We invite you to join us for NAWM’s Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting, to be held at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) from June 17-20, 2024. This year’s theme is “Filling the Gaps & Embracing Change.” The purpose of this annual meeting is to support state and Tribal wetland program managers, and other wetland professionals as they respond to challenges in the coming year.
 

DATES June 17-20, 2024 LOCATION National Conservation Training Center 698 Conservation Way Shepherdstown, WV 25443 Phone: 877-706-6282 or 304-876-7900 AGENDA  Final Draft Agenda (Updated 5/1/24 / PDF) ABSTRACTS  Call for Abstracts is now closed.       SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Sponsor this Great Event! (PDF)    SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS Friday, May 24, 202 Sponsorship Deadline   CALL FOR RAFFLE ITEMS We are accepting Raffle donations. Please contact Dawn Smith (dawn@nawm.org) for more information. Deadline to submit a raffle item is Friday, May 31st.    REGISTRATION     Standard Registration Rates   March 4 - May 31 GO TO RATES  Late Registration Rate  REGISTER HERE  Late Registration Rates          June 1 - June 7

This Year's Keynote Speaker Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality   WELCOME TO OUR SPONSORS:

A limited number of scholarships are available to U.S. citizens to assist those in need to cover travel, lodging and/or registration costs to attend NAWM's Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting. Our intent is to support as many people as possible with the limited amount of funding that we have. If you are able to cover some of your expenses, that will enable more of our colleagues to attend.

Scholarships may be provided to those who are eligible for up to a maximum of $1,000 in expenses. Please note that scholarships are provided as reimbursements for expenses paid - receipts are required for reimbursement. Registration expenses will be waived (versus reimbursed) and will be considered as part of the total scholarship expense amount approved.

Jon A. Kusler Student Scholarship Competition is now closed.

The Jon A. Kusler Student Scholarship Award was created in 2020 to honor the legacy of the late Dr. Jon A. Kusler, Esq., NAWM’s founder and one of the most influential thinkers of our time regarding wetland and floodplain science, policy, and law. Jon paved the way for wetland and floodplain protection around the world, challenging us to think beyond the norm – to find new and innovative ways to solve some of our most pressing environmental issues. This competitive award funds all expenses* for one or more U.S.-based students to attend the National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination (STFC) Meeting and is open to any student with a declared major in wetland (or other aquatic resource) science, policy, law, or a related field in either the undergraduate or graduate level. 
 

FIELD TRIP THE FIELD TRIP IS FULL; PLEASE JOIN THE WAIT LIST WHEN REGISTERING

Thursday, June 20, 2023 – 1:30pm – 4:30pm.

Altona Marsh Visit

West Virginia DEP and TNC will lead us on a tour of the Altona marsh complex.

The marsh complex is composed of 6 different aquatic resource types including a marl fen and marsh composed or rare plant populations. TNC in conjunction with WVDNR is currently managing the location for spotted turtles and rare plant population habitat. During the site visit you will have the opportunity to observe various wetland/aquatic resource types including a marl hardstem bulrush fen, marl marsh, goldenrod wet meadow, swamp/marsh mosaic, silver maple swamp and beaver influenced open water area. We plan to have an NRCS soil scientist at the site to discuss marl/peat soil types and formation. The location will also provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss beaver establishment best practices, invasive species control, and the balance between species and conflicting habitat requirements. We hope that you will be able to join NAWM and WVDEP for this opportunity to visit this unique West Virginia wetlands complex.

We plan to carpool from NCTC to visit this site. Lunch will be served in the dining hall prior to the field visit.

The visit will involve hiking and wet locations so please bring appropriate footwear along with water, bug repellent, sunscreen, and any other items you may need for the field. If you have any special needs or specific concerns, please let us know.

See Registration Rates above for Field Trip cost.

LODGING INFORMATION / RATES 

The National Conservation Training Center (NCTC)
698 Conservation Way
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Phone: 877-706-6282 or 304-876-7900

ROOM RATE

Single Room Rate is $201 per person per night (includes $20 per night sustainability fee and meal plan). Participants who lodge on-site must participate in the NCTC Meal Plan that begins with dinner on the day of check-in and ends with lunch on the day of check-out. Credit for missed meals is not given. Please call NCTC for reservations and mention that you are part of the NAWM room block. Please note, NCTC does not have any rooms available for the night of Friday, June 21.

Deadline for room reservations is Friday, May 17, 2024. After this date please call NCTC for room availability.

COMMUTER INFORMATION

Guests who lodge off-site or commute should check in at the front desk upon arrival. For meals: you may elect to take meals a la carte or purchase a lunch pass. Cost for meals: Breakfast: $17.00; Lunch: $18.00; Dinner: $34.00. Meal plan is $74.00. Credit for missed meals is not given. Late arrivals and early departures may be accommodated with advance notice. More information on meal plans can be found here.

LOCATION INFORMATION 

The National Conservation Training Center, or frequently referred to as NCTC, is located just 60 miles or just over 1 hour outside the Washington DC metropolitan beltway. They are part of the Shepherdstown, West Virginia community also known for the nearby state university just down the road. They are located closest to the Washington Dulles International Airport, but many customers also use Baltimore/Washington International and Reagan National (DC) Airport. 

SHUTTLE SERVICE

Shuttle Service is only available for arrivals from Dulles Airport to NCTC. The cost is $100 per person for one way or round trip. You may reserve a time for the shuttle when making your room reservation by calling the Hotel Reservations office at 304-876-7900 no later than 14 days prior to the start of the event. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

Shuttle Schedule from Dulles to NCTC for Sunday, June 16:

Depart Dulles 1:00 p.m. ET - Arrive NCTC: 3:00 p.m. ET
Depart Dulles 4:00 p.m. ET - Arrive NCTC: 6:00 p.m. ET
Depart Dulles: 7:00 p.m. ET - Arrive NCTC: 9:00 p.m. ET

Shuttle Schedule from NCTC to Dulles for Friday, June 21:

Depart NCTC: 1:30 pm. ET - Arrive Dulles: 3:30 p.m. ET
Depart NCTC: 4:30 p.m. ET - Arrive Dulles: 6:30 p.m. ET

More detailed Shuttle Information can be found here.

Shuttle Cancellation Policy: All participants, including FWS and partner employees must cancel their shuttle reservations no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the event. Otherwise, you will be charged the full shuttle cost. Note: Rates are subject to change.

CARPOOL

Carpool Sign Up. Add your name as a driver or join a carpool.

MAPS

Google Maps: Mapping websites have a difficult time locating NCTC using their mailing address. However, Google Maps will show you how to get to the NCTC entrance via 100 Col Shepherd Rd, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, USA.

NCTC FACILITY

About NCTC

General Information: Phone, Hours, Dining, Day Care, Service, Gym

NCTC: Points of Interest, USFWS Conservation Library, USFWS Conservation Museum and Archives, Vallen Comrades Memorial Wall, Elm Grove Overlook, Butterfly Garden

Facility Activities: Birding, Fishing, Hunting, Hiking, Running, and Photography

							CONTACT INFORMATION
							Agenda Marla Stelk, Executive Director National Association of Wetland Managers (207) 892-3399; marla@nawm.org			General Information Laura Burchill, Office Manager National Association of Wetland Managers 500 Washington Avenue, Suite 201, Portland, ME 04103 (207) 892-3399; laura@nawm.org