This two-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.

This course will include a required virtual session on Zoom on May 10, 2023 (9:00 am - 12:30 pm). Participants will visit wetlands in Spokane with the instructor on May 11, 2023 (9 am - 12:30 pm). The in-person session will be conducted in wetlands in Spokane, so dress appropriately. (6 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points).

All participants will be expected to follow Washington Department of Ecology’s COVID-19 guidelines at the time of the training. Specifically, you will be asked to  wear a mask.

You will receive a copy of the “Eastern Washington Credit-Debit” manual. 

Please reach out to Sara Brostrom (bros461@ecy.wa.gov) if you require an accommodation for this training (audio, visual, mobility, or other). Additionally, we can offer a couple of scholarship to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.

Instructor: 

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.