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• POSTPONED-How to Conduct a Forage Fish Survey

  • When
    Wednesday, April 08, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Lacey Community Center, Lacey
  • Spaces left
    5

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  This 1-day training will demonstrate the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s methods for conducting beach surveys and processing samples for Surf Smelt and Sand Lance spawn.  The training will include a classroom component with a presentation and hands-on demonstration of lab techniques. It will also include a field component with a demonstration and time to practice field collection and sample processing. The training is specifically designed for biologists who need to conduct forage fish surveys for regulatory purposes, such as to comply with the conditions of a WDFW, DNR, or ACoE permit. At the conclusion of training, participants will have knowledge of forage fish survey techniques and reporting requirements.

  (6 AICP CM Credits/CEP Points)

   

  Lunch is provided.
  

   

  Instructor:  Hannah Faulkner is a nearshore biologist with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Habitat Science Team. Her current research interests include monitoring effects of shoreline modification on nearshore habitat, identifying and assessing the distribution and characteristics of forage fish spawning habitat, assessing new methods of detecting forage fish spawn, monitoring the implementation of marine bulkhead HPA permits, and exploring new survey methods and data processing techniques using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

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• POSTPONED-How to Conduct a Forage Fish Survey

  • When
    Thursday, April 09, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Lacey Community Center, Lacey
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  This 1-day training will demonstrate the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s methods for conducting beach surveys and processing samples for Surf Smelt and Sand Lance spawn.  The training will include a classroom component with a presentation and hands-on demonstration of lab techniques. It will also include a field component with a demonstration and time to practice field collection and sample processing. The training is specifically designed for biologists who need to conduct forage fish surveys for regulatory purposes, such as to comply with the conditions of a WDFW, DNR, or ACoE permit. At the conclusion of training, participants will have knowledge of forage fish survey techniques and reporting requirements.

  (6 AICP CM Credits/CEP Points)

   

  Lunch is provided.
  

   

  Instructor:  Hannah Faulkner is a nearshore biologist with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Habitat Science Team. Her current research interests include monitoring effects of shoreline modification on nearshore habitat, identifying and assessing the distribution and characteristics of forage fish spawning habitat, assessing new methods of detecting forage fish spawn, monitoring the implementation of marine bulkhead HPA permits, and exploring new survey methods and data processing techniques using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

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• POSTPONED-Designing and Installing Mitigation and Restoration Projects

  • Start
    Tuesday, April 21, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020
  •  
    4:30 PM
  • Location
    Lacey Community Center, Lacey
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  This two-day class is geared towards those who design and implement compensatory mitigation and restoration projects and/or those who review and condition mitigation plans who want more technical information. This class focuses on factors to consider when designing wetland projects and protocols to help ensure their success.

  
  

  
  

  Topic include:

  • Factors to consider for site selection
  • How to develop realistic site-specific goals and objectives and measurable performance standards
    
  • Water (sources and potential hydroperiods - what to look for and evaluate)
    
  • Soils (salvaging, amendments, compaction)
    
  • Vegetation (source of plant material, salvaging, planting specifications, improving survival, establishing appropriate vegetation communities)
    
  • Invasive species (techniques for control and maintenance)
    
  • Habitat (design considerations)
    
  • Plan specifications (mulches, irrigation, plant materials, habitat features)
    
  • Construction and installation considerations
    
  • Contingencies, maintenance, and monitoring
    

  Class participants should already have a general understanding of wetland ecology and regulations.

  Note: The information provided in this class is generally consistent with the 2006 interagency document, “Wetland Mitigation in Washington State,” Parts 1 and 2. However, it does not address the agencies’ specific policies and requirements for mitigation. The interagency mitigation guidance document can be found at:

  https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Wetlands/Mitigation/Interagency-guidance

  (13 CM Credits)

   

  Lunch is provided.

