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.
Symposia, Workshops, Training Sessions
Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
Translating Wetland Science into Fair and Reasonable Government Policies
April 2-4, 2019
NAWM's annual meeting was held at the The National Conference Center in Leesburg, VA
For information go here or please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
Federalism Re-envisioned: Exploring Possibilities for Enhanced
State and Tribal Roles in Water Resources Protection,
Conservation and Management
April 11-12, 2018
NAWM's annual meeting was held at the Tommy Douglas Conference Center in Silver Spring, MD
For information go here or please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
Using Sound Science and Effective Communication to Strengthen Wetland Conservation, Restoration and Management
April 11-13, 2017
NAWM's annual meeting was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
Managing Change - Wetland Protection and Restoration in an Era of Changing Water and Energy Demands
March 29-31, 2016
NAWM's annual meeting was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
The New World of Wetlands: Dealing with Shifting
Landscapes, Laws and Climate
March 24-26, 2015
NAWM's annual meeting was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
Connectivity, Collaboration and the Application of Sound Science
March 4-6, 2014
NAWM's annual winter meeting was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
Conserving Wetlands and Waterways for Future Generations
March 19-21, 2013
NAWM's annual winter meeting was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
Sustaining the Nation's Commitment to No Net Loss of Wetlands Through Challenging Times
March 13-15, 2012
NAWM's annual winter meeting was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
Annual State/Federal Coordination Meeting
Conservation, Regulation and Management of Headwater Wetlands
March 13-15, 2011
NAWM's annual winter meeting was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
Clean Water, Wetlands and the Law: New Tools and Opportunities
February 23-25, 2010
NAWM's annual winter meeting was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
Opportunities to Streamline and Integrate Section 404 with Other Clean Water Act Programs through State/Tribal Leadership
March 17-19, 2009
NAWM's annual winter meeting was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
Wetlands and Global Climate Change
Agenda with PowerPoint Presentations
September 16-18, 2008; with field trips on September 15th and 18th
Workshops on September 19th
Doubletree Hotel, Portland, Oregon
Our Special Thanks to Speakers, Sponsors, Volunteers and Participants for a Successful Conference
On behalf of the National Association of Wetland Managers, the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists, the Oregon Department of State Lands and all our sponsors and cooperating parties, I want to thank you for making Wetlands 2008; Wetlands and Climate Change a success. We’re still adding up the numbers but I’m guessing attendance was around 400. Many attendees approached me during the conference to tell me how much they enjoyed the conference and how much they had learned. Over and over people said that they have rarely attended a conference where ALL the presentations where of such high caliber. This is only possible because so many people contributed their time, knowledge and expertise.
NAWM Joins the Society of Wetland Scientists to Hold its Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting
May 28-30, 2008
Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, DC
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
Wetlands 2007: Watershed-Wide Strategies to Maximize Wetland Ecological and Social Services: Conserving Wetlands to Reduce Natural Hazards; Improve Water Quality, Protect Critical Headwaters, Maintain Biodiversity, and Protect and Restore Coastal Resources
August 28-29, 2007; Field Trips/Workshops, August 27
Colonial Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center
Williamsburg, Virginia
Agenda with PowerPoint Presentations
In recent years, scientific and engineering studies have documented the value of ecological and social services provided by headwater wetlands and streams. Protecting and restoring these areas is critical to sustaining the ecological and social services provided by broader aquatic resources including larger riverine and coastal systems. The loss of these critical resources results in threats to human health and safety, and higher costs for drinking water, storm water control, flood protection and recreation. However, federal, state and local programs have encountered numerous challenges in efforts to restore and maintain these critical resources. The purpose of this symposium was to identify opportunities and integrated strategies for protecting and restoring headwater wetlands, streams and related waters.
