Increasing the Effectiveness of DEP's Advisory Groups and Other Public Engagement

The Department’s Citizen Engagement Plan identifies advisory groups as one of seven key groups of stakeholders that it must engage in order to make informed decisions on preserving and protecting State resources. The recommendations in this report address the use of advisory committees in four key areas: (1) purpose/role and scope of advisory groups; (2) communication and level of involvement; (3) membership of advisory groups; and (4) structure and internal operating procedures for advisory groups. The report concludes with a list of recommendations and a suggested implementation plan for action.