Category: Newsletter

2024 National Wetland Plant List Update: Evaluating Wetland Vegetation for Conservation and Policy

Illustration of a botanist studying plants in a wetland habitat.

The National Wetland Plant List (NWPL) is an essential tool for determining hydrophytic vegetation in wetlands under federal regulations, including the Clean Water Act and the Rivers and Harbors Act. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in collaboration with the EPA, FWS, and NRCS, the NWPL is periodically updated to reflect new species records, taxonomic changes, and range extensions. For 2024, proposed changes to the wetland indicator status ratings of ten plant species across five regions are open for public comment until March 31, 2025. These ratings help classify plants into five categories—Obligate Wetland (OBL), Facultative Wetland (FACW), Facultative (FAC), Facultative Upland (FACU), and Upland (UPL)—based on their likelihood of occurring in wetlands. The NWPL serves as a critical resource for wetland restoration, conservation, and regulatory compliance.

The 2024 NWPL update process involved reviews by both Regional Panels (RPs) and the National Panel (NP) to assess proposed changes. One public request to change the status of Cicendia quadrangularis in the Arid West region was found to be unnecessary as the requested designation was already in place. However, changes were considered for two other species, Alnus incana and Amaranthus tuberculatus. Additionally, the Alaska RP requested evaluations for eight species with varying wetland indicator status ratings across subregions. Using advanced analytical methods such as multiple correspondence analysis and machine learning, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center collaborated with the Alaska RP to refine these ratings. The research findings informed proposed changes for several species while others remained unchanged due to insufficient data.

For specific species, revisions included downgrading Andromeda polifolia from OBL to FACW in certain subregions and adjusting Arctous rubra to match the state’s FAC designation. Salix arctica and Salix pulchra underwent reclassifications in specific subregions, while Viola palustris was proposed for a shift from FAC to FACW in select Major Land Resource Areas. The USACE encourages public participation in the NWPL update process by submitting data, observations, and supporting literature. Expert insights from regional botanists, field studies, and historical records help ensure accurate and scientifically supported classifications. Public input will be compiled and reviewed by the NP before finalizing the 2024 NWPL updates.

The Future of NEPA: Implications of CEQ’s Regulation Removal on Wetlands and Environmental Protection

Summary of the Interim Final Rule on the Removal of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Regulations and Its Impact on Wetlands

Overview of the Regulation Change

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has issued an interim final rule removing its NEPA implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), effective April 11, 2025. This decision follows Executive Order (E.O.) 14154, Unleashing American Energy, issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025, which rescinded E.O. 11991—the original directive that required CEQ to issue binding NEPA regulations. The rule is open for public comment until March 27, 2025.

The removal of CEQ’s regulations means that individual federal agencies will now be responsible for developing and implementing their own NEPA procedures without CEQ’s oversight. This shift aims to streamline environmental reviews and expedite project approvals, particularly for energy and infrastructure projects. However, it also raises concerns about weakened environmental protections, including for wetlands, mitigation banking, and stormwater management.

Background and Justification for CEQ’s Decision

NEPA, enacted in 1969, requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of major projects before approval. In 1978, CEQ issued its first binding NEPA regulations under E.O. 11991, issued by President Carter. These regulations standardized environmental review procedures across federal agencies.

E.O. 14154 revokes CEQ’s authority to issue NEPA regulations and instead directs CEQ to issue non-binding guidance while allowing agencies to develop their own NEPA compliance rules. CEQ argues that without E.O. 11991, it may lack legal authority to maintain its NEPA regulations. Furthermore, recent court rulings—such as a D.C. Circuit Court decision in 2024 and a North Dakota district court ruling in February 2025—have questioned whether CEQ has the power to issue legally binding NEPA rules.

By removing its regulations, CEQ asserts that agencies will have greater flexibility in designing environmental review processes while reducing bureaucratic delays in permitting. However, critics argue that this move will weaken environmental oversight, particularly for projects that impact wetlands, mitigation banks, and floodplains.

