Descriptions and materials from past workshops and trainings offered by the KBNERR Coastal Training Program are provided here. Use the filter and search functions below to narrow the list of workshops or browse the list, which is organized by date with the most recent workshops at the top.
| Workshop | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|
June 7, 2017: June Community Council Field DayOn June 7, 2017 members of the Kachemak Bay community gathered for an informational field trip discussing the status of clam populations in the Kachemak Bay. Throughout the day, a number of presenters shared information and data collection methodology about the many factors which affect this vital keystone species. This full day excursion included presentations on a variety of topics related to the Kachemak Bay Habitat Focus Area. Site visits to research and monitoring stations were led by Kachemak Bay NERR staff, as well as Kasitsna Bay Lab, Seldovia Village Tribe and Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery. Click the links below to view the Field Day documents: Save The Date Agenda Field Day Guide NOAA HFA Update | 2017 | Ecosystem Based Management |
March 7, 2017: Kenai Lands ForumThe Kenai Lands Forum was designed to help raise awareness of and leverage ongoing interjurisdictional efforts as well as identify new partnerships or opportunities for holistic land management. The need for the workshop was identified at the fall 2016 Climate Resilience Workshop, and the realization that most of land managers work across agency and organizational boundaries. The forum fostered new relationships between land managers and agencies through the ignite presentations and group discussions. The presentations were designed to introduce what land managers are doing and what partnerships currently exist. They highlighted challenges and opportunities for improvements for current and future partnerships. Participants expressed an increase in awareness of land management efforts on the Kenai Peninsula. There were also many requests for a follow up workshop to allow time for more group discussion and networking. There was also interest in working from and sharing the same data sets to streamline land management plans and make it easier for cross agency/organization partnerships to be created and maintained. Planning Session Presentations Christie Cincotte - Tyonek Area Watershed Action Plan David Fitz-Enz - Chugach National Forest Plan Revision Willow Hetrick - Chugach Regional Tribal Planning Initiatives Sharon Kim - Kenai Fjords Foundation John Morton - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Marcus Mueller - Kenai Peninsula Borough Land Management Plan & Land Selection Karen Noyes - KPB Coastal Management Plan Jason Okuly - Kachemak Bay State Park & Wilderness Area Shelly Wade - KPB Comprehensive Plan Revision Partnership Session Presentations Robert Archibald - Kachemak Bay Water Trail Mandy Bernard - Mountains to Sea Kristi Bullock - All Lands All Hands Marion Glaser - Stream Watch Volunteer Program Kyle Graham - Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program + National Fish Passage Program Kaylene Johnson-Sullivan - Kenai Mountains - Turnagain Arm National Heritage Areal Amanda Robertson & Mary Mahaffy - Landscape Conservation Cooperatives Jack Sinclair - Kenai Peninsula Fish Habitat Partnership Matt Steffy - Kenai Peninsula Cooperative Weed Management Kara Wagner - Homer Soil & Water Conservation Districts Ted Wellman - Kenai River Special Management Area David Wigglesworth - The Role of Land Trusts | 2017 | Climate Adaptation |
February 2017: Art and Science Collaborative: Artists Know Climate ChangeBringing Climate Change to Your Art: Workshop Sessions February 14: Observations (with Asia Freeman and Jessica Shepherd) February 21: Personal Action (with Bjorn Olson, Kim McNett and Dana Nelson) February 27: Community Resilience (with Kaitlin Vadla and Syverine Abrahamson) This focus area developed out of a call at the Climate Resilience Workshop to reach a wider circle of stakeholders to enhance understanding of climate science and envision a resilient community future. We have engaged with the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society in a multifaceted project involving arts and youth in the community to explore Climate Action on the Kenai. With an art contest, art and science collaborative sessions and k-12 art and science lessons delivered in spring 2017, we have developed a model that we hope to export state-wide to achieve the following goals:
| 2017 | Climate Adaptation |
January 23rd, 2017: Stakeholder Engagement Workshop: Alaska Marine Science SymposiumWorking with People: Building Community Resilience through Engagement and Collaboration At AMSS we kicked off the week with a half day Communicating Ocean Science Workshop in collaboration with Alaska Sea Grant and the Landscape Conservation Cooperatives. We presented key lessons on climate resilience from 3 case studies from around Alaska and explored methods of stakeholder engagement, including how we brought people to the table, facilitated workshops to promote partnership development and fostered continued engagement after the workshop. The group participated in a stakeholder analysis activity, and received additional resources. The workshop evaluation indicated that attendees would be interested in more information and trainings on this topic in the future. The training partners plan on bringing expertise from NOAA Office for Coastal Management to Alaska for a follow up 2-day training on Planning and Facilitating Collaborative Meetings. | 2017 | Climate Adaptation |
