https://www.aswm.org/wetland-programs/state-wetland-programs/10209-2020-state-meeting
April 7-9, 2020
National Conservation Training Center
Shepherdstown, WV
The purpose of this annual meeting is to support state and tribal wetland program managers, and other wetland professionals as they respond to challenges in the coming year. Changes proposed to Clean Water Act jurisdiction anticipate a larger role for states and tribes in protecting state/tribal waters. These changes will require states and tribes to re-evaluate their respective programs for protecting water resources, specifically state/tribal dredge and fill programs. This could also lead to an increased interest in Section 404 State/Tribal Assumption, as well as require consideration of new legislation in many states that lack the authority to issue dredge and fill permits. Reduced federal or state jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act will also change the relationship between state wetland programs and other federal programs such as the Endangered Species Act, the Oil Pollution Control Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and floodplain management programs.
Changes in water resource programs should be grounded in sound science, smart policies, and integrated decision-making. New initiatives will require outreach about the benefits and challenges of proposed program changes with partners and the public on many levels. To meet these needs, presentations and discussions during this year’s three-day meeting cover a range of topical issues.