February 2020
Why Planner Certification is Important
The CTD created its Planner Certification program in an effort to provide documentation and support to technical planners in the fields of Riparian, Farm, and Dairy planning. We recognize that planners have different levels of knowledge in their field and we wanted to provide a program that both increases skill and provides documentation of expertise to peers and partners. The available certifications provide three levels of verification to guide and support planners as they advance in their training and expertise. Along with a continuing education program to promote learning and keep planners sharp, the certification program connects planners to a network of experts and peers they can communicate with.
If you are a Riparian, Farm, and/or Dairy planner, begin your Planner Certification process today by downloading the applicable certification document and reviewing the criteria. The CTD is accepting the first of two rounds of applications through March 6, 2020. We recommend that you review the requirements and start at Level 1 to connect with the program. Advancing your expertise from there is easy, fun and supportive!
The CTD will be hosting a webinar March 5th to help CD staff navigate the application process -- see article below for more information!
For questions, please contact: certification@wactd.org
Curious how the CTD Certification Program is different from the NRCS Planner Designation? We created a FAQ page to help clarify things. For more info, go to: www.wactd.org/certification
Webinar: CTD Planner Certification - The Why, Who, and How to Apply
Thu, Mar 5, 2020 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (PST)
The CTD is hosting a special webinar to help you better understand the three CTD Planner Certifications - Riparian, Farm, and Dairy - available, why you need to apply, and how to navigate the application process. The first deadline for applications is approaching, so now is the time to get clarity on the process and advocate support from your District.
Web meeting link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/862245045
"The purpose of conservation: The greatest good to the greatest number of people for the longest time."
-- Gifford Pinchot
How to Make a Training Plan
The start of the year is a great time to make a training plan to increase your knowledge and expertise.
How to Make a Training Plan:
Download the Training Plan Template (www.wactd.org/training-plan)
Decide which Planner Certification you want to achieve (if applicable) and outline things you still need (www.wactd.org/certification)
Look which NRCS, CTD, or outside professional trainings are offered this year (www.wactd.org/training)
Ask peers, mentors, and/or colleagues for useful training ideas
Make sure you have access to AgLearn and keep your account active (www.wactd.org/aglearn-info)
Meet with your manager/supervisor to review and support your training plan
Get started!
New Documents Available in eFOTG
A new version of the CPA-52 is now available for conservation planners! Find it in Section 1, Reference Lists, of the eFOTG webpage. While you're there, check out the 'Recently Changed' tab to find recently updated practice standards and other related documents. Remember to check eFOTG for updates periodically when you are conservation planning.
Last Call for Survey Responses! Deadline tomorrow, February 7th!
The CTD currently has two different training surveys open - have you responded yet?
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If you have any questions, please contact us at training@wactd.org.
Thank you!
WADE 2020
WADE 2020 will be here before you know it! The CTD continues their partnership this year with WADE to help bring you curated content for technical tracks, special training opportunities on Wednesday, and a captivating keynote speaker to start the conference off!
Keynote Speaker, Opening Session: David R. Montgomery
David R. Montgomery studies the evolution of topography and the influence of geomorphological processes on ecological systems and human societies. He received his B.S. in geology at Stanford University (1984) and his Ph.D. in geomorphology from UC Berkeley (1991). His published work includes King of Fish: The Thousand-Year Run of Salmon, Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations, and Growing A Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life. David is a knowledgeable and engaging speaker and we are thrilled to have him at WADE!
Wednesday morning sessions:
Bird Walk
Join us for a Bird Walk with leader Heather Murphy, a local wildlife biologist, nature journalist, and artist. Over the past 25 years she has recorded 109 species of birds in the Sleeping Lady area. Enjoy a tour of the diverse habitats at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, birding in the organic garden, through aspen stands and ponderosa forest, and along the banks of Icicle Creek. Don’t forget your binoculars!
NRCS Trainings
Back by popular demand, the CTD has arranged for two different NRCS training opportunities on Wednesday! Choose from ‘Using Cover Crops to Improve Soil Health’, highlighting some of the ways that cover crops can be used in an agronomic system to improve soil health; or 'Stream Visual Assessment Protocol 2 (SVAP2)', an introduction to NRCS's stream habitat inventory assessment.
Stay tuned for more details and registration information in the coming months!
The Center for Technical Development needs your help!
It’s the time of year that we update the CTD Personnel Database. This database is a clearing house of the more than 200 technical staff members from all the conservation districts in the state. The information in this database supports the services CTD provides – including training, technical expertise sharing, etc.
You will receive an email soon from someone helping populate this database requesting your updated information. Updating your information typically takes a few minutes and focus on your specialties as a technical professional in your district. Your timely response and help keeping the information in the database is greatly appreciated.
Want to track your trainings taken for NRCS or CTD Certifications AND help keep the database up to date? Sign up with a login at HERE for access to a self-service portal. After requesting an account, updating your profile takes less than 10 minutes. Your help keeping the information in the database up to date is greatly appreciated!
If you have questions about this database and its use, contact database@wactd.org.
Thank you and happy New Year!
Calling all District Managers!
All Conservation District managers/directors should have recently received a note from the CTD inviting you to attend a special all-managers web meeting on March 11, 2020 at 9:00 am with the CTD. The goal of the meeting is to share our current programs, demonstrate how they can benefit you and your staff, and gather your input into development of our FY21 plan of work. We are initiating this new process in an effort to ensure we are capturing your needs and providing the best services to your staff. You can find login details on our website: www.wactd.org. Thank you for your support, interest, and feedback as we continue to meet the needs of your District and staff.
Outside Training Opportunities
Registration is now open for Coastal Training Program classes to be held April through June 2020! To read class descriptions, instructor bios, and to register, please visit the Coastal Training Program website. All classes are eligible for Certification Maintenance (CM) credits through the American Planning Association and the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals. Members of the Society of Wetland Scientists may also apply class hours toward re-certification. Materials and lunch are provided with each class.
And In Other News...
by Brigham Young University
By Maria Temming, for sciencenews.org.
By Sarah Wesseler, for Yale Climate Connections
If you have an idea for the newsletter, a project or photo you'd like featured, or just want to say hello, email communications@wactd.org. We'd love to hear from you!