November 1st-2nd, 2016: Center for Salmon and Society WorkshopSyverine, Coowe and Chris attended a workshop coordinated by the Center for Salmon and Society immediately after the notification of funding from SASAP was received. This workshop focused on identifying and addressing long-term challenges to Alaska’s salmon, and salmon-dependent communities, identifying policy, community, and research priorities. During two days of public discussion and presentations we were able to learn about other programs around the state and kick start our 18 month project, developing our workgroup and sharing our factsheet with colleagues and funders. | 2016 | Conservation Biology |
October 4th-5th, 2016: Climate Resilience Workshop – Scenarios and PathwaysIn partnership with Tijuana River NERR and the NERR Science Collaborative team we hosted a 1.5 day workshop to support climate resilience efforts in Kachemak Bay and on the Kenai Peninsula. The range of attendees was diverse, with roles in planning, policy, research and management. The group was provided with the best available local climate science, as well as the opportunity to develop a collaboration network. We worked towards a successful vision of a climate resilient future and identified triggers, decision points and actions that we can or already do to increase coastal resilience. Several ideas were developed for new projects and collaborations and over the winter, participants will follow up on their commitments to action, keeping in mind ways of measuring success. | 2016 | Climate Adaptation |
September 12th-16th,2016: International Circumpolar Remote Sensing SymposiumCTP assisted with the organization of a free session open to the public on topics of local importance and interest. Local presenters included Ed Berg. Steve Baird also joined the group on a field session in Kachemak Bay to describe local issues and opportunities for research. | 2016 | Geographic Information Science |
July 14th,2016: Blue Carbon WorkshopKBNERR hosted a workshop on Blue Carbon to raise awareness about the value of salt marshes and seagrasses in carbon sequestration and storage to encourage conservation of these valuable habitats. Tidal wetlands and seagrass beds store carbon at rates that exceed even tropical forests, yet the role of these Blue Carbon ecosystems in climate change policy lags far behind. The Coastal Training Program has invited Lisa Schile of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center to provide staff training on Blue Carbon sampling methodologies, and help envision new research project ideas for KBNERR. A research team from Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Biogeochemistry Lab, who had been traveling all over the NW hemisphere taking soil cores over the past year was very excited to conclude field sampling in salt marshes of Kachemak Bay. Several KBNERR staff joined the team in their sampling in the Anchor River and China Poot Estuaries, and asked questions and cross pollinated ideas. The workshop included presentations on Blue Carbon ecosystems, Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet salt marsh distribution and ecology, and case studies for projects and applications of Blue Carbon. This training developed local capacity to support land conservation and restoration goals, and increased understanding of Blue Carbon concepts. Afterwards, participants brainstormed local projects in a community conversation, with opportunities for an estuary hike and field training. Participants were very engaged, eager to learn more, and excited to reconvene to discuss potential project ideas, partners, funding sources and deadlines in the fall. | 2016 | Ecosystem Services |
April 28th, 2016: Kachemak Bay and Lower Cook Inlet Marine Ecosystem WorkgroupIn a partnership with Alaska Marine Conservation Council, we hosted a Marine Ecosystem Workgroup meeting for a diverse cross section of researchers, organizational leaders, marine industry workers and engaged citizens. This group shared updates from their programs and organizations, discussed timely issues occurring within the local marine ecosystem, and looked for opportunities to collaborate with ongoing work. The main purpose of the marine workgroup is to serve as a foundation to continually improve the scientific basis for management actions in Kachemak Bay. Our goal is to work across all regional partners to coordinate monitoring and research efforts to provide credible, high quality and accessible scientific findings for our partners, decision-makers and ultimately, the public. | 2016 | Ecosystem Based Management |
March 22nd-24th, 2016: Climate Adaptation for Coastal Communities WorkshopNOAA Office for Coastal Management and KBNERR provided an interactive three-day Climate Adaptation for Coastal Communities training course for a range of stakeholders this spring. The diverse group of training participants represented local and regional agencies, tribes, government and planners. Course content focused on information, tools, and strategies to protect our community and citizens from potential problems caused by a changing climate. Assessment tools were explored for climate stressors and vulnerable local assets like available fresh water, food systems, infrastructure, fisheries and mariculture. Adaptation options were brainstormed to address the impacts presented by local experts like increased air and water temperatures, and changes in precipitation. Each participant developed a work plan to implement climate adaptation in their respective roles and support resilient communities. | 2016 | Climate Adaptation |