Impact on Wetlands Management and Mitigation Banking

1. Increased Risk of Wetland Impacts

NEPA plays a crucial role in wetlands protection by requiring federal agencies to evaluate environmental impacts before permitting activities that may drain, fill, or alter wetlands. Without CEQ’s standardized regulations, wetlands may be at a higher risk for impacts due to:

  • Weakened Federal Oversight: Agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the EPA may adopt less rigorous environmental review standards for projects that impact wetlands.
  • Increased Wetland Fill Permits: Developers seeking permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) could face less scrutiny, leading to more wetland impacts from highways, pipelines, and industrial sites.
  • State-Level Disparities: Some states have strong wetland protections, while others rely heavily on federal oversight. Without CEQ-mandated consistency, states with weaker regulations may approve more projects affecting wetlands.

2. Potential Risks to Mitigation Banking

Mitigation banking allows developers to offset wetland impacts by purchasing credits from restored or created wetlands. While mitigation banking can be an effective tool for conservation, removing CEQ’s NEPA regulations introduces several risks:

  • Easier Approval of Low-Quality Mitigation Banks: Without consistent federal review standards, mitigation banks with lower ecological value may receive approval.
  • “Paper” Mitigation Banks: Some mitigation banks may meet legal requirements but fail to provide meaningful wetland restoration.
  • More Development Without Adequate Offsets: Weaker NEPA reviews could lead to increased development in wetlands, without requiring developers to provide sufficient compensatory mitigation.

3. Possible Positive Outcomes

  • Faster Approvals for Wetland Restoration Projects: NEPA reviews can sometimes delay beneficial wetland restoration efforts. If agencies streamline their review processes, projects aimed at restoring degraded wetlands could proceed more quickly.
  • More Private Investment in Mitigation Banking: A less burdensome regulatory process could attract more private investors to mitigation banking markets, potentially expanding wetland restoration efforts.

Broader Implications of CEQ’s NEPA Regulation Removal

1. Who Benefits?

  • Developers and industries seeking faster permitting for infrastructure, energy, and construction projects.
  • Mitigation bankers looking for less regulatory red tape in establishing new mitigation sites.
  • State agencies that want more control over their environmental review processes.

2. Who Loses?

  • Conservation groups and environmental advocates, who rely on NEPA-mandated reviews to prevent wetland impacts.
  • Communities at risk of flooding, as wetlands play a key role in stormwater retention and flood control.
  • Future mitigation banking credibility, if lower-quality mitigation projects receive approval without strong oversight.

Regulatory Considerations and Legal Challenges

The interim final rule raises several legal and procedural issues:

  • Uncertainty Over NEPA Compliance: Agencies must now develop their own NEPA procedures, leading to inconsistencies in how environmental reviews are conducted.
  • Increased Litigation Risks: Environmental groups may challenge weaker agency-led NEPA reviews, leading to more lawsuits that delay projects.
  • State and Tribal Government Impacts: The rule shifts responsibility to states and tribal governments, which may lack resources to develop robust NEPA compliance frameworks.

Conclusion: More Risks Than Benefits for Wetlands and Environmental Protection

The removal of CEQ’s NEPA implementing regulations marks a major shift in federal environmental policy, reducing national oversight and placing more responsibility on individual agencies. While the intent is to streamline permitting, the greatest risks lie in the potential for weaker environmental reviews, particularly for projects impacting wetlands and mitigation banking.

  • Short-term impact: Increased approvals of development projects, with fewer environmental safeguards for wetlands.
  • Long-term impact: Uneven environmental protection, with some agencies tightening their NEPA procedures while others loosen them.
  • Biggest risk: Increased wetland impacts, weaker mitigation banking oversight, and a higher likelihood of legal challenges.
  • Potential benefit: Faster approvals for wetland restoration projects and increased private investment in mitigation banking.

The overall effect depends on how federal agencies respond—whether they strengthen their own NEPA processes or weaken environmental oversight to prioritize faster project approvals.

North Carolina’s Weird and Wonderful: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Illustration of a yellow-bellied sapsucker on a tree trunk in the NC Mountains

The Great Backyard Bird Count of 2025 has come to an end. Every year, over a period of a few days in February, people from all around the world bird-watch in their favorite spot and keep track of every species of bird and how many of each species they observe. Yes, I chose to use bird-watch instead of bird. Why? Because birdwatching is a broader term used to describe people who enjoy watching birds in any capacity, for any reason, and the terms birder and birding are usually used to refer to a person who is more serious in their study of birds and their natural histories. The Great Backyard Bird Count is meant to bring all bird lovers together, because the data you submit helps researchers around the globe better understand bird populations. In that spirit, this month’s edition of North Carolina’s Weird and Wonderful will focus on one of our more unusual birds: the yellow-bellied sapsucker. 

