• Clarify and discuss the new rules and regulations created for wetland delineation as noted in the 2008 Army Corps of Engineers Midwest Supplement to the 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual.
• Discuss the state of wetland mitigation including the April 2008 federal rules on mitigation, the Ohio mitigation rules and Ohio mitigation banking guidance development.
• Facilitate an engaged dialogue among conference participants and presenters on issues pertinent to wetland delineation and management.
• Promote enhanced understanding of wetland issues by capitalizing on the shared expertise and experiences of practitioners and regulatory agencies.

 

---

NCC ANNOUNCES 2009 TRAVEL GRANT RECIPIENTS
updated 05.06.2009

The NCC Education Outreach Committee is pleased to announce the award of two student travel grants for the 2009 Madison meeting. Sigrid Smith and Sharmila Sunwar are this year’s recipients and both will be presenting their research. Sharmila will be presenting during the poster session on the effect of temperature and salinity on populations of Triglochin maritime growing in simulated geothermal hot spring. Sigrid will present on her work which focused on mechanisms controlling plant community composition in temporary and semi-permanent wetlands. We had a number of very qualified applicants and on behalf of the NCC Education Outreach Committee I would like to thank them all. Special thanks also to our grant review committee for taking the time to review applications.

Please check the chapter web site for announcements for the annual student travel grant application. Copies of their abstracts and presentations will be available on the chapter web site after the meeting.

---

NCC: TIME TO VOTE
updated 04.05.2009

VOTE NOW!

The nominations period for the special election of a President-Elect and At-large Board member has passed, and now is the time to vote. We are pleased to present Dr. Loretta Battaglia and Dr. Steven Niswander as candidates for the North Central Chapter President-Elect position. We also are pleased to present Martha Carlson (currently the Bylaws and Rules Committee Chair) as an unopposed candidate for the At-large Board position.

Please take a few minutes to submit your vote to Kurt Kowalski via email (kkowalski@usgs.gov; subject line "NCC Vote") or snail mail (Kurt Kowalski, 1451 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105). For your vote to be counted, you need to have an active membership. Votes will be accepted from April 6, 2009 through May 18, 2009. Results will be announced at the chapter business meeting held during the 2009 SWS Annual Meeting in Madison, WI. Position duties are described in the Chapter bylaws at http://www.sws.org/regional/northcentral/Bylaws.htm.

Position: President-Elect:

Dr. Loretta Battaglia
I am a community ecologist with more than 20 years experience working in wetland ecosystems. The research in my lab is conducted primarily in alluvial swamps of southern Illinois and coastal marshes and floodplains of the northern Gulf of Mexico. This work is focused on the effects of disturbance, invasive species, and climate change on wetland plant communities and ecosystem stability. Bridging climate change and wetland restoration is a new and exciting direction that my students and I are taking with recently funded projects. See my web page for additional information about my research: http://www.plantbiology.siu.edu/Faculty/battaglia

I have been a member of SWS since I was a graduate student, and if elected, I would place a strong emphasis on recruitment and retention of student SWS members in our chapter. Participating in SWS meetings as a student and publishing my work in our journal Wetlands were very positive steps that helped me develop as a scientist. I think that it’s extremely important to engage student members and also to take better advantage of and create more opportunities for networking and mentoring.

SWS has a very diverse membership with excellent opportunities for cross-fertilization of ideas and interactions between members from academic, regulatory, private, and government sectors. Making better use of this diversity is essential. I would work on improving communication among these groups and facilitating collaboration opportunities within our chapter to better tackle the complex problems facing wetlands in our region in the 21st century.

Dr. Steven Niswander
I am the co-founder of Niswander Environmental, a design/build ecological consulting firm, and have 18 years of wetlands and environmental management experience. I am a strong proponent of ecological engineering, which is the integration of human society and the natural environment for the benefit of both. Furthermore, I believe that the integration of science and policy is essential, and I advocate for the education and
sharing of information with our regulators and legislators on key environmental issues. I believe that the Society of Wetland Scientist offers the perfect forum for the exchange of ideas between different professions for the advancement of wetland science.

