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• How to Administer Development Permits in Washington’s Shorelines - virtual

  • Start
    Wednesday, December 02, 2020
  •  
    (PST)
  • End
    Thursday, December 03, 2020
  •  
    (PST)
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left

  Register

  
  

  

  This practical, hands-on virtual class is intended for local government personnel and consultants engaged in shoreline permitting activities.

  
  

  The class will take an in-depth look at the permit process and consider both procedural and substantive shoreline management issues. The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) will be reviewed. A permitting exercise will be assigned between day 1 and day 2 in order to provide participants the opportunity to apply information they learned during the session on day 1. The sessions on day 2 will focus on permitting issues, examples, and case studies related to Shoreline Master Programs updated per WAC Guidelines.

  
  

  This class is appropriate for both beginners and more experienced planners. Participants will have the option to log on 15 minutes early on day 1 and 30 minutes early on day 2 for informal networking time with the instructors and participants. (6 CM AICP Credits/ CEP Points)

  
  

  
  Instructors:
  

  Misty Blair is the statewide Shoreline Management Policy Lead with the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Shoreline Management Policy Lead deals with complex shoreline management issues; researching, developing and implementing new shoreline planning policies, procedures and initiatives; coordinating shoreline planning and permitting activities to ensure statewide consistency; and providing technical support and guidance to SEA program planning staff statewide. Misty has been with Ecology for 5 years and previously worked in environmental planning/permitting for the City of Tacoma. She has a BS in environmental policy and land management from the University of California, Berkeley (2002).

  
  

  Rebecca Rothwell is the Regional Shorelands Technical and Regulatory Expert and represents the SEA Program in the development and review of statewide guidelines, policies, and regulations related to protecting and managing the state’s shorelands, wetlands, and related aquatic resources. This includes technical assistance to local governments as well as providing higher-level guidance to internal and external staff related to shoreline management. She reviews shoreline and wetland permits and provides technical assistance to applicants and consultants as well. Part of her work includes coordinating with property owners to resolve violations of the SMA or the state Water Pollution Control Act. Rebecca has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Puget Sound and a master’s degree in environmental studies from The Evergreen State College. She has worked at Ecology for 12 years.

  
  

  Jacob McCann is a Shorelands and Wetland Specialist for Ecology’s Eastern Regional Office in Spokane. He works directly with local governments, consultants, and other stakeholders throughout Eastern Washington to ensure compliance with the Shoreline Management Act and Water Pollution Control Act. Jacob started working with shoreline and floodplain issues for local government at Spokane County more than 15 years ago and has been with Department of Ecology for 5 years.

  
  

  Tim Gates has three decades experience in shoreline and growth management planning. He is currently Policy and Operations Manager for the Washington Department of Ecology Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program. Prior to his current position he worked for nine years as land use planner for the Washington Department of Commerce Growth Management Services program, where he provided technical and financial assistance to local governments. He worked for Ecology’s shoreline program from 1989 through 2005 developing state rules, preparing guidance and providing technical and financial assistance.

  
  

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• Wetland Classification - virtual

  • Start
    Monday, December 07, 2020
  •  
    (PST)
  • End
    Thursday, December 10, 2020
  •  
    (PST)
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left

  Register

  

  Successful use of wetland identification and assessment tools includes an understanding of different wetland classification systems and how to apply them. This four-day class will introduce participants to four different classification systems used in wetland work, Cowardin, Hydrogeomorphic (HGM), U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC), and Landscape, Land form, Water flow path, Waterbody type (LLWW). Participants will learn about the background and development of the classification systems, how to apply and interpret them at site and landscape levels, and general caveats associated with using different wetland classification systems.

  
  

  The Cowardin classification system is the framework for wetland polygons in the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) published by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Cowardin and HGM classification systems are used in the Washington Wetland Rating System (2014 Update) to characterize a wetland’s potential for hydrologic, water quality, and habitat functions and ecosystem services. Misclassification results in inaccurate assessments of wetland functions and levels of performance, which can affect mitigation requirements and buffers. In Washington, buffers are established based on an assessment of the wetland’s sensitivity and rarity and the functions it provides. Cowardin and HGM classification are integral components of those assessments.

