2016 Hot Topics Webinars

Wetlands & Climate Change: A Summary of Current Wetland Scientific Findings

Held Tuesday, November 15, 2016 - 3:00 p.m. EST

INTRODUCTION

Marla Stelk, Policy Analyst, ASWM [PRESEANTATION PDF]

PRESENTER

Gillian Davies, PWS, Senior Ecological Scientist, BSC Group, Inc. and President, Society of Wetland Scientists [PRESENTATION PDF]

ABSTRACT

Understanding the relationship between wetlands and climate change is a critical underpinning to developing climate-smart wetland management policy, strategy, and practices that support wetland protection, carbon storage, and wetland-related climate resiliency. This presentation summarized recent scientific findings regarding the role of wetlands in the global carbon cycle, how climate change is impacting wetlands, how wetlands perform carbon storage services and where limitations exist, as well as the role of wetlands in climate resiliency. Differences between types of wetlands will be examined.

BIO

Gillian is currently the President of the international Society of Wetland Scientists, as well as Past President of the New England Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists. Recently, she Chaired the SWS 2015 Annual Meeting Program Committee, which was themed: “Changing Climate. Changing Wetlands.” Gillian has been working as a Senior Ecological Scientist at BSC Group, Inc. since 2003. Prior to that, she was a Circuit Rider for the Division of Wetlands & Waterways in the Northeast Region at Mass DEP. Gillian was a contributing author to the Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report (September, 2011) that is intended to guide climate adaptation policy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Gillian has a Master of Environmental Studies degree from the Yale School of Environmental Studies, and a bachelor’s degree from Williams College. She is a Professional Wetland Scientist, a Registered Soil Scientist, and a New Hampshire Certified Wetland Scientist, with 25 years of experience working in the wetlands field.

Please click only once on each video recording to view in this window.

Part 1: Introduction: Marla Stelk, Policy Analyst, ASWM: Presenter: Gillian Davies, PWS, Senior Ecological Scientist, BSC Group, Inc. and President, Society of Wetland Scientists

Part 1: Introduction: Marla Stelk, Policy Analyst, ASWM
Presenter: Gillian Davies, PWS, Senior Ecological Scientist, BSC Group, Inc. and President, Society of Wetland Scientists

Part 2: Presenter: Gillian Davies, PWS, Senior Ecological Scientist

Part 2: Presenter: Gillian Davies, PWS, Senior Ecological Scientist, BSC Group, Inc. and President, Society of Wetland Scientists
Questions/Answers

Part 3: Questions/Answers

Part 3: Questions/Answers

Wetland Link International Americas Webinar: Sharing Tools and Approaches to Actively Engage Local People at Wetland Sites

Held Wednesday, November 9, 2016 – 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. EDT

INTRODUCTION

Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, ASWM [PRESENTATION PDF]

WEBINAR OVERVIEW

If you work in wetland or environmental education and engagement within the Americas, Wetland Link International (WLI) Americas Network and the Association of State of Wetland Managers invited you to join us for a webinar to learn about practices specifically designed to successfully engage local stakeholders at wetland sites in the Americas. The focus of this webinar was moving stakeholders from passive interest to active engagement in wetland outreach, protection and preservation. Presentations shared engagement practices and lessons learned on various aspects of environmental engagement at wetland sites, including case studies from WLI partners in North, Central and South America.

PRESENTATIONS

Introductory Remarks
Presenter: Chris Rostron, Wetland Link International, UK [PRESENTATION PDF]

Engaging Stakeholders in Wetland Stewardship Activities
Presenter: Laura Chamberlain, Community Engagement Coordinator, WHSRN [PRESENTATION PDF]

Involving Local People in Wetland Science and Monitoring
Presenter: Jaime Torres, Estero del Salado, Mexico [PRESENTATION PDF]

Civil Society’s Role in Protecting Wetlands
Presenter: Patricio Guerrero, Agrupación Defensa y Conservación Maule Mataquito/REDALES (Red Centros de humedales Latinoamérica y El Caribe), Chile [PRESENTATION PDF]

Interactive Discussion
The last segment of the webinar will host an interactive discussion where you are invited to share your experiences working to engage local citizens in wetland projects and protection.

Based on Demand - Option for Real Time Spanish-English Translation

Based on the amount of demand, we have the option to hold the webinar with simultaneous translation between Spanish and English. This translation service must be arranged well in advance of the presentation date, so if you are interested in participating while listening to Spanish translation, please contact chris.rostron@wwt.org.uk.

