This three day course will provide participants with a solid understanding of state and federal regulatory landscape affecting wetland resources in the NW. The US Army Corps of Engineer's Section 404 Permitting Process will be described in detail with a particular focus on changes to federal jurisdiction resulting from recent federal court cases. This discussion will highlight the influence of state wetland regulations on federal wetland regulations and the 401 water quality certification process's. It will also address the influence that local political and socioeconomic factors can have on the federal wetland permitting program. Equal attention within this course will be given to providing participants with guided, hands-on experience identifying field-indicators of different types of wetland resources. Activities will provide opportunities to identify field indicators of hydric soils, key characteristics of hydrophytic vegetation, and hydrologic characteristics for palustrine, lacustrine, and riverine wetland habitats. Wetland delineation field-trips will include visits both to natural wetlands, which will take up the second day of the class in it's entirety doing wetland delineation training, and artificially created mitigation wetlands, will be an optional evening field trip, where successful mitigation construction techniques will be discussed. Soil probes, spades, and munsell soil charts will be used. Waterproof boots and clothing will be required. Each participant will receive a copy of the "Heroic Tales of Wetland Restoration" by Esther Lev, which tells of 12 rural landowners, who changed their farming practices to reclaim wetlands, streams and rivers. The first section of this book includes these tales of vision, passion, perseverance, and economic survival. The second section describes land conservation options and a range of state and federal technical assistance and funding programs. The last section includes descriptions of the restoration techniques employed by the landowners, as well as recommendations for the future. It outlines difficulties experienced by landowners working with federal and state incentive programs. |
Wetland Definitions and Classification: Wetland Data Sources: Wetland Status and Trends:
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Wetland Regulations: Wetland Delineation: Wetland Mitigation: *This course includes one day FIELD TRIP on July 29, 2009 as well as a second optional evening field trip |
About the lead instructor: Dr. Ryan Taylor has twelve years of experience working with wetland resources. He began his wetlands career with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, where he worked on a variety of wetland regulatory issues and managed a number of large-scale restoration projects, ultimately becoming the state wetland policy administrator. He then went on to participate in a number of wetland preservation planning efforts for local governmental units as a watershed coordinator on the Little Miami National Scenic River in Cincinnati, Ohio. Currently, he serves as a hydrologic technician with the Bureau of Land Management, where he annually trains and leads field crews in surveying and inventorying wetland and stream habitats on public lands. Dr. Taylor completed his PhD in Environmental Science from Oregon State University in 2006. His dissertation focused on the effect that state and federal agency interactions have on wetland permit applications and created the first nationwide model of wetland permit activity. His Masters in Environmental Administration came from the University of Illinois where his research focused primarily on the implementation of that state's wetland regulatory program, and his BS degree in Biology comes from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Intended Audience: Any environmental professional wanting to learn more about wetland resources and the regulatory landscape that affects them. Specifically invited are Watershed Coordinators, Master Watershed Stewards, Natural Resource Managers, Land-Use Planners, Transportation and Consultants who may potentially become involved in projects that impact wetland resources. Course Materials: Attendees will receive a binder containing workshop proceedings and reference material. CM | 21 | Law Continuing Education Units: 2.0 (20 hours) What to Bring: Pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Coffee and a light lunch will be provided each day. Field/rain gear. Registration: $695 (*$595 reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members). You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976. Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 7 days prior to the event. Registration may occur up to the day prior to the event provided that space is available. |
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Northwest Environmental Training
Center
A 501(c)(3) non-profit program of EOS Alliance
650 S. Orcas Street, Suite 220, Seattle, Washington 98108
Phone: (206)762-1976, Fax: (206)762-1979
www.nwetc.org