NAWM

NAWM Webinar Series on Improving Aquatic Resource Protection through §401 Certification of Linear Energy Transmission Project Permits 

Project Background:

Energy projects, particularly pipelines, affect a range of aquatic resources, including wetlands.  A single pipeline can cross hundreds of wetlands and streams.  Disturbance of wetlands during pipeline development may also release greenhouse gasses.  State §401 Certification review of energy development projects is a highly complex and time-consuming task, one that challenges most state wetland programs.  The use of Section §401 to effectively participate in the FERC, DOE and other permit planning and review process relies on understanding about how energy permitting processes work.  Early, upfront coordination between the state wetland program, federal permitting agencies, developers and their consultant intermediaries has been shown to be a key to successful aquatic resource protection.  

To support this work, NAWM worked with a national workgroup to develop documents detailing pipeline permitting processes, points of access for wetland managers, key points of consideration for permit reviewers, best practices for mitigation of both permanent and temporary impacts, template energy project review materials to be adapted by state wetland programs and an online resource page with links to guidance, templates, tools, recorded webinars and contacts.

For more information and/or to join our email list for notices about upcoming events, please contact Laura Burchill at laura@nawm.org or (207) 892-3399. 

View a List of Past Pipeline Permitting Webinar Recordings Here

As part of this project, NAWM delivered four webinars on topics that have been identified to address specific training needs:

NAWM Pipeline Permitting Webinars:

• July 18, 2018 – Improving the Information Pipeline: Working with Consultants During Oil and Gas Pipeline Permitting Processes – Clifford Brown, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources; Brenda Zollitsch, Association of State Wetland Managers; and Evan Hansen, Downstream Strategies, LLC

• July 24, 2018 – Cumulative Adverse Effects of Pipeline Development on Wetlands and Other Aquatic Resources – Wing Goodale, Biodiversity Research Institute 

• October 29, 2018 – Horizontal Directional Drilling: Understanding Context when Reviewing Oil and Gas Pipeline Permit Applications– Richard Dalton, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Patrick Ryan, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Rick Gitar, Fond du Lac Reservation; Brenda Zollitsch, Association of State Wetland Managers

• November 7, 2018 – Pipeline Permitting 101 – Clifford Brown, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources; Robert Parker, Ollsson Associates; and Brenda Zollitsch, Association of State Wetland Managers

A List of Beaver Restoration Webinars Can Be Found Here. (PDF)

Members’ Wetland Webinar - Held March 20, 2019

Understanding State Agency Opportunities for Third Party Compliance Monitoring on Pipeline Projects 

Presenters: Mike Warner, Transcon Environmental, Inc. and Jeff Davis, Transcon Environmental, Inc.

Members’ Wetland Webinar - June 12, 2019 - 3:00p.m.-4:30p.m. ET

Identifying Listed Species and Streamlining Section 7 Consultation for Wetland Permitting (And More): Introduction to the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Online IPaC Tool

Presenter: Victoria Foster, National IPaC Program Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The above NAWM Members’ Wetland Webinars are only available to NAWM Members. This is one of the many benefits available to NAWM members. For more information on the benefits of membership and how to join, click here. If you are a member of NAWM, please log in to the NAWM website to view the webinar held on March 20th and June 12th.

Webinar #4: Pipeline Permitting 101

Held Wednesday, November 7, 2018 – 3-5 pm ET  

INTRODUCTION 

• Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers [PowerPoint Presentation] 

PRESENTERS

• Clifford Brown, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources  [Presentation #1: PowerPoint Presentation] [Presentation #2: PowerPoint Presentation] 
• Robert Parker, Consultant  [Presentation #1: PowerPoint Presentation]  [Presentation #2: PowerPoint Presentation]
• Brenda Zollitsch, Association of State Wetland Managers  [PowerPoint Presentation]

