Speaker Rates
NAWM
The National Association of Wetland Managers is a nonprofit membership organization established in 1983 to promote and enhance protection and management of wetland resources, to promote application of sound science to wetland management efforts and to provide training and education for our members and the public. Membership is open to anyone who is involved with wetland resources.
We invite you to join us for NAWM’s Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination (STFC) Meeting, to be held at the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA from April 8-10, 2025 with optional field trips on Friday, April 11.
The theme for this meeting is Building an Evergreen Future with Wetlands and will have a particular focus on fish and wildlife as well as treaty rights, cross-boundary issues, restoration, climate change, and more. The purpose of this annual meeting is to support state and Tribal wetland program managers, and other wetland professionals as they respond to challenges in the coming year.
For questions, please contact Marla Stelk, Executive Director at marla@nawm.org.
Draft Agenda (posted 8/16/24)
Early Bird Registration is Now Open
Registration includes a buffet breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Early Bird Registration:
August 12 – November 10, 2024
Standard Registration:
November 11, 2024 – February 27, 2025
Late Registration:
February 28 – March 28, 2025
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Cancellation/Refund Policy for In-Person Participation |
| Now - December 31, 2024 | No charge - Full refund | |
| January 1, 2025 - February 28 2025 | 50% of Registration Refunded | |
| After February 28, 2025 | No Refund | |
| Any time before February 28, 2025 | You may substitute the name on your registration, but you must notify NAWM of the change. |
Call for Abstracts is Now Open
Deadline to submit abstracts is Friday, November 1, 2024.
Jon A. Kusler Student Scholarship Award is Now Open
The fifth annual Jon A. Kusler Student Scholarship Award competition is now open. The Award will fund all expenses for one or more U.S.-based students studying wetland science, law or policy (either undergraduate or graduate level) to attend NAWM's annual STFC meeting.
Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until Friday, November 1, 2024, 9:00 a.m. ET. Notifications will be sent to all applicants no later than Friday, November 15th.
State/Tribal Scholarship is Now Open
A limited number of scholarships are available to U.S. state and Tribal agency staff to assist those in need to cover travel, lodging and/or registration costs to attend NAWM's Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting. Our intent is to support as many people as possible with the limited amount of funding that we have. If you are able to cover some of your expenses, that will enable more of our colleagues to attend.
Scholarships may be provided to those who are eligible for up to a maximum of $1,000 in expenses. Please note that scholarships are provided as reimbursements for expenses paid - receipts are required for reimbursement. Registration expenses will be waived (versus reimbursed) and will be considered as part of the total scholarship expense amount approved.
Scholarship decisions will be made on a rolling basis until all available funds have been used. Deadline to apply is Friday, January 31, 2025.
Lodging/Room Rates-Reservations/Travel Information
The Skamania Lodge
1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way
Stevenson, WA 98648
Phone: (844) 432-4748 or Local: (509) 314-4177
Room Rates
NAWM’s room block is now open. To make your lodging reservations, call 844-432-4748 and specify National Association of Wetland Managers group code 1YQ29P. Or reserve online at Skamania Lodge. NAWM’s agreed upon per diem rate for Skamania Lodge is $152/night for Superior Guestrooms, not including applicable taxes and/or fees. There are also a limited number of Riverview Guestrooms available at $192/night plus applicable taxes and/or fees. Deadline to make reservations is Saturday, March 8, 2025.
When reservations are made, Skamania Lodge will require a deposit equal to the room rate and tax for the first night. An individual’s deposit is refundable to that individual if Skamania Lodge receives notice of an individual’s cancellation at least 7 days prior to scheduled arrival. Upon check-in, each guest will be required to present a valid credit card, on which an amount of sufficient pre-authorization can be obtained to cover room and tax charges and resort fee for the length of the guest’s stay, plus the anticipated use of Skamania Lodge’s ancillary services, and Skamania requires each guest’s home/business address and email address.
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-In time is 4:00 pm on arrival day and Check-Out time is until 11:00 am on departure day. Skamania Lodge may impose a late check-out fee of $100.00, from 1:00-3:00 pm, and a full day's room and tax will be charged after 3:00 pm. Any attendee wishing special consideration for late checkout should inquire at the front desk on the day of departure.
Meals
Registration includes a buffet breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Skamania Lodge offers dining at the Cascade Dining Room; River Rock Lounge; Backyard Grill: and Skamania To-Go
Shuttle Information coming soon.
Carpool
Things to Do in and Around Skamania Lodge
Thank you to our Generous Sponsor!
