1. “Nature always wears the colors of the spirit” – EMERSON “The horizon’s edge, the flying sea-crow, the fragrance of salt marsh and shore mud…” -- WHITMAN Public/Private Partnerships in Coastal Restoration September 12, 2003 Cambridge, Massachusetts

2. The Nature Conservancy Established in 1951 Based in Arlington, VA Programs in 50 states and 27 nations Latin America, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Australia 12 million acres protected in the U.S. 1,400 nature preserves > 1 million members Science-based, non-confrontational conservation approach

3. Why is TNC here? Mission: Preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Brownfields are not generally what you think of as hotspots for biodiversity...

4. …but the coasts and oceans are. Less than 10% of marine life has been measured Commercial + Rec fishing > $50 billion economic impact that relies on healthy nearshore habitats Enormous value of ecological goods and services

5. Conservation by Design 1. Conserve functional conservation areas within and across ecoregions. 2. Work with partners to conserve a full array of ecological systems and viable native species.

6. Coasts are special… USDA: Coastal counties = 17% of U.S. acreage Home to more than 50% of U.S. population 1997: 14% developed 2025: 25% developed (est)

7. TNCs Marine Initiative Priorities: “Seas to Summits” planning/priority setting Resilence/Resistance principles for management Public sector engagement: Restoration of degraded habitats Share best practices Encourage partnerships Resources for capacity/implementation

8. NGO/Public Partnership The environmental NGO community can be a partner with government and business in redevelopment of coastal sites. Opportunities for collaboration exist at multiple scales: Local (land trusts, “Save the Bays”, community groups) Regional (national orgs, StB, state associations) National (national orgs, StB/RAE, CSO, NGA, AAPA, etc.)

9. Locally... Land protection and restoration capacity and expertise Environmental education and public awareness Fundraising Research and technology development Monitoring --> Measures of Success

10. State and Regionally... Policy, legislation, and appropriations to support local efforts Support regional planning and coordination Information sharing/best practices (worst practices?) Support multi-site/off-site strategies Monitoring --> Measures of Success

11. Nationally Policy, legislation, and appropriations to support local efforts Information sharing/best practices (worst practices?) Support multi-site strategies Monitoring --> Measures of Success

12. NGO/Public Partnership The environmental NGO community can be a partner with government and business in redevelopment of coastal sites. Opportunities for collaboration exist at multiple scales: Local Regional National

13. Thank you!