Whether you're a beginner or an old-timer, there's always more to know! TMDL watershed cleanup plans and their underlying policies and science are evolving. Get the latest scoop with active, hands-on trainings!
Clean Water Network TMDL trainings
We are currently creating our upcoming training schedule. Let us know if you want a training locally!
In 2001 and 2002, the Network co-hosted about 15 day-long TMDL trainings with activist from at least twelve states. Between these trainings and shorter skill sessions at other conferences, we talked with hundreds of activists about the TMDL process and how to best use it to clean up our waters. We work with you to design a training that suits the needs of the area -- we can cover policy issues, organizing ideas, technical issues, and more. Network staff can do the training and/or bring in experts on specific technical issues -- depending on your needs.
The trainings use our TMDL handbook The Ripple Effect, state-by-state information, and actual TMDL cleanup plans from the area (and around the country) to make the problem and the solution real for people. Plus, they're fun! Really.
U.S. EPA's TMDL trainings and associated trainings
U.S. EPA periodically offers their Watersheds 103: TMDL Trainings for Practitioners. The course description says: "This one-day course reviews the programmatic and technical components for developing TMDLs under section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The training course is intended for those who will actually be developing TMDLs, including technical water resources staff and watershed managers from states, tribes and territories; local governments; EPA regional and headquarters staff; and other interested watershed practitioners." Click on the link above for schedule details.
U.S. EPA also offers BASINS training. This is a week-long course on using Better Assessment Science Integrating point and Nonpoint Sources (BASINS) -- a software tool used to perform integrated water quality and watershed analyses. The course trainings description says the week includes: "... an introduction to the basic geographic information (GIS) operations, BASINS environmental data layers, nonpoint source modeling, and in-stream water quality assessments. The course includes extensive hands-on computer applications."
River Network Clean Water Act trainings
The River Network hosts broad Clean Water Act trainings which cover water quality standards, permits, TMDLs and more. While you don't spend your time on TMDLs alone, these trainings are a great way to see how TMDL watershed cleanup plans fit in with other Clean Water Act programs and how to use those linkages to protect and restore your waterways. River Network also offers an online version of the Clean Water Act training. For more information, contact Gayle Killam of the River Network.
