Professional Development at the Environmental Learning Center

Learn to assess the functions and values of waterways using the Stream Function Assessment Method (SFAM). This method provides a standardized, rapid, function-based way to assess stream functions statewide. It is intended to further federal and state regulatory objectives by informing compensatory mitigation planning. SFAM was released at the end of June 2018. SFAM is required for removal-fill individual permits as of July 1, 2019.

Designed and led by Oregon Department of State Lands staff, this training will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of how SFAM was developed and how to apply the method. The training includes two virtual classroom sessions and one field day in Salem.

This Clackamas Community College's Environmental Learning Center workshop is in partnership with Oregon Department of State Lands.

Instructors

The training team is comprised of DSL staff members who participated in the development of the SFAM assessment methods, and/or review SFAM assessments submitted to DSL. All are involved with providing expertise input and comments used to continually improve SFAM. USACE staff will participate as trainers as their schedules permit.

Professional credit

Clackamas Community College, 1.4 CEU (14 PDH), Certificate of Completion will be provided.

Training schedule

• Virtual classroom, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-noon
  • The virtual session will cover a brief overview of the background and principles used to develop SFAM, context for understanding SFAM value and function scores, guidance on filling out the office form, a tour of information available on Oregon Explorer including how to create and use an SFAM report, and an overview of answering field component questions.
  • Note: Class on Sept. 12 will not review the topics covered in the video. However, we will have time to answer questions about information in the video. Please make a note of any questions you may have while watching.
    
• Field day at Bush's Pasture Park in Salem, Thursday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • You will spend most of the day in the field, getting hands-on experience answering SFAM field questions. Field groups will be made of 8-9 participants, with each group led by two trainers.
    
• Virtual classroom Q&A follow-up, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 1-4 p.m.
  • We find a short gap between the field day component and the follow-up Q&A is useful. This provides time for attendees to synthesize the material and formulate questions.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this workshop, students should be able to:

• Explain the guiding principles and processes used to develop SFAM.
• Understand the various aspects of an SFAM assessment: background information and equipment needed; general idea of time required to complete an assessment; materials and documents needed for the field.
• Describe how the method works.
• Complete the SFAM Calculator's Office Form and office related SFAM measures using the online SFAM Map Viewer tool.
• Accurately answer questions on the SFAM Field Form.
• Confidently complete an SFAM in the field.

Cost

SFAM Training: $780

This course is currently full. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please email rharber@clackamas.edu. This will add you to the course wait list and provide you information for future course offerings.

This hands-on course will provide an overview of aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling in the Willamette Valley, including guidelines for using the resulting data for assessment of habitat condition and responses to restoration.

Participants will learn:

• To identify different families of aquatic invertebrates that are commonly encountered in our water bodies.
• To know which species are characteristic of running water versus still water
• The basics of designing and implementing aquatic invertebrate-based biomonitoring methodologies, including multiple sampling techniques.
• The variety of data analysis options and how to choose one based on the research goals
• Use these techniques and equipment in the field and perform basic data analysis on the information collected

Field Practicum: Each day will have a field component, providing hands-on experience in slow and fast water sites. Students will then use the data gathered in the field to practice developing a conceptual plan.

Instructor

Zee Searles Mazzacano, Ph.D., is the owner and principal scientist at CASM Environmental LLC that focuses on insects, freshwater mussels and other invertebrates. Zee has a B.S. in Genetics & Cell Biology and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Minnesota. 

Professional Credit

• Clackamas Community College, 14 hours or 1.4 CEU
• Certificate of Completion will be provided.

Date and Location

• Thursday, Sept. 28 and Friday, Sept. 29, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Lecture: Environmental Learning Center at Clackamas Community College, Oregon City Campus
• Field practicum: First day at the Environmental Learning Center and second day at Carver Park

Cost

• Standard: $390
• Students: $156
• Limited scholarships: We have a limited number of scholarship dollars available that reduce the cost of registration by 30% for those eligible. These dollars are for those with limited resources.

Register now

Questions? Email Leanne Wells at leanne.wells@clackamas.edu.

Thank you to our sponsor, Clackamas River Water Providers!

Update: This course has been postponed. We hope to offer it in Spring, 2024. This page will be updated accordingly as we get more information.

This Clackamas Community College Environmental Learning Center workshop is in partnership with Oregon Department of State Lands.

Learn to assess the functions and values of wetland sites using the Oregon Rapid Wetland Assessment Protocol (ORWAP) Version 3.2. ORWAP provides a standardized, rapid, function-based assessment method that can be used for the majority of wetlands found across Oregon. This method furthers federal and state regulatory objectives by informing compensatory mitigation planning. Use of ORWAP is required for removal-fill individual permits as of July 1, 2019.

Designed and led by Oregon Department of State Lands staff, this training will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of how ORWAP was developed and how to apply the method. The training includes two virtual classroom sessions and one field day in Salem.

