STEWARDSHIP

Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Texas

Stewardship Coordinator: Dr. Kiersten Madden

Post Doctoral Fellow, Department of Marine Science

The stewardship program at the Mission-Aransas NERR is an integration of the research and educational component of the reserve.

The stewardship program works with a stewardship advisory committee that provides advice to Reserve staff regarding implementation of the Reserve stewardship program, and provides linkage to the broader community.

The Mission-Aransas NERR stewardship program is defined the following goals and objectives:

Goal 1: Improve understanding of Texas coastal zone ecosystems structure and function

Objective 1-3: Update site profile and ecological characterization via ground-truthing of the GIS data base

Action 1: Demographic Characterization

Action 2: Environmental Characterization

Action 3: Site Profile Development

Objective 1-4: Protect core areas for long-term research

Action 1: Coordinate with Reserve partners to follow existing rules and regulations

Goal 2: Increase understanding of coastal ecosystems by diverse audiences

Objective 2-2: Better inform decision-makers

Action 1: Develop a Coastal Training Program

Action 2: Recruit and maintain staff to implement the Coastal Training Program

Objective 2-3: Improve the capacity to engage in ecotourism activities

Action 1: Develop an ecotourism docent training program

Objective 2-4: Provide outdoor educational experiences to scouting and other organizations

Action 1: Partner with organizations, such as the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), to provide educational experiences

Goal 3: Promote public appreciation and support for stewardship of coastal resources

Objective 3-5: Monitor land management practices among Reserve partners

Action 1: Annual assessment of landowner management policies and practices

Action 2: Monitor habitats and management practices on Fennessey Ranch

Objective 3-6: Develop partnerships with locally-based animal rescue programs

Action 1: Partner with local organizations to enhance rescue programs

Objective 3-7: Support existing clean-up and recycling programs

Action 1: Partner with local organizations to enhance clean-up and recycling programs

Objective 3-8: Promote Reserve initiatives at public events, fairs and expositions

Action 1: Create and participate in public events, fairs and expositions

Action 2: Create and disseminate interpretative materials or signs at public access sites

Objective 3-9: Initiate restoration and mitigation projects with appropriate partners

Action 1: Literature review

Action 2: Develop a restoration and mitigation plan

Action 3: Initiate restoration and mitigation projects

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