The Region 5 Tribal Wetlands Working Group (TWWG) is a tribally led collaborative that includes tribal wetland staff from across EPA Region 5 (including Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Indiana). The mission of the TWWG is to facilitate collaboration and networking among Region 5 Tribes to build tribal program capacity and staff expertise related to wetland management, monitoring, restoration, and conservation.
The objectives of the TWWG are as follows:
- Provide training and other opportunities to share ideas and expertise on topics relating to all aspects of wetland management and protection.
- Identify regional trends and issues affecting tribal communities and tribal wetland resources, and collaborate to find pragmatic solutions.
- Create a collaborative network to help tribal wetland staff develop or improve skills related to site planning, determining desired restoration outcomes, restoration techniques, project management, construction considerations, and long-term management considerations.
- Provide a way for Tribes to connect and relearn indigenous science and work to perpetuate cultural aspects of wetlands
Being part of the TWWG allows Tribes in Region 5 to learn from each other, leverage funding, and participate in training opportunities. Membership in the TWWG is open to all Region 5 Tribes and includes, but is not limited to, tribal wetlands and water program staff. There are no obligations for being a member and a Tribe does not need a formal wetland program to participate in the TWWG.
The TWWG plans to hold two virtual meetings and one in-person training workshop per year. In summer 2024, the TWWG held a series of wetland plant identification training sessions.
For more information about the TWWG or to be added to the distribution list, please email R5TWWG@gmail.com. This inbox is monitored by TWWG Co-Leads Mike Jones (Stockbridge-Munsee Community) and Alexis DeGabriele (Little River Band of Ottawa Indians).
The National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM), through the generous support of EPA, facilitates the effective operation of the TWWG. If you have questions for NAWM, please contact Portia Osborne at portia@nawm.org.