The Coastal Training Program (CTP) at Apalachicola is in full implementation and continues to add new programs. The new Green Industries Best Management Practice training program for landscapers and lawn maintenance workers has been added to the course offerings. The network of contacts and program services encompasses the entire northwest Florida coastline from Pensacola to Crystal River.

The CTP training programs are conducted primarily through workshops. The training programs are planned based on the results of a completed market analysis and needs assessment, the strategy document and marketing plan, program evaluations and additional needs assessments. The activities include workshops, field exercises, technology demonstration and training, technical assistance, awareness presentations to local officials and referrals for additional information. The CTP offers at least one of the 40-hour Florida Master Naturalist Program courses (Coastal Systems, Freshwater Wetlands or Uplands) each year.

The CTP also provides technical assistance and participates in committees in special programs such as the Carrabelle Waterfronts Partnership, Living Shorelines Initiative, GOMA and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) Community Resilience Team. A portion of ANERR's training and technical assistance involves the Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) network efforts relating to nonpoint source pollution and low impact development. North Florida became a member of the National NEMO Network in 2006. NEMO is an educational program for local land-use officials that addresses the relationship of land use to natural resource protection on community watershed stewardship involving local elected officials.

The CTP also works with the Gulf of Mexico Alliance and other coordinated efforts across the Gulf Coast states. To learn more about coordinated Gulfwide Coastal Training Initiatives and Events see the Gulfwide Coastal Training website www.gulfalliancetraining.org.

For more information about the Apalachicola Coastal Training Program, contact Rosalyn Kilcollins at (850) 670-7708 or Rosalyn.Kilcollins@dep.state.fl.us.