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• Western Washington: How to Determine the Ordinary High Water Mark (virtual with field site visit September 23 in Skagit County)

  • Start
    Monday, September 21, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, September 23, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual - Zoom w/ field site visit in Skagit County. See the event details for more information.
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  

  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 Skagit 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.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Western Washington: How to Determine the Ordinary High Water Mark (virtual with field site visit September 23 in Kitsap County)

  • Start
    Monday, September 21, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, September 23, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual - Zoom w/ field site visit in Kitsap County. See the event details for more information.
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  

  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 Kitsap 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

  
  

  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.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Easten Washington: How to Determine the Ordinary High Water Mark (virtual with field site visit September 23 in Spokane County)

  • Start
    Monday, September 21, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, September 23, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual - Zoom w/ field site visit in Spokane County. See the event details for more information.
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  

  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.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• How to Conduct a Forage Fish Survey - September 22nd

  • When
    Tuesday, September 22, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Nicols Community Center (690 9th Ave, Fox Island, WA 98333)
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  
  

  This 1-day training will demonstrate the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s methods for conducting beach surveys and processing samples for Surf Smelt and Sand Lance spawn.  The training will include a classroom component with a presentation and hands-on demonstration of lab techniques. It will also include a field component with a demonstration and time to practice field collection and sample processing. The training is specifically designed for biologists who need to conduct forage fish surveys for regulatory purposes, such as to comply with the conditions of a WDFW, DNR, or ACoE permit. At the conclusion of training, participants will have knowledge of forage fish survey techniques and reporting requirements. (6 AICP CM Credits/CEP Points)

   

  Lunch will be provided.

  
  

  The registration fee is $114.14, which is the base fee $105 including tax. 

  
  

  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.

  
  

  
  

  Instructor:

  Wendel Raymond is a research scientist with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Habitat Science Team. Wendel joined the team in mid-February and will be working on a variety of nearshore projects including forage fish spawn surveys. Wendel earned his PhD in 2020 from University of Alaska Fairbanks where is studied subsistence harvest of sea otters and sea otter effects in seagrass communities in southeast Alaska. Since moving to Washington in late 2020, Wendel has been a research scientist at University of Washington where he has worked on a variety of projects including assessing the impact of the 2021 heatwave on co-managed shellfish, helped develop the new floating kelp bed area vital sign indicator for Puget Sound Partnership, and lead a watershed and algae monitoring program on San Juan Island. Wendel is excited to apply his experience and expertise to the Habitat Program’s mission through research and collaboration within and outside the agency.

  
  

  25

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• Practical Aspects of Designing and Installing Wetland Mitigation and Restoration Projects - October 6 & 7

  • Start
    Tuesday, October 06, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, October 07, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (10441 Bayview Edison Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 )
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  
  

  This two-day class is geared towards those who already have basic knowledge of plants, soils and hydrology and who design and implement compensatory mitigation and restoration projects, and/or those who  review  and  condition  mitigation  plans and want  more technical information. This class focuses on factors to consider when designing wetland projects and protocols to help ensure their success.

  
  

  
  

  Participants will learn:

  •      Factors to consider for site selection
  •      How to develop realistic site-specific goals and objectives and measurable performance standards
  •      Water (hydrology sources and potential hydroperiods - what to look for and evaluate)
  •      Soils (salvaging, amendments, compaction)
  •      Vegetation (source of plant material, salvaging, planting specifications, improving survival, establishing appropriate vegetation communities)
  •      Invasive species (techniques for control and maintenance)
  •      Habitat (design considerations)
  •      Plan specifications (mulches, irrigation, plant materials, habitat features)
  •      Construction and installation considerations
  •      Contingencies, maintenance, and monitoring
  

  
  

  Lunch will be provided both days. (12 AICP CM credits/ CEP Points)

  
  

  The registration fee is $434.80, which is the base fee $400 including tax. 

  
  

  The two-day, in person course will be held on the following days:

  • Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  
  

  Class Location: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (10441 Bayview Edison Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273)

   

  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 to participate in the training. 

  
  

  
  

  Instructors:

  Susan Buis: Susan is a restoration ecologist and native plant horticulturist retired from working for the US Army Corps of Engineers and the WA State Dept of Transportation.  She is also co-founder and former co-owner of Sound Native Plants, an Olympia company that provides a full spectrum of restoration services including design, installation, native plant propagation, maintenance, and monitoring. Before founding her company in 1991, she worked for Yosemite and Olympic National Parks, where she developed and managed restoration projects and native plant propagation.  Ms. Buis has been teaching workshops in restoration design and installation to professional groups and agencies since 1996 and has published articles on creating restoration plant specifications in Hortus West and in Native Plants Journal.  She is a regular guest lecturer on native plant topics in the coastal NW.