Strengthening the Roles of Local Governments, Land Trusts, and Watershed Councils in Protecting Vulnerable Wetlands and Aquatic Resources
June 2, 2007 Participate in the Swaner Nature Festival
June 4-5, 2007 Workshop, Treasure Mountain Inn
June 6, 2007 Field Trip
Treasure Mountain Inn, Park City, Utah
Agenda with PowerPoint Presentations
This workshop was tailored to address the challenges to protecting, managing and conserving wetlands in the West, particularly those wetlands and waters excluded from protection under the Clean Water Act. There are a number of unique issues that affect wetlands in the West such as low precipitation, water rights and high competition for all water resources. The workshop identified tools, programs, funding, and other resources that are available to local governments, land trusts and watershed councils. It highlighted case studies and provide special emphasis on the application of science in local approaches to wetlands conservation, protection and management,
State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Workshop: The Clean Water Act: Applying Sound Science to Address Program Revisions, Court Challenges and Opportunities for Wetlands and Headwaters
March 27-29, 2007
NAWM's annual winter meeting was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
For information, please contact, Laura at laura@nawm.org
For a complete list of NAWM past meetings, click here.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, whether carried out by NAWM directly, through a contractor, or any other entity with whom NAWM arranges to carry out its programs, services and activities. NAWM does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.
NAWM collects and maintains demographic data on the race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability status of the population it serves.
NAWM continually seeks effective ways to accommodate those with visual or hearing impairments. NAWM also takes reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) will have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in our services, activities, programs, and other benefits.
NAWM designated civil rights coordinator: Marla Stelk, Executive Director
The NAWM Executive Director is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7 (Non-discrimination in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (hereinafter referred to collectively as the federal non-discrimination laws).
If you have any questions about this notice or any of NAWM’s non-discrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact:
Marla Stelk, Executive Director
500 Washington Street, Suite 201
Portland, ME 04103
207-892-3399 Ext 11
marla@nawm.org
If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a NAWM’s program or activity, you may contact the Executive Director identified above or visit our website at nawm.org to learn how and where to file a complaint of discrimination.
ABOUT NAWM
NAWM publishes a bi-monthly membership newsletter "Wetland News," and weekly "Insider's Edition." Read more about NAWM's publications. Learn about membership benefits.
NAWM is governed by a board of directors and has a small staff. The National Association of Wetland Managers does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its programs or activities.
Constitution of the National Association of Wetland Managers
Bylaws of the National Association of Wetland Managers
STRATEGIC PLANS
FOR MORE NAWM INFORMATION
- NAWM Staff Biographies
- NAWM Board of Directors
- Donate to NAWM
- Membership Information
- Doing Business With NAWM
- Volunteer - Many Ways to Volunteer
- NAWM Events
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Contact Us
OUR GOALS
- Help states and Tribes develop and implement wetland regulatory and management programs
- Improve the coordination of wetland programs and policies at all levels of government
- Provide training and capacity building for state and Tribal wetland programs
- Facilitate the integration of wetlands into water resources and watershed management
- Build conservation and restoration partnerships among states, tribes, local governments, nonprofits, and other interested parties
- Translate wetland science into fair and reasonable government policies
- Encourage minority participation in wetland protection, restoration and management
- Integrate wetlands into broader landscape and resource management initiatives.
ANNUAL REPORTS
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The National Association of Wetland Managers does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age disability or any other status protected by law. Learn more about our Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy.
NAWM STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND EQUITY
For 40 years, the National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) has stayed true to its mission 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.” From NAWM’s inception, one of the goals of NAWM as identified by its first Board of Directors, was to “encourage minority participation in wetland protection, restoration and management.” This goal remains important to NAWM, and we will continue to work on this while also recognizing there is much ground to cover. Read full Statement on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.
Sponsorship Opportunities
NAWM offers Sponsorhip Opportunities for our Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Meeting, Wetland News, and Wetland News Digest. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Order Form for Services
Terry Doss – February 2025
Who do you work for and what is your current position?
I work for the State of New Jersey, within the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, serving as the Co-Director for the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute. I lead efforts to preserve, protect and restore the wetlands and other habitats located in the Hackensack Meadowlands.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job is any day that I get to go out on the water. I much prefer a beautiful sunny day with warm temperatures, but even in winter I love the idea that we are out on the water when few else are out there. Each time we head out, there is an air of anticipation – you never know what new or interesting thing we are going to see in the tidal marshes that line the Hackensack River, but there is always something. Also, experiencing the quiet and solitude of nature, in the chaotic din of the NY-NJ metropolitan area with planes, trains and automobiles whizzing by, is just magical.
