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Wetlands: Science and Regulatory Management

A photo of a flooded wetland surrounded by trees

The objective of this 2-day course is to provide attendees with an overview of wetlands and wetlands management. 

The course will touch on the regulatory basis for the protection of wetlands in the United States, including a discussion of recent and attempted changes to wetland regulation.  In addition, there will be an overview of the methods used to delineate the boundaries of wetlands, as well as a summary of the various methods used to perform functional assessments.  Special focus will be given to the strategies and approaches to developing Nationwide and Individual Permits under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 regulation.  Additionally, there will be detailed discussions on the planning and execution of wetlands mitigation projects.

Course Testimonials:

“Really good broad overview to the various aspects of the wetlands permitting, regulatory, & mitigation process. Perfect for a professional like me who is familiar with wetlands concepts while wanting to learn specifics and how to’s.”Dave G. Oct 2016

“There was a great balance of breadth & depth for the course topic. It touched on a wide variety of areas pertaining to wetlands and their regulation under the CWA. The course gave me the background info & context to better understand wetlands management and mitigation. Chuck did a great job presenting the context & incorporating his wealth of experience in the field of environmental consulting and wetlands mitigation/permitting.” Angie F. Oct 2016

 

 

 

Intended audience

This course is intended for environmental professionals involved in wetlands management such as consultants, regulators, lawyers, and those in technical/scientific positions.

CEUs
1.40
Course Topics
  • Introduction
  • Overview of wetlands
    • What makes a wetlands?
    • Why are wetlands important?
  • Regulatory framework
    • Federal 404 process
    • State regulations
    • Local and County regulations
    • Association with other regulations – NEPA; ESA; NHPA
    • Recent developments in regulations
  • Wetlands delineation
    • Overview of the three-parameter process
    • Historical approaches to delineation
    • USACOE Wetlands Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements
  • Functional Assessments
  • Wetlands Permitting
    • Nationwide versus Individual Permits
    • Strategic approaches to permitting
    • Permit components
  • Wetlands mitigation
    • Approaches to mitigation
  • Wetlands Construction – Restoration/Creation
    • Initial Steps
    • Planning and design – key elements
    • Construction approaches
    • Planting
    • Use of ecological/habitat enhancements
    • Monitoring
  • Special Wetland Topics
  • Conclusion
Course Materials
*Registered attendees will receive a PDF copy of course materials prior to the class. A hard copy may be requested for United States addresses.
What to bring

A computer with an internet connection. You may wish to have your text available and pencil and paper to take notes.

Upcoming Course Sessions Format Session Schedule Location
GHYD-375 September 23-25, 2026 Online: Live Webinar September 23, 2026 9:30 am - 1:30 pm EDT
September 24, 2026 9:30 am - 1:30 pm EDT
September 25, 2026 9:30 am - 1:30 pm EDT

Cancellations

  • With 31 or more days notice, we will offer a 100% refund or credit towards a future course. The credit is good for one year and may be applied to any course.
  • With 30–8 days notice, we will offer a course credit towards a future course. The credit is good for one year and may be applied to any course.
  • With fewer than 8 days notice, there is no course credit available.

Please note that attendee replacement is welcome at any time.