Photograph of the holes left behind by a yellow-bellied sapsucker courtesy of Tim Tigner, Virginia Department of Forestry, and Bugwood.org

Let’s start with that name. Yellow-bellied sapsucker sounds like an insult tossed around during the Old West days of yore. I wasn’t around back then, so perhaps cattle rustlers and lawmen did call each other a yellow-bellied sapsucker while engaged in shoot-outs, but in this bird group the “sapsucker” refers to the fact that they drill holes in trees and drink the sap that leaks out. You can tell a tree has been visited by a member of the sapsucker genus if you see horizontal rows of ¼ inch holes. Sapsuckers use their brush-like tongue to lap or suck up the sap, though if a bug crosses their path while enjoying their drink, a yellow-bellied sapsucker will partake of the meatier morsel. In terms of the yellow-bellied portion of their name, this species does have a yellow belly, though it can appear white from a distance, and may be a brighter yellow in some individuals. They also have a bright yellow stripe that forms a V shape, with the ends of the V starting at the base of their neck and the point centered on their chest. 

Photograph of a yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius, courtesy of Mary Parker Sonis and the Carolina Bird Club.

Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are also unusual in that they tend to be the quietest of all the sapsuckers and woodpeckers, particularly in winter, which is when North Carolinians have the best chance of seeing them. Their breeding grounds are in the northeastern U.S., but they spend the late fall and winter season in the South, and some even migrate all the way to Central America. They have been found year-round in the high elevations of our state’s mountains, nesting in deciduous trees. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers favor trees that are afflicted with the tinder fungus. This fungal disease softens the heartwood of a tree but leaves the outer bark firm. Both the female and the male excavate the nest cavity, and the 5-7 eggs hatch about two weeks after being laid.  The young sapsuckers leave the nest after a month’s time, but their parents teach them how to drill holes and harvest sap for 10 days before their offspring begin their lives on their own. This species, with its brush-like tongue, distinctive coloring, and colorful name, is a shy bird by nature. While not fortunate enough, myself, to have seen one in person, I have observed the neat rows of holes they leave behind, and thinking about yellow-bellied sapsuckers always makes me smile. This weird and wonderful bird undoubtedly brings smiles to the faces of all who are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse.  

Toxic Waters: The 1,4-Dioxane Crisis in North Carolina

Illustrated image of a landfill full of plastic and waste materials next to a wastewater treatment plant, with wastewater and leachate dumped into the river.

North Carolina, like many other states, has had its fair share of environmental disasters. It is one thing when a disaster happens by accident; it is another thing entirely when it is allowed to happen on purpose. On January 22, 2025, the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce sent Senator Thom Tillis a letter urging him to use his role as a representative of North Carolinians to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from intervening in the state’s current 1,4-dioxane dispute. The dispute involves the City of Asheboro, which discharges their wastewater into Hasketts Creek, a tributary of the Deep River in the Cape Fear River Basin. Now, discharging wastewater into river systems is nothing new: it has to go somewhere, and rivers are an easy way to get the water out of sight and out of mind. Over the past few decades, though, more and more chemical compounds found in wastewater have been discovered to be toxic to people. One might assume that, since the chemicals are in water that has already been used, it is not a problem if these chemicals are present, right? Well, that is not the case. You see, many of these chemicals, including 1,4-dioxane, remain in the water, soil, and air for years. 1,4-dioxane, once in water, never breaks down into less toxic compounds. 1,4-dioxane, and other toxic chemicals, that get discharged into the Cape Fear River Basin flow downstream…and right into the drinking water supply for thousands of North Carolinians. 