Kingfisher Sponsor
Cattails Environmental provides quality and timely environmental consulting services related to the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act, and works primarily in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas with occasional forays into surrounding states.
If you would like to become a Sponsor of our Annual Meeting, please see information here.
Return to main meeting webpage.
We invite you to join us for NAWM’s Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination (STFC) Meeting, to be held at the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA from April 8-10, 2025 with optional field trips on Friday, April 11.
The theme for this meeting is Building an Evergreen Future with Wetlands and will have a particular focus on fish and wildlife as well as treaty rights, cross-boundary issues, restoration, climate change, and more. The purpose of this annual meeting is to support state and Tribal wetland program managers, and other wetland professionals as they respond to challenges in the coming year.
For questions, please contact Marla Stelk, Executive Director at marla@nawm.org.
Draft Agenda (posted 8/9/24)
Early Bird Registration is Now Open
Early Bird Registration:
August 12 – November 10, 2024
Standard Registration:
November 11, 2024 – February 27, 2025
Late Registration:
February 28 – March 28, 2025 
Call for Abstracts - Now Open
Deadline to submit abstracts is Friday, November 1, 2024.
Jon A. Kusler Student Scholarship Award - Opens Monday, August 12
NAWM will also be announcing its fourth annual Jon A. Kusler Student Scholarship Award competition on August 12. The Award will fund all expenses for one or more U.S.-based students studying wetland science, law or policy (either undergraduate or graduate level) to attend NAWM's annual STFC meeting. More details will be forthcoming with the announcement in August.
State/Tribal Scholarship is Now Open
A limited number of scholarships are available to U.S. state and Tribal agency staff to assist those in need to cover travel, lodging and/or registration costs to attend NAWM's Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting. Our intent is to support as many people as possible with the limited amount of funding that we have. If you are able to cover some of your expenses, that will enable more of our colleagues to attend.
Scholarships may be provided to those who are eligible for up to a maximum of $1,000 in expenses. Please note that scholarships are provided as reimbursements for expenses paid - receipts are required for reimbursement. Registration expenses will be waived (versus reimbursed) and will be considered as part of the total scholarship expense amount approved.
Scholarship decisions will be made on a rolling basis until all available funds have been used. Deadline to apply is Friday, January 31, 2025.
Lodging Information coming soon.
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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS IS NOW OPEN DEADLINE TO SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 1, 2024 Abstract Submission Instructions All abstracts must address wetland-related issues relevant to the agenda topics for the 2025 Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting:
PLEASE NOTE: All accepted presenters must register for the NAWM State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting. However, accepted presenters will receive NAWM's discounted speaker registration rate. You must be a U.S. citizen to submit an abstract.
Agenda Marla Stelk, Executive Director General Information Laura Burchill, Office Manager |
Return to Main Meeting Information
We invite you to join us for NAWM’s Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination (STFC) Meeting, to be held at the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA from April 8-10, 2025 with optional field trips on Friday, April 11.
The theme for this meeting is Building an Evergreen Future with Wetlands and will have a particular focus on fish and wildlife as well as treaty rights, cross-boundary issues, restoration, climate change, and more. The purpose of this annual meeting is to support state and Tribal wetland program managers, and other wetland professionals as they respond to challenges in the coming year.
| Sponsor this Great Event! | Welcome to Our Kingfisher Sponsor | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Early Bird Registration is Now Open
Registration includes a buffet breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Please note, Speaker registration will open on November 15th.
Early Bird Registration:
August 12 – November 10, 2024
Standard Registration:
November 11, 2024 – February 27, 2025
Late Registration:
February 28 – March 28, 2025 
|
Cancellation/Refund Policy for In-Person Participation |
| Now - December 31, 2024 | No charge - Full refund | |
| January 1, 2025 - February 28 2025 | 50% of Registration Refunded | |
| After February 28, 2025 | No Refund | |
| Any time before February 28, 2025 | You may substitute the name on your registration, but you must notify NAWM of the change. |
Call for Abstracts is Now Open
Deadline to submit abstracts has been extended to December 1, 2024.
Jon A. Kusler Student Scholarship Award is Now Open
The fifth annual Jon A. Kusler Student Scholarship Award competition is now open. The Award will fund all expenses for one or more U.S.-based students studying wetland science, law or policy (either undergraduate or graduate level) to attend NAWM's annual STFC meeting.
Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until December 1, 2024, 9:00 a.m. ET. Notifications will be sent to all applicants no later than Friday, November 15th.
2025 Wetland Foundation Travel Grants
The Wetland Foundation is soliciting applications for 2025 travel grants. They will accept applications from any student currently enrolled full-time at an academic institution in the USA and who meets the specific criteria for one of the types of grants listed below. For more information, visit The Wetland Foundation or see Annoucement (PDF). Application deadline is December 18, 2024.