   

  Instructors:  Susan Buis is a restoration ecologist and native plant horticulturist currently working for the US Army Corps of Engineers and the WA State Dept of Transportation. She is also co-founder and former co-owner of Sound Native Plants, an Olympia company that provides a full spectrum of restoration services including design, installation, native plant propagation, maintenance, and monitoring. Before founding her company in 1991, she worked for Yosemite and Olympic National Parks, where she developed and managed restoration projects and native plant propagation. Ms. Buis has been teaching workshops in restoration design and installation to professional groups and agencies since 1996 and has published articles on creating restoration plant specifications in Hortus West and in Native Plants Journal. She is a regular guest lecturer on native plant topics in the coastal NW.

   

  Lisa Palazzi is a Certified Professional Wetland Scientist (SWS-PCP) and a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (SSSA).  She has over 28 years of professional experience evaluating wetlands, soils and hydrology in the Pacific Northwest. Ms. Palazzi has provided expert advice and expert witness services on many hydric soils and wetlands hydrology functions in the Puget Sound region to many different municipalities and agencies. She consistently receives high marks as a teacher from her students and from workshop participants in these subjects, and she has taught in many different settings, ranging from University-level certification courses to professional conference workshops and even as a guest speaker in elementary, middle school and high school classes. Therefore, she is not only technically competent in her field of expertise, but capable of explaining that knowledge to a wide range of audiences. She is familiar with the most common mistakes and misinterpretations of soils and hydrology characteristics made that can cause a restoration project to fail. 

  
  

   

  
  

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• POSTPONED-Planning Effective Projects

  • Start
    Tuesday, April 28, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Wednesday, April 29, 2020
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Brightwater Center, Woodinville
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  In this 2-day interactive workshop, you will learn how to conduct an assessment, use a logic model to plan a new project or reassess a current one, and prepare for a meaningful evaluation. You'll also learn project planning practices that will help you incorporate accountability and strategic thinking, reveal assumptions, and create a targeted effort with measurable results. This workshop is taught by national trainers from NOAA's Office for Coastal Management.
  (14 AICP credits/ CEP points)

  
  

  *This class was formerly called Project Design and Evaluation. It has been updated and streamlined to make even more applicable to your specific project.
  

  
  

  Instructors:  Pam Kylstra is a program development specialist with the NOAA Office for Coastal Management. She develops and delivers training programs, serves as an evaluator of coastal programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR), and provides facilitation services for the coastal resource management community, including Sea Grant, NERRs, and other federal, state, and local agencies and organizations. Ms. Kylstra holds a Master of Science in marine resource management from Oregon State University’s College of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in zoology from North Carolina State University. She also has completed certification courses in instructional design, facilitation, and mediation.
  

  
  

  Liz Lasicki is a training specialist at the NOAA Office for Coastal Management. Liz delivers trainings on project design and evaluation and adapting to coastal risk. She also provides meeting facilitation services. She graduated from the Coast Guard Academy and served as Coast Guard officer interdicting drug smugglers in the Caribbean and conducting search and rescue missions in the Pacific Northwest. After obtaining her Master's Degree in Human Resource Development, she worked as a performance consultant for AT&T and then went on to own her own IT consulting company for over 10 years.
  

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• POSTPONED:Using Field Indicators for Hydric Soils

  • When
    Thursday, May 07, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Padilla Bay Reserve, Mt. Vernon
  • Spaces left
    0

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  This class will teach you how to effectively use the Hydric Soil Indicators in the Regional Supplements to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. You will learn the basic processes that take place in saturated soil, and how to “read the story” in a soil profile. The training includes an introduction to identifying layers, distinguishing concentrations and depletions, and preparing hydric soil descriptions from soil profiles. Each student will have a chance to describe soil profiles and apply the field indicators to their notes.
  

   

  This workshop will be indoors, with an exercise in the field. Please dress appropriately. (6.5 CM AICP Credits/ CEP Points)
  

   

  Required class materials to bring:
  

  • A copy of the Munsell Soil Color Charts and one of the following publications:
  • The Corps Regional Supplement for Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region, or Arid West Region. They can be found at: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/reg_supp/

  • Or The Field Indicators for Hydric Soils (updated version 8.2) This can be found at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p266001coll1/id/7646
    

  • a sharpshooter or tile spade style shovel (if you have one)
  • soil knife
  • tape measure
  • spray bottle for water (if you have one)

  Lunch is provided.
  

