Course Description:

This 4-day lecture and field course will focus on the North Carolina Stream Assessment Method (Version 2.1) (NC SAM) that was implemented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District (USACE) in a public notice dated April 21, 2015. The USACE intends to utilize NC SAM for internal reviews of permit applications, including decisions regarding the amount and type of compensatory mitigation, avoidance and minimization of impacts, or other decisions pertaining to aquatic resource quality and functions on a case-by-case basis. Environmental consultants, federal and state agency personnel, and local government staff members who deal with regulatory programs related to streams are encouraged to attend. Emphasis will be on the identification of North Carolina stream categories, determination of evaluation areas, discussion of evaluation concepts and functional assessment metrics, familiarization with common stream aquatic life, experience using the computer rating calculator, and field exercises in both undisturbed and disturbed streams. The course will conclude with a written test and aquatic life practical, and successful students will be presented with a Certificate of Training. Although the method is specific to North Carolina, this course may also be useful for professionals who work in neighboring states. In the past, continuing education credits have been requested and approved for Foresters (SAF), Engineers (NCBELS), Landscape Architects (NCBOLA), Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC), and Storm Water Quality (CPSWQ). Please let us know if you want any of those credits when you register. In addition, others can be sought upon request. Applicants interested in obtaining continuing education credits must notify us by email so that appropriate arrangements can be made.