Thorne E. Abbott

362 Kolohala Drive, Kula, HI 96790

Email: Thorneabbott@yahoo.com, 808-344-1595

Objective

To foster sustainable development, economic viability, and promote conservation of natural resources for improved quality of life for stakeholders and the public.

Proficiencies

Coastal Planning & Management Environmental Law & Public Policy Shoreline Protection & Permitting

Protected Area Planning Stakeholder Approaches Mobilizing Funding

Watershed Planning & Management Ecological Risk Analysis Constructed Wetlands

Experience

ü Six years experience in community-based natural and coastal resource planning (MPD, CZM, DFW, CRC)

ü Four years experience in water quality and infrastructure planning and research (CZM, DFW, WERF)

ü Four years of marine protected area, wildlife sanctuary, and shoreline protection planning (MPD, DFW)

ü Experienced in building capacity through staff mentoring (5 years) and employee supervision (3 years, CI)

ü Multi-disciplinary post-graduate qualifications, presentations and papers in community-based, coastal, environmental, watershed, wastewater, storm water and natural resource planning and management

Employment

Coastal Planning Consultant Coastal Resource Planner Natural Resource Planner College Professor Development Manager Chief Researcher Assistant Legislative Liaison District Marketing Manager

CZM MPD DFW CSM WERF CRC UHEC CI

CoastalZone.com, Saipan, CNMI Maui County Planning Department, Maui, HI Division of Fish & Wildlife, Saipan, CNMI UMDS, University College, College Park, MD. Water Environment Research Foundation, VA. CRC Reef Research Centre, Qld., Australia. The Environmental Center, Honolulu, HI. Curtis Industries, Eastlake, OH

1997- 2004- 2001-2003 1999–2002 1996–1999 1994–1995 1993–1994 1987-1991

Education

Doctoral Program. current.

University of Hawaii, Dept. of Urban & Regional Planning, Coastal & Environmental, Honolulu, HI.

Professional post-Master’s Program. 1997-2001.

University of Maryland, Marine Environmental Science Program, Solomons, MD.

Masters of Science: Tropical Environmental Management. 1996.

James Cook University, Dept. of Environmental Studies & Geography, Townsville, Australia

Environmental Studies and Planning Certificate. 1994.

University of Hawaii, Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Honolulu, HI.

Bachelor of Arts: Environmental Studies. 1993.

West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.

Thorne Abbott

Environmental Consultant since 1997 CoastalZone.com

· Delegate to the IUCN World Parks Congress, contributing to marine protected area policy.

· International experience throughout Asia, Micronesia, Australia, Europe and North America.

· Awarded $20,000 in funding to design a constructed wetland to treat storm water runoff in the CNMI.

· Developed outreach and education materials, brochures and presentations for natural resource protection and coral reef conservation for non-profit organizations in Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, PA and Florida.

· Promoted low-impact SCUBA diving through exhibits and educational material to enhance awareness.

· Provided regulatory guidance for a wastewater treatment wetland at a new USFWS coastal visitor center.

· Authored a long-term stewardship and conservation management plan for a unique property containing rare flora and historic resources. The property was donated to a non-profit trust for public use and enjoyment.

· Developed sustainable coastal land use planning alternatives with stakeholder and Indigenous participation.

RECENT PROJECTS

Wetland Educational Exhibit Sept. 2004 – June 2005

The project consists of designing four (4) interpretive wetland signs for the NRCS. The multi-lingual signs target a student audience and will be located onsite at the Kagman Wetland, Saipan. “What is a Wetland”, “Wetland Functions”, “Endangered Species and Wetlands”, and “Wetlands in the Landscape” (linkages) focus on understanding the importance of wetlands in the community. Responsible for text, graphics, and integration of photographs, the interpretive exhibit uses native species and local names to reinforce the importance of protecting this unique habitat and ecosystem function for the future.

