The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Meeting

On Monday, February 28, 2011, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Taskforce will hold its next meeting in New Orleans. The meeting will further the task force?s ongoing commitment to supporting the conservation and restoration of resilient and healthy ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico. It will be held at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel beginning at 8 a.m. and is open to the public.

Lisa Jackson, right

During the meeting, task force members, including EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, a New Orleans native who chairs the task force, will review progress on the group's Restoration Strategy and provide ongoing guidance to intergovernmental teams on the timeline of actions and the objectives of the president's Executive Order. The strategy is envisioned as a blueprint for action in restoring the Gulf ecosystem and builds upon existing plans, good science and the input of the residents of the Gulf.

The New Orleans meeting will be the latest in a series of meetings that the task force is holding throughout the five Gulf States. The group held its first meeting in Pensacola, Florida on November 8, 2010. This meeting will provide follow-up on public input and recommendations on stakeholder engagement opportunities provided during the meeting in Pensacola. The task force is committed to ensuring ongoing input from Gulf residents and local leaders throughout the strategy development process and will continue to receive feedback during this meeting.

President Obama issued an Executive Order in October to create the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, continuing the administration's ongoing commitment to the gulf region. The task force works to integrate federal restoration efforts with those of local stakeholders, state and tribal governments, and to facilitate accountability and support throughout the restoration process. View the president's Executive Order: http://www.whitehous e.gov/the-press-office/2010/10/05/executive-order-gulf-coast-ecosystem-restoration-task-force.

WHO: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
WHAT: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Meeting
WHEN: February 28, 2011 at 8 a.m. (Central Time)
WHERE: New Orleans Marriott Hotel, 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA

Pre-register. The meeting space is fully accessible. If you have special needs or require translation, please let us know.

More information on the Task Force. We will continue to update this website with future announcements and important information.

The Gulf Coast Task Force will be hosting two calls to discuss details of the February 28 meeting, as well as future task force meetings and ways you can provide input.

The calls will take place:

Friday, February 18, 2011, from 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. EST

Call-in Number: (877) 290-8017 Conference Code: 45755689

and

Tuesday, February 22, 2011, from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. EST

Call-in Number: (877) 290-8017 Conference Code: 45759047

If you are interested in participating in one of the calls, RSVP