Approximately 153 million people (53% of the U.S. population) live in the coastal counties along the United States’ Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Great Lakes, and six island territories. By 2015, the population of these areas is expected to increase by another 12 million. Not only is the population density on the coast increasing, but so also is an ever-expanding network of coastal infrastructure and nationally important industries. The margin between the land and the sea is a restless one- a dynamic environment that is fragile and not the best setting for intensive human development.

The focus of the Coastal Wildlife Conservation Initiative (CWCI) is development of a process to facilitate regional and statewide coordination to protect wildlife and habitats in coastal areas. Our mission is to build a partnership network – a coalition – that will work together on issues related to conservation of wildlife and habitats in the coastal zone in balance with human needs and activities. The CWCI is seeking input from government and non-government on coastal issues of concern, perceived gaps in existing programs, successes, challenges, and opportunities of such programs. Participation by potential partner agencies and organizations, AND CITIZENS is a very important step in the implementation of such a large initiative.

Join us to discuss a partnership and strategies to address coastal area issues of concern. I will be hosting the CWCI workshop at the Sirata Resort in St. Petersburg, FL on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 (for non-government) 6:00-9:00 pm and Thursday, December 2, 2010 (for government) 9:00 a.m-12:00 pm. See attached flyer for details and registration.