CICEET Progress Report for the period 3/01/08 Through 8/31/08
Project Title: Dissemination and Deployment of a Web-Based Tool to Support Natural Resource-Based Planning at the Local Level
Principal Investigator(s): David W. Dickson, Chester L. Arnold, Emily H. Wilson
Project Start Date: 11/01/07
Report compiled by: David Dickson
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Objectives
Objective 1: Enhance the UConn Online Community Resource Inventory (CRI) tool with the addition of coastal habitat data, and then “franchise” it for Rhode Island.
The CT Team has completed the addition of coastal habitat data layers to the CT online CRI site (example, Figure 1). The new layers include information on tidal wetlands, shellfish beds, and eelgrass beds, in addition to the statewide natural diversity database (rare and endangered species habitat) information.
The Rhode Island team continues to work on developing their site and hopes to have it completed in October. They have decided to use a slightly different approach than CT in setting up the site, in terms of underlying software. This will help provide options for the other teams. The RI team has identified the data layers that will be included in their site.
Objective 2: Train the South Carolina and Minnesota NEMO programs to create and deploy
this tool, along with the accompanying educational program.
We held a conference call during this period for all four states, plus 2 other states that are interested in also participating (NY & NC). The call focused how and why the CT & RI teams choose the data layers for their sites. The SC and MN teams are going to use the information they obtain from the call to start collecting data layers for inclusion in their site.
We will hold a training workshop in CT in January 2009. Date and location tbd.
Objective 3: Report on the use and impact of the tool in targeted coastal communities in the four states.
CT has begun compiling statistics on the usage of the CRI Tool. During the 18-month period from January 2007 through June 2008, the CRI tool averaged 660 users per month. In some months, the site had as many as 1000 users (Figure 2).
Objective 4: Promote the tool and the project through the National NEMO and National Geospatial Technology Extension networks.
The National NEMO Network continues to promote this project though its website, newsletter, workshops, presentations, and consultations with other states. Both North Carolina and New York are now planning to participate in the training in January and we have decided to open that training up to any NEMO programs that want to be involved.
Data Generated to date
N/A
Project Objectives for Next Reporting Period
Objective 1: Enhance the UConn Online Community Resource Inventory (CRI) tool with the addition of coastal habitat data, and then “franchise” it for Rhode Island.
Complete RI CRI website & release to representatives of target audience for feedback.
Objective 2: Train the South Carolina and Minnesota NEMO programs to create and deploy
this tool, along with the accompanying educational program.
Draft CRI “cookbook”
Hold training for MN, SC, NY, NC, and any other interested NEMO programs on setting up a site.
MN & SC to begin developing their sites.
Objective 3: Report on the use and impact of the tool in targeted coastal communities in the four states.
Continue to track usage of CT CRI site
Begin to track usage of RI CRI site
Objective 4: Promote the tool and the project through the National NEMO and National Geospatial Technology Extension networks.
Continue to promote project through NEMO Network presentations and publications and at NEMO U6 in October.
Expenditures
Expenditures are in the range anticipated for the work accomplished to date.