Wetland Science, History & Mitigation Webinar
Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Central Time
Platform: GoToWebinar
Join us for an engaging and informative Wetland Science Webinar on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. This live, interactive webinar will provide in-depth insights into wetland science, mitigation banking, state in-lieu fee programs, and permittee responsible mitigation. Led by a panel of industry experts, including Victoria Bruce, this event is perfect for professionals in the environmental and development sectors looking to expand their knowledge of wetland processes and compliance.
You’ll gain an understanding of how wetlands are defined, the services they provide, and how they are mitigated through various mechanisms, including wetland mitigation banking. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain practical knowledge that can be applied to your current and future projects.
Agenda:
8:30-9:30 AM | Wetland Science
Presenter: Michael Macalus, WHM Solutions LLC
- Defining wetlands and identifying different types
- Wetland soils and vegetation
- Wetland hydrology
- Environmental services provided by wetlands
9:30-10:30 AM | Wetlands History in the United States: Systematic Destruction and Degradation
Presenter: Austin Scarborough, Young / Sommer LLC
- The historic view of wetlands as wastelands
- Wetland elimination for agriculture and development
- Turning the corner: the Clean Water Act of 1972
- National Food Security Act of 1985
- State wetlands initiatives
- Evolution of wetlands over time
10:30-10:45 AM | Break
10:45-11:45 AM | Wetland Mitigation Banking
Presenter: Victoria Bruce, The Mitigation Banking Group, Inc.
- Wetland mitigation banking process
- Service areas and sponsors
- Regulatory compliance
11:45-12:15 PM | Lunch
12:15-1:15 PM | Wetland Mitigation: Objectives and Processes
Presenter: N. Church
- Section 404 permitting and mitigation thresholds
- 2008 Mitigation Rule hierarchy: permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation, in-lieu fee programs, and mitigation banking
- Enhancement, restoration, creation, preservation
- Pros and cons of each
- Wetland and stream project examples
- Maintenance and monitoring
1:15-2:15 PM | State In-Lieu Fee Programs
Presenter: Chelsea Keefer, Stream + Wetlands Foundation
- State in-lieu fee program overviews
- In-lieu fee mitigation projects
- Funding for restoration projects
- Mitigation by purchasing in-lieu credits
2:15-2:30 PM | Break
2:30-4:00 PM | Permittee Responsible Mitigation (PRM)
Presenter: Amy Daly, CPH Consulting, LLC
- Parameters of acceptable projects
- Draft compensation site plan
- Submittal requirements
- Conservation easement
- Case studies
Speakers:
- Michael Macalus Environmental Technician at WHM Solutions LLC: Pennsylvania
- Michael specializes in aquatic ecology and has conducted numerous habitat, vegetation, and wildlife surveys. He is passionate about preserving aquatic resources and has significant experience in wetland and watercourse delineations.
- Austin Scarborough Associate at Young / Sommer LLC: New York
- Austin focuses on environmental law, representing clients in land use, wetland protection, and renewable energy projects. He is experienced in compliance, remediation, and permitting under state and federal regulations.
- Autry Akins PWS Senior Scientist/Project Manager, Geosyntec Consultants: Louisiana
- With extensive experience in wetland delineation, species surveys, and Section 404 permitting, Autry has overseen multiple wetland mitigation and restoration projects along the Gulf Coast.
- Victoria Bruce CEO, The Mitigation Banking Group, Inc.: Florida
- Victoria is one of Florida’s leading experts in wetland mitigation banking, with over 19 years of experience in mitigation credit sales and regulatory compliance. She has been instrumental in promoting successful partnerships between mitigation bankers, environmental consultants, and developers.
- Chelsea Keefer Restoration Biologist, Stream + Wetlands Foundation: Ohio
- Chelsea oversees state in-lieu fee mitigation projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and fulfilling advance credit sales obligations. She has played a key role in developing and managing successful mitigation projects across Ohio.
- Amy Daly Director of Environmental Services, CPH Consulting: Florida
- Amy has over 30 years of experience in environmental services, specializing in mitigation bank design, permitting, and monitoring. Her work includes obtaining approvals for complex projects and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Event Platform:
The webinar will be hosted on GoToWebinar, a user-friendly platform that ensures seamless participation. A “join webinar” link will be emailed to registered participants, allowing you to download the necessary software in just a few minutes.
How to Register:
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from top industry professionals about wetland science, mitigation banking, and in-lieu fee programs. Click here to register and reserve your spot for this comprehensive webinar on November 26, 2024. Use the code VBU93B50 at checkout to receive 50% off your registration! This offer is available for up to 10 registrants, so make sure to register soon.
This event is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, ask questions, and network with industry experts. Looking forward to seeing you there!
