Course Description:

This 4-day lecture and field course will focus on the North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method (Version 5.1) (NC WAM) 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 WAM 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. Environmental consultants, federal and state agency personnel, and local government staff members who deal with regulatory programs related to wetlands are encouraged to attend. Emphasis will be on the identification of North Carolina general wetland types, the determination of evaluation areas, the discussion of evaluation concepts and functional assessment metrics, experience using the computer rating calculator, and field exercises in both undisturbed and disturbed wetlands and wetland complexes. The course will conclude with a written test, 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. Continuing education credits have been requested for Foresters (SAF), Engineers (NCBELS), Landscape Architects (NCBOLA), Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC), and Storm Water Quality (CPSWQ). In addition, others can be sought upon request. Applicants who are interested in continuing education credits must notify us by email so appropriate arrangements can be made.