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Vol. 25 No. 1 January/February 2015 Wetlands and Climate Change: Considerations for Wetland Program Managers By Peg Bostwick, Senior Policy Analyst, ASWM With shifts in climate patterns already upon us and expanding changes projected for the indefinite future, climate change has become an overarch- ing consideration in many aspects of resource management. It is also clear that the scope of climate change is far too great to be addressed by any one entity; rather, we must find ways to collectively tailor our work to minimize the causes of and adapt to the consequences of climate alteration. Wetlands are water resources, and as such are at the heart of many climate-related concerns. Integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation with ongoing wetland management inevitably leads to other related topics – from agriculture and natural hazard management to issues of endangered species protection and securing clean sources of drinking water. For purposes of this paper, we are organizing wetland climate change issues into three broad topics: • The potential adverse impact of climate change on wetland ecosystems and their ecological functions, as well as societal benefits. • The role of wetlands in mitigating the causes of climate change, through carbon sequestration and related measures. • The role of wetland management – including protection of existing wetlands and restoration or creation of new wetland systems - to meet the need for adaptation to the current and anticipated impacts of climate change. This role includes support for the natural world as well as provision of human needs for wetland related ecological services. Climate Change Impacts on Wetlands Role of Wetlands in Climate Mitigation Role of Wetlands in Climate Adaptation In this Issue • Wetlands and Climate Change: Considerations for Wetland Program Managers • Association News • Recent and Upcoming Webinars • New Members

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Page 1: In this Issue Wetlands and Climate Change: Considerations ... · • Increased pressure from invasive species. Changes in an ecosystem, in particular the loss of dominant populations

Vol. 25 No. 1 January/February 2015

Wetlands and Climate Change: Considerations for Wetland Program Managers

By Peg Bostwick, Senior Policy Analyst, ASWM With shifts in climate patterns already upon us and expanding changes projected for the indefinite future, climate change has become an overarch-ing consideration in many aspects of resource management. It is also clear that the scope of climate change is far too great to be addressed by any one entity; rather, we must find ways to collectively tailor our work to minimize the causes of and adapt to the consequences of climate alteration.

Wetlands are water resources, and as such are at the heart of many climate-related concerns. Integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation with ongoing wetland management inevitably leads to other related topics – from agriculture and natural hazard management to issues of endangered species protection and securing clean sources of drinking water. For purposes of this paper, we are organizing wetland climate change issues into three broad topics:

• The potential adverse impact of climate change on wetland ecosystems and their ecological functions, as well as societal benefits.

• The role of wetlands in mitigating the causes of climate change, through carbon sequestration and related measures.

• The role of wetland management – including protection of existing wetlands and restoration or creation of new wetland systems - to meet the need for adaptation to the current and anticipated impacts of climate change. This role includes support for the natural world as well as provision of human needs for wetland related ecological services.

1

Climate Change

Impacts on Wetlands

Role of Wetlands in Climate Mitigation

Role of Wetlands in Climate

Adaptation

In this Issue•Wetlandsand

Climate Change: Considerations for Wetland Program Managers

•AssociationNews

• Recentand UpcomingWebinars

•NewMembers

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One goal of this paper is to recommend some initial priorities and direction for the Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM) regarding climate change actions at this point in time, and to update 2009 ASWM recommendations for wetlands and climate change initiatives. Collaboration among national and global entities has advanced greatly in recent years, along with increasing understanding of climate impacts and management approaches. The second purpose of this paper is to share our ideas with professionals working in related areas either in policy development or in on the ground management of land and water resources. We expect that response to climate issues will be a component of our work for the foreseeable future.

TheRelationshipbetweenWetlandsandClimate Change

Many national scale climate change assessments tend to focus on current or anticipated impacts on our human population. Priority concerns typically include: sea level rise; hydrologic changes (especially those leading to drought or flood conditions, and the availability of water for drinking, agriculture and other uses); severe storms; new or changing threats from disease; food production; and other equally high priorities. Broader reports also address the impacts on fish and wildlife and their habitat. Except for discussion of coastal areas, wetlands are typically not a major topic although they are acknowledged in more detailed discussions of impacts and in relationship to water management and habitat.

The Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM) is a national

non-profit organization established to promote and enhance protection and management of wetland resources, to promote application of sound science

to wetland management efforts, and to provide training and education to our

members and the public.

www.aswm.org

Given the scope of climate change impacts, these priority topics are understandable.

