00A01412

Description:
The purpose of this agreement is to provide assistance to the University of Connecticut/Connecticut Sea Grant to implement its project to support the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan to protect and restore Long Island Sound by:

Task 1: Long Island Sound Connecticut Outreach and Engagement Program Fiscal Year 23 (ongoing) - Connecticut Sea Grant is requesting funding to continue the Connecticut LISS public outreach program through September 2024, led by University of Connecticut/Connecticut Sea Grant. University of Connecticut/Connecticut Sea Grant will collaborate with other Long Island Sound study partners in Connecticut and New York in disseminating research-based information about Long Island Sound and highlighting comprehensive conservation and management plan implementation activities of Long Island Sound study agencies and partners.

Task 2: Long Island Sound Mentor Teachers Program: Promoting Long Island Sound as a Teaching Tool for Kindergarten - Grade 12 Formal and Informal Educators - The Long Island Sound Mentor Teachers Program in Connecticut recruits high quality, creative and respected teachers to assist their peers in incorporating Long Island Sound content into curricula within the scope of the newly adopted Next Generation Science Standards. Educators are incorporating Earth Systems Science, which includes ocean, coastal, and climate change topics, into the Kindergarten - Grade 12 curriculum and informal education programming. The program will ensure that current science-based content will be utilized by mentor teachers and participants.

Task 3: Resilient and Sustainable Communities Work Plan Fiscal Year 23 (Year 3 Connecticut) - The overall objective of this proposal is to implement the third year of the work plan developed by the Sustainable and Resilient Communities Working Group to advance the sustainable and resilient communities theme of the comprehensive conservation management plan.

Task 4: FY23 LISS Sustainable and Resilient Communities Break Down Barriers Program - Connecticut - This program will address the most important barriers to sustainability and resilience focused project implementation in the region.

Task 5: A Network of Long Island Sound Schools: Protecting the Sound One School at a Time - This program will assist schools in making a commitment to the protection and conservation of local watersheds and the Long Island Sound. Schools will learn about Long Island Sound, Long Island Sound research, and promote best environmental practices while fostering the next generation of leaders and stewards.

Activities:
Specifically, under this cooperative agreement the recipient will:

Task 1: Long Island Sound Connecticut Outreach and Engagement Program Fiscal Year 23 (ongoing) activities - Support and implement the communications, outreach, and engagement plan and workgroup; provide outreach programs, education and tools for multicultural audiences; provide outreach support for Long Island Sound study work groups and funding opportunities, support the Citizens Advisory Committee; expand opportunities for individuals to engage as environmental stewards or citizen scientists in the Long Island Sound watershed; support outreach for the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve; and contribute to the implementation of the Long Island Sound Marine Debris Action Plan.

Task 2: Long Island Sound Mentor Teachers Program activities - Hold two professional development workshops for educators in the spring and summer 2024 and develop and/or distribute Long Island Sound focused curricular resources.

Task 3: Resilient and Sustainable Communities Work Plan Fiscal Year 23 (Year 3 Connecticut) activities - Hold bi-state workshop, maintain a clearinghouse of tools and resources, develop training programs based on needs assessment findings, improve coordination among levels of government, and continue development of a project pipeline.

University Of Connecticut

1 - PILLAR 1: CLEAN AIR, LAND, AND WATER FOR EVERY AMERICAN 1.1 - TBD

66.437 - Long Island Sound Program

EPA Region 1: Boston [EPA - RO]

Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut United States

County-Wide

EPA-CEP-01

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 09/30/24 to 09/30/26 and the total obligations have increased 234% from $1,479,670 to $4,946,202.