Courses and Workshops

Riparian Functioning Condition Assessment
The Nevada Creeks and Communities Team is offering this class several times. Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) is a methodology for assessing the physical functioning of riparian and wetland areas, using an on-the-ground qualitative and collaborative approach. PFC assessment is a powerful tool that can help provide a picture of watershed health and help land managers prioritize restoration activities, by providing a consistent approach for assessing the physical functioning of riparian-wetland areas through collaborative consideration of hydrology, vegetation, and soil/landform features. Each class will be a mix of classroom time and field time. The classes are free; all interested people are welcome to attend. For more information, contact: Sherman Swanson, University of Nevada Reno at sswanson@cabnr.unr.edu or 775-784-4057, or Bob Hall, US EPA Region 9 at hall.robertk@epa.gov or 415-947-4123.

• August 2-3 in Carson City, NV
• Sept. 8-9 at Duck Valley Reservation, Owyhee, NV
• Oct. 19-20 in Lovelock, NV

Webinar: Hydropower 101 - Dept. of Energy Tribal Energy Program webinars are designed to present Indian Country with relevant, timely information on renewable energy technology development. Attend this Webinar to learn the basics of tribal hydropower energy development. For more information or to register, click the link above.

• September 17, 3-4:30 p.m. Eastern time

TAS and Intro to Water Quality Standards Webcasts
Treatment in the Same Manner as a State (TAS) for the Water Quality Standards (WQS) Program. Objective: discuss EPA's improved treatment in the same manner as a state (TAS) process for the water quality standards program (WQS). The webcast will focus on what needs to be included in a TAS application. It will include a discussion of the Montana test, EPA's internal process for reviewing TAS applications, and tips and suggestions related to the TAS process and the WQS program. A tribal representative will discuss experiences with the TAS process and share lessons learned and advice for other tribes considering TAS for the WQS program. Presenters include Fred Leutner, EPA Water Quality Standards Program; Dan Cozza, EPA Region 5; and Gretchen Watkins, Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa.

• Friday, September 17, 1:00pm-3:00pm Eastern

Introduction to Water Quality Standards (WQS). Objective: provide an introduction to Water Quality Standards (WQS). The webcast will highlight the three major components of tribal and state water quality standards (designated uses, water quality criteria, and the antidegradation policy). It will also include a discussion of water quality certifications under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and feature a case study by a tribal representative who will describe how CWA-EPA approved water quality standards protect the tribe's water resources. Presenters are to be determined.

• Friday, September 24, 1:00pm-3:00pm Eastern

Climate Change on Tribal Lands (Level 1) - This course provides an understanding of the basic science of climate change and its impacts on human health and the environment. Participants will learn ways to educate their communities about climate change. This is an entry-level course open to tribal environmental professionals interested in learning about climate change and how to educate their communities about it. For more information and to register, click the link above.

• September 21-24 in Flagstaff, AZ

Web-based NPDES Permit Writers' Training
The NPDES Permit Writer's Course is a five-day course covering the key elements of NPDES Permit development. The course is taught by experienced EPA staff and contractors and has been one of EPA's most successful courses over the past decade. Because of the popularity of the course, EPA has recorded Web-based presentations covering the material presented in several key modules of the live course. These recorded presentations enable participants who attended the NPDES Permit Writers' Course to review the material on demand in a self-paced environment. The presentations also are useful for those who have not attended a live course, but wish to become familiar with important concepts of the NPDES permits program.

Montana Weatherization Training Center - ongoing
The training center's goal is to train the professionals who are on the ground weatherizing homes every day. Working closely with Montana's Human Resource Development Councils and Tribal associates, they focus on safe, efficient, cutting-edge techniques to address the health, safety, and energy efficiency issues present in low-income housing. The site offers valuable information on weatherization, including the newly-launched WXTV - online training sessions. For more information, click the link above.

The Effects of Climate Change on Water Resources and Programs - ongoing
A new online module entitled "The Effects of Climate Change on Water Resources and Programs" has been published by the EPA Watershed Academy. The goal of this module is to educate water program managers, as well as the general public, on the expected effects of climate change on water resources and water programs. This knowledge will help managers prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change. To view the module, click the link above.

Inspector Health and Safety Training Online - ongoing
The Environmental Protection Agency's Safety, Health and Environmental Management (SHEM) Program is now available on-line. These courses are essential for inspectors conducting on-site (field) work. The course for new inspectors is called "EPA SHEM Training for Field Activities." This course consists of 7 modules covering field activities, including information on rights and responsibilities, chemical hazards, physical hazards, biological hazards, personal protection, general safety, and field operations & support activities. Inspectors may also need to take the OSHA "Collateral Duty" course. A "Radiation Safety" and a "Laboratory Activities" safety course are also available. To access these and other on-line training, click the link above. You can also get about these courses and other EPA-sponsored classroom training by checking out EPA's National Enforcement Training Institute at https://www.netionline.com/Default.asp.

Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Training and Workshops - ongoing
ITEP's goal is to assist in the professional development and exchange of information for tribal staff in order to enhance the operations and performance outcomes of environmental management.

Solar Energy International Offers Training - ongoing
Solar Energy International (SEI) is a USA non-profit organization whose mission is to help others use renewable energy and environmental building technologies through education. SEI teaches individuals from all walks of life how to design, install and maintain renewable energy systems, and how to design and build efficient, sustainable homes. SEI offers trainings online and in 22 locations around the world.

UCLA Extension: Tribal Learning Community - ongoing
Presented in cooperation with the UCLA Native Nations Law and Policy Center, this series of courses is a collaborative initiative to develop, pilot, and implement Tribal Studies curricula in support of Native educational issues and community concerns. Offered fully online, these courses are available not only to regional Native nations in the U.S. and Canada, but also to the surrounding national and worldwide community who have a professional interest in tribal issues. Scholarships are available, contact DeAnna Rivera.