ABSTRACT

This webinar has been designed to help provide a basic overview for regulators that are new to oil and natural gas pipeline permitting and provide a review for others who already are engaged in this work. The webinar began with an overview of the expansion of oil and especially gas pipeline development in recent years and the associated growing need for review of pipeline permit applications by state and tribal aquatic resource regulators.  The webinar covered pipeline basics – how pipeline projects are planned, the general steps in construction, and the potential to participate in a pre-application phase during which many key planning decisions are made.  The webinar discussed the different processes involved in oil and gas permitting.  Next, the webinar providef an overview of §401 Water Quality Certification and where this review process fits into overall planning and permitting. The webinar discussed examples of how states and tribes have dealt with conditioning §401 certifications and share lessons learned.  The webinar concluded by describing new resources designed for those working on pipeline permitting that will soon be available on the Association of State Wetland Managers’ website.

BIOS

Clifford Brown has worked for West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section, since 1989 and currently serves in the DNR Environmental Coordination Unit as the lead for oil and gas related activities. Responsibilities include review of Section 401 applications, coordination with WVDEP and USEPA for mitigation and restoration associated with administrative orders and consent decrees, coordination with USFWS related to the National Wildlife Refuge System, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, coordination with the USFS for oil and gas projects on the Monongahela, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in West Virginia, and serves on the AFWA Energy and Wildlife Policy Committee and the agency coordinator for review of FERC projects in West Virginia. He holds a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the Pennsylvania State University.

Robert Parker has worked in state government, nonprofits and consulting firms, developing a critical breadth of knowledge about the regulatory process from many perspectives. He is the former Section 401 Coordinator at Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) and currently works as a independent consultant. While at NDEQ Robert also coordinated the state’s Storm Water Management Plan Grants Program and served as project manager for Watershed Management Plans in development by Nebraska Natural Resources Districts under the state's Nonpoint Source Management Plan.  Before relocating to the Great Plains, Robert worked in the Great Basin region with threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout. He has a B.S. in Fisheries Biology from Humboldt State University, where he completed undergraduate research in genetic and morphologic differentiation in isolated populations of rough sculpin (Cottus asperrimus) in California’s Pit and Fall Rivers. Prior to his career in science and policy Robert spent nearly two decades working as a professional whitewater and fly fishing guide in Alaska, California, Montana, and Chile.

Brenda Zollitsch, PhD is Policy Analyst at the Association of State Wetland Managers, leading ASWM’s research on wetland and stream issues. She has been the PI on an ongoing multi-year project exploring ways to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of state and tribal permitting of oil and gas pipeline projects. In addition to her work for ASWM, Brenda serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service teaching courses in public policy. She also assists water resource collaborations as a strategic planner and professional facilitator. Brenda holds her PhD in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service and a double Masters’ degree in International Relations and Environmental Resource Management from Boston University.   

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers

Part 2: Presenter: Robert Parker, Wetland Policy Consultant

Part 2: Presenter: Robert Parker, Wetland Policy Consultant

Part 3: Presenter: Clifford Brown, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

Part 3: Presenter: Clifford Brown, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

Part 4: Presenter: Clifford Brown, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

Part 4: Presenter: Clifford Brown, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

Part 5: Presenter: Robert Parker, Wetland Policy Consultant

Part 5: Presenter: Robert Parker, Wetland Policy Consultant

Part 6: Presenter: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers

Part 6: Presenter: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers

 

 
Webinar #3: Horizontal Directional Drilling: Understanding Context when Reviewing Oil and Gas Pipeline Permit Applications

Held Monday, October 29, 2018 – 3-5 pm ET 

INTRODUCTION

• Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers [PowerPoint Presentation]

PRESENTERS

• Richard Dalton, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection [PowerPoint Presentation]
• Patrick Ryan, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection [PowerPoint Presentation]
• Rick Gitar, Fond du Lac Reservation [PowerPoint Presentation]
• Brenda Zollitsch, Association of State Wetland Managers [PowerPoint Presentation]

ABSTRACT

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is often considered a best practice for pipeline construction. However, in practice, HDD is only appropriate in certain contexts. This webinar started with a geology primer identifying contexts where HDD both commonly works and does not work well and why. Next, the state and tribal regulators shared their perspectives on reviewing permits that include HDD and some of their lessons learned. They shared the kinds of information that it is beneficial for reviewers to request and common considerations when reviewing and conditioning permit applications that include proposed HDD. Alternatives to HDD and their strengths and weaknesses also was discussed. The webinar concluded with information about new resources for those working on pipeline permitting efforts that will soon be available on the Association of State Wetland Managers’ website.

