The Corps' Interpretive Services and Outreach Program (ISOP) regulations were updated in 1996 (ER & EP 1130-2-550). These regulations include our goals to make the program more efficient and effective. Every interpretive effort, whether a live program, a spontaneous verbal exchange, participation in a career fair, a visitor center display, or a publication should be based on one or more of the goals. Two major ISOP focus areas are environmental education and outreach.
The ISOP is one of our most important management tools. It provides numerous opportunities to communicate with a wide variety of diverse audiences. It is one of the most effective tools we have to connect with our user groups and stakeholders.
Through this program we can communicate Corps missions and accomplishments, achieve management objectives, and foster environmental stewardship. It can improve visitor and employee safety and enhance visitor's experiences by providing interpretive resources to meet their needs.
At most Corps projects only a few rangers actively engage in full-time interpretation. The remainder of the staff works in other programs, such as visitor assistance, contract administration, maintenance, or natural resource management. To the visiting public, however, all Corps employees should know everything. Interpretive training is important for every employee. Consequently, all employees should be prepared to answer a variety of questions from the public and interpret the agency, the resources and our regulations. These pages provide guidance, tools and methods to assist you in interpreting the Corps' many facets.
- A taskforce was established to look at and make recommendations for the entire interpretive program. It was composed of a good cross section of the Corps, from field offices up to Division level.
- They looked at revising guidance, reviewed and updated the ER in 1993, improved interpretive resources, established periodic Corps-wide themes, and established evaluation criteria.
- Meetings have been held for Divisions and "toolkits" were distributed to the field.
- This effort was not to add more work, but to help and enhance work that is already being done.
