The Coastal America Partnership utilizes a number of tools and programs to facilitate its mission. These include the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership (CWRP) and International Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership (ICWRP), the network of Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers (CELCs), and the Coastal America Partnership Awards program.

CWRP Brochure (2.29 MB)

The CWRP originated in Massachusetts in 1999 under the leadership of The Gillette Company, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Within six months of its initiation, 17 corporations joined the Massachusetts CWRP and raised more than $1 million in funding and services for coastal projects. Since 2000, Coastal America has facilitated the expansion of the CWRP as a national effort.

The CWRP is a way for environmentally responsible companies to reach out to their communities, beyond the boundaries of their own facilities. It is not a substitute for corporate compliance with federal permitting requirements. Instead, it allows private companies to make voluntary donations of funds or in-kind services to a non-profit organization. These funds or in-kind services are then used, at the company’s direction, to help support coastal habitat restoration or public education projects that have been selected and endorsed by the Coastal America Regional Implementation Teams.

Often, companies help their communities make the required local match for federal funds for community-based restoration projects. This makes for a win–win situation for the companies, the communities, and the federal government. All parties are able to maximize the environmental benefits of each dollar provided and better serve their communities and the environment. The CWRP is structured in parallel to Coastal America, with a National Level Management Committee, Regional Advisory Councils and State Advisory Boards. Currently, the CWRP has over 225 corporate partners and 100 non-federal partners, including environmental organizations, foundations, and state and local governments. There are 50 projects complete, with another 60 in the works. There are currently CWRP Chapters in 14 states and two other countries, with other states rapidly creating Chapters of their own.

Projects supported by CWRP include: marsh and other aquatic habitat restoration, fish passage improvements, invasive species control, threatened/endangered species protection, educational efforts, research and monitoring projects. Contributions have supported various stages of projects, including feasibility, design, and implementation. In addition, corporate employees have provided volunteer services to a variety of projects.