  
  

  Instructor: Bob Thomas is a biologist and soil scientist for the Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Regulatory Branch Branch.  He has extensive experience in the Pacific Northwest in routine delineations, delineations in disturbed areas, and problematic hydric soils.  Mr. Thomas has been teaching hydric soil and delineation workshops to professional groups and agencies since 2000.
  

   

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• How to Determine the Ordinary High Water Mark

  • Start
    Wednesday, May 13, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Thursday, May 14, 2020
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Padilla Bay Reserve, Mount Vernon
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  This training provides information and methods for determining the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) as defined in the state Shoreline Management Act (SMA).  Waters regulated under the SMA include all tidal waters, streams greater than 20 cubic feet per second mean annual flow, water bodies greater than 20 acres in size and any associated wetlands and deltas.  Field visits to each of the SMA water types will give you the opportunity to apply the methods discussed in the classroom.        
  

                         

  In this training, you will learn answers to these questions:      

  - How is the OHWM defined and where does it apply?

  - What is the regulatory context and history of the OHWM?

  - Why it is important to use field indicators to determine the OHWM?

  - What are the most reliable field indicators on tidal waters, streams, lakes and associated wetlands?

  - What are some common misconceptions about OHWM determinations?

  (12 AICP CM Credits / CEP Points)

   

  Lunch is provided.
  

   

  Instructors:  

   

  Zach Meyer is a Wetlands/Shorelands Specialist with the WA State Department of Ecology. In the last few years with Ecology, Zach has been involved in environmental planning, permitting, and providing technical assistance to local jurisdictions.  Zach’s educational background includes a Master’s degree in Marine and Environmental Affairs from the University of Washington, and undergraduate studies in anthropology and biology from Indiana University. 

  
  

  Rebecca Rothwell has a BS in biology from the University of Puget Sound (2002) and a master’s of environmental studies from The Evergreen State College (2010). She has worked for Ecology since 2008, doing wetland mitigation compliance, wetland and shoreland permitting, assistance with CAO and SMP updates, OHWM determinations, and technical assistance with local governments.
  

   

  Lynn Schmidt is the Department of Ecology’s Statewide Flood Engineer, focusing on reducing flood risks to communities while enhancing natural floodplain functions. Her career has spanned a wide range of topics within the environmental and hydraulics engineering fields, including hydraulic modeling, river restoration, floodplain management, stormwater management, environmental investigations, and monitoring. Lynn holds a BS in Civil Engineering, MS in Environmental Engineering, and is a Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager.
  

   

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• Wetland Classification

  • Start
    Wednesday, May 27, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Thursday, May 28, 2020
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Lacey Community Center, Lacey
  • Spaces left
    0

  

  Successful use of wetland identification and assessment tools includes an understanding of different wetland classification systems and how to apply them. This two-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 was recently modified by Washington Natural Heritage Program (WNHP) to more explicitly incorporate ecological relationships among plant associations. The resulting classification unit, subgroups, are specific to Washington’s wetlands. Subgroups are used to inform conservation targets (e.g., Wetlands of High Conservation Value) and as a basis for conducting Ecological Integrity Assessment (EIA) for wetlands and riparian areas in Washington. These classification systems are also used in mapping applications, including NHP’s newly developed Wetlands of High Conservation Value Map Viewer and Ecology’s update to the NWI. Ecology recently updated NWI polygons in two demonstration areas and applied LLWW modifiers to enhance NWI classification for better characterization of wetlands and preliminary assessment of wetland functions.

  (14 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)
  

   

  Lunch is provided.

   

  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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• Using the Marine Shoreline Design Guidelines for Marine Shoreline Stabilization

  • When
    Thursday, June 11, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Lacey Community Center, Lacey
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  In this one-day class, you will gain familiarity with the contents and use of the Marine Shoreline Design Guidelines (MSDG). These guidelines address the design of alternative options for shoreline protection. The course will emphasize how to conduct a site assessment and alternatives analysis, along with a high-level overview of the permitting issues associated with these types of projects. Examples will be explored for different techniques to address shoreline protection. You will learn how to use a checklist approach to analyze alternative shoreline protection options. While not required, it would benefit you to have a familiarity with the basic understanding of shoreline processes as taught in the Coastal Training Program course "Puget Sound Coastal Process, Shoreline Modifications, and Beach Restoration." (6.5 CM Credits/CEP Points)

  
  

  Lunch is provided.

