Wildlife agencies to cancel Trump endangered species rules

Biden administration focuses on making changes, and canceling two environmental rollbacks under former President Donald Trump is another plan of action. Since the Administration finalized the changes under Trump during the last weeks in office, there was little time to make a substantial impact.

One of the rules empowered the officials to deny protections for endangered species in areas that could have a significant economic benefit, particularly more energy development and other activities. The other rule was referred to as the definition of “habitat,” or more precisely, the land and water areas that can be declared as habitat for imperiled plants and animals.     

The most recent developments indicate that the Environmentalists welcome the actions taken by the Biden administration. Namely, there are years of battle: there is a tug-of-war between Democratic and Republican administrations about the implementation of the Endangered Species Act, passed by Congress in 1973.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service made an extensive effort with the Biden administration and suggested to dismiss two Trump-era rules. Namely, the proposal was to undo the regulations that favored industry development to the detriment of the environment. Both, Industry groups and Republicans in Congress consider the Endangered Species Act as an obstruction to the development of the economy. On the one side, it is undeniable that lands and waters are crucial for the survival of the vulnerable species, even though the designation limits mining, oil drilling, and further development.  

The discussion lasted a long time, and the Environmentalists, supported by the Democrats, salute the landmark law and attribute credit for rescuing the American crocodile, gray wolf, and bald eagle. Republicans, on the other side, loudly criticize this law for entangling in lawsuits and land restrictions, as a result of which relatively few species are off the list.     

Trump administration weakened the law’s regulations, and industry groups were satisfied with the economic development. However, changes in the Administration mean changes in the rules. Biden administration referred to adopting the practices that federal wildlife agencies rejected several months ago. Nonetheless, after evaluating and canceling Trump’s rules, Biden administration officials concluded that previous changes limited the government’s advancement of conservation.    

Parks Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife, stated that by cutting the Trump-era rules, the endangered species law would be “into alignment with its original intent and purpose — protecting and recovering America’s biological heritage for future generations.”

Republican legislators, however, did not remain indebted. The ranking GOP member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Arkansas Rep. Bruce Westerman, considers Tuesday’s move a “tone-deaf” reversal. Republicans have an intention to introduce introducing legislation to make the Trump rules permanent, which is highly unlikely to be realized while Democrats remain in control of the House and Senate.

The two rules which are subject to the discussion came in response to a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Namely, the main focus was on the dusky gopher frog – a highly endangered Southern frog when a unanimous court reproached the government for its designation of “critical habitat” for this endangered species that survives in only several ponds in Mississippi.  

What led to this issue was the lawsuit from a timber company, Weyerhaeuser, regarding land in Louisiana that was appointed as critical if the endangered frogs returned there at some point in the future. Trump administration indicated that these changes untie the hands of local governments when they want to build things that will benefit many citizens, such as schools and hospitals. The abovementioned rules allowed potential exemptions to a great extent, including leases and permits to enable energy development, grazing, recreation, logging, and other commercial uses of public lands from private companies.

Noah Greenwald with the Center for Biological Diversity is one of the Environmentalists who encouraged the Biden Administration to reverse Trump’s rules. Noah stated: ”You really can’t save endangered species without protecting the places they live or need to live.”

Lesser prairie chicken, rare dunes sagebrush lizard, and rusty patched bumblebee are a few of the animals potentially affected by the changes ruled by the Trump Administration.

An attorney for the environmental advocacy group EarthJustice, Leinā‘ala L. Ley, stated that further action to revoke the 2019 rule is more than necessary. “Today, the Biden administration took a good first step towards restoring bedrock Endangered Species Act protections to our nation’s imperiled plants and wildlife,” Ley said. “But the Administration needs to work quickly to rescind all the Trump-era rules. The extinction crisis is happening now, not sometime in the distant future. What the Biden administration does now will make the difference between survival and extinction for countless species.”

Army Corps Halts Coverage Under Nationwide Permits

Several weeks ago, landowners and permit applicants received an email notification regarding the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 Nationwide Permits (NWPs). Namely, according to the notice, the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) would not clarify any coverage requests under a variety of CWA Section 404 NWPs.

The Clean Water Act Section 404 NWPs are the general permits that authorize activities under the previously mentioned act, which “will cause only minimal adverse environmental effects when performed separately, and will have only minimal cumulative adverse effects on the environment.”