BIOS

Richard Dalton is a Geologist and Manager for the Office of the State Geologist in the Division of Water Supply and Geoscience at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.  He started with the Bureau of Geology and Topography in spring of 1967 where he was involved mapping the limestone and dolomite geology of northwestern New Jersey. He spent six years doing spill response of oil and hazardous chemicals, then was moved back to the New Jersey Geological Survey where he works in the Office of the State Geologist today.  He is also a member of the New Jersey Well Drilled and Pump Installers Licensing Board.  He holds a BA in geology from Rutgers University. 

Patrick Ryan is an Environmental Supervisor within the Division of Land Use Regulation at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. He supervises a permitting staff responsible for environmental reviews of wetlands, highlands, waterfront, and flood hazard area permit applications for northern New Jersey. Mr. Ryan has a M.S. in Ecology from Penn State University and a B.S. in Natural Resource Management from Cook College, Rutgers University.

Rick Gitar is the Water Regulatory Specialist and Tribal Inspector for the Fond du Lac Reservation – Office of Water Protection, located in northeast Minnesota, where he has worked for over 20 years. He is the administer of Fond du Lac’s Wetlands Protection and Management Ordinance, their Clean Water Act 401 Water Quality Certification program, and provides CWA Section 402 oversight for projects on the Reservation. Rick is also a credentialed inspector for EPA, conducting compliance inspections in the areas of wetlands and storm water. He conducts Fond du Lac’s environmental reviews under NEPA and the tribe’s Tribal Environmental Policy Act Ordinance. Rick received a double major B.S. in Biology (Botany Focus) and Journalism from the University of Wisconsin – Superior and a M.S. in Environmental Biology (Botany Focus) from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Rick is also a Master Herbalist and teaches adult extension classes. He is currently enrolled in the online Doctorate of Herbal Medicine Program with AMNAH College.

Brenda Zollitsch, PhD is Policy Analyst at the Association of State Wetland Managers, leading ASWM’s research on wetland and stream issues. She has been the PI on an ongoing multi-year project exploring ways to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of state and tribal permitting of oil and gas pipeline projects. In addition to her work for ASWM, Brenda serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service teaching courses in public policy. She also assists water resource collaborations as a strategic planner and professional facilitator. Brenda holds her PhD in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service and a double Masters’ degree in International Relations and Environmental Resource Management from Boston University. 

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers Presenter: Richard Dalton, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Part 2: Presenters: Patrick Ryan, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Rick Gitar, Fond du Lac Reservation

Part 2: Presenters: Patrick Ryan, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Rick Gitar, Fond du Lac Reservation

Part 3: Presenters: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers and Richard Dalton, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Part 3: Presenters: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers and Richard Dalton, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Part 4: Questions/Answers

Part 4: Questions/Answers

Webinar #2: Cumulative Adverse Effects of Pipeline Development on Wetlands and Other Aquatic Resources

Held Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 3 pm ET

INTRODUCTION

• Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers [PowerPoint Presentation]
• Webinar Series Information  [PowerPoint Presentation]

PRESENTER

• Wing Goodale, Biodiversity Research Institute [PowerPoint Presentation]

ABSTRACT

Energy projects, particularly pipelines, affect a range of aquatic resources, including wetlands. Impacts to wetlands from pipeline activities range from both short- and long-term destruction and disruption of wetlands and other aquatic resources to water quality impacts, habitat loss, increasing invasive species and compromised quality of critical areas. The adverse effects of a pipeline on a single wetland are important, but of equal or greater concern is the effect of pipelines that cross multiple watersheds and multiple wetlands. A single pipeline can cross hundreds of wetlands and streams, which can lead to cumulative adverse effects (CAE).

