2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 31

Chester Arnold, Jim Gibbons, John Rozum, and Steven Nakashima, University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension, 1066 Saybrook Road, Box 70, Haddam, CT 06438; carnold@canr.uconn.edu

The University of Connecticut?s Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Project is an educational program for land use decision makers that addresses the relationship between land use and natural resource protection. The project emphasizes natural resource-based planning and site design, and how these tools can be used to accommodate growth while protecting priority natural resources, particularly water resources.

NEMO?s primary target audience is public land use decision makers serving on local land use commissions and boards. The decisions made by these officials over the next decade will determine the landscape of America for the foreseeable future. Educational materials and presentations for this key audience focus on the impacts of urbanization on natural resources and community character, and the role of impervious surfaces as an indicator of these impacts. Remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS), and Internet technologies are used to help craft the educational programs. In addition to the town-based programs, watershed-based projects pair NEMO programs for local officials with other Extension programs that target private land use decision makers, most notably forest and riparian landowners. Both the town and watershed programs have resulted in a number of ?bottom-line? impacts, including changes to town plans, regulations and policies, adoption of watershed management and open space plans, open space acquisition, ?spin-off? research and school programs, forest stewardship, and increased in inter-town communication and cooperation.

The NEMO educational model is being adapted in a number of states. Currently, 13 states have a funded NEMO project, another 6 are seeking funding, and an additional 5 are beginning the process. NEMO adapters are typically multi-organization coalitions that include university-based outreach programs, state agencies, regional planning agencies, and nonprofit organizations. NEMO projects are not clones of the Connecticut program, but true adaptations tailored to the issues, landscapes, and land use decision making process in each state.

Connecticut CES is in the process of forming a National NEMO Network of these sister projects. The purpose of the Network is to provide a venue for those working on education of local land use officials to share ideas and educational models with peers around the country. Three simple elements are shared by these projects: (1) an educational approach; (2) an emphasis on land use education, and on land use decision makers as a target audience; and (3) use of geospatial technology in the service of this education.

We envision the network to eventually include projects with a wide range of educational methods, target audiences, and topical emphases (e.g., salmon habitat; tidal wetlands; lakes; aquifer resources). For the Network to grow and thrive, it is critically important that Extension personnel, with their educational expertise and local experience, be in the forefront of this initiative to assist community leaders protect their natural resources.