Of course, it is important to mention that wastewater treatment plants, including the City of Asheboro’s, are just that: they treat wastewater, and are typically not the source of any toxins present in the water. In fact, the only thing most wastewater treatment plants treat in the water before discharging it is coliform bacteria. So, where could the 1,4-dioxane come from? This compound is utilized in the manufacturing process for plastics, and there is only one company in the Asheboro area, Starpet, that makes plastic bottles. 1,4-dioxane is a common by-product of plastic manufacturing, but it is also utilized during the process. However, it is also suspected that some of the 1,4-dioxane is coming from landfill leachate. Landfill leachate is formed when rainwater filters through the waste in the landfill. As it flows through the waste, it draws out, or leaches, chemicals and constituents present in the waste materials. Now, solid waste landfills are supposed to have a liner that protects the groundwater and underlying soil from the leachate, in addition to leachate collection and removal systems, which collect the leachate for treatment and disposal. However, those systems do not always work, and leachate contains all sorts of toxins that are hazardous to people’s health.

Since rivers are a major — and sometimes only — source of drinking water for huge swaths of the population, as more toxins are identified and studied, more regulations are put in place so that the maximum amount found in discharged water is an acceptable level. That means the compound is at levels low enough that, according to the current research, it does not pose a direct health threat.  As more research is performed, acceptable levels are often adjusted. Currently, it is known that 1,4-dioxane has been linked to cancer in mice and rats exposed to it throughout their lives. In humans, short-term exposure causes eye and nose irritation; long-term exposure, while still being studied, is believed to be linked to liver and kidney cancer. Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer list 1,4-dioxane has having an increased potential in being a human carcinogen. According to the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the level of 1,4-dioxane in water linked to a 1 in 10,000 chance of getting cancer is only 300 parts per billion in drinking water. The levels of this toxin found in the treated wastewater from Asheboro in January of 2025 varied from 2,200 parts per billion to 3,520 parts per billion, with the sample collected by the City of Asheboro Wastewater Treatment Facility receiving that higher score of 100 times over the CDC recommended limit. In comparison, the City of Greensboro, which also had a 1,4-dioxane problem in the recent past, ramped up their water sampling and started cracking down on industries that utilized the compound. In the first three four months of 2023, their highest concentration was hovering around 5 parts per billion.

If the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce gets its way, North Carolina will not have any regulations for 1,4-dioxane levels in wastewater discharge. This means private and public entities can release as much as they want without penalty, and in turn, everyone downstream from the discharge points will be exposed. This chemical harms everyone from all walks of life, business owners included. The Chamber, according to their website, works to “proactively drive positive change, ensuring that North Carolina is one of the best places in the world to do business.” Trying to run a business in an area where the drinking water contains unlimited quantities of 1,4-dioxane does not sound like one of the best places in the world to do business. Asking our senator to push for the de-regulation of a toxic chemical in wastewater discharge does all our business owners a disservice. Reach out to your elected officials and Senator Thom Tillis and let them know that you do not support the prevention of 1,4-dioxane regulations in North Carolina. 

Sources:

CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Public Health Statement for 1,4 Dioxane. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/PHS/PHS.aspx?phsid=953&toxid=199 

CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for 1,4-Dioxane. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxProfiles/ToxProfiles.aspx?id=955&tid=199 

Castagno, Peter. “North Carolina Chamber asks Sen. Tillis to help prevent 1,4-dioxane regulation.” Port City Daily. 17 February 2025. https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2025/02/17/north-carolina-chamber-asks-sen-tillis-to-help-prevent-14-dioxane-regulation/ 

Jones, Sonny. “NCDEQ identifies elevated 1,4-Dioxane levels in Asheboro WWTP’s Wastewater.” Bladen Online. 8 February 2025. https://bladenonline.com/ncdeq-identifies-elevated-14-dioxane-levels-in-asheboro-wwtps-wastewater/ 

North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. “About Us.” North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. https://ncchamber.com/about/ 

Sorg, Lisa. “Investigations into spikes of 1,4-Dioxane in Asheboro, High Point still inconclusive.” NC Newsline. 21 July 2023. https://ncnewsline.com/2023/07/21/investigations-into-spikes-of-in-14-dioxane-in-asheboro-high-point-still-inconclusive/ 

Wetlands in Crisis: How Agriculture, Policy Changes, and Climate Threats Endanger Vital Ecosystems in the Upper Midwest

The following blog post is a summary of the report Wetlands in Peril by Stacy Woods, published on December 4, 2024, in Union of Concerned Scientists. To read the report online and access a downloadable copy, click here.