In the email from the Army Corps, it is stated: 

We were informed today that due to the decision of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on October 21, 2021, to remand USEPA’s 2020 CWA 401 rule with vacatur, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is not finalizing any permit decisions that rely on a certification or waiver under the 2020 rule at this time. The Corps is working to provide more refined guidance that provides a way forward that allows us to finalize permit decisions. (Emphasis added) 

All interested parties can find this informal notification on at least one government website in the “Latest News” section.

However, following the current developments, the agency has not issued a formal notice or press release yet, which has halted coverage under its NWP program. The Army Corps finalized the NWPs list in January 2021, and the entire list went through formal notice and comment rulemaking. Before being issued, the NWPs were subject to the CWA Section 401 certification process. Nevertheless, this move affects the following 16 NWPs:

12. Oil or Natural Gas Pipeline Activities
21. Surface Coal Mining Activities
29. Residential Developments
39. Commercial and Institutional Developments
40. Agricultural Activities
42. Recreational Facilities
43. Stormwater Management Facilities
44. Mining Activities
48. Commercial Shellfish Mariculture Activities
50. Underground Coal Mining Activities
51. Land-Based Renewable Energy Generation Facilities
52. Water-Based Renewable Energy Generation Pilot Projects
55. Seaweed Mariculture Activities
56. Finfish Mariculture Activities
57. Electric Utility Line and Telecommunications Activities
58. Utility Line Activities for Water and Other Substances

Information worth mentioning is the fact that the Army Corps’ notification was published weeks after EPA’s announcement that the Northern District of California court decision “requires a temporary return to EPA’s 1986 rule until EPA finalizes a new certification rule.” It is still unclear why the N.D. of California decision would result in a nationwide vacatur of the 401 Rule or why that court decision would affect NWPs. The NWPs were properly promulgated, and the procedure was based on the law that was in effect at the time. To date, there is no official explanation by any agency. In fact, there is no consideration or conclusion by any court that NWPs, or the Section 401 certifications issued for them, are unlawful.

Another circumstance that raises questions is the Senate vote 92-5 to confirm Michael Connor to serve as the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works. The notification was issued on the same date as the confirmation of Mr. Connor, so it is unknown whether he ordered the halt in permitting. Without any doubt, Mr. Connor has the power to make headway on the administration’s infrastructure, resilience, and climate goals, which in fact, will be hindered by the significant uncertainty left on its account. We can summarize that, until further notice, NWP coverage will not be granted for stormwater management projects, land- or water-based renewable energy projects; or electric, telecommunications, or water utility line activities, as well as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and recreational activities.

In the meantime, until the government comes up with a solution and a decision on this matter, landowners and project proponents have an option to apply for an individual CWA Section 404 permit. The NWP process is designed to streamline the process for those activities with minimal environmental impact. As for comparison, the NWP process usually takes 60 days to be finished, while an individual permit can take up to one year or more. Annually, the Army Corps grants CWA Section 404 general permit coverage for more than 50,000 activities, and in the same period, issues on average 2,500 individual CWA 404 permits.     

This Army Corps’ notification raises many questions. First of all, it is unknown how long it will last the process of “providing more refined guidance”? Is there a need for changes and new programmatic Section 401 certifications for the NWPs mentioned above? Will the agency be on the lookout for those certifications before coverage can be granted? If the answer is YES, what changes will follow? There are two possibilities for the development: re-promulgation of NWPs, which would include new certification conditions; and the second option is the agency to strive for adding new conditions without going through the rulemaking process? Until the EPA comes up with a new certification rule, it remains unclear whether the agency will require each of the activities authorized under CWA Section 404 to receive an individual Section 401 certification.  

Property owners and project proponents are directly affected by this situation because of the potentially delayed certification process with individual permit applications. This, however, is quite a different sort of problem than halting coverage under already-issued NWPs. 

There has also been some unofficial information that the Corps has already reinstated the Nationwide permit review. However, as they have not confirmed that the Nationwide permits were put on hold they have not announced any further updates. There is a lot of confusion on this matter and it is highly recommended that you check with your local Corps District to confirm if the Nationwides in question are available for your region. There seems to be a high variability between districts as to the status of the the Nationwide program.

