The Division of Coastal Management’s N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve is inviting local government staff, land use planners, landscape architects, engineers, and other professionals who work in coastal and freshwater wetland environments to participate in the free Getting to Know Wetlands workshop on May 17.
The workshop will be held from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the NOAA Beaufort Lab Auditorium, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort.
Wetlands are a unique natural resource that provide many benefits, including pollutant removal and flood control. However, wetlands are commonly viewed as a nuisance and a regulation hassle. The purpose of this workshop is to highlight the environmental importance of wetlands and help professionals understand the development rules and permitting processes related to coastal and freshwater wetlands.
Workshop participants will also learn about wetland restoration projects that increase coastal resilience to pollution and natural hazards. The workshop includes a field trip to a coastal wetland, within walking distance of the workshop meeting space, to identify wetland plants and learn about wetland delineation. The information will be presented by scientists conducting wetland research, state and federal personnel involved in wetland permitting, and coastal conservationists designing restoration projects.
“We want professionals to know how to efficiently navigate the permitting process if they are working on projects that involve wetlands,” says Whitney Jenkins with the N.C. Coastal Reserve. “Our goal is to enhance participants’ knowledge of wetlands and the services they provide so they will communicate the importance of these unique, natural areas to their clients.”
The workshop includes continuing education credits for American Institute of Certified Planners, N.C. Landscape Architects, and engineers.
Registration is required. Visit the Coastal Reserve’s website at www.nccoastalreserve.net to view the agenda or register for the workshop.