This webinar provided an introduction about how CAE can be conceptualized, the language used to discuss CAE, and the legal basis for CAE. The presentation discussed a framework for considering adverse effects, including a review of general approaches for CAE assessments and ways to address these effects. The webinar concluded with the presentation of a thought-provoking approach to conducting simple assessment of CAE that could be adapted for use by wetland professionals as they work to identify and address CAE for projects they are planning and/or permits they are reviewing. The webinar ended with information about the Association of State Wetland Managers’ recent pipeline permitting project and forthcoming resources on CAE that will be available on ASWM’s website.

BIO

Wing Goodale is Senior Deputy Director for the Center for Ecology & Conservation Research and Director for the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) in Maine.  He is a NSF IGERT fellow in the UMass Offshore Wind Energy Program. Goodale has worked at BRI since 2000 and is now the deputy director. At BRI, he has raised or helped manage over $7.5 million of funds for more than 60 conservation biology projects. Goodale has served on municipal committees, environmental nonprofit boards, professional boards, and college boards, including the governor appointed Maine Board of Environmental Protection.  Wing is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Environmental Conservation at University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  He also has his Master of Philosophy in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic and his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Colorado College.
 

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, ASWM
Presenter: Wing Goodale, Biodiversity Research Institute

Part 2: Presenter: Wing Goodale, Biodiversity Research Institute

Part 2: Presenter: Wing Goodale, Biodiversity Research Institute

Part 3: Presenter: Wing Goodale, Biodiversity Research Institute

Part 3: Presenter: Wing Goodale, Biodiversity Research Institute

Part 4: Questions/Answers

Part 4: Questions/Answers

Webinar #1: Improving the Information Pipeline: Working with Consultants During Oil and Gas Pipeline Permitting Processes

Held Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 3 pm ET

INTRODUCTION

• Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers [PowerPoint Presentation]

PRESENTERS

• Clifford Brown, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources [PowerPoint Presentation]
• Brenda Zollitsch, Association of State Wetland Managers [PowerPoint Presentation]
• Evan Hansen, Downstream Strategies, LLC [PowerPoint Presentation]

ABSTRACT

This webinar provided insights about how wetland and other aquatic resource regulators can improve working relationships with consultants who serve as intermediaries for energy companies working on oil and gas pipeline development projects.  This webinar shared insights from state permit reviewers on some of the common challenges, ranging from different understandings of permitting processes, points of access, pipeline terms and use of language.  The webinar discussed helpful ways of working together to establish common understanding, share key concerns about impacts to aquatic resources and incorporate best practices to address those impacts.  The webinar presented a new resource developed by ASWM to help guide more productive conversations and relationships between regulators and consultants, focusing on creating transparency, common understandings, and strong relationships that facilitate both efficient permit review processes and protection of aquatic resources.

BIOS

Evan Hansen is Principal of Water and Energy Programs for Downstream Strategies, LLC a consulting firm in West Virginia.  Evan’s work focuses on resource and environmental problems and solutions in three areas: water, energy, and land. He manages interdisciplinary research teams, performs quantitative and qualitative policy and scientific analyses, provides litigation support and expert testimony, develops computer tools, provides training, and performs field monitoring. He is engaged in ongoing source water protection activities and works with watershed organizations and agencies on Clean Water Act and Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act issues such as permits, TMDLs, antidegradation, and watershed-based plans. Evan has his M.S. in Energy and Resources from the University of California, Berkeley and his B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  Evan is a Switzer Environmental Fellow and has worked with ASWM on this project through a Network Innovation Grant from the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation.