Stressed Wetlands

Wetlands are ecosystems with a fantastic diversity of soil types, vegetation, and water qualities, primarily determined by geographic location and climatic conditions. Some of the most common types of wetlands are floodplains, mangroves, saltmarshes, peatlands, forests, and freshwater marshes. The wetlands are distributed widely across the landscape and are a fundamental constituent of US aquatic resources. Namely, wetlands are significant because these ecosystems filter pollutants from air and soil, store carbon, provide wildlife habitat, and prevent flooding. Additionally, wetlands are used locally as recreation areas for boating and fishing, picnic, relaxation, etc. Human activities significantly threaten the existence of wetlands and maintaining these services. Humans take various steps that make life easier and better, such as agriculture and urban development, but at the same time, these actions endanger the wetlands. Also, several natural processes are stressors for the wetlands, such as erosion and flooding, jeopardizing wetlands in the US and the entire planet.

Wetlands usually occur as small isolated patches in mountain meadows and can be found as strips along rivers and streams and as large groups along the southern and eastern coasts of the US. The primary function of wetlands is absorbing runoff and filtering surface water, and in this process, wetlands collect excess sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants. These natural sponges support the ecological processes in the wetlands, such as hydrology, soil, and vegetation development. In order to provide the best results, the area surrounding the wetland needs to be minimally disturbed. Consequently, the “buffering” area surrounding the wetland directly impacts the overall ecological condition of the wetland itself.   

Human activities substantially affect climate change and, at the same time, intensify the stressors. As a result of long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, the occurrence of extreme precipitation and droughts increases, and the sea levels progressively rise. For example, an inland wetland, the Prairie Pothole Region in the north-central part of the US, is the fundamental breeding environment for more than 50 % of North American waterfowl species. In the past, this area has experienced temporary droughts, and if the trend of dry periods continues, scientists predict a dramatic drop in waterfowl breeding grounds. This area is particularly valued for hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Increased sea levels immensely stress the coastal wetlands due to the saltwater invasion (increased salinity), reduced barriers to storm surges, and increased erosion. When the physical conditions in the wetlands change, plants and animals respond to those changes, and not in a positive way. Some local species could become extinct, and others expand their range, thus distressing the balance. By monitoring the plant changes, scientists can notice early warning signs of environmental changes and respond appropriately. Wetlands are an important foundation for many organisms, birds, fish, and people.

Along with natural processes, development and urbanization affect the wetlands. For example, the Louisiana coast has undergone major changes in the last few decades, which resulted in the loss of 1900 square miles of wetlands.

When joined with the predicted erosion rates due to sea-level rise, current levels of wetlands will exponentially decrease. They will no longer serve as natural barriers to flooding during natural disasters, such as strong storm events. 

Despite all efforts, statistical data shows that annually the United States loses about 60,000 acres of wetlands. If you find it difficult to imagine the size of that area – that’s almost equal to 35,000 football fields! What can you do to protect the wetlands? Well, you can start locally with these five simple and yet essential steps! 

Farmers Urge EPA to Keep Water Protection Rules Clear

Every farmer and rancher in the U.S. is familiar with the term WOTUS. Citizens of America who earn money for living by working on farms or ranches, most certainly are up to date with the recent development of events regarding the Waters of the United States. This subject has undergone many changes, regulatory and legal battles during the last few years, and now, there are several uncertainties about the New Water Rule.

The Water of the United States became part of the Clean Water Act in 1972. This federal law refers to governing water pollution of waterways on the territory of the U.S., which falls under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers. Since its introduction, the precise definition of WOTUS has been contested too many times.

In the period of mid-1980s to 2015, the definition of WOTUS retained the original definition without any significant changes. Nevertheless, in response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Obama administration made substantial changes to this rule. The 2015 definition of the WOTUS rule got a new, comprehensive definition by including seasonal streams, dry riverbeds, and even drainage ditches.   

While Democrats and supporters of this definition were satisfied with the expansion of the previous water rule, this radical overstep was challenging to interpret for many. The 2015 WOTUS enabled the federal government to have control over private properties. Still, since it was unclear, landowners had no other choice but to hire lawyers and spend thousands of dollars to figure out if their land was subject to the rule. If they were, landowners would have to ask and pay for permits, even for something as basic as digging a stock pond.

After years of legal uncertainty caused by the 2015 WOTUS, the Trump administration made the long-awaited changes to this rule. The Navigable Waters Protection Rule or NWPR replaced the 2015 rule.

Although this rule was met with disapproval by environmentalists, it was an immense improvement for ranchers. The NWPR removed federal jurisdiction over intermittent streams, isolated water features, and exempted stock ponds and other agricultural sites. This mitigating change saved landowners a lot of money from already limited resources.  