Community-based Natural Reserve Zoning Sept. 2003 – June 2004

Enforcement personnel and the public require clear, concise and consistent regulations of prohibited and permitted activities within protected areas. The objective of this project was to develop rules and regulations for all wildlife and marine conservation areas and sanctuaries including land, sea and coastal locations while being consistent between and among them in light of different enabling laws, penalties and ‘takings’ prohibitions. Using laminated maps and markers, stakeholders including community and village leaders, small and large business interests, fishermen, marine sports operators, tourists and tour companies, recreational interests, and members of the public described where and what activities they conducted in protected areas. Through one-on-one and community-based discussions the variety of stakeholder’s needs and interests were mapped, compiled and analyzed. GIS shape files were created for each protected area based on topographic maps and areas of trade-off’s or mutually beneficial exclusions were determined. Maps and site descriptions were developed that delineated each protected area in various zones including active use, passive use, no take, limited take, restoration, and restricted entry. Rules and regulations were drafted based on statutory empowerment and use zones, incorporating ecologically compatible and incompatible activities. Penalty and Use matrixes were also developed to facilitate the publics understanding of permitted and prohibited activities (and their costs) and to help enforcement officers’ in determining the correct penalty for various violations.

Watershed Management and Infrastructure Planning February 2003 – July 2004

As recipient of a U.S. EPA 319 grant, BEACH Ramp is a highly visible public demonstration of best management practices to reduce runoff into near shore beach areas and treat storm water onsite. As a sub-consultant to the project, I designed a multiple-cell, sub-surface flow, constructed wetland to serve as one of the projects BMPs. Landscape design facilitated the use of native species to treat storm water onsite while reducing public health risks from shoreline discharges during rain events. Design parameters were based on rain gauge data, flow charts, and other pertinent information. I participated in the initial BEACH Ramp public kick-off meeting held last year and have conducted follow-on meetings with landowners adjacent to the wetland project site. Design incorporated discussions with various agency staff such as public works and historic preservation. Educational signage in development will enhance public understanding of coastal wetland functions and offer guidance on replicating the BMP in future coastal development. I successfully secured an additional $20,000 in funding for the BMP, as well as in-kind commitments for service from public agencies and a local non-profit organization. Site construction, to be handled by the lead contractor, is expected to be complete at the end of the year.

Planning Sustainable Fisheries October 2003

Conducted an analysis of fisheries laws and synthesized the information for presentation and discussion at the first Pacific Fisheries Workshop held in Guam. Commercial, recreational and subsistence fishermen from Saipan, Rota, Tinian and Guam were provided support and materials to participate in the three day workshop. The objective was to gain insight and advice from these true stakeholders about the best ways to maintain, sustain and regulate fishing within the region. I assisted the agency both in their presentations and at the workshop and attendant meetings. The success of the workshop reflects the importance of gaining the input and insight of un-empowered and/or less vocal stakeholders involved in the decision-making process.

Community Outreach and Information Services October 2003 – March 2004

Designed, authored content, and created a website for the Division of Fish & Wildlife www.dfw.gov.mp. The website describes native and endangered species, offers downloadable materials such as permit applications, maps of protected areas, teacher packets and educational materials, informative brochures and presentations about the agencies services and mandates. Rules and regulations, boat ramp and fish aggregating device locations, marina rules, fishing and hunting rules and licenses, and staff contacts are available from the site. Over 1000 visitors a month downloaded brochures, tide charts and applications saving both the public and the agency valuable time and energy in a convenient environment. The site was recognized by NOAA’s coastal services center for excellence, top-listed and cross-linked to the center’s domain and search engines.

Marine Conservation Planning June 2002 – July 2003

In an effort to plan, manage and conserve marine resources, NOAA created a protected area database website (www.mpa.gov) that inventories all marine protected areas of the United States. I authored a full inventory of the Commonwealth’s marine conservation areas, marine sanctuaries, and marine managed areas for the Department of Lands & Natural Resources Division of Fish & Wildlife and NOAA. Protected area site information, GIS shape files, and map development necessitated frequent communication with stakeholders such as government officials, park concessionaires, marine sports operators and fishermen in one-to-one and small meeting and community-based formats. The national initiative provides critical information and benchmarks for national and local planners, managers, practitioners and policy-makers relative to coral reef protection and marine conservation. The website also serves as a leading education and public outreach tool for protected area site planning. The project received national recognition as lead story in NOAA’s COASTLINES quarterly magazine for being the first State or Territory to complete its inventory.