  
  

  The USNVC is a hierarchical vegetation classification covering both upland and wetland ecosystems. The Washington Natural Heritage Program (WNHP) uses the finest level of the USNVC (plant associations) to inform conservation targets (e.g., Wetlands of High Conservation Value). WNHP recently modified the USNVC to more explicitly incorporate ecological relationships among plant associations. The resulting classification unit, subgroups, are specific to Washington’s wetlands. Subgroups are used as a basis for conducting Ecological Integrity Assessment (EIA) for wetlands and riparian areas in Washington and provide an alternative scale for mapping and conservation targets. The USNVC is increasingly being used as a vegetation mapping standard for many agencies and organizations such as the National Park Service, U.S GAP, and LANDFIRE.
  

  
  

  This course will include four virtual sessions. The virtual sessions will be hosted on Zoom on 12/7/2020 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM), 12/8/2020 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM), 12/9/2020 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM), 12/10/2020 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM). During the sessions the instructors will provide instruction on different types of wetland classification systems and display videos of different sites and ask the participants to classify the wetland based on the video. (12 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points).

   

  Instructors: 

  Dr. Amy Yahnke is the senior wetland ecologist for the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. She holds a Certificate in Wetland Science and Management, BS in Environmental Horticulture, MS in Forest Resources, and PhD in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. She has studied wetland ecology within the contexts of amphibians, invasive plants, and stormwater management. Dr. Yahnke has experience teaching a wide range of environmental topics to audiences of all ages.

   

  Joe Rocchio is the Program Manager of the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program (WNHP). He supports WNHP's staff of two ecologists, botanist, data manager, and information specialist in providing essential data to planners and landowners to assist them in making informed land use decisions that balance economic growth with the conservation of our state’s natural heritage. WNHP also plays an integral role in nominating sites to be included in Washington's statewide system of natural area preserves.  Before taking on the Program Manager role, Joe spent 12 years as one of WNHP's ecologists, at which time his primary responsibilities were to maintain a statewide ecosystem classification, develop and implement methods to assess ecological integrity, and identify ecosystem conservation priorities. Joe has worked with most of Washington’s ecosystems, although wetlands (especially peatlands) are his expertise. Since joining WNHP in 2007, a significant portion of his work has focused on classifying Washington wetlands using the U.S. National Vegetation Classification and developing a rapid assessment protocol to assess wetland condition (i.e., Ecological Integrity Assessment). Joe has a B.S. in Environmental Science from Indiana University and M.S. in Ecosystem Analysis from the University of Washington. Joe is a Regional Editor for the U.S. National Vegetation Classification Review Board and the Vice Chair of NatureServe's U.S. Section Council. 

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• How to Plan and Facilitate an Engaging Virtual Meeting

  • When
    Wednesday, January 13, 2021
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:15 AM (PST)
  • Location
    Virtual (via Zoom)
  • Spaces left

  Register

  

  Do you facilitate meetings? Are you feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of doing it online? Are you worried that it might be too impersonal to build relationships? Almost overnight, we have been thrust into a virtual world. Words like “Zoom,” “working remotely” and “social distancing” roll off our tongues as if we’ve been saying them our whole lives. What are the critical steps required to design and deliver a virtual meeting? How do you keep your participants actively engaged and involved? What types of visuals inspire and help to anchor information? 
  

  
  

  This 75-minute training is packed with clear, practical strategies that you’ll be able to easily apply. By the end of this workshop, participants will feel confident about planning and facilitating meetings that will be held on an online platform.(1.15 CM AICP Credits/ CEP Points)

  
  

  Tech check held on 1/11, 9am-9:30am, or 3pm-3:30pm.
  

  
  

  Instructor:
  Cathy Angell is a presentation coach and trainer with Cathy Angell Communications. She recently launched her own business after coordinating the Coastal Training Program for 18 years. Cathy is nationally known for her transformative methods of presentation design and delivery. She specializes in presentation skills for educators, scientists, and public officials. In 2015, she received a communications award from NOAA named in her honor.
  

