Wetland Restoration
Agenda
Webinar instructions will be emailed 24-48 business hours before the date of the webinar.
Please log into the webinar 15 – 30 minutes before start time.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
8:30 am – 4:00 pm CDT
Agenda:
Wetlands Science
Presented by Paul Murray, PWS, QHP
- Defining wetlands and identifying different types
- Wetland soils and vegetation
- Wetland hydrology
- Environmental services provided by wetlands
Wetlands History in the United States: Systematic Destruction and Degradation
Presented by Dr. Michael Liptak
- The historic view of wetlands: wastelands
- Wetland elimination in service of agriculture and development
- Turning the corner: the Clean Water Act of 1972
- National Food Security Act of 1985
- State wetlands initiatives
Purposes and Benefits of Wetland Restoration
Presented by Dr. Bianca Wentzell
- What it means to restore a wetland
- Restoration versus conservation or management
- Goals of wetland restorations
- Assessing viability of goals and beginning a restoration plan
Planning a Wetland Restoration
Presented by Patrick E. (Pat) Nortz, C.P.G, P.E.
- Complying with federal, state and local regulations
- Obtaining permits
- Getting assistance from government agencies and non-government groups
- Developing a site plan
Implementing a Restoration Plan
Presented by Patrick Ritchie, M.S.
- Creating a timetable
- Finding the right contractor
- Considering vegetation and wildlife
- Monitoring and maintenance plans
Wading in: Wetland Restoration Case Studies
Presented by Dakota Hunter, PWS
- Discussing case studies of restored wetlands for lessons learned
- Reviewing case studies of degraded wetlands (provided by students)
- Evaluating restoration potential
Webinar Instructions
All attendees must log-on through their own email – attendees may not watch together if they wish to earn continuing education credit. HalfMoon Education Inc. must be able to prove attendance if either the attendee or HalfMoon Education Inc. is audited.
Certificates of completion can be downloaded in PDF form upon passing a short quiz. A link to the quiz will be sent to each qualifying attendee immediately after the webinar. The certificate can be downloaded from the Results page of the quiz upon scoring 80% or higher.
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Credits
Engineers
6.5 PDHs
Architects
6.5 HSW CE Hours
AIA - American Institute of Architects
6.5 HSW LUs
Landscape Architects
6.5 HSW CE Hours
LACES - Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System
6.5 HSW PDHs
Floodplain Managers
6.5 ASFPM CECs
Continuing Education Information
This webinar is open to the public and is designed to qualify for 6.5 PDHs for professional engineers, 6.5 HSW continuing education hours for licensed architects, and 6.5 HSW continuing education hours for landscape architects in all states that allow this learning method. Please refer to specific state rules to determine eligibility.
HalfMoon Education is an approved continuing education sponsor for engineers in Florida (Provider License No: CEA362), Indiana (License No. CE21700059), Maryland, and New Jersey (Approval No. 24GP00049300). HalfMoon Education is deemed an approved continuing education sponsor for New York engineers, architects and landscape architects via its registration with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA/CES) and the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA/CES). Other states do not preapprove continuing education providers or courses.
The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System has approved this course for 6.5 HSW LUs (Sponsor No. J885). Only full participation is reportable to the AIA/CES.
The Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System has approved this course for 6.5 HSW PDHs. Only full participation is reportable to the LA CES.
The Association of State Floodplain Managers has approved this course for 6.5 CECs for floodplain managers.
Attendance will be monitored, and attendance certificates will be available after the webinar for those who attend the entire course and score a minimum 80% on the quiz that follows the course (multiple attempts allowed).
*On-Demand Credits*
The preceding credit information only applies to the live presentation. This course in an on-demand format is not pre-approved by any licensing boards and may not qualify for the same credits; please consult your licensing board(s) to ensure that a structured, asynchronous learning format is appropriate. The following pre-approvals may be available for the on-demand format upon request:
6.5 HSW LUs (AIA)
6.5 HSW PDHs (LA CES
Speakers
Dakota Hunter, PWS
Senior Wetland Scientist at Copperhead in Paint Lick, KYDakota Hunter, PWS, currently leads the wetland and botany service with Copperhead Environmental Consulting and manages the company’s satellite office located in Staunton, Virginia. He began his career in 2015 working as a wetland scientist and wildlife biologist, and has since accrued extensive experience leading wetland delineations, conducting surveys for federal and state listed flora and fauna species and providing maintenance and monitoring services for wetland restoration projects. He completed Master’s level research at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA studying correlations between invasive plant prevalence, environmental factors, and native plant assemblages on wetland mitigation banks. He has worked as a wetland and stream mitigation manager and has led field surveys on large-scale energy projects, roadway expansions, commercial real estate, and federal land improvement projects. Mr. Hunter has developed and implemented botanical inventories and related research, invasive species management, and mitigation monitoring plans across Appalachia, the mid-Atlantic, and the southeastern United States. He was certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) in 2023 by the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program, and as a Qualified Hydrologic Professional (QHP) by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
Dr. Michael A. Liptak, PhD
Senior Ecologist, EnviroScience, Inc.Dr. Michael Liptak is a senior ecologist at EnviroScience, Inc, where he specializes in wetland ecology, wetland restoration, and mitigation wetland design. Dr. Liptak earned a B.S. degree in Biology at the University of Toledo and a Ph.D. degree in Environmental Science at Ohio State University under the noted wetland ecologist Dr. William Mitsch. He has over 25 years of experience in wetlands research and consulting and is a Certified Senior Ecologist (Ecological Society of America). His primary responsibilities at EnviroScience Inc. include wetland mitigation planning, wetland assessments and delineations, technical report preparation, and permitting. Dr. Liptak is a member of the Society of Wetlands Scientists and the Ecological Society of America, and regularly gives seminars on wetland issues and regulations.