Coastal Planning & Management Sept. 2002 – Sept. 2003

This projects objective was to develop a decision-making tool using specific indicators that would accurately gauge conservation planning and management success for use by planners, practitioners, policy makers and funding agencies. At the invitation of the World Wildlife Fund and International Union of Conservation Nations, I evaluated a series of governance indicators for their applicability and usefulness in determining effective management and site planning of marine conservation areas and sanctuaries. Serving as one of 23 test sites in the world, the project began with a weeklong workshop in Hawaii where I and other practitioners chose socio-economic, biophysical and governance indicators for site evaluation. Discussions with the regulated community, regulators, managers, attorneys, and policy makers provided additional insight into coastal conservation planning in Saipan. The project culminated with the IUCN’s publication of Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness Indicators, which includes direct excerpts from my analysis, as well as nomination as an official Delegate for the United States to the World Congress held each decade.

Thorne Abbott

Coastal Resource Planner Maui County Planning Department

2004 – current

Shoreline Area Planning

Over the last decade, Maui incurred significant losses in beach access and sand resources, in part due to hardening and armoring of shoreline properties. New stringent rules were passed that utilize historic erosion rates to determine construction setbacks and to regulate structures and activities within the shoreline area. Working closely with the State and Sea Grant Coastal Geologist, I serve as the lead planner responsible for implementing the new shoreline setback rules. Utilizing GIS, aerial photographs, parcel depth and configuration, and substrate information, I recommend approval, approval with conditions, or denial to the Director and/or Maui Planning Commission for most shoreline projects. I regularly communicate the intent, nature, substance and particulars of the Shoreline Rules to the developers, contractors, consultants, attorneys and the public. I recommend prudent site plan alterations to ensure public beach access is maintained and to minimize or avoid adverse impacts to coastal, beach and shoreline resources while minimizing the potential property damages from coastal hazards and erosion. I author correspondence, conduct site visits, manage projects to completion, revise policy, promote ‘soft’ over ‘hard’ methods of erosion response, and serve as the Department’s lead liaison on a variety of committees.

Special Management Area Planning

Special controls on development are imposed in the majority of Maui’s coastal area. Conducting policy analysis and implementation of the SMA Rules under the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Act, I assess proposed projects in light of ten major ICZM objectives. These include: managing development, public participation, economic use / clustering, coastal ecosystems, beach protection and accessibility, coastal hazard mitigation, and protection of recreational, scenic, historic, cultural, marine and open space resources. Prudent alternatives and/or conditions may be imposed to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse impacts. Supporting studies often include traffic impact analysis, archeological inventory / monitoring plan, drainage report, environmental assessment (EA), view plane analysis, landscaping plan, wetland delineation, shoreline surveys, building and site plans. Major projects include a public participation process and public hearings. A final report and recommendations incorporates mulitple agency comment (federal, State, county), analysis of land use, agriculture, Community Plan and zoning consistency, environment and ecology, CZM objectives, infrastructure analysis, archeological / cultural concerns and noise/air impacts. Using GIS, aerial photographs, and a Tax Map Key database, I review the permit for completeness, determine which agencies should comment on the project, tranmit necessary documents for review, enter and summarize comments, liaise with consultants, developers, architects, attorneys, and the public, seek Advisory Board comment, and present the project and recommendations to the Maui Planning Commission.

Ukumehame Subdivision. The $15 million subdivision of including infrastructure improvements of 439 acres will create 45 agricutural lots, a 77 acre protected riparian / river lot, and a 100 acre 1.4 mile lineal coastal park. A major highway on West Maui will be relocated out of the tsunami innudation zone and to the edge of the park, creating the first leg of an eight mile coastal recreational park, the largest in the Hawaii.

Kane Street Mixed Use Commercial Development. The $13 million development of four mixed-use buildings, four story buildings, parking and infrastructure improvements. The highly pedestrian friendly, bicycle / student oriented development will support commercial and retail shops on the first floor, with over 100 residential units located on upper floors. Of these, half will meet affordably priced housing criteria for local residents. Extra-wide walkable building frontages are designed to support exterior cafe seating, restaraunts and specialty shops. Round-abouts, curvilinear streets for traffic calming, rear parking areas, native landscaping, downlighting, and local architectural elements will make this a focal point supporting a new urban core for Kahului.

