The Great Lakes Coastal Assembly is addressing critical science needs, fostering information transfer, and promoting actions in critical locations using a range of strategies. These strategies are periodically revisited by the Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Assembly. As the coastal wetland goals and metrics on Blue Accounting continue to develop, these strategies will be updated as well.

Build a Regional Partnership
Updated on: May 22 2018

Identify and bring together agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), university staff, and resources to participate in a working group.

  • Create a working group representing various coastal wetland constituencies
  • Build trust, partnership and commitment in a clear governance structure
  • Connect with other coastal partnership efforts within the region
  • Pilot a coastal wetlands program encompassing Saginaw Bay to western Lake Erie, eventually expanding on this to engage with wetlands stakeholders basin-wide

Establish shared coastal wetlands vision and goals
Updated on: December 21 2018

Integrate priorities from GLCA members and existing plans to create high-level goals, metrics, and strategies for coastal wetlands.

  • Support group processes to identify coastal wetland goals that incorporate regional planning and agency priorities
  • Develop and conduct a collaborative goal setting process
  • Develop metrics with measurable targets
  • Identify strategic locations for implementing protection, restoration, and enhancement projects

Develop a coastal wetland implementation strategy
Updated on: March 1 2019

Align regional knowledge and capacity with shared goals to create change.

  • Develop a plan to implement the right practices in the right places
  • Develop and pursue a plan to fill science and knowledge gaps
  • Establish and promote best management practices for coastal wetland conservation
  • Design decision tools and programs that help coordinate management activities and align and direct funding to priority sites

Communicate the vision and need for protecting coastal wetlands
Updated on: March 6 2019

Serve as a resource for decision-makers, resource managers and coastal stakeholders.

  • Create information materials on coastal wetlands for key audiences
  • Develop an information delivery strategy
  • Deliver information through a variety of means such as personal outreach, websites, and workshops
  • Support hands-on learning opportunities for stakeholders
  • Promote best management practices

Track progress and make needed adjustments
Updated on: November 12 2018

Assessing metrics and evaluating progress helps inform the effectiveness of planning and strategies. Strategies may be changed if needed or new ideas added as opportunities arise.

  • Track progress against high-level goals using consistent metrics
  • Evaluate collaboration of the GLCA
  • Adjust management strategies, communication processes and governance as necessary
  • Celebrate successes