EVENTS
WPA February Forum: Intergovernmental Relationships between Tribal Nations, the United States, and the State of Minnesota
Where: REI Bloomington, 750 American Blvd. W, Bloomington, MN 55420 (952) 884-4315
The Forum will be held in the REI Conference Room
Cost: FREE for Current Members of the Wetland Professionals Association
$30 for Non-members and $10 for students (both include a 1-year WPA membership)
Agenda:
2:00-2:30 Registration, Cookies, Coffee, and Conversation
2:30-3:30 Presentation
3:30-4:30 Q&A and Discussion
Forum Topic: Tribal Nations have unique legal status, absolute rights, and sovereign authority to protect and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens and territory. The State of Minnesota and Tribal Nations have shared geography, history, people, natural resources, and priorities for the protection of waters and water quality. Participants will gain a better understanding of Tribal sovereignty, treaties, ceded lands and Indian Country, and the unique intergovernmental relationships that exists between Tribal Nations, the United States, and the State of Minnesota -the complex regulatory framework that exists for the protection of water and wetlands, and the importance of working with Tribal Nations on these issues.
Speaker: Melissa King (Odaawaa-Zaaga’iganiing, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe) has been with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) for six years and is currently the agency’s Tribal Liaison. In her role she works to cultivate meaningful relationships with Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations. She provides guidance to the agency to ensure that BWSR’s work is guided by principles of respect for Tribal sovereignty and brings awareness of and ensures Tribal values and concerns are considered into agency initiatives and policymaking.
MPWCP Credits: 2 hours
PWS Credits: 2 hours
WPA Extended Forum
Please join us on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 for a special extended forum in the Dakota Lodge at Thompson County Park. We are pleased to have presenters from the USACE, BWSR, MN DNR, and MPCA to speak on a variety of current wetland topics. See the attached flier for more details and use the Google Form link below to register!
Date and time: Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 12:45 PM
Location: Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN 55118
Sign-up: Help us plan accordingly by RSVPing for this event by Friday, January 3rd with the following Google Form link: https://forms.gle/WaS3L6e7HXySzxka8
Cost: Free for Current Members of the WPA*, $30 for non-members and $10 for students (both include a 1-year WPA membership)
Agenda:
8:15-8:30 AM Check-in with coffee and snacks
8:30-9:15 AM Jurisdictional Waters: Tributaries and Publicly Available Project-specific Memos by Brian Yagle, USACE Regulatory Ecologist
Break
9:30-10:45 AM Hydrogeomorphic Method of Classifying Wetlands in MN: the Background and Science of HGM by David Demmer, BWSR Wetland Specialist
Break
11:00-11:30 AM Wetland Quantity Status and Trends: 2006 – 2020 by Jennie Skancke, MN DNR Wetlands Program Coordinator
11:30 AM-12:00 PM Status and Trends of Wetlands in Minnesota: Minnesota Wetland Condition Assessment (2011-2021) by Michael Bourdaghs, MPCA Environmental Research Scientist
12:00-12:45 PM: Questions and adjourn
MPWCP Credits: 3.5 hours anticipated
PWS Credits: 3.5 hours
WCA Draft Listening Session for Local Government Staff
WCA Rulemaking LGU Listening Sessions
BWSR will be conduct two listening sessions to solicit comments and respond to questions on the draft Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) rule from Local Government staff responsible for implementing the WCA, Soil & Water Conservation District staff who serve on a Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP), and consultants who represent a WCA Local Government Unit (LGU). Registration is required if you wish to participate in one of these online sessions. A complete Draft WCA Rule will be posted at least one week prior to the first session, and session registrants will be notified when it is posted. Sessions will be recorded and posted on this page. These sessions are just one of the options for providing input on the Draft WCA Rule. Comments on the draft rule may be sent to any of the listed contacts at the bottom of this page at any time during this informal portion of the rulemaking process. BWSR staff are also available to meet with individuals or groups to discuss the draft rule. After adoption of the draft rule by the Board (early 2025), there will be additional opportunities to provide comments during the formal rulemaking process. To better focus our listening sessions, we are asking registrants to notify Lewis Brockette of any specific rule provisions you would like to discuss during the session. We will use this feedback to help prioritize the agenda for the sessions.