After a federal judge repealed the Trump rule, the Biden administration started creating a new rule. According to some experts, this new waterway protections rule could probably impact the work of farmers and ranchers. However, it remains unclear which are the next steps of the Environmental Protection Agency and the kind of protections that will take effect. 

Organizations like Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association provided comments and recommendations for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, the director of the New York State Water Resources Institute and senior research associate with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, Brian Rahm, stated:

“For New York farmers, there is still uncertainty over what the current administration will ultimately do here. Ideally, I hope the EPA will develop something based in science, which reflects the reality of the connectedness of our hydrological systems, and which is articulate enough to provide clarity over how and when the rule may come into play with respect to the regulation of certain land-use activities.

“As with other issues, such as climate change, I fail to see how ignoring science helps us. We should face difficult discussions about land use and resource management equipped with facts. At the same time, any rule created without an understanding of the current state of the art of agriculture – and the resources available to advance natural resource stewardship – will not be effective or welcomed.

“Overall, while I don’t know exactly which definition of ‘waters of the U.S.’ will be reverted to, I welcome the scrapping of the Trump era rule, which I think showed an irresponsible disregard for well-established science.” – Cornell University

5 Things You Could Do To Protect Wetlands

Wetlands are home to various specific species that cannot be found on any other planet Earth. These landscapes support delicate ecosystems, represent a shelter for plants and animals, and provide food and clean water for humans.

Statistical data shows that 64% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since the beginning of the 20th century, and the remaining ones are substantially diminished. Some of the most common types of wetlands are saltwater marshes, fens, swamps, peat bogs, and mangroves, and many of us undoubtedly have some kind of wetland near you.

Even the most minor changes are significant in preserving nature, and as individuals, we can protect our environment. So, what can you do to reverse the trend and protect the wetlands?     

  • Join a local wetland organization

If you live near a wetland, there are probably protection or preservation non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting the local area. With just a few clicks on the internet, you can find information about such organizations and contact them about volunteering. Present your skills and availability, and someone from the organization will ensure you get various tasks to help and protect the wetlands. Remember that every step, no matter how irrelevant it seems, is essential for preserving nature. If you are interested in working in the field, you can start with some clean-up projects, such as removing litter from the wetlands in your area.   

  • Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers

Humans have substantially changed the planet, and wetlands are not an exception. Over the last few years, wetlands have been filled and cleared according to the needs of people and organizations. This resulted in the disappearance of many native plants. Additionally, non-native plants can be invasive and thus pose a threat to the ecosystem of the specific wetland.

By gardening or landscaping your yard, you help the wetlands immensely. However, before you start planting anything, make sure to research which plants are native to your area. The invasive species can dominate over native flora and do more harm than good. Experts explain that, generally, birds and bees are more likely to pollinate native plants, so this is another way to help and support the nearby wetlands.   

  • Care for the environment at home

A significant part of the trash makes its way into the water in both liquid and solid form. The first step in protecting the wetlands is to limit the waste in your household. Anytime you can, reuse as many products as possible and buy recycled products.   

People tend to overuse natural resources, and overconsumption is one of the biggest issues nowadays. Using sustainable and eco-aware ingredients and safe waste disposal methods is a particularly important step in protecting the wetlands in the long run.

Dispose of your household waste and trash responsibly, and never pour cleaning products down a drain. Always opt for unbleached products, phosphate-free detergents, and non-toxic products.

  • Take Political Action

Report any illegal activity that might jeopardize the functioning of the natural circles, including wetlands and the ecosystems within. Wetlands are areas protected by the law, so if you see someone illegally dumping waste, cutting down plants, or pouring dirt into a wetland, call the environmental protection organization in your state or authorities in the local area. You can also search for “wetland protection” and the name of your state and report the illegal activity online. Make sure to add as many details as possible, such as descriptions of the vehicles, license plate numbers, descriptions of the people. STAY SAFE! Choose a spot to hide, and don’t approach anyone.    

  • Donate to organizations

Most non-profit organizations are underfunded, so donate or raise donations on behalf of organizations that focus on wetland protection. Lack of resources limits the power of non-profit organizations. Besides volunteering, you can focus on raising funds for protecting the wetlands. Many reputable wetland conservation organizations will ensure that your donation will be used for the intended purpose.

Many coastal states have the option to purchase a license plate that shows your support for preserving wetlands, and part of the funds goes to wetland organizations. You can provide long-term support with a monthly donation to the organization. Another option is to start a campaign on social media networks to raise conscience for the importance of protecting the wetlands.         