  
  

  Lisa Palazzi: Lisa is a retired Certified Professional Wetland Scientist (SWS-PCP) and a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (SSSA).  She has over 32 years of professional experience evaluating wetlands, soils and hydrology in the Pacific Northwest.  Ms. Palazzi has provided expert advice and expert witness services on many hydric soils and wetlands hydrology functions in the Puget Sound region to many different municipalities and agencies.   She consistently receives high marks as a teacher from her students and from workshop participants in these subjects, and she has taught in many different settings, ranging from University-level certification courses to professional conference workshops and even as a guest speaker in elementary, middle school and high school classes.  Therefore, she is not only technically competent in her field of expertise, but capable of explaining that knowledge to a wide range of audiences.  She is familiar with the most common mistakes and misinterpretations of soils and hydrology characteristics made that can cause a restoration project to fail. 

  
  

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• Practical Aspects of Designing and Installing Wetland Mitigation and Restoration Projects - October 13 & 14

  • Start
    Tuesday, October 13, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, October 14, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98503
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  
  

  

  
  

  This two-day class is geared towards those who already have basic knowledge of plants, soils and hydrology and who design and implement compensatory mitigation and restoration projects, and/or those who  review  and  condition  mitigation  plans and want  more technical information. This class focuses on factors to consider when designing wetland projects and protocols to help ensure their success.

  
  

  
  

  Participants will learn:

  •      Factors to consider for site selection
  •      How to develop realistic site-specific goals and objectives and measurable performance standards
  •      Water (hydrology sources and potential hydroperiods - what to look for and evaluate)
  •      Soils (salvaging, amendments, compaction)
  •      Vegetation (source of plant material, salvaging, planting specifications, improving survival, establishing appropriate vegetation communities)
  •      Invasive species (techniques for control and maintenance)
  •      Habitat (design considerations)
  •      Plan specifications (mulches, irrigation, plant materials, habitat features)
  •      Construction and installation considerations
  •      Contingencies, maintenance, and monitoring
  

  
  

  Lunch will be provided both days. (12 AICP CM credits/ CEP Points)

  
  

  The registration fee is $434.80, which is the base fee $400 including tax. 

  
  

  The two-day, in person course will be held on the following days:

  • 1.Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • 2.Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  
  

  Class Location: Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98503

   

  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 to participate in the training. 

  
  

  
  

  Instructors:

  Susan Buis: Susan is a restoration ecologist and native plant horticulturist retired from working for the US Army Corps of Engineers and the WA State Dept of Transportation.  She is also co-founder and former co-owner of Sound Native Plants, an Olympia company that provides a full spectrum of restoration services including design, installation, native plant propagation, maintenance, and monitoring. Before founding her company in 1991, she worked for Yosemite and Olympic National Parks, where she developed and managed restoration projects and native plant propagation.  Ms. Buis has been teaching workshops in restoration design and installation to professional groups and agencies since 1996 and has published articles on creating restoration plant specifications in Hortus West and in Native Plants Journal.  She is a regular guest lecturer on native plant topics in the coastal NW.

  
  

  Lisa Palazzi: Lisa is a retired Certified Professional Wetland Scientist (SWS-PCP) and a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (SSSA).  She has over 32 years of professional experience evaluating wetlands, soils and hydrology in the Pacific Northwest.  Ms. Palazzi has provided expert advice and expert witness services on many hydric soils and wetlands hydrology functions in the Puget Sound region to many different municipalities and agencies.   She consistently receives high marks as a teacher from her students and from workshop participants in these subjects, and she has taught in many different settings, ranging from University-level certification courses to professional conference workshops and even as a guest speaker in elementary, middle school and high school classes.  Therefore, she is not only technically competent in her field of expertise, but capable of explaining that knowledge to a wide range of audiences.  She is familiar with the most common mistakes and misinterpretations of soils and hydrology characteristics made that can cause a restoration project to fail. 