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• Winter Tree and Shrub Identification for Western WA Puget Lowland Habitats

  • Start
    Wednesday, February 10, 2021
  •  
    (PST)
  • End
    Thursday, February 11, 2021
  •  
    (PST)
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual (via Zoom)
  • Spaces left
    28

  Register

  

  This 2-day virtual class will emphasize field character identification of the wetland species and associated upland buffer species found in the Puget lowland region of Washington (approximately 12 trees and 60 shrubs, including willows). The taxa examined will include common lowland, freshwater (and a few estuarine) species. Winter characteristics (buds, leaf scars, pith, and bark) will be covered. The class instruction will be oriented towards the needs of shoreline planners, delineators, OHWM determinations, and restoration.
  

  
  

  The course will be a mix of lectures and hands-on learning. Zoom will be used to host the class. Additionally, samples we be mailed to the participants in advance so that the participants can follow-along while at home.

  
  

  Participants will be expected to have a hand lens or simple dissecting microscope to examine the features on the samples.  Slides of the characteristics will be displayed virtually with instruction on what to look at.  A digital syllabus with drawings and pictures will be provided. (6 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)

  
  

  Tech check held on 2/4, 9am-9:30am, or 3pm-3:30pm.
  

  
  

  Suggested texts: Cooke. 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon. Seattle Audubon. Available through University Books Store, Audubon Books Store and Amazon.com.

  
  

  Not required but recommended. Gilkey, Halen. Winter Twigs. revised Edition: A Wintertime Key to Deciduous Trees and Shrubs of Northwest Oregon and Western Washington.

  
  

  Instructor: Dr. Sarah Cooke specializes in wetland creation, restoration and enhancement projects, both in design and implementation. She excels in permitting assistance on the local, state, and national level. She has conducted scientific research on wetland ecosystems for the Puget Sound Wetland and Stormwater Management Manual. Her expertise includes restoration designs, wetland inventories, wetland delineation, OHWM studies, baseline studies, impact assessments, monitoring programs, rare plant surveys, soil surveys, vegetation mapping, and watershed analysis in the region.
  

  
  

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• How to Explain Science, Share Data, and Build Trust: Presentation Skills for Scientists and Public Officials

  • Start
    Wednesday, February 24, 2021
  •  
    (PST)
  • End
    Thursday, March 11, 2021
  •  
    (PST)
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual (via Zoom)
  • Spaces left

  Register

  

  This popular two-day class has shifted the paradigms of hundreds of people and raised the science communication bar at conferences, public meetings, and educational events. It features best practices for designing presentations and is especially geared towards scientists, educators, and professionals who work in the public and private sectors.

  
  

  On Day 1, you’ll learn about best practices in message development and slide design - with several opportunities for hands-on application. Over the following 2 weeks, you’ll design a 5-minute presentation applying what you’ve learned. When you return to class on Day 2, you’ll give your presentation and receive valuable feedback and coaching. As you witness the other presentations, you’ll see how much more interesting and engaging it is to view slides that are designed without excessive text and bullet points. The ultimate goal of the training is to improve your science communication skills, while making your presentations more enjoyable for you and more engaging for your audience. (12 CM AICP Credits/ CEP Points)

  
  

  Tech check held on 2/22, 9am-9:30am, or 3pm-3:30pm.
  

  
  

  In this class, you will learn how to:

  
  

  · Transform the way you do PowerPoint;

  · Deliver a crystal-clear message;

  · Present data in a way that sticks in people’s brains;

  · Keep your audience interested and engaged.

   

  NOTE: This class has recently been converted into an online format. Great care has been taken to incorporate variety, such as break-out rooms for small group sharing, white boards for instruction and group discussion, independent tabletop exercises to give you a break from your computer, a shortened agenda, and frequent breaks. The class size has also been reduced.

   

  Instructor:
  Cathy Angell is a presentation coach and trainer with Cathy Angell Communications. She recently launched her own business after coordinating the Coastal Training Program for 18 years. Cathy is nationally known for her transformative methods of presentation design and delivery. She specializes in presentation skills for educators, scientists, and public officials. In 2015, she received a communications award from NOAA named in her honor.

