In December 2007 the NHEP Management Committee voted unanimously to expand the NHEP’s area of focus to the entire Great Bay Estuary watershed, including the 24 percent of the watershed in Maine. This shift is a critical step toward achieving the program’s watershed-wide goals of improving water quality and protecting and restoring important habitats.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAINE ORGANIZATIONS TO PARTICIPATE
Municipalities, state agencies, conservation groups, businesses, and universities are some of the stakeholders that are critical in implementing the NHEP Management Plan. Here are several ways stakeholder organizations can participate in the NHEP process:
- Apply for the Local Grants Program
In the summer of 2008, the NHEP will issue its annual request for project proposals that address actions in the Management Plan. Maine projects that implement actions from watershed protection/restoration plans will be eligible for funding.
- Sign up for Estuaries Update
The NHEP’s monthly electronic newsletter, Estuaries Update, describes recent NHEP activities, new publications, and upcoming events. Sign up by emailing a request to to Dave Kellam
- Add the NHEP to Your Mailing Lists
- Participate in NHEP Planning Activities
The NHEP will update its watershed-wide Management Plan by 2010. In 2009 the NHEP will provide opportunities for Maine and New Hampshire stakeholders to identify priorities and actions to protect and restore the region’s estuaries.