Wailea Marriott Resort Redevelopment. A $19 million renovation and upgrade of the existing 552 room hotel. Built as a luxury resort in the 1970’s, the renovation will include a new porte cochere entry area, new pools, exterior facade treatmetns, new roofing, a new restaraunt, cluster development and shoreline restoration.

Lipoa Street Commercial Center. A $1.4 million commercial development consisting of three buidlings, two-stories in hieght, parking, drainage improvements, downlighting, pedestrian access and native landscaping.

Hana Ranch Store. A $2 million, 10,000 square foot shopping and service center for the residents of Hana.

Pflueger Acrua. A $2.3 million car dealership including offices, show rooms, parts and service facilities.

Thorne Abbott

Natural Resource Planner CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife

2001 – 2003

Natural Reserve Planning and Management

I co-authored an USFWS-approved adaptive management plan for a species mitigation bank. The wildlife sanctuary provides off-site mitigation for 'takings' of Nightingale Reed-warblers, a federally listed endangered species. The work was highlighted at the 6^th Mitigation Banking Conference held in San Diego last year. In addition, I served as a “Local Navigator” for public meetings regarding the Coral Reef Initiative, facilitating communication and input through Charettes and small-group discussions pertaining to recreational use of coral reef and marine resources. The forums included marine sports operators, dive operators, private individuals and researchers. Results of the meetings formed the basis for development of “Local Action Strategies” to address recreational overuse of coastal resources. Our strategies were then used to develop grant funding opportunities. I was actively involved in all aspects of the community-based planning effort from development of presentations, outreach and education materials, strategic planning, compilation and analysis of the results, grant writing, expenditure and reporting. I facilitated securing two enforcement patrol boats, communication, safety, and surveillance gear for the Officers, and training sessions for the Officers by prosecutors. As one of three agency representatives, I wrote an Executive Order used by the Governor to provide a new mechanism for the three environmental agencies to work collaboratively rather than in opposition as was historically the case. Our efforts secured over $1 million to fund efforts to conserve and manage coral reefs, fisheries and plan protected areas. In total, I authored $970,000 in State Wildlife and $500,000 in Coral Reef Initiative grant funding awards.

Policy Development

I provided legal and regulatory planning and policy guidance to the Dept of Lands & Natural Resources and the Division of Fish & Wildlife on protected areas, reserves, sanctuaries, endangered species, non-point source pollution, invasive species, fishing, hunting, and conservation of coastal and natural resources. At the direction of the CNMI Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee, a five member team including myself, wrote a bill to sustainable fisheries and regulate commercial fishing. The work included numerous discussions with fisheries biologists, the Attorney Generals Office, consultants, fishermen, and WESTpac representatives. I also assisted the CRMO to substantially revise its regulations to be in compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act Section 6217 requirements and address ‘management measures’ for marinas and marine resources.

Permitting and Community-based Planning

I reviewed over 100 major permit applications for development and infrastructure projects within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). I conducted site visits, attended public hearings and meetings, reviewed maps and blueprints, and met with developers, landowners and consultants. I reviewed all Environmental Impact Assessments, Biological Opinions, NEPA, Section 7/10 and USCOE documents associated with permit applications. I recommended prudent conditions to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate adverse impacts on endangered/threatened species, marine resources, fisheries, wildlife, wetland, coastal and natural resources. I served as the agencies voting representative on the Coastal Resources Management Office Board of Directors. The seven-member Board approves by consensus all major development proposals for the CNMI. The review process includes a traditional public hearing / meeting process in which I attended over 50 public meetings relating to 28 major projects in 2002/03. The public meetings provided an opportunity to listen and solicit public/community concerns and were usually held in the evening to facilitate public, community and Indigenous involvement.

Public Outreach and Education

I designed a brochure that describes where protected areas and natural reserves are located in the CNMI. Using local examples the brochure presents the benefits of protecting certain areas, describes current threats to fish and wildlife, and describes permissible and prohibited activities within protected areas. Over 5000 brochures have been distributed at DFWs exhibition booth, during school presentations, through the Marianas Visitor Authority and local dive shops, and at public meetings such as Eco-camp and the Environmental Symposium.