  
  

  Nicole Faghin is a trained land use and environmental planner, mediator and lawyer with over 30 years of experience working with local, state and federal governments, tribes, ports and consultants. Her work has focused on education, outreach and training on current issues related to coastal management in Washington state such as environmentally friendly shoreline stabilization techniques and sea level rise. She is a frequent lecturer for Ecology’s Coastal Training Program and has also taught courses at the UW Seattle Urban Planning Program, UW Tacoma Urban Studies Program, and has been a guest lecturer at the UW School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. Nicole is a member of the University of Washington Department of Urban Design and Planning Professionals Council and chair of the National Working Waterfronts Network. She serves on the Washington State Coastal Training Program advisory committee. Nicole received a master’s in Urban Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, Mass.  
  
  

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• How to Explain Science, Share Data, and Build Trust: Presentation Skills for Scientists and Public Officials

  • Start
    Wednesday, February 24, 2021
  •  
    (PST)
  • End
    Friday, March 12, 2021
  •  
    (PST)
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual (via Zoom)
  • Spaces left

  Register

  

  This popular two-day class has shifted the paradigms of hundreds of people and raised the science communication bar at conferences, public meetings, and educational events. It features best practices for designing presentations and is especially geared towards scientists, educators, and professionals who work in the public and private sectors.

  
  

  On Day 1, you’ll learn about best practices in message development and slide design - with several opportunities for hands-on application. Over the following 2 weeks, you’ll design a 5-minute presentation applying what you’ve learned. When you return to class on Day 2, you’ll give your presentation and receive valuable feedback and coaching. As you witness the other presentations, you’ll see how much more interesting and engaging it is to view slides that are designed without excessive text and bullet points. The ultimate goal of the training is to improve your science communication skills, while making your presentations more enjoyable for you and more engaging for your audience. (12 CM AICP Credits/ CEP Points)

  
  

  Tech check held on 2/22, 9am-9:30am, or 3pm-3:30pm.
  

  
  

  In this class, you will learn how to:

  
  

  · Transform the way you do PowerPoint;

  · Deliver a crystal-clear message;

  · Present data in a way that sticks in people’s brains;

  · Keep your audience interested and engaged.

   

  NOTE: This class has recently been converted into an online format. Great care has been taken to incorporate variety, such as break-out rooms for small group sharing, white boards for instruction and group discussion, independent tabletop exercises to give you a break from your computer, a shortened agenda, and frequent breaks. The class size has also been reduced.

   

  Instructor:
  Cathy Angell is a presentation coach and trainer with Cathy Angell Communications. She recently launched her own business after coordinating the Coastal Training Program for 18 years. Cathy is nationally known for her transformative methods of presentation design and delivery. She specializes in presentation skills for educators, scientists, and public officials. In 2015, she received a communications award from NOAA named in her honor.

  
  

  Nicole Faghin is a trained land use and environmental planner, mediator and lawyer with over 30 years of experience working with local, state and federal governments, tribes, ports and consultants. Her work has focused on education, outreach and training on current issues related to coastal management in Washington state such as environmentally friendly shoreline stabilization techniques and sea level rise. She is a frequent lecturer for Ecology’s Coastal Training Program and has also taught courses at the UW Seattle Urban Planning Program, UW Tacoma Urban Studies Program, and has been a guest lecturer at the UW School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. Nicole is a member of the University of Washington Department of Urban Design and Planning Professionals Council and chair of the National Working Waterfronts Network. She serves on the Washington State Coastal Training Program advisory committee. Nicole received a master’s in Urban Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, Mass.  
  

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• Using the Washington State Wetland Rating System (2014) in Western Washington

  • Start
    Wednesday, March 03, 2021
  •  
    (PST)
  • End
    Friday, March 12, 2021
  •  
    (PST)
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual (via Zoom) sessions w/ solo field visits in Thurston County
  • Spaces left

  Register

  

  This three-day intensive workshop will provide wetland regulators and consultants with practical information and experience in using the 2014 update to the rating system for wetlands in western Washington. It is specifically designed for those who will be using the rating system in the field. You will gain a working knowledge of topics such as the hydrogeomorphic classification of wetlands, how to separate wetlands into units for rating, and how to answer all the questions on the field form. The purpose of the class is to provide you with knowledge so that you can fill out the rating form on your own. You will receive a copy of the rating system manual.
  