Presenter Information:

Presenters will include Chris Rostron, Head of Wetland Link International/Member Ramsar CEPA Oversight Panel; Laura Chamberlain, US, Community Engagement Coordinator, Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network Executive Office, Manomet, Inc; Patricio Guerrero, Acción por la Terra, Chile; Jaime Torres, Estero el Salado, Mexico.

Nationwide Permit Rule Webinar #3
Interactive Discussion with States and Tribes on Reviewing the Proposed Rule to Reissue the §404 Nationwide Permits

Held July 6, 2016 - 3:00 p.m. ET

INTRODUCTION

Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, ASWM [PRESENTATION PDF]

FACILITATOR

Jeanne Christie, Association of State of Wetland Managers

ABSTRACT

The Army Corps of Engineers’ Proposal to Reissue and Modify Nationwide Permits (NWPs) was published in the Federal Register on June 1, 2016. The Corps solicited comments for the reissuance of existing NWPs, general conditions and definitions with some modifications. The Corps also proposed to issue two new NWPs and one new general condition.

This third webinar in ASWM’s three-part series on reviewing the Nationwide Permits had been designed to invite webinar participants to share how they have been looking at the proposed NWPs and to identify common issues among states.

Nationwide Permit Rule Webinar #2
Panel on State Processes for Reviewing the Proposed Nationwide Permits and Lessons Learned from States

Held Tuesday, June 14, 2016 – 3:00 p.m. ET

INTRODUCTION

Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, ASWM and Jeanne Christie, Executive Director, ASWM [PRESENTATION PDF]

PRESENTERS

Jeanne Christie, Association of State of Wetland Managers
Jeff Boyles and Joni Lung, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency [PRESENTATION PDF]
Steven Smailer and Tyler Brown, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
[PRESENTATION PDF]
Vena Jones, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation [PRESENTATION PDF]
Heather Preston, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control [PRESENTATION PDF]

ABSTRACT

The Army Corps of Engineers’ Proposal to Reissue and Modify Nationwide Permits was published in the Federal Register on June 1, 2016. The Corps solicited comments for the reissuance of existing NWPs, general conditions and definitions with some modifications. The Corps also proposed to issue two new NWPs and one new general condition.

This second webinar in ASWM’s three-part series on reviewing the Nationwide Permits shared about the various processes states undertake to review the nationwide permits and what types of changes states may want to make. ASWM provided a series of three webinars to assist states as they begin their review process. A focus of this second webinar shared by state presenters and lessons they have learned from reviewing the Nationwides in the past.

BIOS

Jeff Boyles has worked at Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for 16 years with the majority of the time spent in the Division of Surface Water, in the 401 and Isolated Wetland Permit Programs, working on all aspects of the program including permit review, mitigation compliance, database development, and the Interagency Review Team. Jeff is Supervisor of the 401 Section at Ohio EPA.

Joni Lung works in the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Division of Surface Water, 401 and Isolated Wetland Permit Program since 2012, and as an Environmental Specialist 3, she is the lead worker for the program. Her responsibilities include program development, rule and policy development, and special projects such as the general certification for the Nationwide Permits.

Steve Smailer works for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. He became the Section Manager of DNREC’s Wetlands and Subaqueous Lands Section in April of 2015. He previously worked for DNREC as a Hydrogeologist for 10 years, and recently spent 12 years in the private sector before returning back to DNREC.

Tyler Brown also works for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Tyler was hired as an environmental scientist in the Wetlands and Subaqueous Lands Section in May of 2013, and recently became the Program Manager of the section in September of 2015. Previously, he worked at the local Conservation District for 2 years in the agriculture field.

Vena Jones works for the Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation. Vena is lead staff responsible for statewide review of stream focused compensatory mitigation projects, the creation of 401 focused policy and stream mitigation guidance.

Heather Preston works for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Heather has worked for the Department for 23 years. She is currently director of SCDHEC's Water Quality Division where she oversees the 401 Water Quality Certification program among other duties.

Please click only once on each video recording to view in this window.

