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Open House Exhibitors
Have a Say in Galveston Bay!
Citizens in the Galveston Bay area voice their opinion on the future of Galveston Bay
at Community Open Houses.
 With the assistance of hard-working volunteers from its partner organizations, the Galveston Bay Estuary Program successfully held a series of seven open houses from February through April throughout the Houston-Galveston area, as a part of the Charting the Course to 2015 initiative. The open houses were designed to engage citizens and stakeholders about the Galveston Bay estuary and how they could get involved in its protection. The key message of Charting the Course to 2015 was that Galveston Bay has a tremendous impact on the region's economy, public health, and quality of life and that all need to get involved to ensure its future sustainability.
 Approximately 650 people attended the open houses. A full 85% of attendees were not aware of the Estuary Program, The Galveston Bay Plan, and its important partnerships with organizations such as the Galveston Bay Foundation. Attendees were able to interact with experts on issues including fish and wildlife; habitat and open space; water quality; public health; public access and recreation; coastal hazards; and communities and growth.
Each attendee received information about the Estuary Program, its partnerships, one page environmental issue summaries called Bay Briefings, and Facts About Your Watershed. 34% of the attendees completed environmental surveys that will be reviewed by the Estuary Program in its development of a ten-year strategic implementation plan. The Estuary Program will also use the myriad attendee comments captured at each of the issue tables to plan for the future.
 Attendees also enjoyed food, fun, door prizes and grand prizes. A total of 32 organizations and individuals sponsored the event and provided prizes. Twelve partner organizations exhibited at the open houses where they had an opportunity to interact with potential partners. In addition, many Estuary Program partners provided materials such as brochures and "how-to" manuals that attendees could use to further their knowledge of the estuary and learn about stewardship opportunities.
 County and local governments also partnered in the open houses. Harris County Precinct One; Harris County Precinct Two; and the cities of Alvin, Angleton, Baytown, Galveston, Houston, League City, and Pasadena all proclaimed "Galveston Bay Awareness Day" in their communities thus heightening awareness of the events.
The Estuary Program will continue the open houses in the future and may be coming to your area, so stay tuned for details. The Estuary Program would also be happy to present to your group. Please contact Scott Jones, Public Information Officer, at 281-486-1245 or e-mail sjones@tceq.state.tx.us for more information.
Charting the Course to 2015 is being developed by The University of Texas at Austin Center for Sustainable Development, through a contract with the Galveston Bay Estuary Program.
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