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• Grass, Sedge, and Rush Identification for Western WA Puget Lowland Habitats - in-person

  • Start
    Wednesday, February 26, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Thursday, February 27, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mt Vernon
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  The two-day class will emphasize field character identification of the most common freshwater, estuarine wetland, and associated upland buffer species found in the Puget lowland region of Washington State. The format will be a lecture/laboratory setup. Ample dried material will be available for everyone to practice their keying skills.

  
  

  Each class will begin with a short lecture covering the terminology and salient morphological characteristics needed for a taxonomic identification of the species of choice, field characteristics, some ecological aspects of the species’ common habitat, commonly associated species, distribution, potential use for restoration purposes, and any special ecological requirements. Lecture materials will include drawings, slides, and dried plant material. The class instruction will be oriented towards the needs of shoreline planners, delineators, OHWM determinations, and restoration ecologists.

   (14 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)

  
  

  Lunch is provided.

  
  

  Recommended text: There is a second edition of Hitchcock and Cronquist published in 2018 and edited by David Giblin, Ben Legler, Peter Zika and Richard Olmstead. That would be preferred if you can get it. If not bring the older version.

  
  

  Hitchcock, c. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press.

  
  

  If you have or can get a hold of a copy of A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon Sarah Cooke (Ed) 1997. It is out of print but there will be a few copies to share. Much of the material Dr. Cooke discusses is in this book.

  
  

  Please bring a plant dissecting kit (at least a pair of forceps and dissecting needle).

  
  

  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. Sarah Cooke specializes in wetland creation, restoration and enhancement projects, both in design and implementation. She excels in permitting assistance on the local, state, and national level. She has conducted scientific research on wetland ecosystems for the Puget Sound Wetland and Stormwater Management Manual. Her expertise includes restoration designs, wetland inventories, wetland delineation, OHWM studies, baseline studies, impact assessments, monitoring programs, rare plant surveys, soil surveys, vegetation mapping, and watershed analysis in the region.

  
  

  
  

  
  
  

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• Grass, Sedge, and Rush Identification for Western WA Puget Lowland Habitats - in-person

  • Start
    Wednesday, March 05, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Thursday, March 06, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mt Vernon
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  The two-day class will emphasize field character identification of the most common freshwater, estuarine wetland, and associated upland buffer species found in the Puget lowland region of Washington State. The format will be a lecture/laboratory setup. Ample dried material will be available for everyone to practice their keying skills.

  
  

  Each class will begin with a short lecture covering the terminology and salient morphological characteristics needed for a taxonomic identification of the species of choice, field characteristics, some ecological aspects of the species’ common habitat, commonly associated species, distribution, potential use for restoration purposes, and any special ecological requirements. Lecture materials will include drawings, slides, and dried plant material. The class instruction will be oriented towards the needs of shoreline planners, delineators, OHWM determinations, and restoration ecologists.

   (14 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points)

  
  

  Lunch is provided.

  
  

  Recommended text: There is a second edition of Hitchcock and Cronquist published in 2018 and edited by David Giblin, Ben Legler, Peter Zika and Richard Olmstead. That would be preferred if you can get it. If not bring the older version.

  
  

  Hitchcock, c. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press.

  
  

  If you have or can get a hold of a copy of A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon Sarah Cooke (Ed) 1997. It is out of print but there will be a few copies to share. Much of the material Dr. Cooke discusses is in this book.

  
  

  Please bring a plant dissecting kit (at least a pair of forceps and dissecting needle).

  
  

  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. Sarah Cooke specializes in wetland creation, restoration and enhancement projects, both in design and implementation. She excels in permitting assistance on the local, state, and national level. She has conducted scientific research on wetland ecosystems for the Puget Sound Wetland and Stormwater Management Manual. Her expertise includes restoration designs, wetland inventories, wetland delineation, OHWM studies, baseline studies, impact assessments, monitoring programs, rare plant surveys, soil surveys, vegetation mapping, and watershed analysis in the region.

