Management Manager

Thorne E. Abbott

*** **** ****, ****, ** *****

Email: ************@*****.***, 808-***-****

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 Protected Area Planning Watershed Planning & Management

Environmental Law & Public Policy Stakeholder Approaches Ecological Risk Analysis

Shoreline Protection & Permitting Mobilizing Funding Constructed Wetlands

Experience

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

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

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

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

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 CZM CoastalZone.com, Saipan, CNMI 1997-

Coastal Resource Planner MPD Maui County Planning Department, Maui, HI 2004-

Natural Resource Planner DFW Division of Fish & Wildlife, Saipan, CNMI 2001-2003

College Professor CSM UMDS, University College, College Park, MD. 1999 2002

Development Manager WERF Water Environment Research Foundation, VA. 1996 1999

Chief Researcher CRC CRC Reef Research Centre, Qld., Australia. 1994 1995

Assistant Legislative Liaison UHEC The Environmental Center, Honolulu, HI. 1993 1994

District Marketing Manager CI Curtis Industries, Eastlake, OH 1987-1991

Education

Doctoral Program. 2004-2006.

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

Contracted by the RC&D of the NRCS in Saipan, I designed four (4) high quality interpretive wetland signs for the Kagman

Wetland. The multi-lingual signs target a student audience and will be located onsite. The four signs: 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. I was responsible for text, high resolution graphics, the

integration of photographs of native wildlife, and the use of local language 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 project developed 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 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 where mutually beneficial exclusions were

determined. Maps and site descriptions delineated each protected area and 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 USA. I authored a full inventory of the CNMI s

marine conservation areas, marine sanctuaries, and marine managed areas for the Department of Lands & Natural

Resources Division of Fish & Wildlife. 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

Maui has lost substantial beach access and sand resources due to shoreline hardening over the past decade. New

stringent rules were passed which base construction setbacks on site-specific historic erosion rates. The new rules

regulate the types of structures and activities permitted within the shoreline area. Working closely with the State

and Coastal Geologist s, I serve as the lead planner responsible for implementing the new shoreline setback rules.

Using 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 of the Island s

oceanfront development. I regularly communicate with developers, contractors, consultants, attorneys, hoteliers 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. I author correspondence, conduct site visits, manage projects to completion,

process EA s and EIS s. process variances, revise and write policy and rule amendments, promote soft over

hard methods, and serve as the Department s lead liaison on a variety of State and local committees.

Special Management Area Planning

Special controls on development are applied to Maui s coastal areas. I assess proposed development 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. I recommend prudent alternatives and/or conditions to

avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse impacts. Requisite 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. For major projects, I author

reports and presentations for the Maui Planning Commission. The MPC conducts public hearings and the process

includes a public participation, intervention and contested case process. The report includes comments from

various federal, state and local agencies, land use analysis of land use, consistency with Community Plan s and

zoning, environment and ecological impacts and mitigation measures, ICZM objectives, infrastructure analysis,

archeological / cultural concerns and noise/air impacts. Using GIS 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 stakeholders and the public, seek Advisory Board

comments, and present the project and recommendations to the Maui Planning Commission in a public hearing

format that is often televised. Below is a sampling of the projects.

General Plan Update. Co-authored the shoreline and watershed resources inventory for the General Plan

Advisory s review. The Heritage report included threats, opportunities and resource status intended to support

long range planning decisions for Maui County s future development up to year 2030.

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. A $13 million 4-story, 4 building mixed-use

development. The highly pedestrian friendly, bicycle / student oriented development supports commercial and

retail shops on the first floor, with over 100 residential units located on upper floors. Of these, half will meet

affordably priced. Extra-wide walkable building frontages 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 for the new urban core of Kahului, Maui.

Manele Bay Small Boat Harbor & Ferry System Improvements. A new marina for recreational and

commercial vessel use and ferry operations on the island of Lanai, created through a public-private partnership.

Lahaina Wharf, Kam III Beach Park. New comfort facilities for these high-use public recreational areas.

Wailea Marriott Resort Redevelopment. A $19 million renovation of a 1970 s era 552 room hotel.

Lipoa Street Commercial Center. A $1.4 million commercial development in Kihei, Maui.

Hana Ranch Store. A $2 million, 10,000 sq.ft retail shopping and service center.