The report Wetlands in Peril examines the ongoing destruction of wetlands in the Upper Midwest due to industrial agriculture and weakened federal protections. Wetlands provide essential environmental benefits, including flood mitigation, biodiversity support, and water purification, yet recent changes to the Clean Water Act in 2023 have left them increasingly vulnerable. The Upper Midwest contains over 30 million acres of wetlands, which provide nearly $23 billion annually in flood mitigation benefits. If preserved, these wetlands could prevent between $323 billion and $754 billion in long-term flood damages. The report underscores the urgency of protecting these ecosystems, particularly for marginalized communities that face disproportionate flooding risks.

Wetlands are critical for maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. They provide habitats for 40 percent of the world’s plant and animal species, including many endangered ones. Additionally, wetlands play a significant role in supporting the U.S. commercial seafood industry and offer recreational opportunities such as fishing and bird-watching. Beyond their ecological value, wetlands act as natural pollution filters by trapping sediments and chemicals from agricultural runoff, preventing toxic buildup in water bodies. In the Upper Midwest, where large-scale farming dominates, this filtration is essential for maintaining water quality and preventing dead zones in aquatic ecosystems.

The report highlights industrial agriculture as the primary driver of wetland destruction. Expanding farmland often leads to wetland drainage and pollution from pesticides and fertilizers, significantly impairing water quality and reducing flood protection. Since 1780, the U.S. has lost half of its wetlands, with agriculture being the leading cause of this decline. The Prairie Pothole Region, which spans parts of the Upper Midwest, has experienced a 95 percent loss of wetlands due to agricultural expansion. This loss not only increases flood risks but also releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.

The loss of wetlands has severe economic and environmental justice consequences. Flooding is becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, and wetlands serve as natural barriers against these disasters. Marginalized communities, particularly in states like Michigan, suffer the most from wetland loss due to historical inequities in housing policies and disaster recovery efforts. The financial burden of flood damages and rising insurance costs disproportionately affects low-income households, making wetland conservation an essential tool for social and environmental resilience. Indigenous communities have led conservation efforts by restoring wetland habitats, showcasing successful models of ecological stewardship.

The report calls for urgent policy reforms in the upcoming farm bill to enhance wetland protections. Recommendations include restoring the Conservation Reserve Program’s original 45-million-acre cap, increasing funding for wetland conservation programs, and linking crop insurance subsidies to sustainable farming practices. The report also emphasizes the need for greater equity in conservation funding, ensuring that historically underserved farmers receive adequate resources. By implementing these measures, policymakers can safeguard wetlands from further destruction, reinforcing their role in flood mitigation, water purification, and climate change resilience.

Bridging Nature and Infrastructure: The Netherlands’ Wildlife Crossings

The following blog post is a summary of the article “Wildlife Crossings Can Mend a Landscape” by Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, published on February 21, 2024, in Sierra magazine. To read the original article, click here.

The Netherlands has made significant advancements in wildlife conservation through the development of wildlife crossings, such as the Zanderij Crailoo Nature Bridge, the longest of its kind in the world. These overpasses and underpasses allow animals to move freely between fragmented habitats without the risk of becoming roadkill. For over three decades, the country has prioritized reducing habitat fragmentation by constructing nearly 3,000 crossings, which cater to various species, from large mammals like deer and wild boars to smaller animals such as otters and hedgehogs. These crossings are crucial for species survival, providing access to food, mates, and new habitats, especially for endangered species. As one of the most densely populated nations, the Netherlands has been forced to address the severe impact of roads and railways on wildlife movement.

The country’s commitment to wildlife crossings began in 1974 with the construction of a badger tunnel and escalated with the 1990 Nature Policy Plan, followed by the 2005 nationwide defragmentation initiative known as the Meerjarenprogramma Ontsnippering (MJPO). The MJPO systematically assessed problematic locations and led to the construction of hundreds of crossing structures. Research by Dutch ecologists has demonstrated the effectiveness of these measures, with studies showing that roadkill of large mammals decreased by 83% when crossings were combined with fencing. Legal mandates, such as the requirement for environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in infrastructure projects, further ensure that wildlife protection remains a priority. Additionally, proper maintenance of these structures, such as clearing badger tunnels of water or trimming vegetation for butterfly-friendly overpasses, is essential for their continued effectiveness.

