(Press Release) — The Division of Coastal Resources Management hosted the second CNMI Wetlands Management & Stakeholder Coordination Workshop on Jan. 29, 2026 at the Pacific Islands Club. The session brought together representatives from various agencies — including CUC, DEQ, DLNR, DPL, DPW, MINA, NAVFAC Marianas, NOAA, NPS, and USDA-NRCS — to collaborate on the protection and sustainable management of our coastal wetlands.
During the workshop, participants reviewed wetland data and mapping resources to identify key challenges and develop coordinated action plans. NOAA coastal management fellow Kellie Cutsinger, who joined DCRM in Sept. 2024 to update the CNMI Comprehensive Wetlands Management Plan, led interactive exercises to prioritize sites and develop management objectives. She stated that these collaborative efforts are essential for enhancing resilience, given that wetlands are vital for shoreline protection, productive fisheries, water quality, recreation, and cultural heritage.
The outcome of this workshop will be instrumental in updating the CNMI Comprehensive Wetlands Management Plan and guiding future restoration and outreach initiatives. DCRM is also planning additional stakeholder workshops for Tinian and Rota, tentatively scheduled for May 2026.
If you have any questions or would like further information, contact Kellie Cutsinger at [email protected]/.
