IRLNEP Management Conference

Photo Credit: D. Rodriguez

Each National Estuary Program (NEP) has a Management Conference. A Management Conference comprises diverse stakeholders who collaborate and build consensus to develop and implement each estuary’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).

This approach ensures the CCMP is tailored to local environmental conditions, is based on local input and supports local priorities.

IRLNEP Board of Directors

The IRLNEP’s Management Conference is composed of a Board of Directors that acts as the Program’s governing body. It includes a leadership member from each of the program’s funding partners:

Each Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Council member makes an annual contribution to the IRLNEP. This follows the interlocal agreement as a direct cash match to annual EPA Section 320 funding.

Government-in-the-Sunshine Compliance

All Management Conference members are subject to compliance with Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine law. The law provides a right of access for citizens to any governmental proceedings at both the state and local levels.

Diagram of IRLNEP Management Conference structure showing the Board of Directors, Management Board, STEM and Citizens' Advisory Committees, and community stakeholders. Graphic: IRLNEP
IRLNEP Management Conference Structure Diagram

Graphic: IRLNEP

Belted kingfisher in flight catching a fish over the Indian River Lagoon. Photo Credit: J. Mandeville
Belted Kingfisher Catching Fish Indian River Lagoon

Photo Credit: J. Mandeville

Board & Committee Meetings

The boards and committees comprising the IRLNEP Management Conference meet quarterly. All meetings are open to the public. Check out our meeting schedule for information on upcoming and past meetings.
View Meeting Schedule
Cuban tree frog resting on a plant leaf in Florida. Photo Credit: J. Mandeville
Cuban Tree Frog Florida Invasive Species

Photo Credit: J. Mandeville

IRLNEP Advisory Boards and Committees

The Management Board and its Finance Subcommittee report to the Board of Directors. The STEM and Citizens’ Advisory Committees, in turn, advise the Management Board.

The IRL Council Board of Directors appoints each member of all other boards and committees. These member agencies and more than 100 participants are vital to the IRLNEP’s long-term success and instrumental in restoring and protecting the IRL.

The Management Board

The Management Board consists primarily of natural resources managers, stormwater and wastewater professionals with state, county or city jurisdictions. Its primary function is to provide guidance to program staff and the Board of Directors. It does so in multiple ways:

  • Vets ideas, projects and outcomes
  • Works toward consensus for the best paths forward in reducing IRL stressors
  • Develops and implements goals and performance metrics
  • Assists in ranking and scoring proposals submitted for funding

Financial Subcommittee

The Financial Subcommittee also works within the Management Board. This group reviews and advises on all financial matters that come before the Management Conference.

STEM Advisory Committee

A group of experts, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Modeling (STEM) Advisory Committee comprises scientists from the 22 academic and research organizations actively working in and around the IRL.

This group acts as advisors to the Management Board and through them to the Board of Directors. They advise on scientific and technology matters to vet new ideas, review research findings and discuss results.

Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC)

The Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) also advises the Management Board. Its primary focus is to ensure stakeholders incorporate citizens’ concerns and issues into the decision-making process.

The CAC also leads the annual IRLNEP Small Grants Program, funding small projects from community groups, schools and nonprofit organizations.

Donate to One Lagoon through the IRLNEP to support the leadership guiding the lagoon’s restoration.