State/Tribal Scholarship is Now Open
A limited number of scholarships are available to U.S. state and Tribal agency staff to assist those in need to cover travel, lodging and/or registration costs to attend NAWM's Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting. Our intent is to support as many people as possible with the limited amount of funding that we have. If you are able to cover some of your expenses, that will enable more of our colleagues to attend.
Scholarships may be provided to those who are eligible for up to a maximum of $1,000 in expenses. Please note that scholarships are provided as reimbursements for expenses paid - receipts are required for reimbursement. Registration expenses will be waived (versus reimbursed) and will be considered as part of the total scholarship expense amount approved.
Scholarship decisions will be made on a rolling basis until all available funds have been used. Deadline to apply is Friday, January 31, 2025.
Lodging/Room Rates-Reservations/Travel Information
The Skamania Lodge
1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way
Stevenson, WA 98648
Phone: (844) 432-4748 or Local: (509) 314-4177
Room Rates
NAWM’s room block is now open. To make your lodging reservations, call 844-432-4748 and specify National Association of Wetland Managers group code 1YQ29P. Or reserve online at Skamania Lodge. NAWM’s agreed upon per diem rate for Skamania Lodge is $152/night for Superior Guestrooms, not including applicable taxes and/or fees. There are also a limited number of Riverview Guestrooms available at $192/night plus applicable taxes and/or fees. Deadline to make reservations is Saturday, March 8, 2025.
When reservations are made, Skamania Lodge will require a deposit equal to the room rate and tax for the first night. An individual’s deposit is refundable to that individual if Skamania Lodge receives notice of an individual’s cancellation at least 7 days prior to scheduled arrival. Upon check-in, each guest will be required to present a valid credit card, on which an amount of sufficient pre-authorization can be obtained to cover room and tax charges and resort fee for the length of the guest’s stay, plus the anticipated use of Skamania Lodge’s ancillary services, and Skamania requires each guest’s home/business address and email address.
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-In time is 4:00 pm on arrival day and Check-Out time is until 11:00 am on departure day. Skamania Lodge may impose a late check-out fee of $100.00, from 1:00-3:00 pm, and a full day's room and tax will be charged after 3:00 pm. Any attendee wishing special consideration for late checkout should inquire at the front desk on the day of departure.
Meals
Registration includes a buffet breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Skamania Lodge offers dining at the Cascade Dining Room; River Rock Lounge; Backyard Grill: and Skamania To-Go
Shuttle Information coming soon.
Carpool
Things to Do in and Around Skamania Lodge
Wetlands: Changing the Narrative
America’s wetlands have long been misunderstood, underappreciated, and underexplored. Historically, we have looked at them as wastelands - places to dredge and fill for economic development and agriculture. But today, finally, those attitudes are shifting. Americans are rediscovering why wetlands are so important for their families and communities due to all the amazing benefits they provide including clean water, flood protection, and groundwater retention, to name a few.
In Wetlands: Changing the Narrative, we’re going to shine a light on the people who are reshaping our relationship with the natural world. Hunters, anglers, ranchers, and small family farmers all depend on healthy wetlands for their way of life. From the most remote bison wallow in the Great Plains to the edges of the Everglades and beyond we’ll discover seemingly ordinary people making extraordinary impacts on their local wetlands through a mix of landowner stewardship, science, engineering, and sheer determination. Their stories, insights, and passion will be the conduit through which the wondrous natural history of our wetland heritage is presented to our viewers.
Why Now?
One answer to this question comes from a place of urgency. Anyone who has read the news lately has seen stories of habitat loss, species extinction, natural disasters, and pollution -- all things that scientists and environmentalists remind us can be mitigated with healthy, expansive wetlands.
But there is another, more positive reason for embarking on this effort now - momentum. Even though wetlands continue to be caught in the crosshairs of development and deregulation, there has been a palpable shift in public attitudes toward them. Stories like the following are continuing to gain traction in the news and on social media:
- In Oregon, a farmer has converted 70 acres of prime farmland into wetland, generating a burst of biodiversity while solving his ongoing issues with chemical runoff.1
- In Florida, farmers and ranchers have partnered with a leading conservation organization to preserve both the state’s wetlands and
ranchlands.2 - In Kansas, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has made an agreement with the USDA ensuring that a 32-acre parcel of wetland would be restored and preserved for decades to come.3
- In Wisconsin, in an area that has seen 90% of its wetlands decimated, a ten-acre patch of former farmland has been re-converted to a wetland, with the potential to absorb some 3 million gallons of stormwater.4
With the power of cameras and screens to amplify stories like these, we have a golden opportunity to reveal the true importance - and magic - of wetlands to a national audience.
