The goal of this project is to investigate the current status of the knowledge base that is being transmitted to local decision makers regarding the economic and financial benefits of coastal and watershed stewardship practices through training and educational programs. Local decision makers are key in achieving many objectives of the Lake Erie Protection and Restoration Plan and other water quality initiatives because of their role in land use and zoning decisions, infrastructure construction and maintenance, storm water management, and economic development activities. The activities of this project are developing a comprehensive scoping of the knowledge base and expertise in the Lake Erie basin regarding the topic focus, which will be used as the basis of continued research to identify needs for applied research on the topic, and identifying opportunities for partnerships in outreach and assistance to local decision makers.