Other countries, including the United States, are beginning to adopt similar strategies, though progress has been slow. The U.S. passed legislation in 2021 allocating $350 million for a Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, funding state and tribal authorities to develop habitat connectivity projects. However, experts like Marcel Huijser argue that defragmentation is not yet a priority in the country’s transportation planning. Unlike the Netherlands, where ecological concerns are institutionalized, many U.S. mitigation efforts have only succeeded due to legal battles or political power dynamics. A case in Montana, where tribal authorities halted a highway expansion until wildlife crossings were included, highlights the challenges of integrating ecological concerns into infrastructure projects. While progress is being made, experts emphasize the need for systematic planning and stronger commitments to wildlife conservation in the U.S.

The 2025 Wetland Delineation Job Market: 5 Key Things You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a job in wetland delineation, you’re stepping into a field that is experiencing both opportunities and uncertainties in 2025. With regulatory shifts, increased environmental concerns, and advancements in technology, the demand for skilled professionals is growing—but so is the competition.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, an environmental consultant, or a career switcher, understanding the current job market is crucial to landing the best opportunities. Here are the five most important things you need to know about the 2025 wetland delineation job market and how to set yourself up for success.

1. Increased Demand Due to Regulatory Uncertainty

One of the biggest drivers of wetland delineation work in 2025 is uncertainty around wetland regulations. With the new administration under President Trump, the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule is expected to change again, potentially rolling back federal wetland protections.

This uncertainty has caused an increase in delineation requests from:

  • Landowners and developers who want to understand if their wetlands will still be protected or if they can proceed with construction.
  • Municipalities and environmental organizations who need expert opinions on wetland boundaries before regulatory changes take effect.
  • Engineering and consulting firms that need wetland delineators to keep up with new permit requirements.

In short, business is booming for wetland delineators, but you need to be prepared to navigate shifting regulations and advise clients accordingly.

2. Expanding Opportunities in Private Consulting

While federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are still key players in wetland permitting, much of the hiring in 2025 is happening in private environmental consulting firms.

Companies specializing in:
✅ Wetland permitting and mitigation banking
✅ Environmental impact assessments (EIAs)
✅ Stormwater and land development projects

… are all actively seeking wetland delineators to help clients navigate both federal and state wetland regulations.

Additionally, many states are implementing their own wetland protections, even if federal rules are relaxed. This means state agencies and local environmental groups are also hiring more wetland professionals to ensure compliance.

3. Advanced Technical Skills Are in High Demand

Gone are the days when basic fieldwork skills were enough to get hired as a wetland delineator. Employers now expect candidates to have a strong background in:

  • GIS and Remote Sensing – Digital mapping is now a standard part of wetland delineation. Experience with ArcGIS, Google Earth, and drone imagery analysis gives you an edge.
  • Hydric Soil Analysis – Delineators with a deep understanding of soil chemistry, redoximorphic features, and wetland soil classifications are in high demand.
  • Macroinvertebrate Sampling – With the Clean Water Act still playing a role in wetland jurisdiction, companies want scientists who can assess water quality using macroinvertebrate sampling techniques.

If you lack these skills, consider taking specialized courses in GIS, soil science, and biological assessments to strengthen your résumé.

4. State-Level Regulations Are Driving Workloads

Even if federal wetland protections weaken, many states are stepping up their own regulations. States like California, New York, and those in the Chesapeake Bay watershed have strengthened wetland protection laws, ensuring a steady demand for wetland delineation services at the state level.

For job seekers, this means:
➡ Understanding state-specific wetland regulations can make you a more valuable candidate.
➡ Jobs are increasingly available with state agencies, local governments, and conservation organizations.
➡ If you’re flexible on location, consider moving to states with strong wetland laws where demand for delineators is highest.

If you’re unsure how state regulations affect job availability, check with state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offices or look for state-specific wetland training courses.

5. Certifications Give You a Competitive Edge

Certifications can make a huge difference when applying for wetland delineation jobs. Employers prefer candidates with credentials that demonstrate field experience and regulatory knowledge.