However, in thinking about our response to climate change, it is clear that wetland management is a strong thread running through climate issues and actions. The fact that wetlands are by definition an interface between one aquatic system and another, between land and water, often between surface and ground water, and even – in the case of storm systems – between air and land means that wetlands often have a place in the front line of both adaptation and mitigation actions even while wetland ecosystems are themselves under threat.

Wetlands will be directly affected by sea level rise, and also buffer other land uses against rising water levels and severe storm events. We know that wetland ecosystems can be severely impacted or even destroyed by drought, but also provide water storage and often groundwater recharge capacity which can contribute to drought management. Wetlands may be negatively impacted by increases in contaminated runoff resulting from changed rainfall patterns, but can also provide flood storage and filter at least some pollutants from runoff reaching other waters. Wetland habitat can be altered by hydrologic changes, and by shifting plant and animals populations following temperature alterations, but can also provide migration pathways and refuge for some species. And wetlands sequester significant amounts of carbon as compared to other ecosystems – estimated at 12% of the global carbon pool - and if left undisturbed should continue to do so. One

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Impactson

Wetlands

3 January/February 2015

role of wetland managers as we organize our collective thinking on climate change management will be to advise other entities about both the role of wetlands and potential impacts to wetlands.

Sorting out the multiple roles of wetlands in response to climate change – which is likely to suggest increased wetland protection in some instances and more intensive management in others - will require a clear understanding of the pros and cons of various approaches. The “correct” action will not always be the same – there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Many, if not most, decisions regarding wetland management will depend on local climate impact as well as other individual considerations such as regional land use patterns and extent of development, and available adaptation alternatives. Consequently, it should be expected that state, tribal, and local agencies will play a major role in climate related decisions, as they do with wetland management in general.

Moreover, the management entities having an interest in climate strategies may not be typical stakeholders in wetland policy decisions. They are likely to have diverse needs and goals which may create potential for conflict as decisions are made. For example, is it better to provide for increased flood storage, or to protect existing habitat? Is it more important to use the filtration capacity of a natural wetland to remove pollutants that would otherwise reach a stream system, or to limit damage to the wetland itself? In drier regions, ongoing debates regarding the allocation of water among natural and human uses may also intensify.

Of course, these same diverse interest groups provide significant opportunities for collaboration and development of more desirable options. In many instances the question will not be either/or, but will be one of the extent of acceptable wetland use or alteration, or of managing wetland resources to meet multiple objectives. Encouraging a positive, collaborative effort will require a thorough and informed analysis on the pros and cons of various adaptation approaches, understanding of the needs and concerns of the various stakeholders, and effective and purposeful communication. Professional wetland managers can play a significant role in assisting multiple partners and interests, as can a strong communication strategy.

While it is well beyond the scope of this paper to outline all of the potential impacts on and roles of wetlands in climate change planning, the following sections highlight some typical issues. Again, we are dividing this information into three categories: impacts to wetland systems; the role of wetlands in climate mitigation; and the role of wetlands in climate adaptation.

Potentialimpactstowetlandsincludethefollowing:

•Overall modification or loss of ecosystem types, primarily in response to changes in hydrology and temperature. Significant alterations of water supply and/or hydroperiod are often discussed as the most significant factor likely to impact wetlands. Current and anticipated hydrologic impacts range from sea level rise (and salt water intrusion), to increased inundation on a seasonal or annual basis, to the opposite problem of loss of soil moisture in drought conditions (e.g. in prairie pothole regions).

• Shifts in biological communities. Changes in both temperature and hydroperiod can lead to alteration of plant community structure. Some animal populations will react directly to changes

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in the plant community, while others may be affected by temperature changes, resulting in a shift in home range or the loss of populations where migration is not possible. As changes in plant and animal communities occur, there may be desynchronization of events that support migration or reproduction, e.g. the availability of a particular food supply at a particular time.

• Impacts to rare species. Wetlands support a high percentage of rare plant and animal species and communities. Because of their sensitivity to ecosystem structure and conditions, these species may be especially vulnerable to climate change impacts. More extreme or controversial measures – such as assisted migration – may be proposed to address the needs of listed species. Protection for remaining suitable habitat may be given a high priority.

