Green Infrastructure Workshops Prepared by Dan Nees, Friends of the Potomac

MANAGEMENT PLAN

April 21, 2015

Task Agreement Number 004 Between National Park Service and Friends of the Potomac

Green Infrastructure Workshops

Prepared by Dan Nees, Friends of the Potomac

I. Introduction

Friends of the Potomac will convene four “Green Infrastructure Workshops” throughout the Potomac River basin.  The goal of the workshops is to foster the implementation of green infrastructure and river related revitalization techniques throughout the Potomac River basin. The workshops will focus on each region within the basin: the upper, middle, and lower Potomac watershed.  FOP will communicate and convey the results of the workshops and case studies by creating a CD-ROM and website on Potomac Green Infrastructure.

1. Forum Schedule

The four workshops will be organized and implemented between in the first half of 2004.    Events will be coordinated with the National Park Service, National Capital Region office to avoid conflict with planned NPS events.

Please note that the workshop implementation schedule has deviated from the task agreement.  The change in schedule was necessary to meet the needs of the communities, partners, and funders associated with this program.  All four workshops will be implemented by mid-summer 2004.  All other tasks, including the development of a web site and CD ROM, as well as the development of a program report will be completed on schedule.

1. Forum Structure

Our goal is to convene approximately 70-100 community leaders, including senior planners, local representatives, practitioners, developers, homeowners, architects, and NGO representatives.  Each workshop will last one full day and will include follow-up technical assistance and resources provided by Friends of the Potomac.  In addition, Friends of the Potomac will develop web-based materials that will serve as background information for each of the workshop participants.  This information will serve as the basis for the final CD ROM and web site.

1. Workshop Details

Objectives:

• To provide local leaders with the principles and implementation tools necessary to balance natural resource protection with growth and development;
• To foster regional land use protection and green infrastructure implementation; and,
• To foster a greater understanding of the economic impacts and benefits of green infrastructure and low impact development efforts.

• Workshop 1: Southern Maryland

Deliverables:

• Friends of the Potomac, in partnership with The Conservation Fund, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, and the Potomac River Navigator will design, manage, and implement a one-day workshop in Charles County, Maryland.  

Date: April 21, 2004

Location: College of Southern Maryland in La Plata, Maryland

Participants:

• Approximately 70-100 community leaders, including senior planners, local representatives, practitioners, developers, homeowners, architects, NGO representatives.  Targeted communities include Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s Counties.

Local Partners:

• Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management;
• Nanjemoy-Potomac Environmental Coalition;
• Conservancy for Charles County.

• Workshop 2: Western Maryland

Deliverables:

• Friends of the Potomac, in partnership with The Conservation Fund, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, and the Potomac River Navigator will design, manage, and implement a one-day workshop in Frederick County.  

Date: May 12, 2004

Location: Delaplane Arts Center, Frederick, Maryland

Participants:

• Approximately 70-100 community leaders, including senior planners, local representatives, practitioners, developers, homeowners, architects, NGO representatives.  Targeted communities include Frederick County, Frederick City, Washington County. 

Local Partners:

• Community Commons;
• Frederick County Government.

• Workshop 3: Watt’s Branch Park, Washington, D.C.

Deliverables:

• Friends of the Potomac, in partnership with National Park Service, and the Potomac River Navigator will design, manage, and implement a one-day workshop in Northeast, Washington, D.C.  

Date: June 23, 2004

Location: Washington, D.C.

Participants:

• Approximately 50-60 community leaders, including senior planners, local representatives, practitioners, developers, homeowners, architects, NGO representatives 

Local Partners:

• Washington Parks and People;
• D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation

• Workshop 4: Loudoun County, VA

Deliverables:

• Friends of the Potomac, in partnership with National Park Service, and the Potomac River Navigator will design, manage, and implement a one-day workshop in Loudoun County, VA.

Date: July 2004

Location: Loudoun County, VA

Participants:

• Approximately 70-100 community leaders, including senior planners, local representatives, practitioners, developers, homeowners, architects, NGO representatives 

Local Partners:

• Loudoun County Government

1. Tasks and Deliverables

Friends of the Potomac will develop a detailed implementation plan for each of the four workshops.  These plans will include:

• A workshop organization and implementation strategy.  Using this strategic plan, FOP will: 
• Identify and secure program partners;
• Identify and secure forum venues;
• Identify forum participants;
• Design and deliver forum invitations; and,
• Gather and disseminate any necessary background information. 

• A communications and marketing plan.  Using this plan, FOP will:
• Develop and implement a marketing plan for each of the forums, including media releases, web site promotions, email updates, and printed flyers;
• Work with the River Navigator, National Park Service, and program partners to market each of the forums to targeted audiences;
• Provide a detailed summary of forums on the Friends of the Potomac web site; and,
• Summarize forum results in a report to the National Park Service.

IV. CD ROM and Web Site

Throughout this project, Friends of the Potomac will utilize digital technology to disseminate workshop information and results.  Prior to each workshop, a page on the Friends of the Potomac web site will provide workshop participants with resources, information, and case studies on green infrastructure initiatives from around the region and the country.  The goal of this information is to provide each participant with a working knowledge of green infrastructure issues prior to the event.

After the completion of the fourth workshop, Friends of the Potomac will develop a CD ROM and web page that will codify the results of the initiative, and provide lessons learned and resources for other communities.  An outline for the CD ROM and web page will be delivered to NPS by May 31, 2004