Our Approach
The goal of Wetlands: Changing the Narrative is to bring diverse and hopeful stories about America's wetlands to American audiences through a range of traditional and new media avenues. “Story packages” will be built from single collections of footage, animation, and interviews and will seed programming aimed at those who get their information via tv, streaming, or social media. For example, a story package centered around the Colorado River might yield a 30-minute documentary, multiple 5-8 minute shorts, and multiple minute-long bursts aimed at TikTok, Instagram, and Reels. Each product will be built from the same bed of content but tailored specifically for the demands of different outlets.
The team would aim to produce 3-5 story packages per year, ensuring that the messaging flows consistently and predictably across the calendar. To kick off the effort, we suggest beginning with a pilot/proof of concept, allowing us time to go through a full production cycle - including debriefing with stakeholders - to identify obstacles and best practices. That pilot project could begin in 2024.
In addition, since we see this as a potentially long-term effort, we propose keeping the focus of each story package fairly narrow. Packages may be organized around a specific wetland, state, city, town, reservation, or river rather than by type of wetland, for example. Approaching the material in this way eases the worry of overlapping content and improves our chances of finding distribution for the documentary piece on local or regional PBS affiliates.
The Team
Wetlands: Changing the Narrative will be led by Marla Stelk and her team at the National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM). From her office in Portland, Maine she will lead a group of experienced filmmakers, advocates, and campaigners who together will source, produce, and share these stories across various media. The key creatives on the project are stationed across the country - from the Northeast to the Midwest to the Pacific and understand that every wetland story is both unique and universal…intensely local and part of a much larger picture. Some of the creative partners NAWM has engaged so far include:
Wide Awake Films (Kansas City, MO): For more than 20 years the team at Wide Awake has produced award winning films for television, museums, streaming, and commercial clients. Their clients run the gamut, including PBS, John Deere, The National Park Service, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Platte Basin Timelapse (Lincoln, Nebraska): Since 2011 PBT has used film and multimedia to bring the stories of our nation’s waterways to a wider audience. Known for their timelapse nature photography and keen understanding of river systems and watersheds, PBT stands ready to lend their expertise to whichever watery habitat we choose to film.
If you would like to contribute to this project and help us reach our fundraising goal of $500k, please:
Or contact Marla Stelk at marla@nawm.org, or call our office at 207-892-3399.
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1‘This place wanted to be a wetland’: how a farmer turned his fields into a wildlife sanctuary
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/22/farm-wetland-bird-animal-sanctuary-oregon
2Ducks Unlimited, Florida Cattlemen’s Association Partner to Conserve Wetlands
https://www.ducks.org/newsroom/ducks-unlimited-florida-cattlemens-association-partner-to-conserve-wetlands
3Fridays on the Farm: Enhancing a Historic Wetland on Tribal Lands
https://www.farmers.gov/blog/fridays-on-farm-enhancing-historic-wetland-on-tribal-lands
4Wetland restoration project yields 10 new acres at Cliffside Park
https://racinecountyeye.com/2023/10/17/wetland-restoration-cliffside-park/
This Year's Keynote Speaker
Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality
Brenda Mallory is the 12th Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the first African American to serve in this position. As Chair, she advises the President on environmental and natural resources policies that improve, preserve, and protect public health and the environment for America’s communities. She is focused particularly on addressing the environmental justice and climate challenges the nation faces while advancing opportunities for job growth and economic development. Chair Mallory has decades of experience in both the private and public sector, including spending nearly 20 years at the Environmental Protection Agency and CEQ, serving in a number of senior roles. In Chair Mallory’s first stint at CEQ as the General Counsel, she helped shape many of President Obama’s signature environmental and natural resource policy successes.
Now, as Chair, she is advancing President Biden’s ambitious climate and environmental justice agenda. Chair Mallory was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from Yale with a double major in history and sociology and then from Columbia Law School as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.
Read Brenda Mallory's full bio here.
MEETING MATERIALS
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Agenda with Presentations - (Updated 7/10/24) Speakers, if you would like to send links for materials, webpages, etc. (describing your work) to share with other meeting participants, please email them to Sharon at sharon@nawm.org. NAWM Publications NAWM Resources
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
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Publications
The Association conducts research and publishes reports, guidebooks, news articles, brochures, white papers, and summaries of findings of symposia and workshops. These are available electronically to all interested individuals and organizations.