WORKSHOP 01 - WETLAND DELINEATION EXPLAINED

Workshop Leaders: James S. Wakeley (PWS) of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and P. Michael Whited (PWS) of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Wetland Science Institute. 

Ever wonder how to identify wetlands that may be subject to regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act?  This workshop will provide hands-on experience with procedures used to delineate wetlands for regulatory purposes in the United States.  The workshop will focus on technical issues involved in wetland delineation generally and will not address jurisdictional policy or regulations.  An initial half-day classroom session will introduce the basics of the multi-parameter approach to wetland delineation, including recognition of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology.  In the afternoon, the group will apply their knowledge and skills to identify wetland boundaries on local field sites.  All required references and tools will be provided, including transportation to the field. 

Note: Participants should wear appropriate field clothing and boots (hip boots or waders are not needed) and should come prepared for rain, sun, mud, biting insects, and toxic plants.  You should also come prepared to have fun and learn a new skill.  Lunch on your own during 1 hr noon break. 

Jim and Mike teach the official Corps of Engineers Regulatory IV wetland delineation course that is required training for federal regulatory personnel. Together they have more than 25 years of experience in wetland and hydric soil delineation.

Wednesday, June 11 - 8:00 am to 6:00 pm 
Workshop cost: $50

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WORKSHOP 02: SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY: A HANDS-ON WORKSHOP FOR BRIDGING THE GAP

Workshop Leader: Adrienne Froelich, Ph.D.
Director of Public Policy for the American Institute of Biological Sciences

Do you want to be more involved in policy, but aren't sure where to start? AIBS Director of Public Policy Adrienne Froelich will address these issues and offer a hands-on policy experience for conference attendees interested in public policy.

The workshop will begin with a short presentation on how science is used to make policy. Using examples from her experience working on Capitol Hill, Adrienne will provide tips on how individual researchers can get involved in public policy. Workshop participants will then have the opportunity to put those tips into practice during the second half of the workshop by drafting letter to government officials in response to a hypothetical policy situation and formulating a strategy for distributing their letter.

Friday, June 13, 2003 - 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Workshop Cost: $15