Consider pursuing:
🎓 Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) – The most respected certification in the field. This credential boosts credibility and is required for senior-level positions.
🎓 USACE Wetland Delineation Training – Completing a USACE Methods wetland delineation course is often required for government contracts.
🎓 GIS and Remote Sensing Certifications – Since digital mapping skills are highly valued, adding a GIS certification (such as from ESRI or a university program) can set you apart.

If you’re new to wetland delineation, consider entry-level certifications like the Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) designation.

How to Get Hired in the 2025 Wetland Delineation Job Market

If you’re looking for a job in wetland delineation, here’s a step-by-step action plan to increase your chances of getting hired:

🔹 Stay Updated on Regulations – Follow WOTUS developments, Clean Water Act changes, and state wetland laws.

🔹 Upgrade Your Skills – Take online courses or workshops in GIS, hydric soils, and macroinvertebrate assessments.

🔹 Get Certified – Invest in a PWS certification, USACE training, or GIS credential to stand out from other applicants.

🔹 Network with Industry Professionals – Attend wetland conferences, webinars, and local environmental events to connect with potential employers.

🔹 Tailor Your Resume – Highlight your technical skills, field experience, and regulatory knowledge to match what hiring managers are looking for.

The wetland delineation job market in 2025 is full of opportunities, but success depends on staying informed, developing key technical skills, and earning the right certifications. By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding and stable career in wetland science.

💡 Looking to boost your wetland delineation skills? Check out our on-demand courses on wetland delineation, wetland botany for environmental professionals, and hydric soil analysis to get ahead in your career!

North Carolina’s Weird and Wonderful: Eastern Tiger Salamander

Ambystoma tigrinum, Eastern Tiger Salamander. Photograph courtesy of Jeff Beane and The Pilot.

As you, dear readers, have learned from my blogs over the past few months, there are many weird and wonderful creatures that call North Carolina home. Today I will be discussing yet another member of that club, the Eastern Tiger Salamander. One of the wonderfully weird things about our state is that it is home to more salamander species than any other place in world. What makes this particular salamander stand out from the pack, you may be wondering? Well, the Eastern Tiger Salamander, or Ambystoma tigrinum, is the largest terrestrial salamander in the world. This heavy-bodied amphibian can come in base shades of dark brown or black, with large, irregular yellow, yellow-brown, or olive spots that more closely resemble blotchy stripes, hence its name. Eastern Tiger Salamanders can reach lengths of 11-12 inches, though there have been reports of some reaching 13 inches in length.

Ambystoma tigrinum, Eastern Tiger Salamander. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson and Herps of NC.

In North Carolina, these salamanders are rarely seen, as they spend most of their time in burrows they dig themselves in the coastal plain and portions of the piedmont region. You may be fortunate enough to see one during their breeding season during the fall and winter months. Males emerge from their burrows before the females, heading to small, fishless bodies of water, such as vernal pools and small ponds. Females lay egg clusters consisting of anywhere from 15 to 200 eggs, attaching the gelatinous egg mass to submerged sticks. Once they hatch, the larval form feed on aquatic invertebrates and other amphibian larvae. In anywhere from 10 weeks to 6 months, the Eastern Tiger Salamander larvae metamorphose into the adult form.

Ambystoma tigrinum, Eastern Tiger Salamander. Photo courtesy of Kevin Stohlgren and Herps of NC.

Adult Eastern Tiger Salamanders are predators, and they will eat anything they can catch and swallow. Their diet ranges from insects to crayfish, other salamanders, and even small mammals, such as mice and shrews. While being poached for the pet trade has had its negative effects on their population, habitat loss is the primary reason for their population decline. The pine savanna habitat they rely on for soft, sandy soil for burrows and shallow ponds for breeding has decreased in acreage due to the clearing of land for farms. However, there is good news to be had for these weird and wonderful salamanders. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has been steadily working to restore and manage isolated wetlands throughout this species’ historic range. Just two weeks ago staff from the NC Zoo and the Three Rivers Land Trust rescued egg masses from a pond at risk of drying up. The eggs were taken to the zoo, where they will be cared for until the young salamanders are strong enough to be released back into the wild. So the next time you stumble across a small wetland habitat in the coastal plain of North Carolina, take a closer look. You might just catch a glimpse of an Eastern Tiger Salamander. 

