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WORKSHOP FOCUSES ON WETLANDS PROTECTION

Release Date: 9/22/1999
Contact Information: Bonnie Lomax (215) 814-5542

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - The mid-Atlantic and northeast offices of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will co-host and participate in a four-day workshop addressing the importance of wetlands protection. The Wetlands Regulatory Workshop is scheduled for Nov. 2-5, 1999 at the Holiday Inn on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, N.J. This is the only national workshop addressing this important issue.

The workshop hosted by EPA and the Regulatory Interagency Steering Committee, will focus on increasing dialogue and fostering partnerships between federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and the regulatory communities.

Invited speakers include U. S. Representative Wayne T. Gilchrest of Maryland, and John Griffin, former Maryland state official. Other highlights include a lunchtime discussion entitled "Stream of History" on Tuesday featuring Kent Mountford, U. S. EPA Region III; and a Thursday luncheon discussion on "Wetland Regulatory Implications for the Millennium" featuring Chip Smith, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). The full agenda includes representatives from federal, state and local governments; academia; environmental organizations; the private sector and international environmental agencies.

Wetlands is the collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs and similar areas that develop between open water and dry land. These areas are found in every state in the nation. Wetlands help improve water quality; reduce flood and storm damage; and provide important fish and wildlife habitat.

All sessions are open to the public. Registration will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of the event. For more information on registration and the workshop contact Ralph J. Spagnolo of EPA’s Environmental Services Division at 215-814-2718.