March 18th, 2016: Chugach Regional Resources Commission Climate Change WorkshopKBNERR staff presented on climate monitoring and research as well as the Habitat Focus Area bivalve science at a climate change listening session/workshop in March for the people in the Chugach region serviced by CRRC (Port Graham, Nanwalek, Tatitlek, Chenega, Eyak, Qutekcak/Seward, Cordova, and English Bay). In addition to the presentations, CTP collaborated with CRRC to capture community members’ questions and concerns. Participants in the workshop indicated that food and water supply, temperature changes, human health, habitat loss, invasive species, changes in water quality, and changes in extreme weather events were topics of concern. Future efforts in climate adaptation in the Chugach region will focus on improving understanding of how climate change might impact the communities, and assistance with evaluating vulnerabilities and adaptation measures. | 2016 | Climate Adaptation |
February 25th, 2016: Harmful Algal Bloom Response WorkshopWe hosted an all-day workshop for participants from research institutions, regulatory agencies, and the shellfish industry. Nine key agency members presented on HABs and their role related to HAB response. Round table discussions followed on supporting a coordinated network for response and a public outreach plan. The following priorities were identified for 2016:
| 2016 | Harmful Species |
November 13 2015, Kachemak Bay and Lower Cook Inlet Marine Ecosystem WorkgroupCTP, together with the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, hosted the second Marine Ecosystem Workgroup meeting - a half day of presentations and discussions in November. We updated one another on ongoing projects and new endeavors. Several future collaborations were identified as well as the need for expanding public outreach and citizen science programs. Topics included:
| 2015 | Ecosystem Based Management |
November 2-6, 2015: American Fisheries Society MeetingThe Reserve provided local assistance for the American Fisheries Society Alaska chapter meeting at Alaska Islands and Ocean Center. CTP coordinated a Communicating Science through Video program for the event, and we hosted a webinar on communicating science with Cathy Angel of Padilla Bay NERR in October to prepare attendees. | 2015 | Mariculture |
April 23rd 2015: Kachemak Bay Coastal Habitat Mapping Tool WorkshopKBRR hosted two Coastal Habitat Mapping tool workshops about the recently updated habitat mapping tool that allows researchers and resource managers to quickly explore coastal and intertidal habitat characteristics for Kachemak Bay and the surrounding area. This mapping tool provides access to data on physical characteristics, human uses, and ecological resources for shoreline, nearshore, and estuarine areas using high-resolution aerial imagery. This training was hosted on April 23 in Homer and May 11 in Soldotna to provide users with hands-on demonstrations and explore the tool’s functionality. | 2015 | Geographic Information Science |
April 24th 2015: Invasive Species Identification WorkshopCTP partnered with the Homer Soil and Water Conservation and the Kenai Cooperative Weed Management Area to host an Invasive Species Identification workshop. Presenters from UAF Cooperative Extensions, Dept. of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and KBRR presented information about terrestrial, aquatic, and marine invasive species identification. The number of invasive species on the Kenai Peninsula is continuing to grow each year. Ecosystems can be safeguarded from the harmful impacts caused by invasive species, if new invasions are detected early and appropriate response procedures are enacted. The day concluded by learning the best management practices to prevent reduce humans from being vectors of further invasion while working or recreating. | 2015 | Harmful Species |
April 16, 2015: Kachemak Bay and Lower Cook Inlet Marine Ecosystem WorkgroupTogether, with the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, KBNERR hosted the first Marine Workgroup (MWG) meeting. The main purpose of the MWG meeting was to serve as a foundation to continually improve the scientific basis for management actions in Kachemak Bay. The goal of this MWG is to work across all regional partners to coordinate monitoring and research efforts to provide credible, high quality and accessible scientific findings for our partners, decision-makers, and ultimately, the public. | 2015 | Ecosystem Based Management |
March 4th-7th 2015: Kachemak Bay Science ConferenceCTP partnered with the Center for Alaska Coastal Studies to co-lead the planning and implementation of the 2015 Kachemak Bay Science Conference, which was held at the Alaska Islands and Oceans Visitor Center in Homer. This conference was merged with the Kenai Peninsula Fish Habitat Partnership’s science symposium in an expanded event. The goal of this conference was to provide new information and syntheses to the broad community interested in and working on related issues. We had over 130 people attend the conference, including 170 at the keynote events and over 120 attending the workshops and field trips. Our primary goal was to provide new scientific information relevant to Kachemak Bay and its surrounding coasts in order to foster an informed and engaged community of environmental researchers, educators, and decision-makers. Based on the comments we received, we believe we were effective in achieving that goal, and in providing the community with an informative and worthwhile experience. We also were able to, through social events, provide opportunities for colleagues to connect and network with new ones. | 2015 | Community Planning |