November 25, 1 - 3:30pm
December 17, 1 - 3:30pm
Registration Link: LGU Listening Sessions Registration
Rulemaking information as well as this registration link can be found on BWSR’s rulemaking page
WPA Forum: Tribal Relations, US, and Minnesota
Please join us either virtually or in-person Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 from 2:30 - 4:30 PM for a November forum. We are pleased to have BWSR Agency Tribal Liaison, Melissa King, for a discussion on intergovernmental relationships between tribal nations and the United States and the State of Minnesota!
In-person: REI Training Room at 750 American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN 55420.
Topic: Intergovernmental Relationships between Tribal Nations and the United States and State of Minnesota
Forum Topic: Tribal Nations have unique legal status, absolute rights, and sovereign authority to protect and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens and territory. The State of Minnesota and Tribal Nations have shared geography, history, people, natural resources, and priorities for the protection of waters and water quality. Participants will gain a better understanding of Tribal sovereignty, treaties, ceded lands and Indian Country, and the unique intergovernmental relationships that exists between Tribal Nations and the United States and State of Minnesota –the complex regulatory framework that exists for the protection of waters and wetlands, and the importance of working with Tribal Nations on these issues.
Speaker: Melissa King (Odaawaa-Zaaga'iganiing, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe) has been with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) for six years and is currently the agency’s Tribal Liaison. In her role she works to cultivate meaningful relationships with Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations. She provides guidance to the agency to ensure that BWSR’s work is guided by principles of respect for Tribal sovereignty and brings awareness of and ensures Tribal values and concerns are considered into agency initiatives and policy-making
MPWCP Credits: 2 hours, pending
PWS Credits: 2 hours
WCA Program Update - Rulemaking LGU Listening Sessions
Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Program Update – WCA Rulemaking LGU Listening Sessions, Local Government Road Wetland Replacement Program
Date: 9/20/2024
WCA Rulemaking LGU Listening Sessions
Two listening sessions will be held to solicit feedback on the current rulemaking effort.
October 9 (1-3pm)
October 15 (10am-12pm)
These sessions are an opportunity for WCA local government unit staff, SWCD staff serving on WCA Technical Evaluation Panels, their representatives, and other staff directly involved in the implementation of WCA to provide feedback on BWSR’s proposed rule changes. Various components of potential rule changes have been discussed and presented through both formal and informal means. Recorded presentations, the rulemaking plan, and a compilation of comments received can be found here. A complete draft of the revised rule will be made available a week or so prior to the first session. At that time, participants will be asked to identify specific parts of the draft rule they would like to discuss/comment on during the session and send it to lewis.brockette@state.mn.us. We will use this feedback to prioritize topics during the session. Note that although there have been several notices and comment periods published in the State Register (2015, 2022, 2024), BWSR will continue to accept any comments on rulemaking up to publication of the draft rules in the State Register this winter. That will initiate the more formal portion of the rulemaking process whereby there will be additional opportunities to provide comments during specified comment periods as required by state law. BWSR’s WCA rulemaking involves modifying the rule to incorporate statute changes from 2011-2024, developing new provisions as directed by statute, and modifying other parts to improve outcomes and implementation. BWSR’s rulemaking cannot modify the statutory changes, it can only add clarification where needed.
You must register to attend a session. Use the following form to register: https://www.cognitoforms.com/BWSR9/DraftWCARuleListeningSessionForLocalGovernmentStaff. An email with information on how to join, logistics, and agenda will be sent to all qualified registrants prior to the date of the session.
