Preparing a Public 

 Participation Work Plan 



To prepare a simple and flexible work plan, take these steps: 



• Define objectives; 



• Foster both the information and participation activities neces- 

 sary to meet them; 



• Identify staff and budget resources; and 



• Develop a schedule of activities. 



Because the public participation program must respond to and 

 support the overall estuary program, including each of its phases, 

 this process will be relatively fluid. As the program changes in 

 response to scientific findings, political issues, or funding restric- 

 tions, the public participation plan must be modified. The work plan 

 should be simple and flexible — a means to an end, not an end in 

 itself. 



When designing the work plan, bear in mind that the public not only 

 must have adequate, timely information, but also must be involved 

 in the decision-making process. Every activity should be clearly 

 linked to the goal of achieving the consensus needed for long-term 

 support of the estuary program. Many expensive activities have 

 been conducted in the name of public participation. These activities 

 include educational films, exhibits, fancy publications, and 

 programs for school children, which sap limited resources and do 

 not immediately or directly contribute to the program goals. For 

 instance, if a budget for public participation is $100,000 or less 

 annually, it will pay only for a basic program. 



The following components are essential for a basic program: 



• An excellent experienced staff person; 



• A comprehensive mailing list; 



• A general program slide show; 



• One written information piece: newsletter, newsbulletin, or 

 fact sheet series; 



• Public meetings; and 



• A defined role for the citizens advisory committee. 



A credible public participation program with these six components 

 can be conducted for a reasonable sum. 



Depending on the size of the geographic area, more staff may be 

 necessary. If additional resources are available, the basic program 

 can be expanded. Nevertheless, these six elements are neither 

 expendable nor interchangeable; they form the foundation for a 

 public participation program. 



Making Public 

 Participation Work 



B5 



