National Estuary Program (NEP) Library
National Estuary Program Materials
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The following NEP materials are available:
National Estuary Program Booklet
The National Estuary Program Booklet provides an overview of the program and describes how NEPs are effective, efficient, collaborative and adaptive community-based programs.
National Estuary Program: Habitat Protection and Restoration Book
The Habitat Protection and Restoration Book provides detailed information about and photographs from each NEP.
How to Order Free Copies of the Materials
To order online:
You can order these documents online from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP).
For mail in requests:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Publications Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
For telephone requests:
1-800-490-9198 (Toll Free)
For email requests:
Order by Email (firstname.lastname@example.org)
National Estuary Program Fact Sheets
The following fact sheets about the National Estuary Program are available:
General NEP Information
National Estuary Programs (NEPs) in Action
The following success stories demonstrate the significant work being done, and the broad range of issues being addressed by the NEPs. Each highlights how the NEPs implement the Clean Water Act in ways that are effective, efficient, collaborative and adaptive. To find out more about the NEPs featured, please visit their websites listed in each fact sheet, or go to National Estuary Home Pages.
- Addressing Climate Change
- Improving Water Quality
- Seeking Sustainable Funding
- Engaging in Smart Growth
- Protecting and Restoring Habitat, Living Resources
- Determining Value of Estuaries
- Identifying Invasive Species
- Fostering Stewardship
Smart Growth through the NEPs
Because growth and development can have a profound effect on water quality, many NEPs have shown leadership in local Smart Growth efforts to protect and improve their estuaries:
National Estuary Program Reports
The following National Estuary Program reports are available:
Green Infrastructure Opportunities that Arise During Municipal Operations
The Green Infrastructure Opportunities that Arise During Municipal Operations report provides approaches that local government officials and municipal program managers in small to midsize communities can use to incorporate green infrastructure components into work they are doing in public spaces. The document presents examples and case studies of how integrating green infrastructure methods can enhance retrofits and maintenance projects and provide other multiple community benefits.
Getting to Green: Paying for Green Infrastructure, Finance Options and Resources for Local Decision-Makers
The Getting to Green: Paying for Green Infrastructure, Finance Options and Resources for Local Decision-Makers report summarizes various funding sources that can be used to support stormwater management programs or finance individual projects. Each type of funding source is illustrated by several municipal programs and contains a list of additional resources.
Coastal Stormwater Management Through Green Infrastructure: A Handbook for Municipalities
This handbook is designed to assist municipalities within the Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay areas to incorporate green infrastructure into their stormwater management planning. It can also be readily applied to other states. See: Coastal Stormwater Management Through Green Infrastructure: A Handbook for Municipalities.
Community Culture and the Environment: A Guide to Understanding a Sense of Place
This guide explores the concepts of community and culture and provides tools for identifying, assessing and working cooperatively within the social dynamics and local values connected to environmental protection. See: Community Culture and the Environment: A Guide to Understanding a Sense of Place.
Indicator Development for Estuaries
The Indicator Development for Estuaries manual provides information on indicator development and a framework for the development of indicators for use in coastal waters.
Volunteer Estuary Monitoring: A Methods Manual
This manual contains information and methodologies specific to monitoring estuarine water quality. The manual explains how to establish and maintain a volunteer monitoring program, as well as working effectively with volunteers and ensuring their safety. See: Volunteer Estuary Monitoring: A Methods Manual.
Community-Based Watershed Management: Lessons from the National Estuary Program (NEP)
The Community-Based Watershed Management: Lessons from the National Estuary Program (NEP) report is designed for all individuals and organizations involved in watershed management, including states, tribes, local governments and nongovernmental organizations. This document describes innovative approaches to watershed management implemented by the 28 National Estuary Programs (NEPs).
The NEP provides important lessons for other coastal communities working to restore and protect their watersheds. See: Lesson Learned by National Estuary Programs.