Local Government Road Wetland Replacement Program
Applications involving the use of the Local Government Road Wetland Replacement Program (LGRWRP) that have been signed by the TEP should be sent to LGRWRP.BWSR@state.mn.us. This change in contact has been updated on Attachment E of the Joint Application Form as well as BWSR’s guidance on preparing and processing LGRWRP applications. Please review the guidance document and make sure these applications are routed correctly for processing.
POSTPONED - WCA Program Update - Rulemaking LGU Listening Sessions
Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Program Update – WCA Rulemaking LGU Listening Sessions, Local Government Road Wetland Replacement Program
Date: 9/20/2024
WCA Rulemaking LGU Listening Sessions
Two listening sessions will be held to solicit feedback on the current rulemaking effort.
October 9 (1-3pm)
October 15 (10am-12pm)
These sessions are an opportunity for WCA local government unit staff, SWCD staff serving on WCA Technical Evaluation Panels, their representatives, and other staff directly involved in the implementation of WCA to provide feedback on BWSR’s proposed rule changes. Various components of potential rule changes have been discussed and presented through both formal and informal means. Recorded presentations, the rulemaking plan, and a compilation of comments received can be found here. A complete draft of the revised rule will be made available a week or so prior to the first session. At that time, participants will be asked to identify specific parts of the draft rule they would like to discuss/comment on during the session and send it to lewis.brockette@state.mn.us. We will use this feedback to prioritize topics during the session. Note that although there have been several notices and comment periods published in the State Register (2015, 2022, 2024), BWSR will continue to accept any comments on rulemaking up to publication of the draft rules in the State Register this winter. That will initiate the more formal portion of the rulemaking process whereby there will be additional opportunities to provide comments during specified comment periods as required by state law. BWSR’s WCA rulemaking involves modifying the rule to incorporate statute changes from 2011-2024, developing new provisions as directed by statute, and modifying other parts to improve outcomes and implementation. BWSR’s rulemaking cannot modify the statutory changes, it can only add clarification where needed.
You must register to attend a session. Use the following form to register: https://www.cognitoforms.com/BWSR9/DraftWCARuleListeningSessionForLocalGovernmentStaff. An email with information on how to join, logistics, and agenda will be sent to all qualified registrants prior to the date of the session.
Local Government Road Wetland Replacement Program
Applications involving the use of the Local Government Road Wetland Replacement Program (LGRWRP) that have been signed by the TEP should be sent to LGRWRP.BWSR@state.mn.us. This change in contact has been updated on Attachment E of the Joint Application Form as well as BWSR’s guidance on preparing and processing LGRWRP applications. Please review the guidance document and make sure these applications are routed correctly for processing.
Minnesota DNR webinar - PWI Update
News release: Minnesota DNR webinar to explain Public Waters Inventory update project
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will conduct a webinar for anyone interested in learning more about the department’s project to update Minnesota’s Public Waters Inventory. The webinar will be held from 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Here is the link and phone option for joining the webinar:
Join link
https://minnesota.webex.com/minnesota/j.php?MTID=m0fa5b7ce5e793dee07a028f26f9aa59c opens in a new browser tab
Webinar number:
2486 954 6512
Webinar password:
PWIUpdate (79487328 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by phone
+1-415-655-0003 United States Toll
1-855-282-6330 United States Toll Free
Access code:
248 695 46512
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations (27 CEC)
The course provides an introduction to both wetland delineation and wetland regulations in Minnesota. See the past agenda for more detail on course content. Most days involve a field exercise. Successful completion of the course qualifies individuals to take the Professional In-Training exam which is administered on the last day of the class. Class fee: $975 ($475 for SWCD or WCA LGU).