What is one of your biggest professional accomplishments?
I think one of my biggest professional accomplishments was being able to survive and thrive as a working mother. I’m so proud of my grown sons, and hope they are as proud of me as I am of them. We were always in this together, and I loved bringing them out to the field – my older son was out in the field for a wetland delineation at three months of age and, flash forward many years, my younger son was out planting floating wetlands with me when he was home for college just a few years ago. I never tried to separate my career from my home life, I never thought there was enough time in the day for that luxury, so we had to be in it together.
All these years later, it is amazing to head out to my first tidal wetland restoration site that our team worked on 25 years ago and see how it is flourishing. I remember bringing the boys out there before, during and after the restoration work. Now, 25 years later, the site is amazing – for the first time this year, we heard saltmarsh sparrows out there. I’m proud of that!
What is your favorite wetland, or type of wetland, or wetland species? Why?
I love tidal wetlands, they are like poetry in perpetual motion. They are where the land meets the sea, ever changing, known but yet unknown, settled yet shifting. They allow for expansive views – of the grasses, the sea, the sky, the wildlife. But because they are both land and sea, they are so often misunderstood, mistreated, maligned.
Working in the Meadowlands really drives this home – all the abuses that have been thrown at the tidal wetlands along the Hackensack River over the past two hundred years, and that continue to be thrown at them. Yet they persist, they thrive, they are resilient, and they continue to provide habitat, protection, recreational opportunities. After giving a presentation on the Meadowlands’ marshes a few years ago at a MAWWG meeting, someone came up to me and said, “wow, the Meadowlands’ wetlands are really bad ass!” And I couldn’t agree more, they are bad ass and that is why they are my favorite.
How did you end up working in wetlands?
I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I knew I liked working outdoors and that I wanted to work and live near the water. I graduated from U of Delaware with a degree in Agricultural Sciences with a focus on Natural Resource Economics, but wasn’t sure where to go with that. A few years later, I went back to Delaware to work on a Masters in Marine Policy, combining my interests in the water, the outdoors and economics. While there, I became interested in the valuation of wetlands, and from there dove deep into the science of wetlands. Every job I had, starting with the National Ocean Service at NOAA and then moving into private consulting, there were always opportunities to get more involved with wetlands and I jumped at every one of them. To expand my knowledge, I took wetland field courses from Environmental Concern and the Continuing Education Program at Rutgers, which allowed me to study under some of the giants in the wetland science field, and I joined and became active in scientific organizations like Society of Wetland Scientists and the Society for Ecological Restoration. The more people I met and spoke with, the more my opportunities expanded.
What advice do you have for someone interested in getting started in wetlands work?
Look for opportunities that you think you will enjoy to expand your knowledge and your circle of contacts. Go to conferences, and if there are volunteer activities, sign up. Join non-profit organizations and get involved. Become a member of different scientific societies and assist with meetings, field trips, raising funds, …. There is no magic bullet as to what will stick, so try everything and see what gives you experience while also making you happy.
How long have you been a member of NAWM? How have you participated in NAWM (e.g., attended webinars, contributed to project workgroups, attended annual meeting, etc.)?
I believe that I have been a member of NAWM since the early 2000s. In 2001, I attended a meeting on behalf of the Society of Wetland Scientists and met up with Jeanne Christie who was there on behalf of ASWM (now NAWM) and we started talking about connecting the two organizations in a more meaningful way. Eventually, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both groups to coordinate and collaborate, and I acted as the liaison between the two groups for a while. (Not sure if this MOU is still active.) Even though I was not a “state wetland manager” until 2018, I was able to attend a number of the annual meetings and other events along the way.
What is your favorite benefit of being a member of NAWM?
I am most grateful for all of the webinars offered by NAWM. While the in-person meetings are the best way to keep in touch and learn, the constancy of the webinars keeps me in touch with what is going on around the nation on a more day-to-day basis. For example, after the Sackett decision, the discussions on what happens next were especially helpful for us here in the Meadowlands, because even though NJ has assumed jurisdiction for the wetlands of the state, that did not include the wetlands of the Meadowlands. It was helpful hearing from others about the different aspects, experiences and possible actions.
What is your favorite NAWM memory?
My favorite memory was my first NAWM meeting at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV. I assume this was sometime in the early 2000s. I had no idea what to expect, and at first it seemed like most meetings. But then, I went to the bonfire. It was an incredible experience and a great way to bring everyone together. Nothing specific, just an all-around great vibe and a great opportunity to relax with many like-minded wetland scientists.
My second favorite memory was sitting with Jon Kusler on a porch somewhere at some point in time after a long day of meetings, and listening to him talk about his vision for wetland science into the future. Being able to have discussions with great minds like Jon Kusler and Jeanne Christie were, for me, amazing opportunities that were only made available through NAWM.
Thank you to Terry for sharing your experiences and being a part of NAWM!
If you would like to nominate a member for a future Member Spotlight, please reach out to Portia Osborne, NAWM Assistant Director, at portia@nawm.org.
Members receive weekly issues of Insider’s Edition and by-monthly issues of Wetland News per year. If you are a member already, you may read the latest issue of Insider’s Edition and Wetland News (NAWM’s membership newsletter) by logging in to your Members' Portal. NAWM membership benefits information.
NAWM is looking for photos of our members working in the field—whether inside or outside, regulation or restoration, monitoring & assessment—or mapping & management of wetland resources. We would like to feature photos of wetland professionals doing a wide range of activities in the field of wetland science, policy and management. Please email these photos to Laura at laura@nawm.org for use on the NAWM website and/or in our membership newsletter, Wetland News.
Member Spotlight
The NAWM membership includes state, tribal, federal, and local wetland managers, regulators, researchers, field scientists, academics, private consultants, and more. These wetlanders work across the United States in a wide variety of wetlands and related aquatic resources. To celebrate the important work that NAWM members are doing, each month NAWM shines the Member Spotlight on one member to learn more about the good work they are doing to protect and restore our wetland resources, how they came to work in wetlands, and how being a member of the Association benefits their work. If you would like to nominate a member for a future Member Spotlight, please reach out to Portia Osborne, NAWM Assistant Director, at portia@nawm.org.
Terry Doss – February 2025Who do you work for and what is your current position?
I work for the State of New Jersey, within the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, serving as the Co-Director for the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute. I lead efforts to preserve, protect and restore the wetlands and other habitats located in the Hackensack Meadowlands.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job is any day that I get to go out on the water. I much prefer a beautiful sunny day with warm temperatures, but even in winter I love the idea that we are out on the water when few else are out there. Each time we head out, there is an air of anticipation – you never know what new or interesting thing we are going to see in the tidal marshes that line the Hackensack River, but there is always something. Also, experiencing the quiet and solitude of nature, in the chaotic din of the NY-NJ metropolitan area with planes, trains and automobiles whizzing by, is just magical.
What is one of your biggest professional accomplishments?
I think one of my biggest professional accomplishments was being able to survive and thrive as a working mother. I’m so proud of my grown sons, and hope they are as proud of me as I am of them. We were always in this together, and I loved bringing them out to the field – my older son was out in the field for a wetland delineation at three months of age and, flash forward many years, my younger son was out planting floating wetlands with me when he was home for college just a few years ago. I never tried to separate my career from my home life, I never thought there was enough time in the day for that luxury, so we had to be in it together.
All these years later, it is amazing to head out to my first tidal wetland restoration site that our team worked on 25 years ago and see how it is flourishing. I remember bringing the boys out there before, during and after the restoration work. Now, 25 years later, the site is amazing – for the first time this year, we heard saltmarsh sparrows out there. I’m proud of that!
What is your favorite wetland, or type of wetland, or wetland species? Why?
I love tidal wetlands, they are like poetry in perpetual motion. They are where the land meets the sea, ever changing, known but yet unknown, settled yet shifting. They allow for expansive views – of the grasses, the sea, the sky, the wildlife. But because they are both land and sea, they are so often misunderstood, mistreated, maligned.
Working in the Meadowlands really drives this home – all the abuses that have been thrown at the tidal wetlands along the Hackensack River over the past two hundred years, and that continue to be thrown at them. Yet they persist, they thrive, they are resilient, and they continue to provide habitat, protection, recreational opportunities. After giving a presentation on the Meadowlands’ marshes a few years ago at a MAWWG meeting, someone came up to me and said, “wow, the Meadowlands’ wetlands are really bad ass!” And I couldn’t agree more, they are bad ass and that is why they are my favorite.
How did you end up working in wetlands?
I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I knew I liked working outdoors and that I wanted to work and live near the water. I graduated from U of Delaware with a degree in Agricultural Sciences with a focus on Natural Resource Economics, but wasn’t sure where to go with that. A few years later, I went back to Delaware to work on a Masters in Marine Policy, combining my interests in the water, the outdoors and economics. While there, I became interested in the valuation of wetlands, and from there dove deep into the science of wetlands. Every job I had, starting with the National Ocean Service at NOAA and then moving into private consulting, there were always opportunities to get more involved with wetlands and I jumped at every one of them. To expand my knowledge, I took wetland field courses from Environmental Concern and the Continuing Education Program at Rutgers, which allowed me to study under some of the giants in the wetland science field, and I joined and became active in scientific organizations like Society of Wetland Scientists and the Society for Ecological Restoration. The more people I met and spoke with, the more my opportunities expanded.
What advice do you have for someone interested in getting started in wetlands work?
Look for opportunities that you think you will enjoy to expand your knowledge and your circle of contacts. Go to conferences, and if there are volunteer activities, sign up. Join non-profit organizations and get involved. Become a member of different scientific societies and assist with meetings, field trips, raising funds, …. There is no magic bullet as to what will stick, so try everything and see what gives you experience while also making you happy.
How long have you been a member of NAWM? How have you participated in NAWM (e.g., attended webinars, contributed to project workgroups, attended annual meeting, etc.)?
I believe that I have been a member of NAWM since the early 2000s. In 2001, I attended a meeting on behalf of the Society of Wetland Scientists and met up with Jeanne Christie who was there on behalf of ASWM (now NAWM) and we started talking about connecting the two organizations in a more meaningful way. Eventually, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both groups to coordinate and collaborate, and I acted as the liaison between the two groups for a while. (Not sure if this MOU is still active.) Even though I was not a “state wetland manager” until 2018, I was able to attend a number of the annual meetings and other events along the way.
What is your favorite benefit of being a member of NAWM?
I am most grateful for all of the webinars offered by NAWM. While the in-person meetings are the best way to keep in touch and learn, the constancy of the webinars keeps me in touch with what is going on around the nation on a more day-to-day basis. For example, after the Sackett decision, the discussions on what happens next were especially helpful for us here in the Meadowlands, because even though NJ has assumed jurisdiction for the wetlands of the state, that did not include the wetlands of the Meadowlands. It was helpful hearing from others about the different aspects, experiences and possible actions.
What is your favorite NAWM memory?
My favorite memory was my first NAWM meeting at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV. I assume this was sometime in the early 2000s. I had no idea what to expect, and at first it seemed like most meetings. But then, I went to the bonfire. It was an incredible experience and a great way to bring everyone together. Nothing specific, just an all-around great vibe and a great opportunity to relax with many like-minded wetland scientists.
My second favorite memory was sitting with Jon Kusler on a porch somewhere at some point in time after a long day of meetings, and listening to him talk about his vision for wetland science into the future. Being able to have discussions with great minds like Jon Kusler and Jeanne Christie were, for me, amazing opportunities that were only made available through NAWM.
Thank you to Terry for sharing your experiences and being a part of NAWM!
If you would like to nominate a member for a future Member Spotlight, please reach out to Portia Osborne, NAWM Assistant Director, at portia@nawm.org.
Members receive weekly issues of Insider’s Edition and by-monthly issues of Wetland News per year. If you are a member already, you may read the latest issue of Insider’s Edition and Wetland News (NAWM’s membership newsletter) by logging in to your Members' Portal. NAWM membership benefits information.
NAWM is looking for photos of our members working in the field—whether inside or outside, regulation or restoration, monitoring & assessment—or mapping & management of wetland resources. We would like to feature photos of wetland professionals doing a wide range of activities in the field of wetland science, policy and management. Please email these photos to Laura at laura@nawm.org for use on the NAWM website and/or in our membership newsletter, Wetland News.
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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.