Riverfront Fort Wayne
Riverfront Fort Wayne is an initiative that envisions a revitalized downtown riverfront area that is a regional destination offering opportunities to experience nature, recreation, shopping, dining and entertainment in a whole new way. We led the community outreach efforts that resulted in the Riverfront Fort Wayne action plan – a plan that was developed through a process that included extensive community input. The resulting vision for the riverfront plan offers something for everyone, from natural wetlands that allows you to reconnect with nature, to an activity park that encourages people of any age to play, to a promenade that welcomes you to stroll and enjoy shopping and dining along the river. These areas of interest are strengthened by improved pedestrian, trail and vehicular connections from nearby neighborhoods and the downtown which will ensure an ease of accessibility to the riverfront for residents and visitors alike.
PROJECT TASKS
- Assisted multi-disciplinary team with concept plans for redevelopment of Fort Wayne’s Riverfront
- Developed stakeholder communication matrix and delivered associated key messages to target audiences
- Implemented diverse public input mechanisms, including programing and content for Envision Center public showroom
- Created unique public engagement events including boat tours and river walks
- Facilitated large-scale public meetings and open houses
- Analyzed public input and provided guidance to the design team
Pam H.
Fort Wayne
Food Hubs
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) commissioned a Feasibility Study for Food Hubs in Indiana. The purpose of the study was to assess the needs of growers and consumers regarding the potential for regional food hubs operating as part of a statewide network to facilitate the marketing and access to specialty crops. We were part of a team of consultants that conducted the study and supplied recommendations for next step programming. The concept of food hubs was not new to Indiana growers of specialty crops, but determining the widely varied needs of these growing across a diverse state was a challenge. We assisted with the communication planning and stakeholder engagement by setting up an outreach matrix and needs inventory, guided by survey input. Producers were surveys at the State Fair, local fairs, and through cooperative partnerships with local grocers and farmers markets. A project website was created and populated by resources collected and organized by our staff. This site is now the primary place for sharing information and organizing efforts across relevant agencies.
PROJECT TASKS
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to determine the feasibility and infrastructure needs associated with establishing local food hubs
- Assisted agency staff in determining outreach and communication objectives
- Authored stakeholder surveys and press releases
- Developed website content, key messaging for event and survey invitations, and overall tone and brand for project communications
- Explored partnerships with local food stores, co-ops, and other outreach partners
- Developed a framework for local marketing strategies
Upper Tippecanoe River Lakes Strategic Watershed Management Plan
Empower Results led all local steering committee meetings associated with the development of a strategic plan aimed at reducing non-point source pollution to the seven hydrologically connected lakes in the Upper Tippecanoe River chain. Committee members were guided through a series of meetings and activities focused on consensus building, resource consolidation, and the prioritization. These meetings were used to develop an action plan for future environmental and social projects in the watershed. As land-use and water quality issues were identified, subsequent strategies were developed through facilitated discussions with other stakeholders. Customized public outreach events and alternative meeting styles assisted in the translation of technical data and topics to the public throughout the project.
PROJECT TASKS
- Educational workshops
- Goals setting and meeting facilitation
- Stakeholder conflict resolution
- Long-range organizational planning
- Development of a GIS and public-friendly graphics
- Synthesis and communication of water quality findings
- Lake management recommendations
IASWCD 5-Year Strategic Plan
Our staff led the IASWCD Board of Directors through a two-day strategic planning retreat. IASWCD needed to develop one cohesive plan that would outline a clear path for future activities and guide all meeting agendas and committee work. We stepped the Board through the various stages of strategic planning in an efficient way, utilizing interactive strategies and tightly facilitated discussions. The various planning stages were separated by team-building activities that led to shared respect, trust, and open communication among Board members.
