Wetland Delineation Training 2023

COURSE PURPOSE:

The purpose of the delineation training is to learn the basic methods, techniques, and scientific foundations for performing wetland jurisdictional determinations as regulated under the Clean Water Act and, because of the 2023 Supreme Court Sackett decision, under California’s Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Students will learn to apply the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delineation methods to determine the presence of wetland vegetation, hydrology, and hydric soils, complete wetland delineation data sheets, and complete delineation reports for verification by the Corps.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand and apply the delineation methods provided by the Corps
2. Understand the field observations necessary to recognize the three wetland indicators and complete a delineation
3. Develop an awareness of the issues that affect jurisdictional determinations and identify how these issues may affect the outcome of a delineation

INSTRUCTORS:

Justin Semion, PWS; Aaron Arthur, MS, CCB

TRAINING METHODS:

The training will consist of classroom training and field demonstration.  Lectures will be accompanied by presentation materials, classroom exercises, and a soils laboratory.  Ample opportunity will be provided for questions and discussion.

TRAINING MATERIALS:

Students will be provided with copies of class materials electronically. 

COURSE OVERVIEW:

The first two and a half days will be lectures and labs at the EOS Center in Tiburon.  There is nowhere close by to purchase lunch near the EOS Center, so we recommend bringing lunch on those days (we do have a fridge and microwave for your use). Coffee, tea and water dispenser available, please bring reusable mug/water bottle. 

On the afternoon of the third day (Wednesday), we will conduct field demonstrations at a nearby site. On Thursday, we will have a full day of field demonstrations and exercises; plan to bring lunch, field snacks, and water this day. On Friday, we will meet at the at the EOS Center in Tiburonfor the morning and then travel for the field practicum. You can bring a lunch to eat in the field or plan to pick up something quick on your way to the field practicum.

For our field days, students must bring standard field gear including sturdy boots, water, sunscreen, hat, and any other protective clothing or accessories necessary to deal with adverse conditions outdoors as appropriate to the season. Fieldwork will occur rain or shine, so come prepared. We recommend bringing muck boots or waterproof hiking boots.

COURSE LOCATION:

The Estuary and Ocean Science (EOS) Center is located at the Romberg Tiburon Campus of San Francisco State University. The North Bay Conference Room in the Bay Conference Center is located at 3152 Paradise Drive, Tiburon, CA  94920. Ample parking is available. When entering the conference center, the North Bay Room is to your left.

Directions to the EOS Center are here on its web site.

LODGING:

For those that may need lodging, SFSU has a program discount at the Best Western Corte Madera, (415) 924-1502. Mention you are staying for an SFSU-sponsored event.

COURSE REGISTRATION AND FEES

Course fees this year are $1,400 per person.

Register here on Eventbrite. Registration limited to 25 people maximum and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. We have had quite a bit of interest so recommend you register early to obtain your place.