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Arden Hills- June 10-14
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Brainerd - September 9-13
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Arden Hills- September 30-October 4
Sax-Zim Bog Tour
Join us on Sunday, September 22nd for a field trip to the Sax-Zim Bog! We will meet at the Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center at 8793 Owl Avenue, Toivola, MN at 10:30am. This event is anticipated to receive 3.5 hours of continuing education credit. Please use the Google Forms URL below for registration and additional details:
https://forms.gle/GG9fGYg5DkEjm4Rz8
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H2Xoaq3Rzdsfi4ir7
Sax-Zim Website: https://saxzim.org/
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations (27 CEC)
The course provides an introduction to both wetland delineation and wetland regulations in Minnesota. See the past agenda for more detail on course content. Most days involve a field exercise. Successful completion of the course qualifies individuals to take the Professional In-Training exam which is administered on the last day of the class. Class fee: $975 ($475 for SWCD or WCA LGU).
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Arden Hills- June 10-14
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Brainerd - September 9-13
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Arden Hills- September 30-October 4
MWPCP Regional Training
Redwood Falls Community Center – August 27-28 (6 CEC per day)
This two-day intermediate course will work through WCA enforcement cases and assessing WCA impacts. The session will also include a LGU and consultant panel conversation discussing various application types. Day two will cover a regional overview of the geology, soils and landscape position of wetlands in the glacial plains, Chapter 5 of the Corps Regional Supplement, Common indicators of HGM classes, and a field delineation exercise. Class fee: $60 per day
PUBLIC INPUT ON DRAFT WETLAND ASSESSMENT TOOL
Wisconsin DNR and Minnesota Agencies will have an informational meeting with an overview of the tool and data sources and time for Q&A on August 8th at 2:00 pm. Public input on the beta version of the tool will be accepted until August 30, 2024. Comments can include completed forms and documentation to illustrate concerns or questions with functionality or user guide instructions. Please submit comments to Tom Pearce at thomas.pearce@wisconsin.gov.
BWSR Technical Training: Wetland Plant ID
Wetland Plant ID- Lino Lakes (July 16) or Cloquet Forestry Center (July 18) (6 CEC per day)
The course will cover the basic concepts of plant identification, mapping plant communities, the ecologic role of plant communities in landscapes, wetland restoration, installation, and management. Participants can choose either date as they will be identical courses taught at two different venues. Class fee: $60. (Please note that an additional lunch cost for catering at the Cloquet Forestry Center may be applied at the time of registration.)
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/wetland-training-opportunities
https://www.cognitoforms.com/BWSR9/MWPCPTrainingAndExamRegistrationForm2024
Advance Sedges of Minnesota ID Workshop
Advanced Sedges of Minnesota- Three Day Identification Workshop- July 17-July 19, 2024. Sponsored by Critical Connections Ecological Services – 18 continuing education credit hours for MWPCP. Must have proof of participation (i.e. certificate, email confirmation, etc.).
Note that if you attend any of these events you must submit a Credit Hour Reporting Form to BWSR to receive the approved credits for your continuing education requirements. The reporting form can only be submitted after you attend.
Workshops | Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. (ccesinc.com)
BWSR Technical Training: Wetland Plant ID
Wetland Plant ID- Lino Lakes (July 16) or Cloquet Forestry Center (July 18) (6 CEC per day)
The course will cover the basic concepts of plant identification, mapping plant communities, the ecologic role of plant communities in landscapes, wetland restoration, installation, and management. Participants can choose either date as they will be identical courses taught at two different venues. Class fee: $60. (Please note that an additional lunch cost for catering at the Cloquet Forestry Center may be applied at the time of registration.)
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/wetland-training-opportunities
https://www.cognitoforms.com/BWSR9/MWPCPTrainingAndExamRegistrationForm2024
WPA Forum: GHG Emission Reduction and Peatland Restoration
Please join us July 10th from 2:30 - 4:00 PM for a virtual only forum. We are pleased to have Maya Swope from The Nature Conservancy and Andrew Werthmann from The Pew Charitable Trusts to discuss greenhouse gas emissions reduction and climate change mitigation potential through peatland restoration in Minnesota. See flyer for more details and forum link.
This is a virtual only event.
