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COURSE INFO PROVIDER: ERO Resources Corporation
COURSE TITLE: Basic Wetland Delineation Training

INSTRUCTORS Kristin Marie Russo
Emma Clary
Isabel Mansour

COURSE DESCRIPTION Basic Wetland Training Course Summary

Theoretical Foundation
This portion of the training introduces the regulatory and scientific basis for wetland identification and delineation. Participants learn about the regulatory authorities, important definitions, and how wetland determinations are made using accepted federal methods.

The Three Indicators
Participants develop a working understanding of the three primary wetland indicators: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. The section goes through the 1987 Manual, Great Plains Regional Supplement, and Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Regional Supplement to explain how each hydrology, hydric soil, and vegetation indicator is observed, evaluated, and documented in the field. This section explains the use of the Munsell color chart.

Problematic Situations
The section addresses challenging delineation scenarios, including disturbed sites, seasonal hydrology, atypical vegetation patterns, problem soils, and areas where indicators are absent, subtle, or difficult to interpret. Participants learn how to apply professional judgment while maintaining consistency with current guidance and documentation standards.

Field Techniques and Documentation
Participants learn best practices for the field including reconnaissance steps to complete before heading into the field, techniques for evaluating vegetation, describing soil morphology, identifying hydrology indicators, recording data, taking representative photographs, and preparing clear field notes. Basic Emphasis is placed on producing complete, organized, and defensible documentation that supports wetland delineation reports and agency review, and touches on how the indicators are integrated to support wetland boundary decisions. This section also provides a brief overview of basic plant anatomy terminology to aid vegetation identification.

Field Practicum
The field practicum provides hands-on experience applying course concepts in real wetland and upland settings. Participants work through field exercises, compare observations with instructor feedback, practice identifying wetland boundaries, and strengthen confidence in making and explaining field-based delineation decisions. Over two field days, participants will have the opportunity to sample both organic and mineral soils and to compare vegetation from the front-range at Chatfield State Park to that at elevation at Jim Creek Fen.

Course Duration: 40
Credit Points:

SYLLABUS/TOPICAL OUTLINE Basic Wetland Training Course Summary Theoretical Foundation This portion of the training introduces the regulatory and scientific basis for wetland identification and delineation. Participants learn about the regulatory authorities, important definitions, and how wetland determinations are made using accepted federal methods. The Three Indicators Participants develop a working understanding of the three primary wetland indicators: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. The section goes through the 1987 Manual, Great Plains Regional Supplement, and Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Regional Supplement to explain how each hydrology, hydric soil, and vegetation indicator is observed, evaluated, and documented in the field. This section explains the use of the Munsell color chart. Problematic Situations The section addresses challenging delineation scenarios, including disturbed sites, seasonal hydrology, atypical vegetation patterns, problem soils, and areas where indicators are absent, subtle, or difficult to interpret. Participants learn how to apply professional judgment while maintaining consistency with current guidance and documentation standards. Field Techniques and Documentation Participants learn best practices for the field including reconnaissance steps to complete before heading into the field, techniques for evaluating vegetation, describing soil morphology, identifying hydrology indicators, recording data, taking representative photographs, and preparing clear field notes. Basic Emphasis is placed on producing complete, organized, and defensible documentation that supports wetland delineation reports and agency review, and touches on how the indicators are integrated to support wetland boundary decisions. This section also provides a brief overview of basic plant anatomy terminology to aid vegetation identification. Field Practicum The field practicum provides hands-on experience applying course concepts in real wetland and upland settings. Participants work through field exercises, compare observations with instructor feedback, practice identifying wetland boundaries, and strengthen confidence in making and explaining field-based delineation decisions. Over two field days, participants will have the opportunity to sample both organic and mineral soils and to compare vegetation from the front-range at Chatfield State Park to that at elevation at Jim Creek Fen. See attached PDF for additional details.
View or download the outline here: ERCLC66-264_SecV_69235.pdf

COURSE CONTACT

Kristin Marie Russo
1626 Cole Boulevard, Suite 100, Lakewood, CO 80401
mrusso@eroresources.com
P: 7206906654
F:

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