September 29, 2014: CTP co-hosted a workshop entitled Enhancing Community Well-Being: The Collective Impact OpportunityThis workshop was facilitated by the Tamarack Institute to educate community members interested in local health (including environmental) improvement initiatives about Collective Impact (CI) and how it can be used to support and accelerate their work. There were over 80 workshop participants that learned about the CI framework and how to implement collective impact strategies focused on increasing community and family well-being. | 2014 | Community Planning |
August 22-24 2014: Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program’s Shellfish Farming WorkshopAttendees learned from experts in Marine Advisory Program and the Kachemak Shellfish Mariculture Association on comprehensive topics detailing the biological foundation and best management practices of shellfish farming in a technical manner. From KBNERR, Catie Bursch presented on the harmful algal bloom monitoring program, and Angie Doroff presented highlights from the ongoing ocean circulation model for Kachemak Bay. | 2014 | Mariculture |
May 20, 2014: Aquatic Invasive Species TrainingAquatic invasive species cost the United States billions of dollars a year in damages to habitat quality, water supply infrastructure, and fisheries. Alaska’s unique environment is not immune to such impacts. ADNR and ADF&G hosted a half-day training on field identification, sampling, and best management practices for Alaska’s aquatic invasive species: Northern Pike, Purple loosestrife, Reed canarygrass, Signal crayfish and Elodea. Participants learned about 7 top Early Detection Rapid Response aquatic invasive species potentially found in Alaska’s waterbodies including the recently quarantined aquatic weeds. Heather Stewart, Alaska Department of Natural Resources Tammy Davis, Alaska Department of Fish and Game | 2014 | Harmful Species |
April 21-23, 2014: ArcGIS 10.2 Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced Training CoursesThis beginner course taught how to effectively use ArcGIS Desktop. Participants learned Basic and Intermediate ArcGIS skills which are appropriate for those just starting out with GIS or wishing to learn more advanced ArcGIS Desktop functionality. The advanced course introduced fundamental concepts and updated features for ArcGIS 10.2, and built upon introductory GIS topics already learned. The course focused on advanced user topics, such as creating and administering file geo-databases, spatial analysis techniques, as well as other geoprocessing tools. Jason Graham, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Basic GIS Workbook Advanced GIS Workbook | 2014 | Geographic Information Science |
April 10, 2014: Igniting Knowledge of Coastal and Marine Research in Kachemak BayFrom glaciers to sea-level change, and seabirds to salmon… this event was an afternoon of shorts talks by local scientists conducting coastal and marine research in the Kachemak Bay area. 25 different researchers from the Kenai Peninsula Igniting Knowledge Agenda | 2014 | Conservation Biology |
March 11-12, 2014: Bivalves in Kachemak Bay - Applying Lessons Learned from Restoration along the Pacific CoastThe workshop featured subject matter experts the National Estuarine Research Reserves in California and Oregon who transferred knowledge and shared lessons learned from ongoing native oyster restoration efforts to better guide planning within Kachemak Bay. This workshop served as a catalyst for bringing together scientists, managers, and shellfish mariculture industry from across the region and State to present and discuss many aspects of native clam populations, oyster mariculture, and environmental conditions. The existing body of knowledge for bivalves in Kachemak Bay was explored, with an emphasis on recommended options for future research, action strategies, and considerations for restoration planning in the future. Steve Rumrill, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Matt Ferner, San Francisco Bay NERR Ted Grosholz, University of California Davis Brian Cheng, University of California Davis Oyster Population Resiliency Situation Assessment Report Bivalves in Kachemak Bay Workshop Agenda | 2014 | Ecosystem Based Management |
February 11-12, 2014: Kachemak Bay Phytoplankton and Harmful Algal Blooms WorkshopWithin the Kachemak Bay community several organizations are involved in the study and monitoring of phytoplankton for potential harmful algal blooms (HABs). While these studies are largely conducted independently, discussion about the current state of phytoplankton monitoring in Kachemak Bay, the unique challenges researchers face, and opportunities for increased coordination prompted formation of the first Kachemak Bay Phytoplankton and Harmful Algal Blooms Workshop. The workshop, organized by the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, brought together regional experts and the local community to share their questions and results with key subject matter experts to guide the future direction of local phytoplankton research and monitoring. Dr. Pat Tester, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOAA Dr. Wayne Litaker, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOAA Algal Bloom Workshop Booklet Algal Bloom Workshop Proceedings | 2014 | Harmful Species |
February 4-5, 2014: Managing Visitor Use for Coastal and Marine Protected AreasIn this two-day course coastal resource managers, local decision-makers, scientists, and planners learned how to better understand, monitor, and manage visitor use to maintain quality resource conditions and visitor experiences. Course participants gained new tools for identifying and defining unacceptable visitor use impacts and learned how to apply strategies and tactics to address those impacts. Pam Kylstra, Coastal Services Center, NOAA Chris Ellis, Coastal Services Center, NOAA Managing Visitor Use Workshop Agenda | 2014 | Community Planning |