LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council President Jewel Cannada-Wynn
SUBJECT:
title
YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (YEEP)
end
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council approve the Youth Environmental Empowerment Program (YEEP) and authorize the council executive to begin the process of submitting the project for RESTORE Funds and/or other funding opportunities.
end
body
HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
The BP oil spill impacted the entire community. Young adults (14-19) were especially affected because many high school age students were not able to get jobs after the spill. Juniors and seniors depended on after school jobs and summer jobs for expenses relating to graduation, college registration and transportation.
This program cannot replace the financial opportunities lost by those students; however, it can teach future generations the importance of the environment and how one act can change the course of our society. The budget request for this project is $156,320 a year, for five years, for a total of $781,600. A tentative budget is attached.
The purpose of the program is focused on educating our youth to become environmentally literate today making them environmental stewards in the future. They will be better able to vote and make decisions for our community in reference to our environment. The program is envisioned to be a summer event; however, flexibility will be given to agencies in order that they may effectively administer the programs. Students will be provided transportation and meals, which is included in the budget. The recommendations listed below allow flexibility for agencies developing the curriculum for the program.
The educational focus of the program relies on the City of Pensacola and Escambia County having an excellent training environment for this program. The environmental health of our community is a serious concern. Teaching our young people will help the community deal with the many challenges of our environment, as well as the enormous beauty of our landscape.
Course work will include a basic review of the four themes commonly discussed in Environmental Science. They are Ecology, Resource Management, Pollution, and Society. An additional training category will include TEEN CERT Training.
Ecology ~ plant and animal life, different ecosystems abiotic vs. biotic relationships, soil, and temperature. Field trips will include, Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park System, State Park System, Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, beach, UWF Nature Trail, paddleboard adventure, canoe adventure and Dolphin Cruise.
Resource Management ~ Resource management includes the resources necessary for survival. Resources that focus on water, growth/land management, and energy are discussed under this section. The resources are food, farming, crops, fishing, and seafood. Water management is another essential area for discussion. Is our water safe and will our water supply sustain our growing population? What are the problems facing these industries and how can these resources be protected? How can we better plan for growth in reference to roads, homes and businesses. What are the concerns in reference to growth in the city (urban) core and the county (rural areas)? What are the alternative sources of energy to run cars, homes and industries? Finally, a review of our forestry, which includes land, wildlife and water management districts. Field trips include farms, seafood food industry, speakers, wastewater treatment plant, Gulf Power, community gardens, Manna Food Bank gardens, etc.
Pollution ~ The focus is on soil, water and air. Students will learn what is in the soil in a particular ecosystem and why? What is in the water and where does our water come from? What is in the air? Field trips/speakers could include International Paper, Westinghouse, DEP restoration projects, landfills, EPA Lab.
Society ~ What are the challenges facing our society in reference to an open discussion about environmental issues. Who are the stakeholders in determining future environmental plans? What role does the government play and how are laws passed? Who is responsible for educating the public on environmental issues and hazards. The economics of protecting the environment is a great concern. Should the county and city focus on ecotourism and at what cost. How are businesses and government becoming eco-friendlier. Are laws so strict that it stifles innovation and creativity that would find solutions to environmental needs?
Field trips/speakers include specialist in environmental law and businesses that are building to green standards.
PRIOR ACTION:
None
FUNDING:
Budget: $0
Actual: $781,600
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There will be no initial financial impact to the City as this will be a request for RESTORE Funds and/or other potential funding opportunities.
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) YEEP Proposed Budget
PRESENTATION: No