This is an explanation about why the wetlands workshop is being held (May
18) and what participants can expect from the workshop.
Contact me if you are interested in attending.
Jane Clark

WHY IT IS NEEDED:
The Clean Water Act and its implementing regulations contain strong
provisions for the protection of wetlands.  However, implementation of
those regulations by the Army Corps is, to put it mildly, limited.  Most
wetlands permitting decisions take place not in Washington, D.C., but
out in the 30-plus District Offices around the country where permit
applications for wetlands destruction are reviewed and issued.  An
infrastructure of grassroots wetlands activists trained in how to
analyze and comment upon proposed permits, and to challenge illegally
issued permits, is an absolute necessity for any long-term effort to
protect wetlands.  We propose to provide that training for water and
wetland activists around the country.

WHAT IT IS:
A one-day training in federal and state wetlands law and policy, with an
emphasis on providing the analytical tools to comment upon and challenge
illegal permits for wetlands destruction.

PARTICIPANTS WILL GET:
· An understanding of the structure under the Clean Water Act for
protecting wetlands.  History of the development of the regulations for
protecting wetlands.
· Explanation of the regulations the Army Corps is required to
follow in protecting wetlands.
· How to use the regulations to comment on permit applications
during the public comment process, both to make sure that permits comply
with legal requirements and to prepare for possible legal challenges to
illegally issued permits.
· Training/background on state wetland regulations/protections.
· Walk through sample permits and practice identifying key issues
for comment.
· Political/historical and substantive context for the wetlands
protection program and the connection between federal wetlands policy
and on-the-ground wetlands activism.
· Support in considering campaign strategies that might be used in
fighting a permit.

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