What’s next for WOTUS after judge drops Trump’s 2020 NWPR rule?

Back in 2020, the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) promulgated by the Trump administration significantly reduced the coverage of the water bodies in the United States. For many environmental organizations, agricultural and specialty crop stakeholders, this decision was inadequate, and Trump found himself the target of criticism. In contrast, developers and industry stakeholders welcomed this decision with open arms.

Nevertheless, as the political set is changing, the decisions issued by the Administration undergo changes as well. Quickly after taking the service, President Biden took steps toward repealing the Trump-rule. After reviewing the actions taken by Trump Administration, the key term in the Clean Water Act (CWA) is changing for another time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), on June 9, 2021, made a joint announcement that they intend to examine and make alterations to the WOTUS rule. Biden Administration explained that these alternations are driven by the inconsistency and certain obstacles to the new scientific and environmental policy aspirations. Additionally, Corps and EPA had sizeable concerns about the NWPR and established an unavoidable need for changes. They intended to replace the NWPR through the rulemaking process.  

Almost three months later, On August 30, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona entered an order in Pasqua Yaqui Tribe v. EPA, so now things have moved in the planned direction, and the Biden administration can take a short break. The federal court ruling made a decision to put an end to the Trump-era Clean Water Act rule. It is not specified whether the Arizona district court’s order would apply locally or nationwide.       

As Judge Rosemary MĂĄrquez of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona ruled, the decision to withdraw the federal protection for streams and wetlands across the country was defective and too flawed to keep in place. The decision made by the federal court effectively puts an end to the Trump era and is a fundamental change that affects the entire nation. Consequently, the Navigable Waters Protection Rule is not currently in effect.

While the Navigable Waters Protection Rule is one of the most controversial decisions of the previous Administration, according to many, the new regulatory go in favor of both developers and farmers. At the same time, the EPA is spared from punishment by ruling out the Trump-rule, as the agency is preparing a replacement for the NWPR. 

In an email, the former EPA Office of Water attorney, Mark Ryan, said that: “The immediate effect is a nationwide vacature of the 2020 rule. There will be an appeal. Assuming the judge’s order is not stayed on appeal, then EPA will not have to go to the trouble of repealing the 2020 rule, and can move straight to drafting the new rule (which is almost certainly underway already).”

When it comes to the ruling and determining which “waters of the United States” are qualified to undergo federal protection under the Clean Water Act, the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers consider implementing the 1986 regulation, which George W. Bush interpreted in the Agencies’ 2008 guidance. Legal experts explain that there is quite a big difference between restoring the Clean Water Rule and reverting to the pre-2015 status quo.  

This change makes some space and relieves EPA of unnecessary obligations. Therefore, instead of revoking the previous regulation, the EPA can focus its efforts and resources to anew the definition of “water of the U.S..” Ryan stated: “I think this relieves a bit of the pressure. Now they have one, not two big rulemakings to deal with.”

The most recent update about the EPA’s decision is that the agency currently discusses and evaluates the ruling. Timothy Carroll, the EPA spokesperson, stated that there aren’t any further comments on the final decision.  All things considered, the recent changes leave many open questions. The one most commonly asked is whether there will be a return to the 2015 Obama rule?! Do the industry stakeholders intend to appeal the vacatur order to support the NWPR? Will the Ninth Circuit limit the extent of the vacatur to Arizona? How do these decisions impact the current regulatory landscape?

The Swamp School, LLC Partners with BadgeCert to Offer Digital Badges To Its Certificate Holders

Sample Badge Click to Verify

      For Immediate Release

                                                                                      Contact: Marc Seelinger 1-877-479-2673

Angier, North Carolina – October 26, 2021 –The Swamp School, LLC is pleased to announce its partnership with BadgeCert Inc., a leader in digital credentialing and professional recognition. The partnership allows The Swamp School, LLC certificants to immediately display a secure and verifiable digital badge on social networks, resumes, email signatures and websites.

In today’s digital world, professionals want the option to share their credentials online. Digital badges are used in professional and social networking environments to recognize achievements and establish credibility in real time with a single click.

BadgeCert digital badges are third-party verifiable icons that are packed with information or “metadata” about the issuing organization, as well as when and how the credential was earned and when it will expire. They can represent accomplishments such as knowledge competency, attendance, participation, or the completion of a professional credential.