BWSR Technical Training: FQA
Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA) Method- MNDOT Shoreview Training Center – June 17 or 18 (6 CEC per day)
This course is intended for wetland professionals with a basic understanding of botany and functional assessments who want to familiarize themselves with the FQA method. The course will cover the key concepts and components of the Rapid FQA, field sampling protocol, metric calculations, and reporting. Participants can choose either date as they will be identical courses. Class fee: $60
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/wetland-training-opportunities
https://www.cognitoforms.com/BWSR9/MWPCPTrainingAndExamRegistrationForm2024
WPA Happy Hour
Come socialize with other wetland professionals at a WPA happy hour event on Thursday, June 13th! We will be gathering at Sawmill Saloon in Virginia, MN to enjoy drinks and food while mingling with other WPA members. Hope to see you there!
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations (27 CEC)
The course provides an introduction to both wetland delineation and wetland regulations in Minnesota. See the past agenda for more detail on course content. Most days involve a field exercise. Successful completion of the course qualifies individuals to take the Professional In-Training exam which is administered on the last day of the class. Class fee: $975 ($475 for SWCD or WCA LGU).
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Arden Hills- June 10-14
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Brainerd - September 9-13
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Arden Hills- September 30-October 4
BWSR Technical Training: Wetland Delineation
Wetland Delineation Methods- Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center- Spicer- May 29-31 (18 CEC)
This three-day applied course will provide an introduction to the 3-parameter approach of wetland delineation. Topics will include: wetland delineation methods, classification systems, hydrology indicators, hydric soil indicators, vegetation dominance tests and delineation reports. All days involve a field exercise to apply the skills. Each participant will participate in a field practicum on the final day. Note this course does not cover wetland regulations. Class fee: $600 ($300 for SWCD or WCA LGU).
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/wetland-training-opportunities
https://www.cognitoforms.com/BWSR9/MWPCPTrainingAndExamRegistrationForm2024
BWSR Technical Training: Wetland Restoration
Wetland Restoration-McLeod County Fairgrounds- May 15-16 (12 CEC)
This two day intermediate course will provide the foundation of wetland restoration. It is recommended for SWCD and NRCS staff who have at least a beginners level understanding of wetland delineation and who want to advance their knowledge in applying those concepts to successfully restore wetlands in both conservation or mitigation projects. This course is being offered in collaboration with the BWSR Technical Training and Certification Program. Class fee: $120 for both days.
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/wetland-training-opportunities
https://www.cognitoforms.com/BWSR9/MWPCPTrainingAndExamRegistrationForm2024
BWSR Hydric Soils Technical Training
Hydric Soils- Albany City Hall and Two Rivers County Park, Stearns County- April 30 & May 1 (6 CEC per day)
This class will open with lectures on hydric soil development on glacial landforms, landscape position of wetlands in the eastern broadleaf forests of MN, common hydric soil indicators, and offsite resources such as the soil survey, LIDAR and aerial photography. Participants will spend the afternoon in field stations with soil scientists writing soil profile descriptions, interpreting soil catinas along landscapes, and identifying hydric soil indicators. Participants can choose either date as they will be identical courses. This course is being offered in collaboration with the MN Association of Professional Soil Scientists. Class fee: $60 ($30 for SWCD or WCA LGU).
Wetland Training Opportunities | MN Board of Water, Soil Resources (state.mn.us)
Marcell Experimental Forest Field Trip
Join us on Wednesday, April 24th for a field trip to the Marcell Experimental Forest north of Grand Rapids! Directions for parking are provided on the attached Travel Guide. Forest Service Research Hydrologist, Stephen Sebestyen, will present an overview of the Marcell Experimental Forest and Spruce and Peatland Responses under Changing Environments (SPRUCE) experiment and lead on a tour including bog and fen wetlands as well as the SPRUCE experimental site! Carpool options will be provided from the Twin Cities metro. This event is anticipated to be approved for 3 MWPCP continuing education hours.
Use the Google Forms URL below to register! Attendance will be limited to 20 people.