Clifford Brown has worked for West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section, since 1989 and currently serves in the DNR Environmental Coordination Unit as the lead for oil and gas related activities. Responsibilities include review of Section 401 applications, coordination with WVDEP and USEPA for mitigation and restoration associated with administrative orders and consent decrees, coordination with USFWS related to the National Wildlife Refuge System, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, coordination with the USFS for oil and gas projects on the Monongahela, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in West Virginia, and serves on the AFWA Energy and Wildlife Policy Committee and the agency coordinator for review of FERC projects in West Virginia. He holds a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the Pennsylvania State University.

Brenda Zollitsch, PhD is a Policy Analyst at the Association of State Wetland Managers. Brenda conducts research and policy analysis on wetland and stream issues. Brenda has recently completed a national status and trends/state summaries project analyzing 50 state wetland programs across the United States and a national stream identification, delineation and mitigation study, a communications case study project and a wetland training needs assessment and enhancement project. She currently leads projects focused on increasing access to high quality wetland training and improving energy permitting to protect wetlands. In addition to her work for ASWM, Brenda is a Switzer Environmental Fellow, serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Southern Maine teaching courses in public policy and sustainable communities and assists water resource collaborations as a professional facilitator. Brenda holds her PhD in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service and a double Master’s degree in International Relations and Environmental Resource Management from Boston University. 

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers

Part 1: Introduction: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers
Presenter: Clifford Brown, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources

Part 2: Presenter: Clifford Brown, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources

Part 2: Presenter: Clifford Brown, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources

Part 3: Presenter: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers

Part 3: Presenter: Brenda Zollitsch, Policy Analyst, Association of State Wetland Managers

Part 4: Presenter: Evan Hansen, Downstream Strategies, LLC

Part 4: Presenter: Evan Hansen, Downstream Strategies, LLC

View a List of Past Pipeline Permitting Webinar Recordings Here

The National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) holds eight webinars per year for members. NAWM Member webinars cover a variety of topics encompassing wetland science, policy, program implementation, and legal issues. These webinars, including recordings for past webinars are available to NAWM members.  

Not a NAWM Member? Join or Renew 

For more information about this webinar series, please contact Laura Burchill at laura@nawm.org or
(207) 892-3399. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

If you haven’t used Go To Webinar before or you just need a refresher, please view our guide prior to the webinar.

View Past NAWM Members' Webinar Series Here 

View a List of Past NAWM Members' Webinar Series Recordings Here 

A Resources-Sensitive Approach to Riparian Management

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EDT

PRESENTER

• Tracey Miller, University of Kentucky

ABSTRACT

Riparian corridors are considered among the most productive ecosystems in the U.S. because of their influx of nutrients and life-sustaining water resources. Additionally, there is a positive relationship between the condition and function of wetlands and watercourses and the structure of the upland tree canopy. Unfortunately, increases in riparian imperviousness, poor vegetation, and high degrees of disturbance due to land clearing for agriculture and urban expansion are still among the nation’s most widespread stressors to wetlands and watercourses. Nevertheless, averting critical losses in biodiversity is still possible through intensified improvements in wetland management efforts, especially regarding riparian tree canopy density. Past scientific studies concerning silviculture practices in naturalized areas have identified an optimal balance of approximately 50% open sunlight and 50% dappled shade to support stream integrity. However, less information is available on the relationship between riparian tree canopy density and wetland and watercourse integrity along urban-rural gradients.

Using Connecticut’s municipal management system as an example, this webinar will identify optimal relationships between riparian tree canopy density and the integrity of wetlands and watercourses within the milieu of increasing urbanization across the state. The project uses ArcGIS spatial statistics tools and 30-meter landcover data to identify optimal riparian tree canopy density within a 300’ statewide riparian buffer over ten years. The project also illustrates how wetland managers can improve decision-making regarding tree removal on wetland applications by using Google Maps to evaluate existing vs. proposed riparian tree canopy density on site-specific projects as compared with these research findings.