 â€œWe are excited to offer digital badge services through our new partnership with BadgeCert,” says Marc Seelinger, founder at The Swamp School, LLC, “Digital badges have gained significant traction in the credentialing industry and we have found that BadgeCert’s reliable security and verification capabilities will protect the integrity of our credentials while also giving our members the opportunity to digitally share their hard-earned credentials.”

“We are thrilled to partner with The Swamp School, LLC as they are a leader and pioneer in environmental education.  Moreover, they are consistently exceeding their members’ expectations with respect to professional advocacy and technology innovation,” says Ginger Malin, Ph.D., Founder and EVP of Business Development at BadgeCert.  “This partnership will provide The Swamp School, LLC members significant value as they can now digitally store and share their verified credentials across the web.” 

The Swamp School, LLC will begin offering digital badge services immediately. If you are a current student of the Swamp School and have already received a paper or PDF certificate and would like a digital badge, please contact the Swamp School via chat. The rollout is ongoing.

About The Swamp School, LLC

Based in Angier, North Carolina, the Swamp School offers post-secondary/college classes and webinars in wetland assessment, delineation and design, and other topics relating to the management of wetlands. The classes are designed to help environmental professionals enhance their skills and expand their business.

 Find out more about the Swamp School online at https://swampschool.riversagency.com

About BadgeCert

BadgeCert’s enterprise-class hosted software platform enables organizations to recognize their stakeholders’ accomplishments with dynamic digital badges.  BadgeCert’s 100% verifiable badges are embedded with qualifying information that details the nature of an earner’s accomplishment and once received, earners can share them with others (particularly employers, customers or colleagues) by putting them directly on their social media profiles, corporate databases, resumes or email signatures.

Visit http://www.badgecert.com

Certifications

The basic delineation class we offer is generally what most employers and their clients require. It is a 36-hour class that covers all the skills needed to do a wetland delineation. Upon successful competition of the class, you are ready to go to work.

The certification program that we offer is intended to advance your credentials as a wetland scientist. The program consists of 4 classes that run 12 weeks each, so it takes about a year to complete the program. The program was specialty designed to help identify true wetland delineation experts and serves to help them market their skills to potential clients. The basic delineation class is a prerequisite for this program, and it is suggested that the student have a couple years’ experience doing wetland delineations before starting the program.

Both sets of classes are accepted by the Society of Wetland Scientists as suitable continuing education for their Professional Wetland Scientist certification.

The US Army Corps of Engineers and the US EPA do not pre-approve any wetland training. However, many of our students come from both agencies and we are a Federal General Services Agency (GSA) approved vendor for wetland classes.

Webinar Help

Webinar Access

There is no special link to log into the webinar.  The broadcast is sent out on our Swamp School Virtual Classroom page.  It is not a Zoom, Teams or similar call.

To get to the webinar go to SwampSchool.org and log in using your registered email.  A password was  sent to that email.  If you need to reset it, you can use the password reset on the login page.  Once you are logged in look for the “My Courses” tab.  From there you will see your webinar.  Click it and it will take you to the class page.  The live broadcast is about halfway down the page.

Once you are logged in, try the broadcast link to make sure you can login on the day of the webinar.  A sample video will play before the webinar.  Please try this out beforehand to troubleshoot any connection issues.

Screen Freeze

During the webinar if you lose video or audio, do a screen refresh.  This will reconnect with the broadcast and fixes most connection issues.

Blank Video Screen

If you see a blank screen, you have a firewall installed either on your computer or the company server and it is blocking our broadcast.  You will need to have your IT team help you with this if you are on a company server or VPN.  Please try this out before the live broadcast by using the sample video.

Audio Not Playing

Audio issues can also be fixed with a screen refresh.  However, some company firewalls will also block audio as well as video broadcasts.

You do not need a microphone or call in number.  All students are muted, but you can chat in during the webinar using the class chat.

Only one user per paid seat can log in at a time. 

If you are trying to watch this using the same user email from multiple computers, you will be temporally locked out.  You will need to log out of all the other computers and log back in on only one.  If you need multiple seats, please go back to the store and purchase them.  Be sure to use unique emails for each seat as they serve as the username.

Additional Help

If you need any extra help, please start a chat on SwampSchool.org.  This is the fastest way to get help.  You can call, but this is slower.

Webinar Re-Broadcast

The rebroadcast will be posted to the class site on Friday and will be available for 60 days.