Balancing Beauty and Biodiversity: Maine’s Efforts to Combat Invasive Plant Species

The following blog post is a summary of the article “What to do when a plant is invasive but also serves a purpose” by Kea Krause, published on July 24th, 2023 in Sierra magazine. To read the original article, click here.

Rosa rugosa, commonly known as the beach rose, has become a symbol of Maine’s coastal landscapes, though it is not native to the region. Originally from Asia, the plant has spread rapidly, outcompeting native species and becoming a dominant presence along the shore. Recognizing its invasive nature, the Maine State Terrestrial Invasive Plant Stakeholder Committee considered adding the beach rose to its list of banned plants in 2022. However, because of its ability to thrive in high-salinity environments where other plants struggle, the committee designated it as an “invasive terrestrial plant species of special concern” rather than fully prohibiting its sale. This classification reflects Maine’s nuanced approach to invasive species management, balancing ecological concerns with the practical uses of certain plants.

Maine has been proactive in tackling invasive species through plant bans, despite the challenges of enforcement. The committee reviewed 273 plant species in its five-year reassessment, ultimately doubling the number of prohibited plants. The state has taken an aggressive stance on mitigation, recognizing the importance of maintaining biodiversity, particularly in its forests, which cover 90% of the state. Conservationists emphasize that invasive plants threaten native ecosystems by crowding out essential understory vegetation, which is crucial for forest regeneration. While some skeptics argue that plant bans are ineffective due to ongoing sales in retail stores nationwide, Maine has supplemented its bans with educational outreach and a watch list of potential future threats.

Despite these efforts, climate change poses a persistent challenge by facilitating the spread of invasive species through extreme weather events. Heavy rains and flooding in Maine illustrate how plant material can be transported over long distances, undermining human attempts at control. State horticulturist Gary Fish advocates for further advancements, such as DNA testing technology, to better monitor invasive species. While plant bans are not a perfect solution, they serve as an essential tool for slowing the spread of harmful species rather than eliminating them outright. The next stakeholder review in 2027 will assess progress, and experts remain optimistic that continued collaboration with plant sellers and the public will strengthen Maine’s ecological resilience.

Monarch Butterflies Face Threatened Species Listing Amid Declining Populations and Habitat Loss

The following blog post is a summary of the article “Monarch butterflies will get federal protections as a threatened species” by The Associated Press published on December 10, 2024. To read the original article, click here.

U.S. wildlife officials have proposed listing monarch butterflies as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, citing declining populations due to climate change and habitat loss. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to finalize the listing by the end of 2025 after a public comment period. This status would prohibit killing or transporting the butterflies without exceptions but would still allow some activities, like removing milkweed or incidental vehicle strikes. Critical habitats for the monarch, such as 4,395 acres in coastal California, have also been designated for protection. Conservationists see this move as a necessary step to safeguard a species that serves as a symbol of ecological health.

Monarch populations have declined sharply in recent years, with reports indicating dramatic losses in overwintering areas. For instance, in Mexico, monarchs occupied only 2.2 acres of their traditional groves in 2023-24, a 59% decrease from the previous year. Similarly, along the California coast, the Xerces Society has observed an 81% drop in monarch counts over the past 25 years. Experts attribute the decline to climate change, agricultural expansion, and the widespread use of herbicides that diminish milkweed growth, a critical food source for monarch caterpillars. The Convention on Migratory Species has also warned that warming temperatures could alter migration patterns and reduce breeding times, further endangering the species.

Despite the monarch’s grim outlook, the Fish and Wildlife Service has opted for a “threatened” rather than “endangered” designation, as the species is not yet at immediate risk of extinction across its range. Monarch populations east of the Rockies, which make up 90% of the total U.S. population, face a 57-74% probability of extinction by 2080, while those west of the Rockies face a 95% chance. Environmentalists and agricultural groups are closely watching the proposal’s impact on voluntary conservation efforts and land-use practices. Meanwhile, the public comment period offers an opportunity for stakeholders to weigh in before the final decision is made.