I have conducted research on constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation, worked as a consultant in Oregon, Ohio, and Michigan, and currently co-own with my wife two private wetland mitigation banks and Niswander Environmental. As a consultant, I provide comprehensive ecological services to developers, transportation agencies, municipalities, State and Federal government, and non-profit agencies. I have extensive experience with site planning and design and integrated large-scale project management including all aspects of wetland, stream, and floodplain projects. I believe that my diverse background working in a variety of sectors has given me a unique perspective on wetland related issues.

I am active not only in consulting but also in wetland research, education, applied science, and policy. I have been asked to participate in State working groups regarding regulatory issues in Michigan. I also participated in the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality work group that developed the Michigan Wetland Rapid Assessment Methodology (MiRAM), a qualitative evaluation of the functions and values
of wetlands to be utilized by the State. Niswander Environmental was able to field test the draft MiRAM during completion of a comprehensive Township Wetland Inventory and provide feedback to the practical applications of the methodology. I am routinely invited to speak on wetland related issues and most recently testified to the Michigan Great Lakes and Environment Congressional subcommittee regarding the proposed
State repeal of Part 303, Wetlands Protection.

If elected, I hope to strengthen the dialogue and interaction that occurs at the local level. The North Central Chapter covers a wide geographic range, has a diversity of wetland types, and includes several states that have unique wetland issues. The large geographic range makes it difficult for frequent interaction among the members and I believe strong local involvement will lead to a stronger Chapter and ultimately a stronger Society.

Position: At-large Board member:

Martha L. Carlson
Professional Background: I am a wetland scientist at the U. S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) in Ann Arbor, MI. My research in Great Lakes coastal wetland ecology examines interactions between hydrology and vegetation, impacts of climate change, and implications for restoration and management. Concurrently, I am a doctoral candidate at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE). My dissertation involves dynamics between groundwater and evapotranspiration by wetland plants in a ridge-swale wetland complex along Lake Huron. Having grown up in Minnesota and through my work in Michigan at the GLSC and SNRE, I have gained a comprehensive appreciation for the variety of wetlands in the Midwest, from riverine to coastal to palustrine wetland types.

Involvement and Interest in SWS and in Serving the Chapter in this Office: My active membership in SWS began in 2005, when I first attended the Charleston, SC conference. Since then, I have sought different methods of involvement and service to the Society. For example, I have served as the Chair of the NCC Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee since 2006. In this capacity, I made substantial changes to the bylaws, which were unanimously approved in 2007. My involvement in annual Chapter meetings and NCC Board meetings as a committee chair has familiarized me with the inner workings of the Chapter. Finally, as a charter member of the Women in Wetlands section, I am excited at the prospect of increasing the involvement and achievement of women in wetland science.

The strength of the Chapter is in the energy and creativity of its membership and the presence it has in the community. As a board member at large, my goal is to improve the impact of the Chapter, both within the Society and within our communities at large. I hope to continue the work of the Chapter in involving young, energetic wetland scientists in the Society by supporting and encouraging student chapters and scholarships. To increase exposure of the Chapter to local and regional interest groups, I plan to continue to support web site development and to create a series of pamphlets that build upon the existing brochure and highlight scientific and restoration efforts of Chapter members.

---

2009 STUDENT TRAVEL GRANT UPDATE
updated 02.25.2009

The North Central Chapter (NCC) of the Society of Wetland Scientists would like to encourage student participation at our next International SWS meeting held in June 22-26, 2009 Madison, WI. At this time, we would like to announce the availability of funds to assist students with the costs associated with traveling to SWS meetings to present results of their research.

The Award: The Chapter will make up to two, $500.00 awards for the upcoming International meeting. The awards are intended to help offset travel and lodging expenses and will be delivered after eligible receipts are received by the chapter treasurer.

Eligibility: This competition is open to all currently registered, graduate and undergraduate students who are SWS members in good standing within the NCC region. Selected students are expected to submit an abstract, make a presentation, and attend the North Central Chapter business meeting. A copy of the presentation or poster will also be put on the NCC web page.

To Apply: Submit proof of current student status (photo copy of a university ID or letter from academic advisor), a copy of your submitted SWS abstract, and a short (1-2 page) letter describing your studies, your career goals and why you would like to receive this award. Applications must be received by March 31, 2009 (Abstract Deadline is February 27, 2009). Applications can be mailed or emailed to David A. Mifsud (swsnccgrants@gmail.com), c/o Herpetological Resource and Management, LLC, 17712 N. Territorial Rd. Chelsea, MI 48118, (313.268.6189).

Selection: Awards will be made by the selection committee on the basis of the merit of each candidate and the quality of their SWS abstract. Decisions of the selection committee are final. The committee reserves
the right to withhold the award if suitable candidates are not found or if funds are not available.

Click here for more information: North Central Chapter 2009 award anouncement.pdf

2008 STUDENT TRAVEL GRANT RECIPIENTS:
The North Central Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists was proud to award two $500 Student Travel Grants for attendance at our Washington D.C. meeting this past May. We had several very well qualified and worthy applicants, but we were only able to select two, La Toya Kissoon and Allison Sacerdote.

La Toya is a Masters student in the graduate program of Environmental and Conservation Sciences at North Dakota State University. She is currently in the final stages of research and in the process of writing her thesis. Her work centered on finding an explanation for metal tolerance in wetland plants by looking at the biogeochemical changes occurring in the vicinity of plant roots grown under wetland conditions.

Allison, is a Doctoral candidate at Northern Illinois University. Her research encompasses several facets of amphibian ecology in response to habitat restoration of threatened flatwoods wetland systems in northern Illinois. According to Allison, her central research question addresses the issues surrounding reintroduction of extirpated amphibians to restored vernal pools and flatwoods wetlands. Her recent work and the
topic of her presentation examined the effects of the European buckthorn invasion on amphibians.

---

REGIONAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
updated 01.26.2009

IOWA WETLAND MITIGATION SEMINAR ANNOUNCEMENT:
A full day seminar designed for wetland scientists already trained in the 1987 Manual will be presented on February 3, 2009, at the University of Iowa- Oakdale Research Campus, 2351 Old Hospital Road, Coralville, Iowa (north of I-80 and west of Hwy. 965) and again on February 4, 2009, Wallace Office Building’s first floor auditorium, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA. In the morning session, Neal Johnson from the Rock Island
District of the US Army Corps of Engineers will explain how the delineation methodology described in the 2008 Midwest Supplement is to be applied. In the afternoon session , John Betker, also from the Rock Island District, will explain the Corps/EPA’s new Mitigation Rule, also referred to as the “Compensatory Mitigation of Losses to Aquatic Resources; Final Rule.” Registration for the event is available on-line or via a downloadable flyer available at: www.ivrcd.org/workshops.php.

FIRST ANNUAL SER MIDWEST-GREAT LAKES CHAPTER MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Society of Ecological Restoration International Midwest-Great Lakes Chapter will host its first annual meeting. The meeting is scheduled for the weekend of April 24, 2009 at Marian College in Indianapolis, Indiana. The deadline for submitting abstracts for an oral or poster presentation is Monday February 23, 2009. Click here to download a PDF of the Call for Abstracts (Adobe Acrobat required).

Fall 2009: EARLY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ILLINOIS RIVER MITIGATION BANK FIELD TRIP

Please consider joining us for a two-day field trip tour of large-scale wetland mitigation bank and restoration projects along the central Illinois River valley. After convening in historic Peoria, Illinois, trip participants will travel to several wetland restoration projects located within 1-2 hours of Peoria to compare and contrast restoration goals and strategies being actively employed at large-river wetland restoration sites.

Sites scheduled to be visited include: The Nature Conservancy’s preserves at Emiquon and Spunky Bottoms, The Wetland Initiative’s Hennepin & Hopper Lakes restoration project, and the Illinois Department of Transportation’s federally recognized LaGrange Wetland Mitigation Bank. In addition to visiting these unique sites, we also hope to have presentations on related research topics, such as nutrient farming, riverine sedimentation, and nutrient cycling, as well as field demonstrations of techniques used to monitor wetland hydrology at such sites. We may even get to see rare plants and wildlife along the way, including the federally threatened Boltonia decurrens and the recently de-listed bald eagle.