  It is important that you already have some experience and/or education in delineating wetlands and identifying natural wetland features such as outlets, boundaries of basins, vegetation classes, and some ability to distinguish between different plant species.

  
  

  This course will include three virtual sessions (3/3, 3/4, and 3/12) and one solo field visit. The virtual lecture sessions will be hosted on Zoom on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM) and Thursday, March 4, 2021 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM). From 3/4/2021 to 3/11/2021, each participant will visit two field sites on their own. The sites are located at the Woodland Creek Community Park in Lacey, WA and Capitol Lake Interpretive Park in Olympia, WA. You should plan to spend 4.5 hours at the field sites in total. After visiting the field sites, you will be required to submit your findings to a survey that will be provided on 3/4. As follow up to this, the instructor will host a virtual post-field site visit session on Zoom on Friday, March 12, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM). During this session, the instructor will answer questions and go over the expected findings from the field visits.

  
  

  Tech check held on 3/1, 9am-9:30am, or 3pm-3:30pm.
  

  
  

  Please note that all three virtual sessions (3/3, 3/4, and 3/12) and the solo field session are mandatory for obtaining your certification for the rating system (9.5 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)
   
  Link to rating system:
  https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1406029.html

  
  

  Instructors: 

  Dr. Amy Yahnke is the senior wetland ecologist for the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. She holds a Certificate in Wetland Science and Management, BS in Environmental Horticulture, MS in Forest Resources, and PhD in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. She has studied wetland ecology within the contexts of amphibians, invasive plants, and stormwater management. Dr. Yahnke has experience teaching a wide range of environmental topics to audiences of all ages.

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• Using the Washington State Wetland Rating System (2014) in Western Washington

  • Start
    Wednesday, March 17, 2021
  •  
    (PDT)
  • End
    Friday, March 26, 2021
  •  
    (PDT)
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual (via Zoom) sessions w/ solo field visits in Thurston County
  • Spaces left

  Register

  

  This three-day intensive workshop will provide wetland regulators and consultants with practical information and experience in using the 2014 update to the rating system for wetlands in western Washington. It is specifically designed for those who will be using the rating system in the field. You will gain a working knowledge of topics such as the hydrogeomorphic classification of wetlands, how to separate wetlands into units for rating, and how to answer all the questions on the field form. The purpose of the class is to provide you with knowledge so that you can fill out the rating form on your own. You will receive a copy of the rating system manual.
  
  It is important that you already have some experience and/or education in delineating wetlands and identifying natural wetland features such as outlets, boundaries of basins, vegetation classes, and some ability to distinguish between different plant species.

  
  

  This course will include three virtual sessions (3/17, 3/18, and 3/26) and one solo field visit. The virtual lecture sessions will be hosted on Zoom on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM) and Thursday, March 18, 2021 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM). From 3/18/2021 to 3/25/2021, each participant will visit two field sites on their own. The sites are located at the Woodland Creek Community Park in Lacey, WA and Capitol Lake Interpretive Park in Olympia, WA. You should plan to spend 4.5 hours at the field sites in total. After visiting the field sites, you will be required to submit your findings to a survey that will be provided on 3/18. As follow up to this, the instructor will host a virtual post-field site visit session on Zoom on Friday, March 26, 2021 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM). During this session, the instructor will answer questions and go over the expected findings from the field visits.

  
  

  Tech check held on 3/15, 9am-9:30am, or 3pm-3:30pm.

  
  

  Please note that all three virtual sessions (3/17, 3/18, and 3/26) and the solo field session are mandatory for obtaining your certification for the rating system (9.5 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)
   
  Link to rating system:
  https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1406029.html

  
  

  Instructors: 

  Dr. Amy Yahnke is the senior wetland ecologist for the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. She holds a Certificate in Wetland Science and Management, BS in Environmental Horticulture, MS in Forest Resources, and PhD in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. She has studied wetland ecology within the contexts of amphibians, invasive plants, and stormwater management. Dr. Yahnke has experience teaching a wide range of environmental topics to audiences of all ages.

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