BWSR TEP Academy
TEP Academy- St Cloud MNDOT Training Facility- April 9 (6 CEC)
This course is intended for professionals who serve on a Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) implementing WCA. The course is designed to focus on roles, procedures, important concepts and some common scenarios TEP members encounter. Participants should have some basic level knowledge of how the WCA is implemented but direct experience on a TEP is not required. Class fee: $60 ($30 for SWCD or WCA LGU).
Wetland Training Opportunities | MN Board of Water, Soil Resources (state.mn.us)
April WPA Forum: Floristic Quality Assessment and Hydrogeomorphic Approach
Please join us either virtually or in-person Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 from 2:30 - 4:30 PM for our April forum. We are pleased to have Michael Bourdaghs from MPCA to discuss Floristic Quality Assessment and David Demmer from BWSR to discuss Hydrogeomorphic Approach. Instructions for both in‑person and virtual attendance are below. This forum has been approved for 2 hours of MWPCP continuing education credits.
In-person: REI Training Room at 750 American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN 55420.
Virtual Meeting Link*:
Join from the meeting link
Join by meeting number
Meeting number (access code): 2633 173 6255
Meeting password: MinnesotaWPA! (64663768 from phones and video systems)
*If you are looking to earn on-line MWPCP credit for this forum, remember to include both your first and last name when joining virtually.
WPA Forum: Calcareous Fens - Identification, Hydrology, & Regulation
Topic: Calcareous Fens - Identification, Hydrology, & Regulation
Please join us either virtually or in-person Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 from 2:30 - 4:30 PM for our March forum. We are pleased to have DNR Regional Ecologist, Megan Benage, to discuss the identification, hydrology, and regulation of calcareous fens! Instructions for both in‑person and virtual attendance are below. This forum has been approved for 2 hours of MWPCP continuing education credits.
The forum will be held in-person at the REI Training Room at 750 American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN 55420.
Virtual Meeting Link:
Meeting number: 2630 209 7020
Password: MinnesotaWPA! (64663768 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone: +1-650-479-3208
Wisconsin Wetland Science Conference
The Wisconsin Wetlands Association 2024 conference will be held February 20-22, 2024, at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Conference details can be found at conference.wisconsinwetlands.org.
Presentation proposals are due November 15, 2023 and can be submitted at https://conference.wisconsinwetlands.org/call-for-proposals/.
If you have any questions, please contact the Wisconsin Wetlands Association directly at conference@wisconsinwetlands.org or 608-250-9971.
February Forum
WPA February will be hosted at REI and online via Webex. This forum will focus on WCA rulemaking, 404 assumption, and updates from BWSR. More information to come!
Wetland Conservation Act 101 Virtual Training
The MWPCP Wetland Conservation Act 101 Virtual Training is coming up on February 5 & 6, 2024. The course will be held from 8:30-12 on both days. Registration is not required and there is no fee to attend the virtual training. Participants can choose to attend one or both of the days.
The link to the course: https://minnesota.webex.com/meet/TTCP
The same link will be used for both days. Please feel free to share this with anyone you think might be interested.
This is a repeat virtual course that is intended for individuals who are relatively new to the wetland business in MN. The course will walk through (or at least touch on) each major section of the MN Wetland Conservation Act. The course is specifically geared towards new Local Government Unit (LGU) and Technical Evaluation Panel members but is very useful for all wetland professionals who want to understand the regulatory world of wetlands in Minnesota. Experienced professionals could also take this course as a refresher.
The agenda for the course:
Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) 101 Virtual Training- February 5-6 (3 online CEC per day)
Day One (Feb 5, 8:30am-noon)- Introduction to wetland regulatory programs in MN, Purpose and scope of the WCA, Local Government Unit (LGU) duties, Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) procedures, WCA application procedures, and enforcement procedures.
Day Two (Feb 6, 8:30am-noon)- Common WCA decisions, wetland replacement plans, and wetland banking.
Feel free to email us at bwsr.mwpcp@state.mn.us with any questions.