intergenerational cross training workshop:
NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION
Agenda
September 18, 2025
Additional speakers will be posted here shortly.
9:30 AM
Welcome
9:45 AM
identifying common objectives and practices: background of workshop and desired outcomes
10:00 AM
opening remarks
Eva Vrana, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Environmental Management, US Department of the Interior
10:30 AM
Multi-Generational Practitioner panel: Bridging the Gap and Leveraging Expertise
A panel comprised of a mix of seasoned and newer practitioners in a variety of disciplines from both public and private sectors will exchange views on key issues, lessons learned, objectives and techniques that can be relayed to the “next generation” of NRDA practitioners for positive outcomes.
12:00 PM
break for Lunch
12:15 PM
working lunch session
1:15 PM
interactive session 1: sharing recommended practices in a cercla site application
This interactive session of the program will kick off with the presentation of a natural resource damage case example – real or hypothetical – that involves the release of hazardous substances under CERCLA. Discussants work collaboratively through the four phases of an natural resource damage assessment (NRDA): (1) Pre-Assessment; (2) Assessment Planning; (3) Assessment Implementation; and (4) Post Assessment. A series of questions for each phase will be used to facilitate discussion. Participants will identify key decision points; share their suggested approaches and experience as to what has worked and was hasn’t; and find opportunities for improvement.
2:45 PM
break
3:00 PM
interactive session 2: sharing recommended practices in an oil spill hypotehtical site application
This interactive session of the program will kick off with the presentation of a natural resource damage case example – real or hypothetical – that involves the release of oil under the Oil Pollution Act (OPA). Discussants work collaboratively through the three phases of a natural resource damage assessment (NRDA): (1) Pre-Assessment; (2) Restoration Planning; and (3) Restoration Implementatiot. A series of questions for each phase will be used to facilitate discussion. Participants will identify key decision points; share their suggested approaches and experience as to what has worked and was hasn’t; and find opportunities for improvement.
4:15 PM
resources and tools for private and public parties
Speakers will share with participants resources that have been developed to date which are intended to provide best practices to resolve natural resource damage claims, move through the natural resource damage assessment process, address potential conflicts, identify restoration projects of mutual interest and more. Opportunities for additional resources, trainings, and/or material expansion will also be considered.