  Show details
• Alternatives to Bulkheads: Course #5 - Techniques for Erosion Control, including Construction Materials and Maintenance (virtual)

  • Start
    Tuesday, October 20, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, October 21, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual (Zoom)
  • Spaces left
    36

  Register

  
  

  This course will explore the range of erosion control measures and restoration techniques applicable to Washington state shorelines as described in the Marine Shoreline Design Guidelines and developed for the Puget Sound region. Descriptions of each of the techniques and where they are appropriate to use will be discussed. The course will also cover the effects of these techniques, provide design examples, and present successful and unsuccessful examples. Included are construction materials, methods, and maintenance. The purpose of this course is to familiarize attendees with various technical assistance and support options.

  
  

   The registration fee is $114.14, which is the base fee $105 including tax (6 AICP CM Credits/CEP Points).

  
  

  This course is offered as part of a series of six courses related to Alternatives to Bulkheads. Courses 1-4 will be offered during Winter 2025 and Spring 2026, and Courses 5-6 will be offered during Fall 2026. 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

  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.

  
  

  Susan Buis: Susan is a restoration ecologist and native plant horticulturist retired from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the WA State Dept of Transportation.  She is also co-founder and former co-owner of Sound Native Plants, an Olympia company that provides a full spectrum of restoration services including design, installation, native plant propagation, maintenance, and monitoring. Before founding her company in 1991, she worked for Yosemite and Olympic National Parks, where she developed and managed restoration projects and native plant propagation.  Ms. Buis has been teaching workshops in restoration design and installation to professional groups and agencies since 1996 and has published articles on creating restoration plant specifications in Hortus West and in Native Plants Journal.  She is a regular guest lecturer on native plant topics in the coastal NW.
  

  Show details
• Using the 2021 Interagency Wetland Mitigation Guidance - virtual

  • Start
    Wednesday, November 04, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Tuesday, November 10, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual (via Zoom)
  • Spaces left
    17

  Register

  
  

  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 $114.14, which is the base fee $105 including tax.

  
  

  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

  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.

  
  

  Teresa Opolka is the Wetlands Policy Lead with the Washington State Department of Ecology, where she works to ensure statewide consistency of the implementation of laws and policies. She is a Professional Wetland Scientist with 25 years of experience in the delineation, assessment and regulation of wetlands in Washington State. Prior to coming to Ecology, she was a consultant where she guided projects through the permitting process. Teresa has a B.S. in Biology from Seattle University.
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Using the Washington State Wetland Rating System in Western Washington - In-person on November 12 & 13 in Thurston County

  • Start
    Thursday, November 12, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Friday, November 13, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Lacey Community Center (6729 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503)
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  This two-day intensive workshop will provide wetland regulators and consultants with practical information and experience in using the 2014 update to the rating system for wetlands in western Washington. It is specifically designed for those who will be using the rating system in the field. You will gain a working knowledge of topics such as the hydrogeomorphic classification of wetlands, how to separate wetlands into units for rating, and how to answer all the questions on the field form. The purpose of the class is to provide you with knowledge so that you can fill out the rating form on your own. You will receive a copy of the rating system manual.
  
  It is important that you already have some experience and/or education in delineating wetlands and identifying natural wetland features such as outlets, boundaries of basins, vegetation classes, and some ability to distinguish between different plant species. The morning sessions will be held inside. The afternoon sessions will be conducted in local wetlands, so dress appropriately. 

  
  

  Both sessions will be in-person on November 12 & 13, 2026, from 9 am - 4:30 pm in Thurston County.

  
  

  The registration fee is $163.05, which is the base fee $150 including tax (13 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points).

  
  

  
  

  Link to rating system:
  https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1406029.html
  

   

  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).  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 to participate in the training. 

  
  

  
  

  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.

   

  
  

  
  

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• Using the Credit-Debit Method for Estimating Mitigation Needs (in-person)

  • When
    Thursday, December 03, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Lacey Community Center (6729 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503)
  • Spaces left
    0

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  This 1-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 new method developed by the Department of Ecology called ""Calculating Credits and Debits for Compensatory Mitigation in Wetlands of Western Washington"" (Ecology Publication #10-06-11). 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 Western Washington (Ecology publication #04-06-025). 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 training will take place at the Lacey Community Center and include instruction  wetlands in near the training site, so dress appropriately. 

  
  

  The registration fee is $114.14, which is the base fee $105 including tax (6 CM AICP Credits/CEP Points).

  
  

  You will receive a copy of the “Credit-Debit” manual. 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 rating system in Western WA.

  
  

  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. 

  
  

  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.

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