Shellfish Targeting Workshop Agenda

Monday, February 24

Welcome to the Targeting Workshop

• Karen Gautreaux, Director, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (invited)
• Earl Melancon, Nicholls State University
• Jim Giattina, Director, Gulf of Mexico Program

Participant Introductions (name and affiliation only)

 

10:30 Workshop Goals

Presenter: Dan Farrow, NOAA

• Goals
• Review Agenda
• Overview of Prioritization Process & Ground Rules

 

10:45 The Classification of Shellfish Growing Areas in Louisiana and

Opportunities to Upgrade Current Designations

Presenter: Ken Hemphill, DHH

 

11:00 Overview of Candidate Restoration Projects

Barataria Basin Projects

Presenters: Peter Vujnovich, Jr., Oyster Industry, and Mark Schexnayder, DWF

Terrebonne Basin Projects

Presenters: Earl Melancon, NSU, and Kerry St. Pé, DEQ

 

11:30 Selection Criteria and Initial Prioritization Voting

Presenter: Dan Farrow, NOAA

• Discussion of Selection Criteria
• Individual Voting (Worksheet A)

 

12:15 Lunch

A Shellfish Restoration Success Story

Presenter: Sandy Macfarlane, Planner, City of Orleans, MA

Discussions Among Participants

 

1:30 Prioritizing Candidate Oyster Restoration Projects

Barataria Breakout Group Prioritization

Facilitator: Rod Emmer, Rodney E. Emmer & Associates, Inc.

• Review of Individual Voting and Tally
• Evaluation and Discussion of Priority Projects (Worksheet B)
• Voting for Candidate Project in each Parish
• Discussion of Candidate Projects in each Parish (Worksheet C)

Terrebonne Breakout Group Prioritization

Facilitator: Paul Coreil, LA Cooperative Extension Service

• Review of Individual Voting and Tally
• Evaluation and Discussion of Priority Projects (Worksheet B)
• Voting for Candidate Project in each Parish
• Discussion of Candidate Projects in each Parish (Worksheet C)

 

4:00 Break

 

4:15 Prioritizing Candidate Oyster Restoration Projects (Basin-wide)

Barataria & Terrebonne Breakout Groups

Facilitators: Rod Emmer and Paul Coreil

• Review of Individual Voting and Tally
• Evaluation and Discussion of Priority Projects (Worksheet B)
• Voting for Candidate Project in each Parish
• Discussion of Candidate Projects in each Parish (Worksheet C)

 

5:00 Social & Presentation of Prioritization Results

Facilitators: Rod Emmer and Paul Coreil

Presentations of Breakout Group Results and Cross-Group Discussion

Selection of Priority Basinwide Projects

 

 

Tuesday, February 25

 

8:30 Review Priority Restoration Projects

Facilitators: Rod Emmer and Paul Coreil

• Distribute Prioritization Results
• Basin-wide Projects Multi-vote, if necessary

 

9:00 Panel: Obstacles and Solutions to Implementation

Moderator: Rod Emmer

• "Obstacles and Solutions to Water Quality Improvement Projects at the Parish Level;" Al Levron, Terrebonne Parish
• "Restoration Project Requirements from the Oyster Industry's Perspective;"
• Buddy Pausina, LA Oyster Dealers and Growers Association
• "Obstacles and Solutions to Constructing Sewer Projects in Louisiana's Coastal Parishes - Past Experiences of the State Revolving Fund;" Tom Griggs, LA DEQ/Municipal Facilities
• "Developing Successful Funding Packages for Oyster Restoration Projects Using Traditional and Innovative Funding Mechanisms;" Beth Hickey, Environmental Finance Center

 

10:00 Panel: Questions from Participants

 

10:15 Break

 

10:30 Obstacles and Solutions Discussion on Priority Restoration Projects

Facilitators: Rod Emmer and Paul Coreil

Panel/Audience Interaction: Feasibility Discussion on Implementation Projects for each Parish and the Top Basin-wide Project

 

12:00 Wrap Up and Next Steps

• Karen Gautreaux, Director, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (invited)
• Dan Farrow, NOAA

 

12:30 Adjourn