Area Estuary Programs to host Listening Session this Week

TAMPA BAY AREA -- The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, and Tampa Bay Estuary Program are hosting three Listening Sessions in April to provide input from the public, nonprofit organizations, local governments, scientists and industries regarding ecosystem restoration in the Gulf Coast. 

Senior staff from the Gulf Coast Restoration Task Force are gathering input and ideas for consideration for inclusion in a Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Strategy report, due to the President later this year.  The Strategy will help establish priority projects to restore the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
 
Three Listening Sessions are scheduled in mid April.  Although the audience for each is focused on target groups, anyone is welcome to attend the session most convenient.
 

Public/NGOs Listening Session:
Monday, April 18, 2011
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Selby Auditorium, USF Sarasota-Manatee
8350 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243
 
Local Government and Scientists Listening Session:
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
1926 Victoria Avenue
Fort Myers, FL  33901
239-338-2560  if assistance is needed
 
Industries Listening Session:
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
4000 Gateway Centre Blvd, Suite 100
Pinellas Park, FL 33782