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Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners
(click above for information about the Fundamentals)
Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Training Program
Erosion and Sediment Control Problems and Solutions:
What are the Options for Effective Prevention and Control?
Tired of seeing silt fence flapping in the breeze? What is a straw wattle used for? Ever wonder how to require or select appropriate erosion control devices for a site? MACC will answer these questions and more in our workshops on Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) especially for Conservation Commissioners and Inspectors.
This full day workshop is geared toward Conservation Commissioners and inspectors and will introduce you to effective methods of erosion prevention and sediment control, including different BMP’s (Best Management Practices) and their applications. A site visit to an active construction site will be included. All participants will receive certificates for 6 Professional Development Units! Please dress for the weather.
Topics will include:
• Soil erosion process: factors and impacts
• ESC regulations and jurisdiction-relating ESC to the Regulations
• Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Site Visit to view ESC applications
Advanced Certificate Training Core Days
Wetlands Ecology and Conservation Biology
This all-day session will make important connections between a commission's open space and wetlands work and the guiding principles of ecology and biodiversity. You will gain an understanding of the nature and function of resource areas and wetland ecology, the impact of the projects which come before you, and the measures you can take to adequately protect your land and water resources on the watershed and ecosystems levels.
Online Training
Online Coastal Conservation Commission Training:
Making Decisions Based on Law and Science
If you missed MACC's day-long training session on the laws and science behind wetland permitting in Massachusetts coastal communities, here is your chance to participate online! This workshop was first offered during the winter of 2007-2008 in Stoneham and Barnstable. A total of three hours and nine minutes of PowerPoint presentations with accompanying audio is available for free download. Download times vary from presentation to presentation, with some loading in only a few seconds and others taking about five minutes. Total download time for all presentations is about 15 minutes for those with a broadband Internet connection (download times for dial-up connections are much longer). To view the presentations, click HERE. Online Coastal Training (go)
Soils
Identification
Pete Fletcher & Gillian Davies Soil Science - Field Skills Workshop
Combination: lecture, slides, overhead transparencies, hands-on exercises, and field exercise. Topics: Soils of Massachusetts (brief overview); Geological Past and its Influence on Our Soils; Soil Texture – Percent Sand, Silt, and Clay; Soil Color; Describing a Soil Profile; Estimating Depth to Seasonal High Water Table. The afternoon field trip will have participants work in small groups and describe different soil test pits in the field. The pits will cover a broad range of soil features. Instructors will provide the field equipment needed for this exercise.
Pete Fletcher & Gillian Davies Hydric Soil Workshop: Field Identification, Documentation and
Delineation
Combination: lecture, slides, overhead transparencies, hands-on exercises,
and field exercise. Topics: Upland Soils vs. Wetland Soils and Soil Features
Associated with Wetlands. Several sites will be visited that have varied
wetland and soil conditions. Participants will work in small groups and
delineate the hydric soil boundary using the State DEP Methodology. Field
equipment will be provided.
Vernal Pools for Conservation Professionals: Ecology, Identification and Regulation
This workshop is designed to provide conservation professionals with an in-depth exploration of the ecology and value of vernal pools; clarity on the art and science of identifying, delineating, and protecting vernal pools; a clear understanding of the regulatory framework protecting vernal pools in Massachusetts; and approaches for conserving vernal pool ecosystems that go beyond wetlands protection. Matt Burne and Leo Kenney, both of the Vernal Pool Association, will present this workshop. Matt and Leo are expert vernal pool ecologists and are experienced in the protection of vernal pools from both the state and local points of view.
This workshop includes a site visit to a vernal pool in the afternoon. Attendees should dress for wet and muddy conditions. Bring a bag lunch; morning refreshments will be provided. A copy of A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools is included in the registration fee. (2.0 Advanced Credits).
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(Current Schedule and Registration)
Wetland
Delineation
Greg Hochmuth's Wetland Delineation for Beginners
This workshop is designed for Conservation Commissioners new to wetland delineation methodology. Participants will learn how to identify wetland resource areas using the DEP manual “Delineating Bordering Vegetated Wetlands under the MA Wetlands Protection Act”. Commissioner will gain a better understanding of how to identify a wetland resource area based on vegetation, soils and indicators of hydrology. DEP manual included. Attendees should bring a bag lunch. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Bring pencil/pen, tape measure and pocket calculator.
John Rockwell Workshops
Having delivered his “Basic Wetland Delineation Workshop” to hundreds of Conservation Commissioners and wetland aficionados in Marion, Massachusetts over the past several years, John Rockwell, Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program Wetland Specialist, will now split his one-day workshop into two full-day workshops. Participants in both workshops will become more familiar with the state methodology of wetland delineation through practice sessions, case studies and a field session; they’ll be introduced to plant identification and be shown how to use the DEP manual Delineating Bordering Vegetated Wetlands under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Lunch and the DEP manual are included in each session. Bring pencil/pen and pocket calculator. Field work in afternoon. (Limit 15) (2.0 Advanced Credits.) Presented in cooperation with the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program.
Basic Wetland Delineation: Soils
Focus is on hydric soils, indicators of wetland hydrology and understanding the DEP BVW Delineation Field Data form: Section II. Indicators of Hydrology (limit 15) (2.0 Advanced Credits)
Basic Wetland Delineation: Vegetation
Focus is on wetland vegetation and understanding the DEP BVW Delineation Field Data Form: Section I. Vegetation. (limit 15) (2.0 Advanced Credits)
Beyond Beginners: Delineation Workshop
Ever heard the expression, " A little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing"? This workshop is designed to expand upon the information and techniques presented in John's two full-day Basic Delineation Workshops: Soils and Vegetation. Attendees will improve their understanding of the state delineation methodology and their ability to make those tough soils and vegetation determinations through practice sessions, case studies and field work. Lunch and workshop materials are included in the fee. Bring pencil/pen and pocket calculator. Optional: soils auger, sharpshooter and Munsell Color Book. Prerequisites: registrants must have previously attended both of John's full-day basic delineation workshops (soils and vegetation), provide proof of the prior delineation training (college level) or be a practicing wetland professional. (limit 15) (2.0 Advanced Credits)
(Current Schedule and Registration) |
