Education and outreach Information and training should be widely available to support understanding, appreciation, and application of knowledge of wetland and riparian area functions, values, regulations, and programs. Educational programs should strive for balance, presenting information and encouraging dialogue about the potential costs, as well as the potential benefits, of environmental protection. Identify gaps in education and outreach activities for wetlands and riparian areas. Consider target audiences, such as landowners, youth, community colleges and other colleges and universities, local governments and utilities, and businesses that have a stake in these issues. Cooperation should be sought with groups such as soil and water conservation districts, county boards of supervisors, agricultural producer groups, land developers, conservation organizations, and others.
Address needs for education and outreach, focusing on groups identified as high priority.
Increase use of appropriate educational materials, demonstration projects, and other programs. Whenever possible, integrate information into existing outreach opportunities to reduce duplication and travel time. Engage the news media to increase the extent and accuracy of coverage on wetland and riparian area issues. A great deal has been learned about the multiple functions and benefits of wetlands and riparian areas, and methodologies for assessing their functions are developing at a national and regional level. However, the degree to which any particular wetland or riparian area performs specific functions is usually uncertain.