In addition to field sites, overnight accommodations and evening activities will be available at locations throughout downtown Peoria. Tentative dates for the trip are currently being explored for late September (9/24-9/25) or early October of 2009. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available, but please feel free to contact any of the following trip organizers with any questions:

IDOT’s LaGrange Wetland Mitigation Bank:

We hope to see you there!
Trip Organizers:

Keith Carr, M.S.,
Associate Geologist, Wetlands Geology Section, Illinois State Geological Survey
217-265-0267

Eric Plankell, P.G.
Assistant Geologist, Wetlands Geology Section, Illinois State Geological Survey
217-265-8029

Blaine Watson, P.G.
SWS NCC Secretary-Treasurer, Project Manager, Bodine Environmental Services, Inc.
800-637-2379

---

ELECT YOUR CHAPTER OFFICERS
updated 01.06.2009

The Chapter is seeking nominations for the President-Elect position and one At-large Board position currently held by David Mifsud. The President-Elect position, held by Siobhan Fennessy since 2007, also serves as the chairperson for the Program Committee. After the President-Elect’s term is complete, the candidate automatically becomes President of the Chapter. Individuals elected for these positions will serve 2-year terms beginning June 2009 and ending summer 2011. Kurt Kowalski, the chapter Nominations Committee Chair, will be accepting names via email (kkowalski@usgs.gov) from December 1, 2008 through March 23, 2009. All members in good standing are invited to submit nominations for this election planned for April 6 through May 18, 2009. You may nominate others and yourself. The candidates for election will be advertised on the web site and via email on March 30, 2009, and voting will occur via email and snail mail. Votes will be accepted from April 6, 2009 through May 18, 2009. Results will be announced at the chapter business meeting held during the 2009 SWS Annual Meeting in Madison, WI. Position duties are described in the Chapter bylaws at http://www.sws.org/regional/northcentral/Bylaws.htm.

---

ANNOUNCEMENT
updated 12.23.2008

Please welcome David Mushet as the new Secretary-Treasurer for our chapter.

We'll be accepting nominations for the At-Large Board position and the President-Elect position after the first of the year so start thinking about some good candidates.

---

NCC HOST 2009 SWS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
updated 07.28.2008



The North Central Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists is pleased to be hosting the Society's 30th annual meeting in Madison, WI with partners the Wisconsin Wetlands Association and the Wetland Biogeochemistry Symposium. To be held June 21-26, 2009 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, the conference will follow successful formats used previously including plenary sessions, symposia, contributed oral presentations, poster sessions, exhibitor booths, a silent auction, chapter and society business meetings, social functions and field trips.

Visit the meeting web site for more information.
http://www.sws.org/2009_meeting/

To volunteer contact one of the local planning team chairs:
* Joy Zedler (jbzedler@wisc.edu)
* Becky Abel (becky.abel@wisconsinwetlands.org)
* Pat Megonigal (megonigalp@si.edu)

---

SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSAL ASSISTANCE
updated 03.14.2008

Plan a wetlands conference, workshop, or field trip in your area and the North Central Chapter will provide support to local member committees in the form of publicity, announcements, planning advice and up front reimbursable expenses. Go to the Proposal Solicitation link to learn more about this new service to members of the NCC.
Proposal Solicitation form.
Click here to find out more information.

---

NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP MAP
updated 10.08.2007
The following map displays locations of current members within the North Central Chapter:
NCC Membership Map:............................................................................................Map (.PDF). [918KB].

Five Students Receive Scholarships to the Wisconsin Wetlands Association 11th Annual Wetland Science Forum:
updated 02.07.06

The North Central Chapter awarded five scholarships to attend the WWA's 11th Annual Wetland Science Forum (February 2-3, 2006). These students are presenters or significant contributors to papers being presented at the meeting and are receiving financial assistance from NCC to help cover their meeting costs. The chapter thanks them for their efforts and encourages them to continue their scholarship in the wetland sciences.

---

Emerging Issues Surrounding Invasion and Control of Phragmites australis in Wisconsin’s Wetlands: A Survey of Wetland Professionals
updated 09.06.2005

Phragmites australis, a relatively new invader of Wisconsin’s wetlands, is rapidly expanding its range in Wisconsin to the detriment of native wetland communities. The Wisconsin Wetlands Association have surveyed wetland professionals in Wisconsin. In 2004, WWA coordinated a written survey of wetland professionals about Phragmites invasion and control, and also coordinated a Phragmites working group at its January 2005 Wetland Science Forum. More than 35 wetland professionals participated in these discussions. Discussions focused on Phragmites topics such as monitoring and mapping; prevention, early detection and rapid response; native versus non-native populations, competition with natives and other invasive plants, and control techniques.

This article is continued at: http://www.wiscwetlands.org/phragmites.htm