Assessing the Ecological Functions of Streams & Wetlands with the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach

The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

Assessing the Ecological Functions of Streams & Wetlands
with the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach
Course ID: HYD-603 (2 day)
October 29-30, 2009 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
NWETC - Headquarters
650 South Orcas Street, Suite 220
Seattle, WA 98108
PHONE: (206) 762-1976 | FAX: (206) 762-1979

Instructor: Larry Lodwick, Wetland Ecologist

Registration | Directions | Accommodations | Course Brochure (pdf) | Course Catalog

The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach is a tool to rapidly assess the ecological functions of “waters” such as streams, wetlands and lacustrine fringes. As the emphasis on ecological functions increases in environmental management, impact assessments, and restoration/mitigation, the need to utilize functional assessments such as the HGM approach increases. The Rapanos guidance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emphasizes the use of functional assessments, along with hydrologic assessments to determine the jurisdictional status of waters and the HGM approach has been used to satisfy the functional assessment. The HGM approach has been regionalized for a number of locations throughout the country, and the method is the basis for the Washington State Method for Assessing Wetlands and in Oregon for the Hydrogeomorphic Guidebooks for Assessing Wetlands.

This course will teach the basic concepts of the HGM approach, including the various hydrogeomorphic classes of waters. The course will run through the assessment method in the classroom, followed by a field assessment in the Seattle area. The course will demonstrate practical uses of the HGM system, including using the system to demonstrate Clean Water Act jurisdiction, and the use of the HGM approach in restoration/mitigation.

Course Topics:

Ecological structure, functions, and values and how they are used.
Hydrogeomorphic classes of waters
Information needs and equipment to perform the HGM analysis
Ecological site variables and their analysis
Calculation of functional indices from the variables’ data

Analysis of the functional indices
Site assessments for determining impacts to ecological functions
Jurisdictional determinations based on the Rapanos guidance
Determining options for impacts to waters
Determining options for restoration/mitigation based on the functional indices

About the Instructor:
Larry Lodwick has 37 years of professional experience in a broad range of fields involving natural resource assessment and management, environmental and wetland regulations, natural resource impact assessment, mitigation plan development, and monitoring. He has worked as a natural resources management biologist for the Texas State Parks system developing and implementing plans for the restoration and preservation of park resources; as the Section 401 coordinator and wetlands specialist for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation; and has 18 years experience as a senior biologist/ecologist for consulting firms with projects in California, Oregon, and Washington state. He has conducted approximately 400 wetland delineations and prepared numerous natural resource restoration and mitigation plans for a wide diversity of environments and for plant and animal species restoration plans. Larry holds a Masters of Science degree from Baylor University in biology.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

Utilize current wetland methods, including the HGM approach and Rapid Assessment Methods
Understand the strengths and deficiencies in the HGM approach
Use the HGM appraoch in Jurisdictional Determinations
Conduct objective, data-driven environmental /biological assessments
Determine objective assessments of impacts and restoration
Utilize functional assessments in preparing mitigation plans
Conduct objective based monitoring

Intended Audience: Entry to mid-level wetland/aquatic consultants and scientists, or environmental specialists working on environmental assessments.

Prerequisites: A working knowledge of wetland delineation methods and a general understanding of wetland/aquatic biology/ecology

Course Materials: Attendees will receive a binder containing workshop proceedings and reference material.

Continuing Education Units: 1.3

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, notepad, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Coffee, tea, breakfast pastries, drinks and snacks will be provided each day. Lunch on your own.

Registration: $495 (*$395 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 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. You may register via the registration link or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.