May 2, 2003 -- The Council of State Governments and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) co-sponsored the first National Biological Assessment and Criteria Workshop in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, March 31-April 4.
The purpose of the workshop was to take advantage of recent knowledge and expertise to advance State and Tribal biological assessment and criteria programs. More than 200 people, representing 47 States, 26 Tribes, EPA, and other experts, gathered to share the state-of-the-art in biological assessments and criteria via 18 training sessions, 5 specialized sessions, 23 posters, and the opening/closing plenary sessions.
Most of the workshop was designed by States and Tribes, including selection of the courses, based on a State/Tribal needs assessment. EPA's Biocriteria Program and ORD, States, Tribes, academics, and other outside experts played a critical role as course developers and presenters.
The workshop was considered a huge success based on the enthusiasm, newly gained knowledge, and feedback received from the participants. To quote a participant, "It truly was a success in my opinion. In addition to having the opportunity to share in what we are all doing, the availability of expertise in the courses provided me personally with some "breakthroughs" to next steps in our program. Good job to everyone." For more information email [email protected]