Instructors

The training team is comprised of DSL staff members who participated in the development of the ORWAP assessment methods, and/or review ORWAP assessments submitted to DSL. All are involved with providing expert input and comments used to continually improve ORWAP. USACE staff will participate as instructors as their schedules allow.

Training schedule

• Half-day virtual classroom, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-noon
  
  • The virtual session will cover a brief overview of the background and principles used to develop ORWAP, context for understanding ORWAP value and function scores, guidance on filling out the office form, a tour of information available on Oregon Explorer including how to create and use an ORWAP report and an overview of answering field component questions.
• Full field day at Fairview Wetlands in Salem, Thursday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • You will spend most of the day in the field, getting hands-on experience answering ORWAP field questions. Field groups will be made up of 8-9 participants, with each group led by two trainers. Note: We will have access to restrooms in a nearby building. The later part of the day will be in a nearby classroom to go over ‘Stressor’ questions, recap what was covered in the field and answer any questions.
• Half-day virtual classroom Q&A follow up, Wednesday, Oct 18: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
  • We find a short gap between the field day component and the follow up Q&A is useful. This provides time for attendees to synthesize the material and formulate questions.

Major topics

• ORWAP and Compensatory Wetland Mitigation
• Oregon Explorer "ORWAP and SFAM Viewer"
• ORWAP Office Forms
• ORWAP Field Forms
• ORWAP Stressor Forms
• Field Practicum

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this workshop students should be able to:

• Explain the guiding principles and processes used to develop ORWAP.
  
• Understand the various aspects of an ORWAP assessment:
  • Background information that can help inform field answers.
  • General idea of time required to complete an assessment.
  • Documents needed for field.
• Describe how the method works.
• Determine office related ORWAP measurements and complete the ORWAP Calculator’s Office Form using the online ORWAP Map Viewer.
• Accurately answer questions on the ORWAP Field Form.

Professional credit

Clackamas Community College, 1.3 CEU (12.5 PDH), Certificate of Completion will be provided.

Cost

$780

This one-day workshop will provide a broad survey of federal and state law and policy pertaining to wetlands and waterways, from historical beginnings to present day issues. The primary audience is environmental professionals working in wetlands, aquatic resources, watershed management or related fields. Others who are active in environmental issues may also find the workshop informative.

Upon completion of this workshop students should be able to:

• Explain the basic provisions of key federal and state laws protecting wetlands and waterways, and regulating activities within them.
• Explain the historical, political and social/cultural underpinnings of wetland and waterway conservation.
• Explain basic concepts such as the Public Trust Doctrine, "navigability" and Oregon's "paramount policy."
• Describe the respective reach of federal and state jurisdiction in regulating wetlands and waterways.
• Explain the most recent US Supreme Court decision on federal jurisdiction over "Waters of the US".
• Approach wetland delineation, permitting and mitigation planning with greater confidence.

Instructor

Phil Quarterman has over 40 years of experience as a wetland scientist, working in local and state government. He has worked in consulting with WHPacific, Inc since 1995. Phil has worked on many types of projects delineating and assessing wetlands, obtaining state and federal permits, and crafting and implementing wetland mitigation plans. His fieldwork has taken him to diverse wetland types from alkaline wetlands in arid areas of Oregon and Nevada, to Oregon estuaries, to the tundra and boreal forests of Alaska.

He has been teaching Society of Wetland Scientists certified classes on wetland delineation for the past six years in locations from Portland to Walla Walla, WA to Anchorage, AK.

Professional Credit

• Clackamas Community College, 0.6 CEU (6.0 PDH)
• Certificate of Completion will be provided.

Date and Location

• Thursday, Nov. 16, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• In-person at the Environmental Learning Center or virtual (via Zoom)

Cost

• Standard: $200
• Students: $100
• Limited scholarships: We have a limited number of scholarship dollars available that reduce the cost of registration by 30% for those eligible. These dollars are for those with limited resources.

Register Now

Questions? Email Leanne Wells at leanne.wells@clackamas.edu.

This workshop will provide an overview of vegetated stormwater facilities (bioswales, raingardens, etc.), how they function, management considerations, and strategies for long-term viability. Participants will learn about regulatory requirements, such as record-keeping and inspections, and learn how to evaluate and properly maintain the plants and other system components. The intended audience includes landscapers, regulatory inspectors and public works/stormwater maintenance personnel. The field portion of class includes practice inspecting a facility, identifying problems, record-keeping and communication with the customer.

Instructors

• Todd Blossom, owner and operator of Blossom, a full-service landscaping company, certified in permaculture design.
• Kate Forester, licensed landscape architect with 16 years of experience in natural resource management.
• Rob Livingston, technical services specialist in the Watershed Protection division, Clackamas Water Environment Services.
• Brian Monnin, engineer III-stormwater permit coordinator, City of Camas.
• Gail Shaloum, technical services coordinator, Clackamas Water Environment Services.