Thorne Abbott

College Professor 1999 – 2002 University College / College of Southern MD

· Recipient of Teacher Excellence Award from the Women On Campus Forum. CSM.

· Provided face-to-face and distance education to a diverse student community including adults and military personnel at University College and CSM in Global Change, Botany, Biology and Environmental Sciences.

· Produced five online undergraduate courses at www.coastalzone.com\webcourse\courses.htm.

· Furnished ~62 hours of instruction, including full responsibility for syllabus, laboratory, field exercises, tutorials, web pages, lecture notes and presentations, exams, grading, and student advisement.

· Developed targeted curriculum for the Environmental Studies Program with input from local professionals.

· Assisted students with course selection, provided advisement and mentored students in the program

· Assisted the Department Chair with college activities such as Earth Day and various community events.

Research & Fundraising Manager 1996 – 1999 Water Environment Research Foundation

· Developed collaborative research projects on watershed planning, infrastructure development, public health, wastewater and storm water treatment, membrane technology, wet weather and alternative treatment systems, ecological risk, biosolids and agricultural land application.

· Developed a leading national study on pathogen removal in reclaimed wastewater effluents that influenced local, state and federal public health and wastewater recycling policy.

· Provided technical and policy guidance to agencies serving 70% of the sewered U.S. population.

· Solicited over $1 million in renewable funding for water quality research endeavors

· Presented authored research in peer-reviewed forums, seminars, conferences and public meetings.

· Encouraged networking, consensus building, public-private partnerships and collaborative endeavors through numerous speaking engagements, workshops, conferences, public and stakeholder meetings.

· Worked closely with major corporations, public utilities, government agencies non-government organizations (NGO), non-profit organizations (NPO), communities, and international interests.

· Secured funding and support from 36 new major utilities and increased participation from 25 to 85 percent.

Chief Researcher 1994-1995 CRC Reef Research Center

· Pioneered a new method of environmental monitoring and protected area site planning for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Australia.

· Worked with stakeholders to promote sustainable use of a high-use dive / snorkel site within an MPA.

· Developed proposals, status and technical reports, tracked budgets, designed equipment and sampling methods, conducted field work, performed statistical analysis, and presented final results for publication.

District Marketing Manager 1987 – 1991 Curtis Industries

· Developed marketing and merchandising programs for small to large hardware stores and lumber yards for a leading international manufacturer, consistently increasing annual sales, market penetration, profitability, and personnel responsibilities. Customized exhibits, point of purchase (POP), advertising, and displays.

· Supervised and motivated a team of 23 employees over a 9 State region.

o Responsible for marketing plans, budget forecasts, deliverables, and profit/loss statements.

o Decreased employee costs by 46% and increased sales by 8.5%.

o Increased district profitability from a loss of $148K to a net profit of $59K.

o Ranked #1 and #2 of 16 District Managers nationally,

o Ranked #16 of 361 Sales representatives nationally, and

o Ranked #1 of 15 Sales representatives regionally over four years respectively.

Thorne Abbott

Papers & Presentations: *indicates joint authorship

Coastal Zone 05: Adoption of erosion-based shoreline setbacks in Maui, HI*

MEDCOAST 05: Erosion-rate based shoreline setbacks for coastal protection*

National MPA Advisory Committee: Public Testimony

IUCN/WWF MPA MEI: Governance Indicators Assessment for Bird Island Sanctuary

6^th Mitigation Banking Conference: Crafting Workable Management Plans for ESA*

US Coral Reef Task Force Meeting: Status of MPAs in the CNMI

Coastal Zone '03: From Paper to Park - Marine Protected Areas of the CNMI

Pacific Regional Fisheries Workshop, Guam: Fish Laws of the CNMI

NOAA’s www.mpa.gov: Inventory of CNMI marine protected and managed areas

Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Council: Benefits of Marine Protected Areas

17^th All Islands Coastal Managers Meeting: Status of CNMI marine protected areas*

Coastal Zone Asia, Bangkok: New Methods of Environmental Monitoring in MPAs

Coasts At The Millennium, The Coastal Society Conference: Ecological risk assessments

Coastal Zone ’99 Conference: The use of time-lapse video, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

New England Water Environment Association: Recent water quality research findings

Florida Water Reuse Committee: