March 31, 2008
SUBJECT: PGM
- Wetland Evaluation Teams Implementation
TO: All NRCS Indiana Employees File Code: 440-0
In
order to ensure consistency with
the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) Ranking/Site Evaluations and Planning and to
provide an adequate technical assistance delivery system to field staff dealing
with wetland restorations, Wetland Evaluation Teams were established in
2006. These teams consist of individuals
proficient in wetland restoration, site assessments, planning and WRP
policy. Team Leaders will be the first
line of contact for new information from the state office as it becomes
available and will ensure the Wetland Evaluation Team members and field offices
in the NRCS Area receive the information.
The designated members of each Wetland Evaluation Teams by Area are as
follows:
|
NORTHEAST AREA |
|
SOUTHEAST AREA |
|
Dan Rosswurm –
Team Leader |
|
Karen Hauer – Team
Leader |
|
Scot Haley |
|
Bryon Nagel |
|
Area Engineer |
|
Tyler Martindale |
|
|
|
|
|
NORTHWEST AREA |
|
SOUTHWEST AREA |
|
Brianne Lowe –
Leader |
|
Jeff Coats-Leader |
|
Jim Schwanke |
|
Area Engineer |
|
Steve Sprecher |
|
Steve Wade |
|
Allison Keaton |
|
|
The identified
individuals on the Wetland Evaluation Teams will be involved in the ranking and
application process for all WRP
applications received. In addition, all WRP sites will be evaluated/ranked
on-site with the District Conservationist and a US Fish & Wildlife Service
(US FWS) Biologist.
Team Leaders are responsible for ensuring that each
Wetland Evaluation Team completes the following WRP tasks:
·
Provide
consistency and guidance in the WRP ranking process by ensuring all
Wetland Evaluation Team members are present on-site with the DC and US FWS
Biologist.
o
Sign the
WRP Ranking sheet as appropriate.
Other individuals
with technical expertise (IDNR district foresters, soil scientists, engineers,
etc.) will be provided if needed.
District
Conservationists will be
responsible for the following WRP tasks:
·
Receive
WRP requests.
·
Determine
initial WRP eligibility.
·
Serve as
the primary contact for WRP assistance with the applicant.
o
Document
important features using GPS during the site visits.
·
Process
all WRP paperwork.
o
Obtain
all necessary signatures.
o
Submit
WRP Applications.
·
Develop
Restoration Plans in Customer Service Toolkit.
o
Assistance
from Wetland Evaluation Team member(s), Area Office Specialists, and Tech Team
Specialists is available when needed.
·
Schedule
Tech Team Assistance for survey and design.
o
Work
closely with Tech Teams and Wetland Evaluation Team members when designing/installing
engineering practices.
·
Assist
the WRP participant implement the Restoration Plan.
Please direct all
questions related to this memorandum to your Area Conservationist or
/s/
JANE E. HARDISTY
State
Conservationist
cc: Jeff Kiefer, Indiana Private Lands
Coordinator, US FWS,
Gary Langell, Private Lands Management
Coordinator, IDNR-FW,
Jerry Roach, WRP Coordinator, NRCS,
Shannon Zezula, State Resource Conservationist,
NRCS,