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 6th 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

Journal of Environmental Management & Technology: Erosion based setback policy (in review)* 2006

International Small Island States Conf.: The Big Bad Pacific Wolf and Three Development Piglets 2006

American Society of Engineers: Developing erosion-based setbacks for coastal protection* 2005

Coastal Zone 05: Adoption of erosion-based shoreline setbacks in Maui, HI* 2005

MEDCOAST 05: Erosion-rate based shoreline setbacks for coastal protection* 2005

National MPA Advisory Committee: Public Testimony 2004

IUCN/WWF MPA MEI: Governance Indicators Assessment for Bird Island Sanctuary 2003

6th Mitigation Banking Conference: Crafting Workable Management Plans for ESA* 2003

US Coral Reef Task Force Meeting: Status of MPAs in the CNMI 2003

Coastal Zone '03: From Paper to Park - Marine Protected Areas of the CNMI 2003

Pacific Regional Fisheries Workshop, Guam: Fish Laws of the CNMI 2003

NOAA s www.mpa.gov: Inventory of CNMI marine protected and managed areas 2002

Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Council: Benefits of Marine Protected Areas 2002

17th All Islands Coastal Managers Meeting: Status of CNMI marine protected areas* 2002

Coastal Zone Asia, Bangkok: New Methods of Environmental Monitoring in MPAs 2002

Coasts At The Millennium, The Coastal Society Conference: Ecological risk assessments 2000

Coastal Zone 99 Conference: The use of time-lapse video, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 1999

New England Water Environment Association: Recent water quality research findings 1999

Florida Water Reuse Committee: Pathogen Removal-Inactivation in Reclaimed Wastewater 1998

Conference On Urban Water Quality, Paris-Quebec: Watershed level risk assessments 1998

Chesapeake Bay Water Env. Assoc. Nutrient Removal and NPS Issues 1997

New York Water Environment Association: Benchmarking wastewater facilities 1997

Journal of the Environmental Design Research Association: New Methods in Monitoring 1996

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: Time-lapse Video Monitoring 1995

Congressional Report, Hawaii State Legislative: Analysis of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 1993

City and County of Honolulu, HI: Scoping Phase, Ala Wai Canal Restoration Project 1992

City of Wheeling, WV: Population air quality sensitivity using Gaussian plume models* 1991

City and County of Wheeling, WV: Recycling Program 1991

Conference Participation: without presentations

Hawaii Congress of Planners 2004

Delegate, World Commission on Protected Areas, Durban South Africa 2003

IUCN/WWF MPA Management Effectiveness Indicators Workshop, HI 2002

5th International Mitigation Banking Conference, Washington, DC 2000

9th International Coral Reef Symposium, Bali, Indonesia 2000

Dive Equipment Manufacturers Association 2000

Coral Reef Task Force Meetings (1999, 2004, 2006) Var.

Agricultural Nutrient Management for the Chesapeake Watershed Conference 1998

Benchmarking Wastewater Treatment Systems Seminar 1997

Barbers Point Charette, Brownfields Redevelopment Project, HI 1994

Memberships & Specialized Training

HI CZM Directors Meetings East West Center Affiliate

Governor s Ocean & Coastal Committee Comprehensive Conservation Plan Workshop (FWS)

HI CZM Coastal Erosion Committee Community Profiling Workshop (EPA)

Sand Quantification Study Task Force member Effective Presentation Skills Workshop (AMA) Negotiating

Organization of Wildlife Planners to Win Workshop (AMA)

International Assoc. on Water Quality Benchmarking Wastewater Facilities (WERF)

International Assoc. of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Coral Reef Tissue Workshop (GWU)

Peer-reviewer for HCRI grant proposals Certified SCUBA diver (PADI)

Select Graduate Coursework

Planning Oriented Ecosystem Focused Methods & Modeling

Advanced Planning Theory Constructed Wetlands Spatial & Environmental Modeling

Planning Theory Aquatic Toxicology Planning Models

Growth Management Planning Conservation Biology Multivariate Statistics

Economic Analysis in Planning Ecological Microcosms Bio-statistics / Biometrics

Environmental Planning in Asia Ecosystem Ecology Watershed Hydrology

Environmental Planning Urban Wildlife Management Wildlife Habitat Ecosystems Analysis

Environmental Policy Protected Area Management Negotiation & Mediation

Coastal Planning & Indigenous Land Tenure & Resource Management & Evaluation

Management Management

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