• Increased pressure from invasive species. Changes in an ecosystem, in particular the loss of dominant populations of plants or animals, may lead to an increase in invasive species which tend to take advantage of unstable and degraded conditions.

• Sedimentation and water quality impacts resulting from increased runoff associated with severe storms or higher volume precipitation. While the ability of wetlands to buffer such impacts may in some instances be considered a climate adaptation measure, loading of sediment and other pollutants may also have negative impacts on wetland systems.

• Intentional alteration to provide functions such as flood storage, resulting in the overall modification of the wetland ecosystem.

Potential strategic and management actions in response to modification or loss of wetlands could include the following.

• Gather and summarize research information and potential options to minimize impacts of climate change on wetlands. Make information available to a wide range of interest groups, including local land use planners as well as resource managers.

• Participate in cross-cutting interest groups engaged in addressing climate, water, habitat, and other land use issues. Wetland managers can encourage recognition of likely impacts on wetland systems, including both the direct effects of climate change and potential secondary impacts resulting from modification or use of wetlands to provide new functions.

• Identify and encourage regulatory and non-regulatory measures as appropriate to protect priority wetland systems. Special protection may be needed for wetlands with a defined essential role in climate management (e.g that provide a high level of carbon sequestration) or where protection is needed for other reasons (e.g. new wetlands established to allow migration during sea level rise).

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The relationship between climate change concerns and existing regulatory guidelines – including the Corps of Engineers public interest review and the EPA 404(b)(1) guidelines, along with parallel state and tribal regulations – needs additional exploration. Development of additional climate adaptation best management practices is needed.

Theroleofwetlandsinclimatechangemitigation through sequestration of greenhouse gasesWetlands contain a significant

percentage of the carbon that is sequestered in natural systems. While wetlands cover only 6% of the world’s land surface, they contain about 12% of the global carbon pool. Peatlands contain 30% of global soil carbon. Coastal wetlands cover only a very small percentage of the ocean surface yet contain up to 70% of carbon sequestered in marine environments.

While reversing atmospheric carbon concentrations will almost certainly require global actions related to fossil fuel production and consumption, the protection and expansion of natural carbon sequestration systems can also make a contribution that should not be overlooked. Carbon storage in land ecosystems has offset around 17% of U.S. fossil fuel emissions of greenhouse gases over the past several decades. On the other hand, thawing of permafrost and drying of other wetlands may result in increased release of greenhouse gases. Wildfire in peatlands that have been subjected to drying exacerbates this effect.

The net impact of wetlands on greenhouse gases is, however, a complex one, in that wetlands can also serve as a source of methane and carbon depending on multiple physical and chemical conditions. Recent studies indicate that northern peatlands and forests produce a higher amount of methane that once believed. However, other extensive research demonstrates that the net long term wetland effect is as a sink, not a source of

greenhouse gases, given the long-term carbon storage provided. Additional research regarding the potential for wetlands to contribute to climate mitigation, and the management practices needed to facilitate this, are still needed - and will likely be supported given the interest in carbon “banking”.

Researchneedsandpotentialmanagementactions:

• Support additional investigation of existing and potential carbon sequestration in wetland systems. Support analysis of the scope of carbon release potentially associated with loss or degradation of wetlands.

• Control drainage of wetlands to prevent oxidation of wetland soils and the resulting releases of carbon into the atmosphere.

• Investigate the legal relationship between the need for carbon sequestration to regulatory guidelines (COE public interest review, 404 (b)(1) guidelines). Assist states and tribes in overcoming resistance to new considerations in regulatory decision making.

• Identify and support wetland management measures such as rewetting of peatlands that provide multiple benefits, including carbon sequestration.

ClimateMitigation

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• Determine with greater specificity how much methane is produced by wetlands. Continue to investigate the relationship between wetland conditions and loss of methane to the atmosphere, and to identify management measures that minimize methane release.

The potential role ofwetlandsinadaptation to climatechange

Both existing and created/restored/managed wetlands can provide multiple ecosystem services that play a role in climate adaptation. Depending upon geographic location, ecological type of wetland, management measures, and climate impacts, these services may include the following:

• Flood storage, which may be increased depending up the configuration and existing land use within adjacent floodplains. Storage of precipitation and runoff in wetland pockets high in a watershed – including isolated wetlands – can help to minimize downstream flooding, while wetland floodplains lower in the watershed can store and gradually release larger volumes of runoff.

• Buffering of the impacts of more intense storms, minimizing flooding, erosion and property damage.

• Filtration and processing of nonpoint source pollutants and sediment from runoff associated with more intense storm events. This may occur in rural areas where agricultural or forest lands are adjacent to stream corridors, or in more highly developed areas where wetlands can be incorporated into a network of built and “green” infrastructure.

• Storage of water in drought prone areas, and recharge of groundwater.

• Habitat for numerous plant and animal species, and maintenance of biodiversity. In many instances, wetlands provide corridors for the movement of species, and may facilitate a shift in

range in response to warming climate or related impacts. Remaining wetlands may also provide a refuge for species needing wetter conditions in drought prone areas. More extreme measures to maintain biodiversity – such as assisted migration – remain controversial but may become essential in some instances.

Potentialstrategicandmanagementactionstoincorporatewetlandsmorefullyintoclimateadaptationplans.

• Identify and promote protection of wetlands that provide key ecological services and functions in a given location.

• Encourage integration of wetland restoration/creation/management into local adaptation plans. Collaborate with local planners to provide information regarding the importance of wetland systems, and potential for no-regrets wetland strategies for nonpoint source and climate management.

• Collaborate with water managers, including floodplain programs, drinking water programs, and drain engineers and others to consider wetland options for climate strategies.

• Work with fish and wildlife and other habitat conservation groups to define concerns and to help define an appropriate balance between habitat measure and water management where there may be competing needs. Promote restoration to fill gaps in wetland corridors.

ClimateAdaptation

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• Collaborate with EPA and Corps of Engineers to define and address regulatory concerns. As noted above, some wetlands may need added protection in light of climate change. However, general permits and other measures may help to facilitate permitting associated with wetland restoration or management to meet climate adaptation needs.

• Evaluate emerging (and often controversial) “novel ecosystem” concepts and identify concerns with this approach. Seek balance in protection of existing wetland types, acceptance of inevitable alteration of existing systems, and wetland values.

PrimaryReferences

Flourney, Alyson C. and Allison Fischman. Wetlands Regulation in an Era of Climate Change: Can Section 404 Meet the Challenge? Geo. Wash. J. Energy & Envtl.L., Summer 2013, at 67, available at http://scholarship.law.ufl.edu/facultrypub/368

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. January 2014. Resource Guide to Federal Climate Adaptation Programs for State Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Washington, DC. Available at: www.fishwildlife.org

Christie, Jeanne and John Kusler. January 2009. Recommendations for a National Wetlands and Climate Change Initiative. Association of State Wetland Managers, Berne, NY.

Executive Office of the President. June 2013. The President’s Climate Action Plan.

Hagerman, Shannon M. and Terre Satterfield. 2014. Agreed but not preferred: expert views on taboo options for biodiversity conservation, given climate change. Ecological Applications, 24(3), 2014, pp.548-559.

IPCC, 2014: Summary for policymakers. In: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom, and New York, NY, USA, pp 1-32.

Melillo, Jerry M., Terese (T.C.) Richmond, and Gary W. Yohe, Eds., 2014. Highlights of Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment. U.S. Global Research Program, 148 pp.

Mitsch, William J. et al. 2012. Wetlands, carbon, and climate change. Landscape Ecol. Published online 12 June 2012.

Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force. October 2011. National Action Plan: Priorities for Managing Freshwater Resources in a Changing Climate.

National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Partnership. 2012. National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy. Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Council on Environmental Quality, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.d. Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, DC.

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ASWM’s office in Windham, Maine

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean & Coastal Management. February 2012. Voluntary Step-By-Step Guide for Considering Potential Climate Change Effects on Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Projects. Silver Springs, MD.

President’s State, Local, And Tribal Leaders Task Force On Climate Preparedness And Resilience. Recommendations to the President. November, 2014. Washington, DC.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2012. National Water Program 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change. Washington, DC.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. May 2014. Office of Water: Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan. Report Number EPA-100-K-14-001A.

AssociationNews By Jeanne Christie, Executive Director, ASWM

There are two kinds of ice dams here in Maine. The first occurs in rivers and the second on top of houses. The first is easy to understand. In the spring when snow and ice melts floating chunks of ice can pile up to form temporary dams. So far that’s not a problem because nothing is melting. It is ice dams on roofs that are currently challenging many home owners in our area.

It’s been a tough winter. Snowfall records have fallen in a number of communities throughout New England and Maine is on track to finish off this month as the coldest February on record. The combination of the two is highly unusual. Usually teens, single numbers subzero temperatures are not conducive to snow. But we’ve had a lot this year and when that happens the weight of the snow piled on roofs combined with the heat of poorly insulated roofs allows snow to melt and refreeze and melt eventually moving water underneath shingles and into houses. The first time we had it happen I got up one morning to find the paint bubbling out from an interior wall in our house. I now know that this is a common symptom of ice dams.

Yesterday my 83 year old father was up on a ladder leaning against his house chipping away at the ice with an ax. My mother tried to get him to call the neighbor who would be happy to help but my father refused to do so because “if Dana comes over to do it he will insist on doing all of it and I won’t get to do any of it!”

He’s back at it again today.

The motto of the story?

“Never come between a man and his dam ax.”

RecentHappeningsatASWM

It’s the beginning of a new year and there is a great deal of activity underway by ASWM staff. Peg Bostwick has been working on a Climate Change and Wetlands Report. Members will get an early look at an abridged version of the report in this issue of Wetland News. She is also finishing up the first draft of a report on the “Use of Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment: Considerations for State and Tribal Programs” which will be available in the coming months. Brenda Zollitsch is winding up interviews with all 50 states on the status of state wetland programs. A state-by-state summary and analysis of status and trends of state wetland programs will be available on our website later this

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spring. Marla Stelk has developed an initial draft of “Wetland Restoration: Contemporary Issues and Lessons Learned” which is currently being reviewed by our 25 member wetland restoration work group. It is based on discussions with the work group as well as the ongoing series of wetland restoration webinars held monthly and recorded and posted to ASWM’s website. (Go here to see a list of past and future webinars in this and other series.) Sharon Weaver our webmaster has successfully completed the final steps in updating our webpage software and all the staff will be engaged in revising and reorganizing the ASWM website in the coming months.

We are also completing plans and processing registrations for the annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting, March 24-26 near Shepherdstown, WV. We hope you will join us! Finally, membership renewal is in full swing. If you attend the annual meeting, you will receive a membership for 2015 as part of the registration fee. Otherwise, if you haven’t had a chance to renew your membership, please do so. If you have any questions about the status of your

membership, please contact Laura Burchill at (207) 892-3399 or [email protected].

WatersoftheU.S.Rulemaking

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are in the process of analyzing comments submitted by the public with a goal of revising the rule and forwarding it to the Office of Management and Budget this spring.

There it will undergo final interagency review and revisions before publication of a final rule. It is likely a large number of interest groups will also seek an opportunity to meet with OMB to share their thoughts on the rule.

On February 4 a bicameral hearing was held by both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on “Impacts of the Proposed Waters of the United States Rule on State and Local Governments.” A recording of the hearing as well as written testimony is available here.

During the hearing there was discussion by Senate and House committee members about the possibility of introducing legislation to intervene in the rule making process. This may occur in the coming weeks.

InterpretiveRuleWithdrawn

The interpretive rule on WOUS agricultural exemptions was officially withdrawn on 2/6 (see F.R. notice here). A copy of the Memorandum withdrawing the rule can be found here. A press release from the Corps can be found here. For some additional background on the purpose and history of the rule please see ASWM’s blog from the week of February 16.

ExecutiveOrderEstablishesNewFederalFloodRiskManagementStandardsforFederalProjects The Executive Order signed on January 30, 2015,

JOINASWM

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directs federal agencies to adopt new flood elevation standards for the siting, design, and construction of federal projects. These standards will protect federal assets and improve the Nation’s resilience to current and future flood risk. They are expected to lead to financial saving over the long term by reducing federal disaster assistance spending following extreme weather events. The Executive Order gives agencies options for establishing the flood elevation and hazard area used in siting, design, and construction, allowing flexibility, while adhering to best practices. It advocates using a climate-informed science approach and the implementation of natural systems, ecosystem processes, and nature-based approaches to aid decision making. Additional information about the executive order, comment period and listening sessions that have been scheduled can be found here. The National Flood Insurance Program and the Corps’ levee building program are not impacted by the Executive Order.

Principles,RequirementsandGuidelinesAvailable

The Principles, Requirements and Guidelines for water resources (PR&G) were released in December by the President’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The Interagency Guidelines can be accessed here.

Agencies are now moving toward developing agency level guidelines for their own programs. The Administration is working on integrating these efforts to bring about a logical and effective change in planning in order to integrate environmental values into planning for all federal agencies. The P&R and new guidelines do not become applicable until agency specific guidelines are developed. An appropriations rider continues to prohibit the Corps from utilizing the P&R or working on any implementing guidance.

I hope you get a chance to get out and enjoy the winter. It’s a spectacular year!

Jeanne ChristieExecutive Director

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TheNewWorldofWetlands:DealingwithShiftingLandscapes,LawsandClimate

March24-26,2015We invite you to join us for the Association of State Wetland Manager’s Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting. The purpose of this annual meeting is to support state and tribal wetland program managers, federal agencies and other wetland professionals as they respond to challenges in the coming year. Every year brings new concerns and new opportunities. This year is no different. Long-term protection of wetland resources requires sound science, smart policies, and application of ecosystem principles. Presentations and discussions during the three day workshop will integrate wetland science, law, and policy to convey proven and effective approaches to effective wetlands permitting, protection and restoration. Topics that will be covered this year include:

▪ Celebrating 40 Years of the National Wetland Inventory: Anticipating the Future

▪ Proposed Changes to Clean Water Act Jurisdiction: Next Steps

▪ Tools for Evaluating and Processing Major Individual Permits

▪ Endangered Species: Challenges Ahead

▪ Improving Wetland Restoration/Mitigation Success

▪ The International Ramsar Treaty: Benefits of a “Wetlands of International Significance” Designation

▪ 401 Certification of Pipeline Projects under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

▪ Beaver Re-introduction into the Montane West

▪ State Wetland Programs: Status and Trends in 2015

▪ Developing Model Language for Water Quality Standards for Wetlands

▪ 2011 and 2016 National Wetland Conditions Assessments

▪ And much more!

For more information about the workshop including registration and lodging reservation information click here.

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Members’ Wetland WebinarSeries

Findingsfroma2014StudyofMassachusettsWetlandReplicationProjects(ReplicationMeasures,SuccessandanInterestingFindingAboutVegetation)Wednesday, April 29, 2015 – 3:00 pm ETPresenter: Lisa Rhodes, Massachusetts Wetland Program, Massachusetts Department of Environmental ProtectionFormoreinformationandtoregister,clickhere.

ImprovingWetlandRestorationSuccessProject

PacificCoastWetlandRestorationTuesday, March 17, 2015 3:00 pm ETPresenters: Charles (“Si”) Simenstad, University of Washington and John Callaway, University of San FranciscoFor more information and to register,clickhere.

VernalPoolRestoration–HowtoRestoretheLandscapeTuesday, April 21, 2015 – 3:00 pm ET Presenter: Mick Micacchion, Midwest Biodiversity Institute

Formoreinformationandtoregister,clickhere.

NaturalFloodplainFunctionsAlliance(NFFA)

EPAAdaptationWorkbook:LessonsLearnedinSanJuanBay,PuertoRico

Tuesday, March 3, 2015 3:00 pm ETPresenter: Michael Craghan, Climate Ready Estuaries Program, U.S. EPAFor more information and to register,clickhere.

NOAANationalMarineFisheriesService:BiologicalOpiniononPracticalAlternativesTuesday, May 5, 2015 – 3:00 pm ETPresenter: Bonnie Shorin, NOAAFor more information and to register,clickhere.

Wetland Mapping Consortium(WMC)

ASWMWinterMeetingWorkshop, March24-26,2015 (Mapping sessions available for remote participants – registration links will be provided soon.)WMCWorkshop:“Accessing,AnalyzingandCommunicatingDigitalWetlandDatatoStakeholdersforDecision-making”1. Wetlands Spatial Data 101: How to Access Data on NWI

Mapper and Other Resources (Mitch Bergeson)2. Communicating Digital Wetland Data to Stakeholders:

What to do With the Data Once You Have It (Andy Robertson)

3. Available Wetland Data for Analysis at Different Spatial and Temporal Scales (Megan Lang)

Mapping Forested Wetland Inundation using LiDARIntensityData Wednesday, May 20, 2015 – 3:00 pm ETPresenter: Megan Lang, SSA, Inc.Formoreinformationandtoregister,clickhere.