PROJECT TASKS
- Group facilitation
- Strategic Plan development
- Team-building activities
- Problem identification
- Conflict resolution
- Institutional resource assessment
- Management consulting
Trained Individual: Contractor Training and Certification Program
The Trained Individual Program is an annual event specifically targeted to those in the construction industry who regularly engage in earth work activities. The focus of the training is to help those in attendance: 1) understand the basic legal requirements for Rule 5 regulated construction sites.; 2) learn who is responsible for keeping the construction site in compliance with Rule 5 and the penalties for failing to do so; and 3) learn specific details on proper installation and maintaining the most common storm water best management practices (BMPs) used on construction sites. Our team is responsible for all aspects of workshop development and delivery, and often presents technical content as part of panel discussions or as formal session speakers. The agenda is strategically structured to ensure that topics progress similarly daily operations in the field and build upon themselves. Interactive program sessions insure that participants have opportunities for two-way communication and interactive learning from featured experts. The program is recognized and attended by professionals statewide. The certification elements including testing and maintenance of a Certified Trained Individual database that municipalities can consult when selecting contractors or engaging in enforcement actions. We have developed and maintained all program materials, and we administer the testing and certification on behalf of dozens of municipal clients.
PROJECT TASKS (On-going)
- Developed strategic program agenda to address the needs of those installing and maintaining stormwater best management practices
- Collaborated and developed educational materials and certification course manual for regional training of contractors and land developers
- Coordinated and delivered training/certification workshops, including agency, vendor and speaker coordination as well as recruitment, registration and participant evaluation
- Oversaw program communications, database management, and future event planning
Lake of the Woods and McClish Lake Watershed Diagnostic Study
We led the assessment and planning efforts necessary to set water quality improvement goals and complete a comprehensive Watershed Diagnostic Study for the Lake of the Woods and McClish Lake Watershed. The Lake of the Woods and McClish Lake Watershed is located in northeastern Indiana in the counties of LaGrange, Steuben, Noble and DeKalb. It is a small watershed comprised of only 3,370 acres. The watershed is a part of the larger Little Turkey Lake – Turkey Creek Watershed. The effort included engaging stakeholders from the local lakes and larger agricultural watershed. The final report provided Best Management Practice (BMP) recommendations and outlined the next steps necessary for conservation implementation. The Plan met the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Lake and River Enhancement diagnostic study standards and therefore positioned the Lake Associate for future funding.
PROJECT TASKS
- Completed full watershed assessment and authored diagnostic study
- Led strategic planning discussion, facilitated meetings, and built consensus among residents regarding lake management strategies
- Conducted environmental assessments and develop project GIS
- Synthesized and communicated water quality findings to the public
- Identified specific lake management recommendations
- Developed public education and outreach strategies
Family Step Outside Program
Sponsored by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Education Center at Fort Harrison State Park, the FSO program sought to give local Indianapolis families an opportunity to experience new outdoor activities such as fishing, archery, horseback riding, and bird watching. The program was aimed at reaching families who would not otherwise have opportunities or resources to learn about the outdoors. Our staff was fully responsible for the coordination of all program elements and delivery. The main event included a day-long program with 11 concurrent instructional skills sessions and over 150 participants, while subsequent follow-up events targeted smaller groups of families participating in day-trips and hands-on implementation of new outdoor skills.
PROJECT TASKS
- Designed all program elements and coordinated event scheduling
- Recruited mentor and guest families
- Coordinated 20+ instructors, session materials, and equipment
- Developed and implemented all program marketing
- Facilitated event fundraising and donations
- Coordinated all event logistics, promotions, and media exposure
Big Walnut Creek Watershed Management Plan
The Big Walnut and Deer Creek watersheds encompass 270,000 acres in west-central Indiana. The primarily agricultural watershed is home to unique aquatic resources, regional agricultural initiatives, DePauw University, and several reservoirs. Our team lead the assessment and planning efforts necessary to set water quality improvement goals and complete a comprehensive Watershed Management Plan that meets Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) 319 standards. The effort included stakeholder engagement from a variety of industries, state institutions, federal agencies, the Nature Conservancy, and the local Plan Commission. The final product identified several Best Management Practice (BMP) recommendations and has gone on to become the framework for conservation implementation in the area. The project continues to receive both state and local funding and has made such significant improvements in water quality that it is routinely pointed to as one of the region’s best examples of a watershed project success story.
PROJECT TASKS
- Authored EPA/IDEM compliant Watershed Management Plans
- Conducted water quality and habitat assessments
- Analyzed and mapped critical resources via GIS and field investigations
- Implemented landowner cost-share program and technical assistance
- Fostered and produced regular media communications and community event
- Develop creative public education and outreach programming for youth and adults
- Coordinated the Steering Committee and several topical subcommittees
Sue Crafton
Putnam County SWCD
Jeff Frey
Big Walnut