THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED - We plan to offer it in fall 2020.

This one-day class will provide wetland regulators and consultants with a practical tool for calculating if mitigation projects will adequately replace the functions and values lost to altered wetlands. The class is based on a method developed by the Department of Ecology called "Calculating Credits and Debits for Compensatory Mitigation in Wetlands of Eastern Washington" (Ecology Publication #11-06-15). This method is designed to provide guidance for both regulators and applicants during two stages of the mitigation process: 1) estimating the functions and values lost when a wetland is altered, and 2) estimating the gain in functions and values that result from the mitigation.

The Credit Debit Method is based on the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Eastern Washington (Ecology publications #04-06-015 and #14-06-030). This workshop however does not provide training in the wetland rating system. Training in the wetland rating system is strongly suggested as a PRE-REQUISITE for this workshop.

You will receive a copy of the “Eastern Washington Credit-Debit” manual. The morning session will be held inside. The afternoon session will be conducted in local wetlands, so dress appropriately. (6 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)

Lunch is provided.

Note:  This class will qualify you to use the 2014 Wetland Rating System if you have already taken the 2-day training in the older 2004 rating system in Eastern WA.

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.