The Network
Hub
Developing communication links between Network programs
has been a key responsibility of the Network Hub.
Coordinating the Network of the Network underlined the impor-
A primary role of the Network Hub is tance of keeping both existing and new
to help states interested in starting pro- programs abreast of new advancements
grams take the first few steps in getting in land use practices and educational
organized. To date, the Hub has con- outreach. Developing communication
ducted nearly 100 scoping workshops, links between Network programs has
facilitating the creation of 27 funded been a key responsibility of the Network
NEMO programs in 26 states and territo- Hub. A list of these services includes:
ries, and underwriting a steady growth • Workshops - As noted, one of the
in the size of the Network (figure). The most important Hub functions is
Hub also provides developing programs conducting on-site workshops in other
a NEMO startup kit that contains all states. Scoping workshops are con-
the materials necessary to get a NEMO ducted in states considering adopting
program up and running, including a NEMO program.
PowerPointTM presentations, publications
• Partnerships - The Network Hub builds
and tips for setting up a program.
partnerships with other organizations
and federal agencies to bring additional
The role of the Network Hub has
expertise to the Network. These part-
expanded considerably since late 1999, Memorandum of Understanding signing
ners give technical, topical and financial ceremony between NEMO and the Center
when funding for Network coordination
assistance to Network programs. for Watershed Protection.
was first procured. The brisk expansion
Network Hub Support 2002
Fiscal Year
• Funding for Network coordination funding varies from year to year, and is grant-driven.• Network
coordination and activities are supported by grants from three federal agencies. • Funding comes
from grants from the Water Quality Program of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education
and Extension Service (CSREES), EPA's Nonpoint Source Control Branch (Office of Wetlands,
Oceans and Watersheds) and NOAA's National Ocean Service in collaboration with the National
Sea Grant Program. • This support has allowed the Hub, in 2002, to expand to two full time staff
Funding for Fiscal Year 2002
positions, a Coordinator and a Communications officer.
totalled $190,000.
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(from top) Network services in action: training
workshops, publications, internet services,
geospatial resources.
• Communication - The biannual 33). The Network is con-
Network newsletter, a Network-wide nected to other agencies and
List-Serv and the National Network networks that are working on
website are the main forms of regular cutting-edge geospatial infor-
communication. mation and technology, such
• Networking - The Hub organizes a as the NASA Earth Science
yearly Network conference, NEMO Enterprise's Regional Earth
University (NEMO U). NEMO U2, Sciences Application Center
held January 2002 in Charleston, (RESAC) network, the
South Carolina, was attended by 65 NOAA Coastal Services
network participants from 19 programs. Center and the NASA Space Grant
Geospatial Technology Extension
• Tracking Impacts - NEMO measures
Program.
its success in real, on-the-ground
changes to land use policies and • Training - The Network Hub holds
practices. This requires programs to training sessions for Network
remain in contact with municipalities projects to help them expand
long after the workshop has ended. programming in their states.
The Hub assists Network programs Three such training sessions
by tracking changes resulting from have been held, (see Network
national NEMO efforts. Initiatives, page 32) with several
more planned for 2003-2004.
• Geospatial Resources - NEMO pro-
grams are in the vanguard of utilizing As the Network matures, the Hub
geospatial technologies. The National has moved from the start up phase
NEMO Hub, together with the to the development phase, and
University of Connecticut Geospatial has shifted emphasis to helping existing
Technology Program, are working to programs develop new educational
make connections and create new modules and strengthen their technical
tools for the use of Network programs. base. The Hub will continue to respond
These include the National Geospatial to the needs of Network programs, help-
Dataset website and the Impervious ing them hone and expand their services
Surface Analysis Tool (described on page to local land use decision makers.
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