Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – The New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Council and the Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies at Hofstra University will co-sponsoring a public meeting and community conversation at Hofstra on the Council's draft report on sustaining New York's coastal ecosystems.

The forum is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2009 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, East Wing Room 246, South Campus. A light lunch will be served. To register for this event call Theresa M. Haller, Program Coordinator, at 516-463-4069 or email theresa.m.haller@hofstra.edu

The draft report seeks to address the environmental, economic and social aspects of ocean ecosystem health and to emphasize the development of comprehensive, locally driven solutions to ecosystem problems. The draft report calls for a set of immediate actions to be taken by the state to address critical priorities for the health of New York's ocean. These actions include:

•    Advancing the integration of ecosystem-based management principles into state, regional and municipal government management activities in offshore, near shore and terrestrial areas;
•    Protecting and enhancing critical habitats necessary for sustaining fish populations;
•    Providing the public with information and mechanisms for better decision making.

The Conservation Council is made up of the heads of nine state agencies, including the Departments of: Environmental Conservation, Agriculture and Markets, Economic Development, Energy Research and Development Authority, General Services, Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Transportation, the State University of New York and the New York Secretary of State. Representatives from the New York Secretary of State's Office will lead the discussion and presentations at the forum.

The Conservation Council was formed to emphasize the need to establish strong partnerships to address complex issues that require the integration of ecological, social, economic and institutional perspectives. New York State's economic development will be most effectively achieved when working in collaboration with citizens, landowners, businesses, local governments, interested organizations and others to face problems, identify opportunities, make feasible improvements and find common solutions. The purpose is to achieve measurable objectives in support of ecosystem management goals.

The Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies offers academic and professional programs, seminars and conferences focusing on land use, environmental issues and government regulation. This interdisciplinary center provides real estate professionals, municipal officials, developers and the public with information, education and scholarly analysis about the complex issues important in the real estate field.  

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from more than 145 undergraduate and 160 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business; engineering; communication; education, health and human services;  and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, our professors teach small classes averaging 22 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. Hofstra offers a faculty whose highest priority is teaching excellence. The University also provides excellent facilities with state-of-the-art technology, extensive library resources and internship programs that match students’ interests and abilities with appropriate companies and organizations.  The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.