BIO

Tracey Miller is an Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Kentucky. Her primary research interests include community environmental planning, ecological land management, and riparian stewardship for enhanced biodiversity. She holds a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Kentucky. Her doctoral dissertation research focused on filling data gaps that have historically impeded sustainable riparian decision-making at the interface between landscape architecture and wetland management in Connecticut. She was a graduate research assistant in Dr. Marianna Fragomeni’s HEAT Climate Adaptive Design Lab. Their research identified relationships between changes in land use and land surface temperature in Connecticut. The study used WUDAPT (World Urban Database Access Portal Tools) and SAGA GIS to classify Connecticut development patterns contributing to urban heating and extreme climate conditions. The Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation funded the project. She is a licensed landscape architect. Her practice emphasizes sustainable land stewardship.

Innovative Approaches to Wetland Mitigation and Restoration

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT

PRESENTERS 

• Emily Walker, Natural Areas Conservancy
• Danielle Bissett, Environmental Policy Innovation Center

ABSTRACTS

Challenges and Opportunities to Wetlands Mitigation Banking in NYC (Emily Walker)

In New York City, tidal wetlands are a critical part of coastal resiliency and provide numerous ecological and social benefits. While state and federal wetlands mitigation regulations require that development resulting in wetland impacts offset those losses through wetland creation, restoration, and enhancement, NYC has limited physical space for wetlands mitigation. Additionally, the need for mitigation has only grown due to the increased number and scale of renewable energy development, coastal development, and resiliency projects. Join Emily Walker of the Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) to learn more about the recently released Wetlands Mitigation Banking in New York City: Challenges and Opportunities, which outlines the current landscape of mitigation in NYC, and proposes possible solutions for ensuring that the city can meet its no-net loss goals, while also protecting and restoring vital wetland ecosystems in the most dense urban environment in the United States.

Smart Permitting for Restoration (Danielle Bissett)

Join Danielle Bissett, Restoration Permitting Policy Lead for the Environmental Policy Innovation Center, for an overview of practical approaches to improve ecological restoration permitting. This presentation will define "smart permitting" and share examples of how regulatory processes can be modified to accelerate restoration efforts, including both voluntary and mitigation projects. The talk will examine EPIC's strategic framework, focusing on three key areas: getting through the process faster, fundamentally changing the process, and raising the bar on avoiding impacts. We'll cover examples from states working to improve their permitting processes, including Colorado's Dredge and Fill program, Washington's Habitat Recovery Pilot Program, and Virginia's Permitting Enhancement Platform. The session will also touch on recent legislative initiatives in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, highlight engaging state legislators and regulators, and demonstrate useful tools that create more transparency around restoration opportunities. Participants will leave with practical insights and resources to advance and advocate for smart restoration permitting in their jurisdictions.

BIOS

Emily Walker oversees the NAC’s advocacy and policy strategy, and works across coalitions to help raise awareness of urban natural areas and the resources needed to make them thrive. Prior to joining the NAC, Emily served as the executive director of the Broadway Mall Association and was previously the longtime director of outreach and programs at New Yorkers for Parks, where she oversaw the creation of the Play Fair for Parks campaign and the Daffodil Project. Emily is a graduate of the Urban Park Leadership Program of CUNY SPS and the Central Park Conservancy Institute for Urban Parks. She also has received her certificate in horticulture from Brooklyn Botanic Garden. She holds a master’s in nonprofit management and a post-master’s certificate in sustainability strategies from the Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment at the New School, and has a bachelor’s in legal studies from Scripps College. Emily is a member of the Board of Directors of the Forest Park Trust, serves as a Board Member on Brooklyn Community Board 5, and is an incoming Council Member on the District 19 Community Education Council.   

Danielle Bissett is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner with 10 years of experience leading ecological restoration projects in New York City. As the Restoration Permitting Policy Lead for the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC), Danielle applies her practitioner experience to improve the permitting process to accelerate ecological restoration projects. Before joining EPIC, Danielle worked for NYC Parks' Natural Resources Group, where she collaborated with partners on implementing the Bronx River Intermunicipal Watershed Plan, which addressed watershed management through a comprehensive ecological restoration approach. Later, as the Director of Restoration for Billion Oyster Project, Danielle led and scaled the Restoration Department, establishing strategic initiatives to assist the recovery of self-sustaining oyster populations in New York Harbor through partnerships and multi-habitat restoration approaches. Danielle holds a Master of Science in Environmental Policy from Bard College's Center for Environmental Policy and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from Adelphi University.

