This class will teach you how to apply a "watershed approach" when selecting sites for compensatory wetland mitigation in western Washington. Such an approach is now required by recently adopted federal rules. The training is based on the guide for "Selecting Wetland Mitigation Sites Using a Watershed Approach (Western Washington)" that was jointly written by the Department of Ecology, the U.S. EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to meet this need. A watershed approach means that a site is selected based on the environmental conditions of the surrounding watershed as well as at the site itself. The training will include several exercises that apply the method to real sites. You will also receive a copy of the manual.
Link to guidance: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0906032.html.

(6 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)
Lunch is provided.

Note:  This is an excellent class to take before attending the “Using the Credit-Debit Method for Estimating Needs in Compensatory Wetland Mitigation” class.

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.

Diane Hennessey has specialized in the ecology, protection, and restoration of aquatic systems for 17 years.  She has worked as an aquatic resource scientist in private consulting and currently works as a Wetland Specialist for Washington State Department of Ecology. Her work has included stream, wetland, and wildlife habitat studies including delineation of both wetland and stream ordinary high water mark boundaries; preparing, reviewing, and issuing environmental permits; planning, design, and preparing aquatic restoration plans; monitoring mitigation and restoration projects; providing technical assistance in aquatic resource protection and conservation to local governments; and compliance monitoring of permits and violations. She has also been an instructor for the University of Washington-Seattle Wetland Science and Management Certificate Program since 2005 and has taught Wetlands Science and Ecological Processes; and Wetlands Identification and Delineation.