Ifyouhaven’tattendedanASWMwebinarorusedGoToWebinarbeforeoryoujust

needarefresher,pleaseviewour HelpGuide priortothewebinar here.

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Members’WetlandWebinarsSeries

Wetlands Supplement: Incorporating Wetlands into Watershed Planning – Kerryann Weaver, Life Scientist, US EPA Region 5

ViewRecordingHere.(loginrequired)

How to Use Video to Communicate a Science Message – Karen L. McKee, Ph.D, Scientist Emeritus, U.S. Geological Survey

Part 1: Demystifying the Science Filmmaking Process

Part 2: An Introduction to Science Videography

Thisrecordingwillbeavailablesoon.

NaturalFloodplainFunctionAlliance WebinarsSeries

Rooftops to Rivers: Lessons Learned from Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Successful Floodplain Management Program – Ronald D. Flanagan, CFM & Principal Planner, R.D. Flanagan & Associates, LLC

Viewrecordingshere: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Wetland Mapping Consortium WebinarsSeries

Marsh Analysis and Planning Tool Incorporating Tides and Elevations (MAPTITE): A Geospatial Tool for

Estuary Restoration – Lijuan Huang and Chris Paternostro, NOAA

Thisrecordingwillbeavailablesoon.

Mapping With Ecological Site Descriptors – Richard A. Weber, P.E., Wetland Hydraulic Engineer, NRCSViewrecordingshere: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

ImprovingWetlandRestorationSuccessProjectWebinars

Temperate and Tropical/ Subtropical Seagrass Restoration – Robin Lews, Lewis Environmental Services, Inc. & Coastal Resource

Group, Inc. and Mark Fonseca, CSA Ocean SciencesViewrecordingshere:Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Recently Recorded ASWM WebinarsThe Association of State Wetland Managers hosts and records 3-5 webinars

each month. Below are some recent presentations. For more information on future and past webinars, click here.

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BoardofDirectors

Collis Adams Chair

Ken Murin Vice Chair

Mark Biddle Secretary/Treasurer

Debra Baker

Denise Clearwater

Andrew May

Doug Norris

Bill Ryan

ASWMStaff

Jeanne Christie Executive Director

Jon Kusler, Esq. PhD. Founder

Peg Bostwick Senior Policy Analyst

Brenda Zollitsch, PhD. Policy Analyst

Marla Stelk Policy Analyst

Dawn Smith Communication Specialist

Steve Palmer Bookkeeper

Sharon Weaver Webmaster

Laura Burchill Program Assistant

CopyrightAssociationofStateWetlandManagers,January/February2015

FranciscoAbarca,ArizonaGameand FishDepartment

JessicaAllewalt,WESTECHEnvironmentalServices,Inc.

FarrahAshe

AngelikaBeckmann,C.T.MaleAssociates

CliffordBrown,WestVirginiaDepartment ofNaturalResources

DeloresCole

JonasDavis,DucksUnlimited,Inc.

JamesEikenberry,USDANaturalResourcesConservationServiceVermont

YalcinAltanErginkoc

MargaretEverson,DucksUnlimited,Inc.

CarrieGudorf,MesaCounty

MollyGurien

ThomasHinz

LauraHuseby

RobertJacob

Jude Kastens

GretchenLux

TaraMatthews,Electricstar

DianeMenuz,UtahGeologicalSurvey

RickMraz,WashingtonDepartment ofEcology

EliPolzer

WilliamReichert

MatthewRegan

CourtneyShea

AlbertTinsley,USDA,NaturalResourcesConservationService

LauraTrunk

GordonUsipiuk

JamesVanderhorst,WestVirginiaDepartmentofNaturalResources

AshaVirlouvet

AmyYahnke,WashingtonDepartment ofEcology

KristinaYoung,TexasTechUniversity

Welcome New Members

Many Thanks to Our Members & Donors

Thankyouforrenewingyourmembership and for your

continuedsupportofASWM.

Torenewyourmembership for2015,pleaseclickhere.

Pleasenote:wehaveaddedanew $25senior/retireemembershipcategory.

All wetland photos by Jeanne Christie