Fort Myers, FL – The Coastal Zone Foundation (CZF) is pleased to announce that Natalie Bell has earned the designation of Certified Coastal Practitioner™ (CCP) professional credential.
Earning the CCP designation distinguishes Bell as having a broad knowledge base and understanding of the interrelationships that exist among different coastal professions.
Bell serves as Manager of the Beach Access & Dune Protection Program in the Coastal Resources Division of the Texas General Land Office (GLO). In her nine years at the GLO, Bell has worked to protect public access to the Gulf-facing beaches through the Open Beaches Act, ensure the preservation and restoration of coastal sand dunes under the Dune Protection Act, and oversee the partial reimbursement of local costs to clean and maintain public beaches.
In her 15-year career, Bell also worked at the Lower Colorado River Authority and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in surface water quality monitoring and federal water pollution reduction programs.
To earn the CCP credential, candidates must complete a series of 10 short courses offered by the Coastal Zone Foundation in cooperation with the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). The CCP program provides participants with multidisciplinary instruction on comprehensive coastal management and defines the body of knowledge, which reflects best practices for coastal practitioners.
The Coastal Zone Foundation was formed in 1984 with the purpose of advancing scientific and related engineering and planning knowledge. Please visit coastalzonefoundation.org to learn more.