Registration coming soon.

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View Past Member' Webinar Series Here

View a List of Past Members' Webinar Series Recordings Here

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The National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) formerly the Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) collaborated to develop a series of webinars introducing the topic of restoration of aquatic ecosystems through the reintroduction of beavers, the use of beaver dam analogues (BDAs) or restoration designed to attract beavers to an area to contribute to changing hydrology and restoring ecosystem services. The webinar series was planned by a national workgroup of beaver restoration experts and webinars are presented by expert practitioners, managers and researchers working in the field. In 2020-2021, the six-part webinar series covered the basics of beaver restoration and continuing through implementation challenges and ways to encourage beaver restoration projects. The series has been added to our Online Trainings library, available here.

If you haven’t used Go To Webinar before or you just need a refresher, please view our guide prior to the webinar here.   

View Past Beaver-related Restoration Webinars
   

Please check back for future Beaver-Related Restoration Webinars. Thank you.

See the NAWM-BLM Beaver-Related Restoration Training Series

Receive information on upcoming NAWM Webinars

Thank you!

The Association conducts research and publishes reports, guidebooks, news articles, brochures, white papers, and summaries of findings of symposia and workshops. These are available electronically to all interested individuals and organizations.

NAWM Publications

Wetland News Digest

Wetland News (Members' Only)

Weekly News of Interest

Listed below are links to news articles that may be of interest to the wetland community. Readers are encouraged to send links to recent articles, publications, and other resources pertaining to wetlands in their local area to Marla Stelk, Executive Director at news@nawm.org and reference “In the News” in the subject.

• New Study Offers Detailed Look at Winter Flooding in California’s Central Valley

• Breakthrough Discovery Identifies Bacteria Behind Toxins in St. Louis River Estuary

• Green Seaweed Replaces Seagrass, But Slugs Pose New Threats

• UofL, Partners Urge Action to Address Threats to the Ohio River Basin

• Amphibian Road Mortality Drops by Over 80% with Wildlife Underpasses, Study Shows

• Environmental Groups Slam Federal Plan to Ship Wetlands Mitigation Out of Hampton Roads

Comment Letters

January 6, 2025–
NAWM Joins Several Environmental Organizations in Letter to Trump EPA Transition Team

NAWM and nine other environmental nonprofit or state organizations sent a letter to the Trump U.S. EPA Transition Team. The letter introduced the Transition Team to the national organizations that represent EPA’s state, tribal, and local partners, and offered assistance as the Administration advances an agenda to fulfill the critical mission of EPA to protect public health and the environment. In particular, the letter noted that environmental laws frequently establish state, tribal, and local governments as co-regulators who are the primary implementers of the nation’s environmental laws, regulations and policies. As a result, the letter urges that proposed changes to applicable EPA regulations be developed in collaboration with co-regulators. Read letter here.

MISSION

The mission of the National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) is to build capacity for state and tribal members and foster collaboration among the wetland community of practice by encouraging the application of sound science to wetland management and policy, promoting the protection and restoration of wetlands and related aquatic resources, and providing training and education for members and the general public.

VISION

As a result of NAWM’s work, the wetland community has access to and effectively uses sound science, policy, and private/public partnerships to preserve, protect, and restore the nation’s precious and limited wetlands and related aquatic resources.

HISTORY

The National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) was founded by Jon A. Kusler, Esq., Ph.D., and Scott Hausmann in 1983 with two goals — to support state wetland programs and to support national wetland policy reflecting sound wetland science. NAWM has tried to stay true to these goals throughout the years, during the ups and downs of funding and politics. Read more.