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, ASWM and Jeanne Christie, Executive Director, ASWM

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, ASWM and Jeanne Christie, Executive Director, ASWM

Part 2: Presenters: Jeff Boyles and Joni Lung, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

Part 2: Presenters: Jeff Boyles and Joni Lung, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

Part 3: Presenter: Steven Smailer and Tyler Brown, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Part 3: Presenter: Steven Smailer and Tyler Brown, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Part 4: Presenter: Vena Jones, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

Part 4: Presenter: Vena Jones, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

Part 5: Presenter: Heather Preston, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

Part 5: Presenter: Heather Preston, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

Part 6: Questions/Answers

Part 6: Questions/Answers

Part 7: Questions/Answers

Part 7: Questions/Answers

Nationwide Permit Rule Webinar #1
The New Nationwide Permit Rule – What You Need to Know

Held Wednesday, June 8, 2016 – 3:00 p.m. ET

INTRODUCTION

Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, ASWM and Jeanne Christie, Executive Director, ASWM [PRESENATION PDF]

PRESENTER

David Olson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [PRESENTATION PDF]

ABSTRACT

On June 1, 2016, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) published its proposal to reissue its Nationwide Permits (NWPs). The NWPs were last reissued in 2012, and expire on March 18, 2017. The NWPs authorize a variety of activities in jurisdictional waters and wetlands under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as long as those activities result in no more than minimal adverse environmental effects. The Corps is proposing to reissue all 50 of its existing NWPs and to issue two new NWPs. The current NWPs authorize various categories of activities, ranging from aids to navigation, mooring buoys, maintenance activities, utility line crossings, residential developments, agriculture activities, and wetland and stream restoration activities. The two proposed new NWPs will authorize the removal of low-head dams and the construction and maintenance of living shorelines. This webinar provided an overview of the proposed NWPs, with a focus on the proposed changes to the NWPs and the topics on which the Corps is soliciting comments. The comment period ended on August 1, 2016.

BIO

David Olson is a Regulatory Program Manager at the Headquarters office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has worked for the Corps since 1991, beginning as a Regulatory Project Manager at the Baltimore District, evaluating permit applications for work in waters and wetlands. In 2002, he began working at his current position at Corps Headquarters. He manages the Corps' nationwide permit program and works on Endangered Species Act compliance. His other responsibilities include providing advice on applying wetland and stream mitigation policies and regulations. He is also developing an approach for cumulative effects analysis in the Corps' regulatory program.

Please click only once on each video recording to view in this window.

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, ASWM and Jeanne Christie, Executive Director, ASWM

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, ASWM and Jeanne Christie, Executive Director, ASWM

Part 2: Presenter: David Olson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Part 2: Presenter: David Olson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Part 3: Presenter: David Olson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Part 3: Presenter: David Olson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Part 4: Presenter: David Olson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Part 4: Presenter: David Olson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Part 5: Questions/Answers

Part 5: Questions/Answers

Part 6: Questions/Answers

Part 6: Questions/Answers

American Wetlands Month: What you can do to protect and restore wetlands

Held Wednesday, May 18, 2016 – 3:00 p.m. ET

INTRODUCTION

Marla Stelk, Policy Analyst, ASWM and Jeanne Christie, Executive Director, ASWM [PRESENTATION PDF]

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of American Wetlands Month (AWM) with ASWM, Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS), EPA, NOAA, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. During this webinar, you’ll hear about federal agency AWM activities and the new Wetland Treasures and Wetland Ambassadors programs from SWS.

PRESENTERS

Kathleen Kutschenreuter, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [PRESENTATION PDF]
Susan-Marie Stedman, NOAA Fisheries [PRESENTATION PDF]
Mitch Bergeson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [PRESENTATION PDF]
Dr. Abbey Tyrna, University of Florida, IFAS Extension [PRESENTATION PDF]
Dr. Bianca Wentzell, Passaic River Institute, Montclair State University [PRESENTATION PDF]

ABSTRACTS

Kathleen Kutschenreuter, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)

May marks the 26th anniversary of American Wetlands Month, a time when EPA and our wetland partners across the country celebrate the vital importance of wetlands to our nation's ecological, economic, and social health. This is an especially great time to learn more about wetlands, explore wetlands, and/or take further action to preserve and protect them. Among the many exciting happenings, EPA has just released the results from the 2011 National Wetlands Condition Assessment (NWCA). This comprehensive nationwide survey encompassed tidal and nontidal wetlands and was the first of its kind to evaluate the ecological condition of our nation’s wetlands. Follow EPA on twitter @EPAwater and tweet pictures of you or others in your community celebrating American Wetlands Month using the hashtag #WetlandsWork.