Paul Murray, PWS, QHP
Senior Scientist with AtkinsRealis in Rome, GAMr. Murray is a senior scientist with AtkinsRealis. He holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Sciences – Geology from Georgia College & State University and is a professional wetland scientist in the United States as well as a qualified hydrologic professional in the State of Tennessee. He has nine years of experience in geomorphic assessments and environmental compliance/permitting. Mr. Murray is responsible for leading wetland delineations, stream classifications, habitat assessments, 404 permitting, buffer variances, and protected species surveys. He has participated in a number of water resources delineations, protected species relocations, bridge surveys, and plant identifications.
Patrick E. (Pat) Nortz, C.P.G, P.E.
Founding Principal of Otisco Engineering LtdMr. Nortz is one of two founding principals of Otisco Engineering Ltd. with engineering capabilities in environmental, ecological restoration, hydrology, hydrogeology, and water resources. His experience in engineering and construction includes stream, site, and wetland restoration permitting, design and construction, stormwater management, and green infrastructure design. Most of his project experience is in the urban setting, integrating water features into the built environment. With dual degrees and certifications in Geology and Engineering and with experience as a regulator and in industry, Mr. Nortz collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including those comprised of scientists, engineers, field technicians, administrators, owners, local/state officials, and contractors. He is passionate about healthy watersheds and the enjoyment of water features. Mr. Nortz volunteers for boards such as the Rocky River Watershed Council (former board chair) and stays involved in technical/professional organizations such as the Ohio Stormwater Association. He is a registered professional engineer in Ohio and Minnesota and a Certified Professional Geologist with the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Mr. Nortz earned his B.S. degree in Geological Water Resources from Ohio University (Athens) and his M.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering from The Ohio State University.
Patrick Ritchie, M.S.
Founder, Ritchie Ecological and Environmental Solutions (REES) in Metairie, LAMr. Ritchie brings over 18 years of experience in environmental consulting, with expertise spanning site investigation, remediation, restoration, regulatory compliance, wetland science, ecological assessments, and effective root zone studies. He holds a B.S. degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University and an M.S. degree in Soil and Water Science from the University of Florida. Mr. Ritchie began his career with the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System of Wetlands in coastal Louisiana, developing a strong foundation in field-based environmental work. Over the years, he advanced into project management roles within regional consulting firms, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both field operations and regulatory processes. In 2022, Mr. Ritchie founded Ritchie Ecological and Environmental Solutions (REES), an environmental consulting firm serving clients across the oil and gas, energy transmission, and renewable energy sectors. He is recognized as a subject matter expert in a range of disciplines, including botany, plant ecology, agronomy, soil science, wetlands, and regulatory compliance, and has provided expert testimony in litigation involving these topics. Mr. Ritchie’s restoration work is particularly focused on the rehabilitation of former oil field sites and post construction wetland restoration along pipeline rights-of-way. His approach focuses on restoring native habitat through practical solutions to support sustainable land and resource management.
Bianca Wentzell
Dean of the School of STEM and Associate Professor of Biology, St. Thomas Aquinas CollegeDr. Wentzell is a wetland ecologist specializing in wetland restoration, phytoremediation, and ecosystem resilience. As dean of the School of STEM and an associate professor of Biology at St. Thomas Aquinas College, she integrates research, education, and conservation to address human impacts on wetlands. Her work focuses on nutrient cycling, plant-based remediation techniques, and habitat restoration, including projects in the Adirondack Mountain wetlands and the New Jersey Pine Barrens. She has led riparian restoration efforts to protect the Sparkill Creek watershed in New York and developed the Wetland Ambassadors Program, an international fellowship supporting students in wetland science. Passionate about applied ecological solutions, Dr. Wentzell continues to advance science-based conservation through research, education, and community engagement.
AIA Info
AIA Provider Statement:
HalfMoon Education Inc. is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number J885. All registered AIA/CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider of learning program may be sent to AIA/CES (cesupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA/CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Course Title: Wetland Restoration
Delivery Method: Live Online
Course Description: This 6.5-hour course explores the science, policy, and practice of wetland restoration, including wetland classification, regulatory considerations, and restoration planning. Topics include wetland soils, vegetation, and hydrology, the impact of the Clean Water Act, restoration goals and implementation, and lessons learned from case studies of restored and degraded wetlands.
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objective 1: Learners will be able to define and identify different types of wetlands by their soils, vegetation and hydrology.
Learning Objective 2: Learners will be able to explain the significance of the Clean Water Act of 1972, and identify the purposes, goals and benefits of wetland restoration.
Learning Objective 3: Learners will be able to describe the processes and permitting when planning a wetland restoration, and examine essential steps to take when implementing that plan.
Learning Objective 4: Learners will be able to discuss and reference lessons learned from case studies of degraded and restored wetlands.
LUs: 6.5
LU Type: LU|HSWs
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Intermediate
Course Expiration Date: 04/10/2028
Complaint Resolution Policy:
Complaints regarding this course can be emailed to fchapman@halfmoonseminars.org or by calling (715) 835-5900. A HalfMoon Education representative will respond within 72 hours to resolve the complaint, which will include, but not limited to, access to another CE activity at no or reduced cost or a full or partial refund. Each instance will be resolved on a case-by-case situation.

6.5 Knowledge Points
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