  
  

  Instructors: Corey Morss is an Environmental Engineer working for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Program. Corey provides technical assistance to WDFW Habitat Biologists statewide, as well as designing and constructing restoration projects in marine and freshwater environments. Corey has developed and delivered trainings on water crossings, marine shoreline protection (MSDG), fluvial geomorphology, reading engineering plans, and fish friendly construction considerations. Corey is passionate about the outdoors and spends most of his spare time hiking, camping, backpacking, hunting, fishing, boating or dreaming about those things.

  
  

  Nicole Faghin is a Coastal Management Specialist at Washington Sea Grant. She is a trained land use and environmental planner and lawyer specializing in waterfront planning issues. Nicole is a frequent lecturer for the Coastal Training Program and on the CTP Advisory Group. She 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.

  
  

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• Eelgrass Delineation Training

  • When
    Monday, June 22, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Padilla Bay Reserve, Mt. Vernon
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  

  
  

  
  

  This full-day course is designed for consultants and others who work with projects that may involve eelgrass, and who need to have a basic understanding of eelgrass biology, distribution, mapping and delineation.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Course topics will include the following:
  

  • Eelgrass biology
  • Eelgrass functions and ecosystem services
  • Species identification
  • Distribution patterns
  • Methods for mapping eelgrass
  • Delineation of eelgrass bed boundaries using the new Corps eelgrass delineation guidance

  The class will consist of a half-day classroom session in the morning, followed by a half-day of field exercises designed to familiarize participants with the new Corps of Engineers Eelgrass Delineation guidance. Class participants should expect to encounter wet conditions, soft sediments, with a fair amount of walking to and from the parking lot and tidal flats.

  
  

  (6.0 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)

   

  Lunch is provided.
  
  Instructor: Dr. Deborah Shafer Nelson is a Biologist with the Seattle District Army Corps of Engineers. She has had experience in seagrass research and management since 1992. She recently developed the eelgrass delineation guidance methodology that is currently being used by Seattle District Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory. Her research expertise includes seagrass physiology, habitat requirements, restoration, functional assessment, impact assessment, interactions between native and introduced seagrasses in the PNW, and the potential effect of climate change on PNW seagrass distribution. Dr. Nelson is the author of numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and technical notes.

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• Eelgrass Delineation Training

  • When
    Tuesday, June 23, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Padilla Bay Reserve, Mt. Vernon
  • Spaces left
    17

  Register

  

  
  

  
  

  This full-day course is designed for consultants and others who work with projects that may involve eelgrass, and who need to have a basic understanding of eelgrass biology, distribution, mapping and delineation.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Course topics will include the following:
  

  • Eelgrass biology
  • Eelgrass functions and ecosystem services
  • Species identification
  • Distribution patterns
  • Methods for mapping eelgrass
  • Delineation of eelgrass bed boundaries using the new Corps eelgrass delineation guidance

  The class will consist of a half-day classroom session in the morning, followed by a half-day of field exercises designed to familiarize participants with the new Corps of Engineers Eelgrass Delineation guidance. Class participants should expect to encounter wet conditions, soft sediments, with a fair amount of walking to and from the parking lot and tidal flats.

  
  

  (6.0 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)

   

  Lunch is provided.
  
  Instructor: Dr. Deborah Shafer Nelson is a Biologist with the Seattle District Army Corps of Engineers. She has had experience in seagrass research and management since 1992. She recently developed the eelgrass delineation guidance methodology that is currently being used by Seattle District Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory. Her research expertise includes seagrass physiology, habitat requirements, restoration, functional assessment, impact assessment, interactions between native and introduced seagrasses in the PNW, and the potential effect of climate change on PNW seagrass distribution. Dr. Nelson is the author of numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and technical notes.

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