Susan-Marie Stedman, NOAA Fisheries

In early May, NOAA Fisheries will be launching a new web feature about the wild and tasty fish in our nation's coastal wetlands. From blue crabs in mid-Atlantic seagrass beds, to salmon in Pacific northwest forested wetlands, lots of interesting fish, shellfish, and other fun creatures can be found in the wetlands of our coastal states. In this webinar we clicked you this new web feature called "What's Wild in Our Wetlands?"

Mitch Bergeson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

This presentation provided an overview of two new US Fish and Wildlife Service wetland products. The Wetlands Mapper is available to all users to view on their cell phones and handheld devices. This new mobile friendly version provides wetland scientists, educators and the general public the ability to view wetland map information on their cell phones while standing in the field at their location of interest. The other is the new National Wetlands Inventory, Version 2 dataset. This new derived dataset provides a more comprehensive representation of all surface water and wetland features on the landscape in one polygonal dataset.

Dr. Abbey Tyrna, University of Florida, IFAS Extension

The Society of Wetland Scientists launched its Wetland Treasures initiative to help raise public awareness of wetlands and their many benefits to human health and environmental quality. The Wetland Treasures website will be the premier one-stop-shop for information on a wetland’s biology, ecology, conservation status, and access across the nation. Webinar participants learned about the history, goals and structure of the Wetland Treasures initiative and took a tour of the website to see its many unique features and functions and learned first-hand just how easy it is to submit an application on behalf a favorite wetland.

Dr. Bianca Wentzell, Passaic River Institute, Montclair State University

Dr. Bianca Wentzell introduced the new Wetland Ambassadors Program through the Society of Wetland Scientists. Wetland Ambassadors is an international student exchange program that arranges and provides visiting research fellowships for graduate students interested in wetland science. Dr. Wentzell discussed the mission of this program, details about its launch in the summer of 2017, and potential opportunities for partnership.

BIOS

Kathleen Kutschenreuter is an Environmental Scientist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water Headquarters in Washington D.C. She has over 20 years of domestic and international experience in the areas of environmental research, policy, program development and management, and communications. Since joining EPA in 1997, Kathleen has worked within the Office of Sustainable Ecosystems and Communities and the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds to advance local, state, tribal, national, and international environmental protection and restoration efforts. She holds a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University and two Bachelor of Science degrees - Zoology (aquatic ecology) and Natural Resource Management (environmental science/ethics) - from The Ohio State University. Kathleen served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Central America and also with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources prior to joining the EPA. She is a certified diver, an avid photographer, and adores exploring all things outdoors (especially with her curious toddler)!

Susan-Marie Stedman has worked as a fishery biologist and wetland scientist for over 20 years in the Office of Habitat Conservation, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, in Silver Spring, Maryland. She works on a wide range of wetland-related efforts including Clean Water Act policy and regulation, National Ocean Policy implementation, and NOAA-specific wetland policies. She has a Master’s Degree in Coastal Geology from the University of Delaware and studied marine biology and geology as an undergraduate at Southampton College, New York. Prior to joining NOAA she worked as a wetland consultant in New York and New Jersey.

Mitch Bergeson is a GIS Specialist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service's, National Standards and Support Team in Madison WI. He is the Project Lead for the National Wetlands Inventory database, Wetlands Mapper and the Wetlands Status and Trends Projects. Mitch has over 20 years of experience in the natural resource and geospatial fields and holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Certificate Degree in GIS, both from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Abbey Tyrna is a water resources extension agent for University of Florida IFAS Extension in Sarasota County. She received a Ph.D. in Geography from Penn State under the direction of Robert P. Brooks in 2015. Abbey’s research focused on understanding the changes to wetland hydopatterns across a gradient of human disturbance and the ability of networks to visualize wetland cumulative impacts at the watershed scale. As a wetland enthusiast, Abbey quickly saw the potential of the Society of Wetland Scientists’ Wetland Treasures initiative and jumped at the opportunity to the lead the effort as the chair of the Wetland Treasures subcommittee.

Dr. Bianca Wentzell is currently a postdoctoral research scientist at the Passaic River Institute of Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. She is a wetland ecologist and aquatic plant biologist who focuses on wetland plant response to human impact. Dr. Wentzell also serves as the Chair of the new Wetland Ambassadors Committee at the Society of Wetland Scientists, which is intended to design and implement an international student exchange program for budding wetland scientists around the world.