Registration Is Now Open for all 2023 MWPCP Courses!
Follow this link to register:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/BWSR9/MWPCPTrainingAndExamRegistrationForm2023
MWPCP Training Schedule
Note that specific agenda items are subject to change. Course registrants will be contacted a week prior to the course with class details including the room location and a link to the Class Portal where the final agenda, course handouts, and prerequisite video modules (if any) will be posted in advance.
Basic Wetland Delineation and Regulation Courses:
Wetland Delineation and Regulation Basic Class: Arden Hills- June 12-16
Wetland Delineation and Regulation Basic Class- Brainerd - September 11-15 (Full)
The course provides an introduction to both wetland delineation and wetland regulations in Minnesota. See the past agenda for more detail on course content. Most days involve a field exercise. Successful completion of the course qualifies individuals to take the Professional In-Training exam which is administered on the last day of the class.
Regional Training: (6 CEC per day)
MWPCP regional training courses are intended for all wetland professions. The two day courses are typically split into a regulatory day with an emphasis on implementing the WCA and a technical day with an emphasis on the 3 parameters of wetland delineation.
Rochester Public Utilities Building, Rochester - May 16-17
This two day course will begin with WCA- related content such as incidental wetlands, public waters and WCA, replacement plan case studies, ag bank review process, and urban wetland management. Day two will focus on hydric soil indicators, delineation reports, the Corps Antecedent Precipitation Tool and delineating wetlands along the Decorah edge.
Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, Fergus Falls – August 15-16 (Full)
This two day course will cover NRCS wetland determinations, replacement plan reviews with an emphasis on special considerations and replacement siting, preparing restoration orders while describing fill in a soil profile, and de minimis. Day two will cover concepts in landscape position, soils and hydrology; Ag bank applications, the Corps Antecedent Precipitation Tool, drainage setback tables, and difficult wetland delineation situations.
Regulatory Training (6 CEC per day)
WCA Regulatory Training- St Cloud MNDOT Training Facility- April 20
This intermediate course is intended for professionals who have some experience with WCA. The course will provide an update on current Rulemaking efforts; discuss topics relevant to reviewing replacement plans such as sequencing, special considerations, and replacement siting; de minimis; drafting restoration orders; appeals to LGU decisions; and other topics such as defining the project and incidental wetlands.
Technical Training: (6 CEC per day)
Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA)- MNDOT Shoreview Training Center – June 20
This course is intended for wetland professionals with a basic understanding of botany and functional assessments. The course will cover the key concepts and components of the Rapid FQA, field sampling protocol, metric calculations, and reporting.
Basic Wetland Plant ID- Dakota County SWCD (July 18) or Central Lakes College (July 20)
These courses are being offered in collaboration with the BWSR Technical Training and Certification Program. Participants can choose either date as they will be identical courses taught at two different venues. The course will cover the basic concepts of plant identification, mapping plant communities, the ecologic role of plant communities in landscapes, wetland restoration, installation, and management.
Wetland Delineation Refresher- Prairie Woods ELC- Spicer- August 8
This course is intended for wetland professionals who have completed the Basic Delineation course, have some experience doing wetland delineations, and are looking to get a review of the key concepts to the 3 parameter approach to wetland delineations. The course will include classroom presentations and a field exercise.
Virtual Training: (3 online CEC per day)
Crash Course in Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Administration - February 6-7
This virtual course is a repeat of the 2022 virtual training course and is intended for individuals who are new to the wetland business in MN. The course is specifically geared towards new Local Government Unit (LGU) and Technical Evaluation Panel members. The course will walk through each major section of the Wetland Conservation Act. Consultants and experienced LGUs could also take this course as a refresher.
Please note that registration is not required to attend the virtual training. A Webex link to the course will be sent out to this email contact list the week prior to the course. Participants can choose to attend one or both of the days. Also, virtual training participants are not required to report these continuing education hours. MWPCP will track participation at random times during each event and credit individuals accordingly.
Day One (Feb 6, 8:30am-noon)
Introduction to wetland regulatory programs in MN, WCA 101, Local Government Unit (LGU) duties, Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) procedures, WCA application procedures, and enforcement procedures.
Day Two (Feb 7, 8:30am-noon)
Basic WCA decision types, wetland replacement plans, and wetland banking.
Upcoming Events Approved for Continuing Education Hours (non-MWPCP sponsored)
WPA Sax-Zim Bog Wetland Field Trip – September 23, 2023. Sponsored by MN Wetland Professionals Association – 3.5 continuing education credit hours for MWPCP. Must have proof of participation (i.e. certificate, email confirmation, etc.).
Note that if you attend any of these events you must submit a Credit Hour Reporting Form to receive the approved credits for your continuing education requirements. The reporting form can only be submitted after you attend.
Professional Certification Exams
Both the MWPCP Professional and Professional In-Training Exams will be offered at 1pm on the Friday of the 2023 Basic Classes. Remember that per the MWPCP certification exam policy, anyone who intends to take either the Professional or the Professional In-Training exams are required to complete and submit an application to take the exam. The exception are Basic Class participants who intend to take the Professional In-Training exam at the end of the Basic Class they attend. They do not need to apply as they qualify for the In-Training exam upon completion of the course. Exam applications must be submitted and approved prior to taking the exam
Link to List of Completed MWPCP Events for the Current Renewal Period
Participants do not need to submit a Credit Hour Reporting Form for these MWPCP continuing education hours. Also note that pre-registration will not be required for the virtual MWPCP events. Participation will be confirmed by documenting active participants and the completion of a survey at the end of the event.
Link to Complete List of Events Approved for Continuing Education Hours (non-MWPCP sponsored)
Note that if you attended any of these events you must submit a Credit Hour Reporting Form to receive the approved credits for your continuing education requirements.