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.
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?
The three-day training includes two virtual sessions that will take place on Zoom on September 21 & 22 from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM. On September 23, the participants will complete the field component of the training. Participants will practice how to determine the OHWM at four field sites in Spokane County with an instructor. Please block your calendar from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM for the field component. Lunch will be provided on the field day.
The registration fee is $163.05, which is the base fee of $150 including tax (16 AICP CM credits/ CEP Points).
Please reach out to Sara Brostrom (bros461@ecy.wa.gov) if you require an accommodation for this training (audio, visual, mobility, or other). Washington State Department of Ecology staff, if you need a reasonable accommodation to successfully attend this training, please contact the Core Training Team.
Additionally, we can offer scholarships to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.
Instructors
Chris Luerkens works in Ecology’s Bellingham Field Office, where he has been a shoreline and wetlands permit specialist since 2018. His work is largely focused on reviewing permits, and providing technical assistance to local jurisdictions, including Ordinary High Water Mark determinations. Chris has a BS in environmental science from WWU and has been working in natural resource management since 2005. His background includes work in water quality, fisheries, and local government as a planner.
Meagan Hayes Meagan Hayes is the Senior Shoreline Management Planner for the Eastern Region at the Washington State Department of Ecology. In this role, she provides technical assistance to local governments implementing the Shoreline Management Act, supports the development and periodic review of Shoreline Master Programs, and guides communities through complex shoreline permitting and policy questions. Meagan works closely with local planners, tribal partners, and state and federal agencies to help ensure shoreline use and development balance ecological protection with community needs.
Tess Brandon is the Senior Regional Shoreline Planner for Ecology's Southwest (SouthBEST) Region. In that role, she helps cities and counties develop and implement shoreline master programs. Prior to coming to the role in 2021, Tess worked in land use and environmental planning in the private sector. She has master’s degrees in marine affairs and urban planning from the University of Washington.
Neil Molstad is a Regional Wetland Specialist with the Washington State Department of Ecology. He worked as a soil scientist, both as a private consultant and for the federal government, before joining Ecology. Molstad has a MS degree in soil science, with soil morphology and genesis emphasis, from Iowa State University, and has obtained various national and state certifications and licenses as a professional soil scientist over his career. He has developed and provided training on soils, with an emphasis on hydric soil identification, to both the general public and specialized audiences.
Leah Beckett is a Wetland Specialist with Ecology working out of the Northwest Region Office. Prior to Ecology, Leah had roles with city, state, and federal governments in wetlands and hydrological research, and taught biology and ecology courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. She earned a Ph.D. and a M.S. in Wetland Ecology from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Ecology from Brevard College.
