An inaccurate wetland delineation can delay a permit application. To remedy this, a handful of states currently offer certificates for wetland delineators who have met specific education and experience requirements. ASWM highlighted the certification programs in NH, VA, WI and MN in the article listed below. This article describes how these programs got started, what's required of wetland delineators and how these programs potentially affect the permit issuance process. As other certification programs are identified, further links will be added to this webpage.

ASWM NEWS

State Wetland Delineator Certification Programs by Leah Stetson, MPhil HE, Association of State Wetland Managers, Inc. (06/07) Four states currently have active programs that recognize wetland delineators. Of these four states,three certify wetland delineators and a fourth state has begun a pilot program to assure delineators' work. Several other states are in the early stages of developing a certification program for wetland delineators. Learn more about these programs at: http://www.aswm.org/swp/certification/certification0607.pdf

LINKS OF INTEREST

Wisconsin’s Wetland Delineation Professional Assurance Program http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/wetlands/assurance.shtml#s1 WI’s program requirements can be found at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/wetlands/documents/delineation_assurance.pdf Virginia’s program regulatory information can be found at: http://www.townhall.virginia.gov/chapter/ViewChapter.cfm?Vac=116&Chapter=30 VA’s Dept. of Professional & Occupational Regulation (for wetland delineators) http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb/ssc_main.cfm Candidate Information on Exam and Qualifications for Certificatehttp://www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb/Wetlands%20CIB.pdf Application http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb/forms/wet/3402cert.pdf  New Hampshire’s program: http://www.nh.gov/jtboard/home.htm http://www.nh.gov/jtboard/wslist.htm  (list of wetland scientists) http://www.nh.gov/jtboard/nsceu.htm  (continuing education) http://www.nh.gov/jtboard/natscien.pdf  (application for a wetland scientist) http://www.nh.gov/jtboard/wetland.pdf   (app for a wetland scientist apprentice) Minnesota Wetland Delineator Certification Program: http://www.mnwetlands.umn.edu/cert/ New complete wetlands delineation datapoint management systemavailable

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