About NEMO

NEMO (Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials) was created in the early 1990’s to provide information, education and assistance to local land use boards and commissions on how they can accommodate growth while protecting their natural resources and community character. The program was built upon the basic belief that the future of our communities and environment depend on land use, and, since land use is decided primarily at the local level, education of local land use officials is the most effective, and most cost-effective, way to bring about positive change. Visit the CT NEMO website for more information about the original NEMO program.

The National NEMO Network, now over 10 years old, is a confederation of educational programs in 30 states dedicated to protecting natural resources through better land use and land use planning. Each program is patterned after the original Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Program developed at the University of Connecticut, but has been adapted to reflect each state’s unique character, priorities, geography and issues. These programs have joined together of their own accord to create a unique national network that is sharing information, educational methods and technical tools across state and agency lines. Visit the National NEMO Network website for lots more information about the Network.

NEMO programs share these few key elements:

  • The impact of land use on water resources is the issue

  • Education is the method

  • Local land use decision-makers are the target audience

  • Natural-resource based planning is the solution offered

  • Geospatial Technology is used to enhance the education.

Back to Top