Wetland Delineation Training (5-Day)

Name of Class: Wetland Delineation Training (5-Day)
USACE Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement
Dates: May 15-19, 2023
Location: Field: Various areas in and around Lansing
Classroom: Alive in Charlotte, Michigan
Time(s): 8:30am to 4:30pm
Instructors: Todd Losee, Michael Pennington, James Sallee, Keto Gyekis, Lauren Schirtzinger
Cost: $700 (MWA members), $800 (non-members)

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Class Description: This is a 5-day course covering all aspects wetland delineation focusing on the procedures outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 87 Manual and the Northcentral and Northeast and Midwest Regional Supplements. The course will spend significant time on the criteria necessary to meet the wetland delineation standards for Wetland Hydrology, Hydric Soils, and Hydrophytic Vegetation. The course will focus on a variety of wetland types in and around Charlotte, Michigan. Participants will learn all aspects of wetland delineation including how to properly complete the Wetland Data Form. Participants will be provided the Hydric Soil Indicators Manual, Dataforms, and Wetland Plant List. Participants will be responsible for meals and lodging. Several lodging options are available in the Charlotte/West Lansing area. This is a field course, participants should be prepared for varying field and weather conditions (rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.).

Instructor Bios:

Todd Losee –Todd has over 20 years of experience delineating wetlands while working in the public and private sectors. Todd served on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Supplement Development Committees for both the Midwest and Northeast Northcentral Supplements. Prior to his current job as a private wetland consultant, Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed the EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM). He has served as an expert witness in administrative, civil, and criminal wetland court cases; and he has completed hundreds of wetland delineations particularly at some of the most technically difficult and controversial sites.

Michael Pennington – Michael Pennington is the Wetland Mitigation Specialist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) Water Resources Division. Michael serves as the program administrator for EGLE’s Wetland Mitigation Banking program and provides assistance to staff on complex wetland mitigation issues. Michael also provides wetland education and training and he plays a pivotal role for the division by providing technical and regulatory guidance for the best protection and management of the state’s wetland resources. Before working for the EGLE, Michael managed MDOT’s Wetland Mitigation and Wetland Banking Programs for 14 years.

James Sallee – James is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with over 20
years of experience working in Michigan’s wetlands. James currently works as a wetland consultant conducting wetland delineations and hydric soil reviews throughout Michigan. James led a research project on difficult hydric soils of Michigan that resulted in additional hydric soil indicators being developed and included in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supplements. James also spent several years as the EGLE’s Wetland Specialist focusing on hydric soil identification. James has testified as a hydric soil expert in various administrative, criminal, and civil court cases. James also participated in the National Wetland Condition Assessment.

Keto Gyekis – Keto manages the Wetland Identification Program for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). He travels throughout the state, from urban centers in southern Michigan to the western end of the Upper Peninsula, conducting wetland delineations and inspecting consultants’ delineations. He conducts wetland jurisdictional determinations for EGLE and assists staff with the wetland permit application review process and enforcement issues. Prior to EGLE, Keto had worked as a field ecologist for a consulting firm, delineating wetlands throughout Michigan and in three other states. He has maintained certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist. Keto was a co-developer of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and has led several trainings on wetland function and values and wetland delineation.

Lauren Schirtzinger– Lauren is an Environmental Quality Analyst for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) Water Resources Division. She conducts field investigations; and prepares reports, permits, denials, and correspondence relative to wetlands, inland lakes, and streams statutes administered by EGLE. Prior to EGLE, Lauren worked as an ecological consultant for 8 years, where she delineated hundreds of wetlands across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana using both the Northcentral Northeast and Midwest Supplements.

Class Cancellation Notification 

Five (5) days prior to the start of class, participants will be notified of a cancellation.  The MWA Treasurer will refund 100% of the fee received to participants.

Cancellation Policy for Attendees

• Any attendee can transfer, at any time, their spot in the class to another person with no financial penalty
• Cancellation prior to14 days of the class is eligible for 100% refund of class fees
• Cancellation from 1-13 days of the class is eligible for 50% refund of class fees
• Cancellation within less than 1 day of start of the class (including during the class) is not eligible for any refund (0%), however the spot can be transferred to any other person.