Goal B: To build the capacity of wetland managers and public officials at all levels of government to participate in wetland policy development and to build strong, science-based wetland programs.

Activities to achieve Goal B:

• Provide direct technical assistance to states, tribes and others requesting our assistance.

• Analyze the implications of proposed policy changes on wetland resources from an ecological perspective and provide a summary of findings in a plain English format to help assist and inform decision-makers. Likewise analyze the implications of proposed policy changes from a legal and management perspective and provide a plain English analysis to help assist and inform scientists and resource managers.

• Distribute information to wetland managers and others.

• Support the practical implementation of state and tribal programs, recognizing the multiple issues facing many program managers.  Provide assistance both for programs that are focused on a primary issue (such as restoration or regulation), and those that have a mandate to manage wetland resources in a comprehensive manner – and that must therefore consider the relationships between multiple program areas.

• Host forums for sharing information.

• Identify wetland program and policy development issues that have strategic importance for the Association.  Issues may be identified by the Executive Director, the Board, or individual members; the Board and the Executive Director will define priorities for the Association and agree on appropriate actions. Members representing a range of geographic and programmatic interests will be involved in follow-up actions.

• Respond appropriately, effectively and promptly to hot-button issues (such as proposed federal wetland program changes or legal decisions) as they arise.  The Executive Director will communicate with the Board as appropriate on significant issues to reach a rapid consensus on a recommended response.

• Actively pursue partnerships with federal agencies, tribes, states, nonprofit organizations, the regulated community and other organizations and interest groups.

• Host the Natural Floodplain Function Alliance on the NAWM website.

• Support the Wetland Mapping Consortium and make mapping tools readily available to states, tribes and others by hosting “Wetlands One-Stop Mapping” on the NAWM website.

• Prepare analyses of important legal, science and policy issues in partnership with other organizations, e.g., state nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, scientific organizations, law schools, etc.

• Provide support for state/tribal review of reissuance of COE Nationwide permits, and similar recurring issues.

• Hold online discussions, conference calls, webinars, training seminars, workshops and symposia pertaining to a broad range of topics.

• As approved by the Board, provide formal comments to the public record on proposed rules, guidance, and other policies and programs and participate in the preparation of amicus briefs.