  
  

  
  

  
  
  

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• ALTERNATIVES TO BULKHEADS: Course #6 -Sea Level Rise Issues (self-paced)

  • Start
    Monday, March 17, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Friday, April 04, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Moodle - online
  • Spaces left
    39

  Register

  

  This self-paced course will provide an overview of sea level rise and coastal hazards that impact location and design of alternatives to bulkheads or armor. The course will provide science and policy context; outline the key considerations for sea level rise and shoreline stabilization projects; describe siting, design, and adaptive management of alternatives to bulkheads; and offer local and regional permitting perspectives. You’ll learn why bulkheads may not provide protection against future coastal conditions and explore alternatives including soft shore design, avoidance, and managed retreat. You’ll hear perspectives from instructors representing the research, policy, engineering, and permitting sectors about the key questions, challenges, and opportunities they are identifying as we reconsider shoreline stabilization in the context of sea level rise. 

  
  

  This course will available to registrants from March 17, 2025 - April 4, 2025. The course will take about 3 hours to complete. Upon completion, you will receive certificate for 3 AICP CM credits. 

  
  

  This course is offered as part of a series of six courses related to Alternatives to Bulkheads. Courses 1-4 will be offered during fall 2024 and Courses 5-6 will be offered during winter 2025. These courses are endorsed by the Shore Friendly program and the content is consistent with Shore Friendly recommended practices. Here is a link to more information. 

  
  

  Please email the Coastal Training Program (ecyrectpadmin@ecy.wa.gov) if you require an accommodation for this training (audio, visual, mobility, or other). Additionally, the program can offer a couple of 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

  Charlotte Dohrn is a climate resilience planner with the Department of Ecology’s Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program, where she works on climate change planning guidance and policy development. Her background includes climate adaptation research, restoration planning, and strategy development. Charlotte holds a Master’s degree from the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs and a certificate from the Program on Climate Change.

  
  

  Dr. Ian Miller is Washington Sea Grant’s coastal hazards specialist, working out of Peninsula College in Port Angeles. Ian works with coastal communities and public agencies on the Olympic Peninsula to strengthen their ability to plan for and manage coastal hazards, including tsunamis, chronic erosion, coastal flooding and other hazards associated with climate change. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Marine Ecology from Western Washington University’s Huxley College of Environmental Studies and a Ph.D. in Ocean Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

  
  

  Jessica Cote is a coastal engineer with Blue Coast Engineering, which she founded in 2018. Jessica is deeply committed to the health and recovery of Puget Sound. For more than two decades she has worked on complex coastal issues nationally and globally. She received her Master’s degree in Ocean Engineering from Oregon State University.

  
  

  Kathy Ketteridge, PhD, PE, is a coastal engineer with Blue Coast Engineering. Her background includes civil engineering, coastal engineering, hydrodynamic modeling, and restoration projects. She has completed many complex modeling efforts for remediation projects in the Pacific NW, British Columbia, and New York State. Kathy lives in Bellingham and has been a co-owner of Blue Coast since 2020.

  
  Railin Santiago is a Shoreline Planner in Ecology’s Northwest Regional Office. She has done environmental permitting, biology and planning for the past 14 years. She has worked in Federal, State and Local government, and was in private consulting for 8 years. At Ecology she provides technical assistance related to implementation of local Shoreline Master Programs, and Shoreline Permitting. She has a Bachelor’s in biology from the Evergreen State College and a Master’s from the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs.

  
  

  Robert Perez is an associate planner with Pierce County Land Use and Environmental Review (LUER) since 2018. In this role he has met with applicants to discuss the complexities of the Pierce County Shoreline Management Program, conducted reviews for both public and private permits and represented the county in hearings when required. He received his B.A. in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University. 

