The Trustees have met with citizens, environmental groups, and local and regional officials to explain the NRDA process. To date, the Trustees have participated in the following meetings:

• July 28, 2003. Public meeting hosted by Congressman Barney Frank at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
• June 16, 2003. Public meeting hosted by the Coalition for Buzzards Bay at the New Bedford Public Library.
• June 11, 2003. Public meeting hosted by U.S. Senator John F. Kerry's office and State Senator Mark Montigny at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
• May 9, 2003. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) public meeting at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
• May 3, 2003. Community briefing and open house at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, sponsored by the Coalition for Buzzards Bay.

At the appropriate time, the Trustees will solicit public input on their findings and will then propose restoration project alternatives. The public will also have an opportunity to review and comment on injury reports and draft restoration plans, plus any other documents placed into the Administrative Record, as they become available.

Opportunities for Public Involvement in 2008:

The Trustees expect to complete damage assessment activities for shoreline habitats, aquatic resources, and recreational services, this summer and will place final Injury Reports into the Administrative Record for public review and comment.

Following the release of the Injury Reports, the Trustees will solicit public input for proposed restoration project s to compensate for injuries to recreational uses, shoreline habitats, and aquatic resources.