WHAT: Public workshops for receiving comments on draft north central coast MPA proposals (draft agenda below; workshop materials will be posted to the MLPA website as they become available)

WHEN: Monday-Wednesday, February 4-6, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Petaluma, Gualala and Pacifica

California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
North Central Coast Study Region Public Workshops
Draft Agenda
February 4-6, 2008 (6:00-9:00 p.m.)

February 4, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Sheraton Sonoma County *
745 Baywood Drive
Petaluma, CA 94954

February 5, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Gualala Arts Center *
46501 Gualala Road
Gualala, CA 95455

February 6, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Best Western Lighthouse Hotel *
105 Rockaway Beach Avenue
Pacifica, CA 94044

Due to the format of these workshops, they will not be videotaped or simultaneously webcast. This agenda may be found on the MLPA website at www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/meetings.asp and workshop materials will be posted to the website as they become available.

Workshop Objectives

?? Brief members of the public on the status of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative North Central Coast Project (i.e., where we are in the process and next steps)
?? Outline the content of the five draft MPA proposals and invite questions and comments from members of the public
?? Identify other methods by which the public can participate in the MLPA Initiative process

Workshop Agenda

I. Welcome, introductions, objectives and format
II. Brief overview of MLPA Initiative
?? California Marine Life Protection Act
?? What are marine protected areas (MPAs)?
?? MLPA Initiative process
?? Who are the groups involved in the MLPA Initiative?
?? Other opportunities for public involvement in the process
?? Clarifying questions about the MLPA Initiative
III. Status of MLPA North Central Coast Project and next steps in the process
?? What has been accomplished to date? What are the next steps in the process?
?? Describe status and outline content of current draft MPA proposals
?? Summarize MPA evaluation methods
?? Clarifying questions on the overall North Central Coast Project
IV. Focused discussion: public input on draft MPA proposals
?? In breakout session format, participants are invited to ask questions and offer comments on the draft MPA proposals. Participants will be asked to fill out comment forms.
?? Public input will be summarized and forwarded to the North Central Coast Regional Stakeholder Group members working on the draft MPA proposals.
V. Brief wrap up and recap of key next steps

* This facility is accessible to persons with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodations for a disability, please contact California Relay Service (at least two days prior to the meeting) at 800.735.2929 (TT) or 800.735.2922 (voice) and ask them to contact the California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative at 916.653.5656.