Professional credit

• Clackamas Community College, 1.18 CEU; OLCB, 11.75 CEH
• Certificate of Completion will be provided.

Cost

• Standard: $220
• Students: $110
• Reduced pricing: We have a limited amount of funds available that can reduce the cost of your registration by 30% for those eligible. These dollars are for those with limited resources. If you are interested in applying, select the "Apply for Reduced Pricing" ticket and we will follow up with you.

Register now

Questions? Email Leanne Wells at leanne.wells@clackamas.edu.

This program is offered by the Environmental Learning Center in partnership with Clackamas Water Environment Services, and with sponsorship support from the city of Oregon City.

This workshop will introduce the science and protocol of wetland delineation. The intended audience includes environmental professionals who work with wetlands, streams and watershed management. Participants will learn about standard methodology, data sources, wetland indicators and regulations, as well as the practical components of an onsite inspection.

Lecture: Consists of 18 hours of classroom instruction, including an open-book test.

Field practicum: Provides hands-on experience in the practice of wetland delineation. Participants will work with the instructor to conduct a comprehensive assessment of a wetland site, practicing the identification of wetland indicators and learning the practical components of an onsite investigation. Consists of 6.5 hours of field practicum.

Lunch and snacks are provided.

Instructor

Phil Quarterman PWS (Emeritus) has 40+ years of experience as a wetland scientist, working in local and state government and since 1995 in consulting with WHPacific, Inc. He has worked on many types of projects delineating and assessing wetlands, obtaining state and federal permits, and crafting and implementing wetland mitigation plans. Phil’s fieldwork has taken him to diverse wetland types from alkaline wetlands in arid areas of Oregon and Nevada, to Oregon estuaries, to the tundra and boreal forests of Alaska.

He has been teaching Society of Wetland Scientists certified classes on wetland delineation for the past six years in many locations including Portland, Walla Walla, WA and Anchorage, AK.

Professional credit

• Clackamas Community College, 2.45 CEU (24.5 PDH) for full workshop
• 0.65 CEU (6.5 PDH) for field practicum only
• Certificate of Completion will be provided, which may be submitted to SWSPCP or other certifying agencies.

Date and location

You may choose to do the lecture and field practicum, or field practicum ONLY, depending on your needs.

• Lecture: March 18-20, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Environmental Learning Center at CCC
• Field practicum: March 21, 2024, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Three Creeks natural area, adjacent to CCC Harmony campus

Cost

• Lecture and field practicum: $595
• Field practicum only: $230
  Please note: Students are expected to have a basic working knowledge of the wetland delineation process prior to taking this field practicum.
• Student lecture and field practicum: $298
• Limited scholarships: We have a limited number of scholarship dollars available that reduce the cost of registration by 30% for those eligible. These dollars are for those with limited resources.

Register Now

Questions? Email Leanne Wells at leanne.wells@clackamas.edu.

Thanks to our sponsor Clackamas Water Environment Services!

This intermediate level workshop is designed to improve the ability of field staff to identify common species of wetland plants (both dicot & monocot) through the use of botanical keys. Plant terminology necessary for proper use of identification keys will be covered. The emphasis is on field identification, although classroom instruction will also take place. The field identification portion of the class takes place in at least two community types.

Participants will learn to:

• Accurately identify common wetland plants in this region to the species level by using key morphological features.
• Identify selected plant families that commonly occur in wetlands in this region (dicots and monocots).
• Properly use botanical keys to identify unknown plants.
• Identify tools available to aid in the identification of native plants.

Instructor

George Kral, forester and founder of Ash Creek Forest Management, is a regionally recognized expert in the flora of the northern Willamette Valley and a field forester in the broad sense. He has worked in the field for the past 35 years, managing riparian areas, upland forests, prairies and wetlands throughout northwest Oregon.

George and his wife Sara own and manage Scholls Valley, a 60-acre farm in western Washington County where they grow three million native plants annually, representing 126 species indigenous to western Oregon and Washington. George has a BS in Forest Management and a PhD in Botany from Oregon State University, where he studied landscape genomics of western alders.

Professional credit

• Clackamas Community College, 1.5 CEU (15 PDH)
• Certificate of Completion will be provided.

Date and location

• Thursday and Friday, May 16-17, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Lecture: Lakeside Hall at the ELC, Clackamas Community College, Oregon City Campus
• Field Practicum: Three Creeks Natural Area adjacent to Clackamas Community College, Harmony Campus

Cost

• Standard: $400
• Students: $200
• Limited scholarships: We have a limited number of scholarship dollars available that reduce the cost of registration by 30% for those eligible. These dollars are for those with limited resources.

Register now

Questions? Email Leanne Wells at leanne.wells@clackamas.edu.