2026 MWPCP Courses:
Virtual Training
MWPCP online training focuses on the regulatory aspects of implementing the Wetland Conservation Act in Minnesota. There are no fees for our online regulatory courses. However, participants are required to register in advance.
WCA 101 - February 3 & 4 (2 half days) (3 online CEC per day)
This repeat virtual course is intended for individuals who are new to the wetland business in MN. The course will walk through each major section of the Wetland Conservation Act. The course is specifically geared towards new Local Government Unit (LGU) and Technical Evaluation Panel members but is very useful for all wetland delineators who want to understand the wetland regulatory landscape in Minnesota. Experienced professionals could also take this course as a refresher.
This registration link will go live 9am on January 9, 2026: https://www.cognitoforms.com/BWSR9/WCA101VirtualTrainingRegistrationForm2026
WCA Rule Update - November 18 (3 online CEC)
This half-day virtual course will provide an overview of the recent Wetland Conservation Act rulemaking efforts. BWSR wetland staff will walk through the new Rule language and highlight changes that may impact implementation.
Registration for this event will open in the summer 2026.
Introduction to Wetland Delineation & Regulation Course
The course provides an introduction to both wetland delineation and wetland regulations in Minnesota. Most days involve a field exercise. Successful completion of the course qualifies individuals to take the Professional In-Training exam which is administered on the last day of the class. See the past agenda for more detail on course content.
Registration for Introduction to Wetland Delineation & Regulation classes will open at 9am on March 9. A link to the registration form will be sent out to this email list. That link will also be posted on the MWPCP training opportunities page.
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: MN DOT Training Center, Shoreview, MN - June 8-12
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Cloquet Forestry Center, Cloquet - August 31-September 4
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Northland Arboretum, Baxter, MN - September 14-18
Course fee: $1,200 ($600 for SWCD, LGU, & Tribal Government Entities). The course fee includes the exam application fee. Limit 30 participants per course.
In-Person Training Courses
Registration for the following courses will open at 9am on March 16. A link to the registration form will be sent out to this email list. That link will also be posted on the MWPCP training opportunities page.
TEP Academy - St Cloud - April 14 & 15 - Two one-day classes (6 CEC)
This course is intended for professionals who serve on a Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) implementing WCA. The course is designed to focus on roles, procedures, important concepts and some common scenarios TEP members encounter. Participants should have some basic level knowledge of how the WCA is implemented but direct experience on a TEP is not required. The content is introductory to intermediate. Participants can choose either date as they will be identical courses.
Course fee: $90
Hydrogeomorphic Method of Classifying Wetlands - Baxter (April 23 & 24) & Rochester (April 28 & 29) - Two one-day classes (6 CEC)
The course will provide a background on the science behind the Hydrogeomorphic Method of classifying wetlands, the parameters of HGM classes, common wetland indicators for each class and a field exercise mapping HGM wetland class. Participants can choose either date and location as they will be identical courses.
Course fee: $90
Soils on the Landscape - North Branch - May 20 & 21 - Two one-day classes (6 CEC)
This class will open with lectures on hydric soil development on glacial landforms, landscape positions of wetlands in MN, common hydric soil indicators, and offsite resources such as the soil survey, LIDAR and aerial photography. Participants will spend the afternoon in field with soil scientists writing soil profile descriptions, interpreting soil catinas along landscapes, and identifying hydric soil indicators. Participants can choose either date as they will be identical courses. This course is being offered in collaboration with the MN Association of Professional Soil Scientists.
Course fee: $90
Rapid Floristic Quality Assessment Method with Plant ID Refresher - Cloquet (July 7) & Lino Lakes (July 21) - Two one-day classes (6 CEC)
The course will begin as a plant ID refresher in preparation to apply the Rapid Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA) method. After an introduction to the methodology, participants will conduct a field exercise practicing the Rapid FQA. Participants can choose either date as they will be identical courses taught at two different venues.
Course fee: $90
MN Wetland Rapid Functional Assessment Method - Shoreview - October 13 & 14 (6 CEC)
This course will provide an introduction to the new MN Wetland Rapid Assessment Method. The course will begin by walking through the tool, user guide, and applications used to complete the assessment. During the second part of the course, participants will conduct their own assessment of a wetland using the tool. Although not required, we recommend that participants have some familiarity with the Rapid Floristic Quality Assessment method and HGM. Participants can choose either date as they will be identical courses.
Course fee: $90
New Normal?- Emerging Topics in the Wetland World - St Paul - December 8 (6 CEC)
This course will cover emerging topics from the regulatory and technical aspects of the Minnesota wetland business. Tentative topics may include: new WCA Rule, Functional Assessment Method, Wetlands of MN Status & Trends, USACE Updates, MN DNR Calcareous Fen Program & HGM Classification System. This course is being offered in collaboration with the MN Wetland Professional Association.
Course fee: $90