Grays Harbor Coastal Communities Planning & Development Training in Grays Harbor Proposed for February 2-3, 2010

Members of coastal communities throughout Grays Harbor are invited to participate in a free community training through support from local city and county entities, the Grays Harbor Marine Resources Committee, and the Surfrider Foundation.

This two-day training is being sponsored by NOAA through an initiative aligned with the action plan set forth by the West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health. It is targeted for planners, elected officials, developers, business leaders, and other local decision-makers. It will teach participants about planning processes, current coastal development patterns and trends, and alternatives to conventional patterns of growth and development. It will also provide examples and strategies on how to implement alternative development principles and introduce the importance of natural hazard resilience.

Desired participants: Anyone who has a connection with planning and development activities in their coastal community including elected officials and related personnel, developers, planners, business leaders, realtors, community groups, members of civic organizations, coastal resource managers, and concerned citizens.

After completing this training participants will be able to:
·Identify the primary drivers that influence growth and development patterns.
·Describe social, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of various development patterns.
·Explain the principles of integrated and comprehensive growth strategies.
·Assess the current state of growth and development in your own community.
·Effectively communicate with stakeholders about coastal planning and development.

Date, time, and place: This is a 2-day training that will take place February 2-3, 2010. It will be held at a location to be announced in Grays Harbor.

For REGISTRATION INFORMATION, updates, or for questions please contact Kathy Greer at kgreer@surfrider.org (360) 581-7060.