  
  

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• Using Field Indicators for Hydric Soils - in-person on March 20

  • When
    Thursday, March 20, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Padilla Bay Reserve, Mt. Vernon
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  Using Field Indicators for Hydric Soils
  

  
  

  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 Book 
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland delineation manual regional supplement (Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast and Arid West Supplements) or have access to a digital copy (https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/reg_supp/)
  • Knife for cutting soil (i.e., one you don’t mind ruining)
  • Spray bottle with water
  • Hand lens
  • Clip board
  • Mechanical pencils

  Lunch is provided.

  
  

  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

  David Moore is a biologist and soil scientist for the Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Regulatory Branch based in Spokane, Washington.   He is a permit manager for projects involving wetland delineations and hydric soils throughout Washington State but mostly in eastern Washington.  Mr. Moore previously held positions in the Washington State Departments of Ecology and Transportation water quality, hazardous materials, and wetlands programs.  

  
  

  
  

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• Using Field Indicators for Hydric Soils - in-person on March 21

  • When
    Friday, March 21, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Padilla Bay Reserve, Mt. Vernon
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  Using Field Indicators for Hydric Soils
  

  
  

  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 Book 
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland delineation manual regional supplement (Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast and Arid West Supplements) or have access to a digital copy (https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/reg_supp/)
  • Knife for cutting soil (i.e., one you don’t mind ruining)
  • Spray bottle with water
  • Hand lens
  • Clip board
  • Mechanical pencils

  Lunch is provided.

  
  

  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

  David Moore is a biologist and soil scientist for the Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Regulatory Branch based in Spokane, Washington.   He is a permit manager for projects involving wetland delineations and hydric soils throughout Washington State but mostly in eastern Washington.  Mr. Moore previously held positions in the Washington State Departments of Ecology and Transportation water quality, hazardous materials, and wetlands programs.  

  
  

  
  

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• Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance - virtual

  • Start
    Tuesday, March 25, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, April 02, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual (via Zoom)
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  
  

  Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance

  
  

  
  

  This class is designed for those who develop mitigation plans and for those who review and approve such plans. The training, which is divided into four modules, is based on the 2021 interagency document, "Wetland Mitigation in Washington State," Part 1, Agency Policies and Guidance. 

  
  

  This class provides an in-depth overview of the contents of Part 1. Topics include mitigation sequencing, site selection, compensation approaches and methods, determining the amount of compensation, buffers, and more. Several class exercises and poll questions allow participants to apply the concepts being taught.

  
  

  This course does NOT provide technical specifications for how to design or condition mitigation projects. Also, this training will include involve breakout rooms and groupwork. You will have about 1-3 hours of pre-work depending on your background knowledge. The pre-work will be provided to you 1 week before the training. Additionally, you will need a laptop or desktop to participate in this training.(11.0 CM Credits)

  
  

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

  
  

  The registration fee is $105.

  
  

  
  

  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.

  
  

  
  

  Instructors

  Patricia Johnson is a wetland specialist with the Washington Department of Ecology. She conducted Ecology's Washington State Wetland Mitigation Evaluation Study (Phase 1 and 2) and co-authored Wetlands in Washington - Volume 1: A Synthesis of the Science, the 2006 Interagency guidance document Wetland Mitigation in Washington State, as well as the 2021 update to Part 1. Patricia follows up on wetland mitigation projects to ensure compliance. Patricia has a master’s degree in environmental studies from the Evergreen State College. 

  
  

  Dana Mock is a wetland mitigation specialist for the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. She coordinated the development of the 2006 interagency wetland mitigation guidance document "Wetland Mitigation in Washington State," as well as the 2021 update to Part 1. Dana tracks and follows up on wetland mitigation projects across Washington to ensure compliance with the conditions of Section 401 water quality certifications and Administrative Orders for non-federally regulated wetlands.

   

  Zach Meyer came to Ecology in 2015 from the University of Washington where he got his Master’s Degree in Marine and Environmental affairs and taught introductory biology. At Ecology, Zach has served as a shoreline planner, wetland and shoreline specialist, and since June 2022 has had the role of Wetlands and Shorelands Technical and Regulatory Lead.

  
  

  
  

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