., LSU
Associate Professor, Wetlands & Coastal ResourcesTel (225) 578-2266
Fax (225) 578-2716LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant
Department of Agriculture Economics
Room 179
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803-5604Minnie Rojo, EPA
Environmental ScientistTel (214) 665-3139
Fax (214) 665-6689Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6
Water Quality Protection Division (6WQ-EMC)
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75202-2733Cheryl Brodnax, NOAA
Marine Fisheries Habitat SpecialistTel (225) 578-7923
Fax (225) 578-7926NOAA Fisheries Service
Louisiana State University
Sea Grant Building, Room 125
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-6100Susan Testroet-Bergeron, BTNEP
Formal Education CoordinatorTel (985) 447-0836
Tel (800) 259-0869
Fax (985) 447-0870Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program
P.O. Box 2663
Thibodaux, LA 70310Julie Morgan, USACE
Outreach Program SpecialistTel (504) 862-2587
Fax (504) 862-1892U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District
Public Affairs Office
P.O. Box 60267
New Orleans, Louisiana 70160-0267Steven Peyronnin, CRCL
Communications DirectorTel (225) 344-6555
Fax (225) 344-0590Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana
746 Main Street, Suite B-101
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802Honora Buras, DNR
Coastal Resources Scientist
honora.buras@la.gov
Tel (225) 342-4103
Fax (225) 342-9417
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 44027, Capitol Station
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-4027
Public Outreach Committee Description
The Public Outreach Committee (OC) is comprised of members from the participating Federal agencies, the State of Louisiana, other coastal programs, and non-profit organizations. Only the core group members, representing the CWPPRA entities, are eligible to vote on budget matters. The committee is currently responsible for
- formulating information strategies and public education initiatives,
- maintaining a Web site of complex technical and educational materials,
- developing audio-visual presentations,
- exhibits,
- publications and news releases,
- conducting special events and project dedications and groundbreakings.
Additionally, the committee represents the CWPPRA Task Force at expositions and workshops to promote coastal wetlands restoration.
The Public Outreach Committee performs the functions of communications and public relations for the program on behalf of the Task Force. The primary function of the OC is to coordinate ongoing and future outreach activities with the CWPPRA agencies and the various partner groups and stakeholders. The OC reports to and takes direction from the Task Force. Yearly budgetary planning is coordinated with the Technical Committee.
The Chairman and coordinator for the outreach are located in Lafayette, Louisiana at the USGS National Wetlands Research Center. The Chairman manages OC functions and budgetary issues. The budget allocation for the outreach program is forecasted, submitted for approval, and managed by the chairman. The Chairman and coordinator manage all outreach activities for the TF. The coordinator position interprets for general audiences the scientific functions and values of wetlands, the scientific causes for Louisiana's coastal land loss, and the various approaches underway or being considered to reduce the land loss rate and create new vegetated wetlands. The outreach coordinator also develops and arranges presentations and provides information material for other officials making public comments as well as providing liaison with local officials and media. The outreach coordinator also manages the educational program, which provides information and materials for classroom use throughout the state. The Chairman and coordinator for outreach serve on local and regional planning efforts and act as the liaisons between the public, parish governments, and the various Federal agencies involved in CWPPRA.