In this issue:

• Announcements
• Two-Minute Training
• Technical Training & Certification Program Updates
• Upcoming Training Events
• Learn on Your Own

Announcements

2020 BWSR Academy to be Offered Online

In response to continued safety concerns related to COVID-19, BWSR has decided to move the 2020 BWSR Academy to an online format using WebEx. Although we are disappointed that we won’t get to see our partners in person this year, we are excited to be able to continue to offer high quality, interactive training sessions online.

 What’s changing:

• No registration fees in 2020! Things are hard enough these days – we wanted to make something easy.
• Reduced schedule. We did this for two reasons:
  • We want to ensure that trainers and attendees have a hassle-free experience, and fewer sessions means we can offer better back up and support.
  • We want to avoid headset dents, glazed eyes and numb toes for our attendees, so we are limiting training sessions to the morning.

What’s the same:

• You still need to register! This allows us to provide information to our trainers about session size, contact attendees with updates, and provide handouts and other materials prior to Academy.
• High Quality Training: We are working with each trainer make sure attendees have the same interactive training experience they’ve come to expect from Academy. “Hands-on” might look a little different this year – but we’re learning to adapt.
• Academy Dates: We still plan to hold Academy from October 27-29^th. Sessions will take place in the morning rather than all day.
• Relevant Sessions: Online delivery won’t deter us from offering Academy sessions that are directly applicable to LGU work back home — even if you happen to be back home while attending.

Keep an eye on the BWSR Academy Page for updates on this year’s schedule and registration information. We are planning for registration to open September 9^th and be available through October 9^th.

We hope you’ll join us for the 2020 BWSR Academy! We know it’s not what any of us are used to, but hey, what about 2020 has been predictable? 

If you have questions about the 2020 BWSR Academy, please contact Barbara Radke at barbara.radke@state.mn.us.

September Input Sessions

Upcoming input sessions for local government staff: evaluating implementation of comprehensive watershed management plans. Watch your email for registration information for three dates in September.

Two-Minute Training

Logic Models   Logic models are a great way to organize your thinking when you are developing a plan or evaluating your work. Learn more by watching these two videos.   “A Basic Introduction to Logic Models”  This video explains the basics of what a logic model is and how it can be used in planning (5:26). See the One Watershed, One Plan Guidebook (pdf) for the companion Logic Model Questions and Template.   “Logic Models: A Natural Resource Example”  This video demonstrates how a logic model can be used to establish short, mid, and long term goals in a natural resource example. (4:09). See the One Watershed, One Plan Guidebook (pdf) for the companion Logic Model Questions and Template.

Technical Training & Certification Program Updates

I Hear the Train a Comin’, It’s Rollin’ Round the Bend

As noted last month, the Technical Training and Certification Program (TTCP) is rolling out updates and training resources to meet your technical training needs using the Individual Development Plan (IDP) tool. As part of this effort, we continue to add instructional video clips to the IDP User Guidance page, such as adding a new training request, updating training requests, adding training to your training history, and viewing your credentials. We are also updating Job Approval Authority using the newest delegated credentials from NRCS.

Why is technical training, and developing technical skills, so important?

• Technical skills are program neutral, so they do not change with Legislative sessions or Farm Bills
• Technical skills expire, but through ongoing training you can brush up and get updates on science, technology, and tools
• Developing technical abilities enables career growth
• A standardized set of skills allows for consistency between offices and counties
• Allows conservation staff to improve customer service, develop high quality products, and ensure stewardship of tax dollars

Now is the time to start thinking about your technical training needs and your Individual Development Plan. If you don’t have an IDP, you can request one here – look for “Create an Account.” Additional training opportunities will be available soon!

Upcoming Training Events

Minnesota Wetland Professional Certification Program     All 2020 training classes and exams have been cancelled, and the certification renewal period extended.   BWSR and the Minnesota Wetland Professional Certification Program (MWPCP) have cancelled all in-person classes and exams for 2020 due to COVID-19. As of now, we are not planning to reschedule or otherwise conduct any in-person training classes in 2020.   All MWPCP-certified (professional or in-training) individuals are now certified until December 31, 2023. This extension allows for an additional year to obtain credits for certification renewal.   The MWPCP will be developing and offering virtual/online learning opportunities this fall/winter. We will inform everyone when those opportunities become available.   More information and answers to questions you might have can be found on the MWPCP webpage.

BWSR Training

Technical Training & Certification Program Events

Related Partner Training Opportunities

Learn on Your Own

Not all training takes place in a classroom. We’ve also put together a searchable library of recorded modules, webinars, videos and other resources to help our staff and partners find professional development information on a variety of topics. You can visit BWSR's Online Learning page to find web-based technical training resources sorted by category.

New:

• Tech Talk Replay: Grazing Facilitating Practices - Part 1
• Harvesting Equipment
• Tech Talk Replay: Grazing Facilitating Practices - Part 2
• Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation of Forest Wildlife
• Emulating Forest Disturbance with Silviculture
• What's at risk? Implications of Climate Change on Forests and Options for Adaptation
• NPC Silviculture Strategies for Forest Stand Prescriptions
• Raingardens
• Cover Crop Strategies Podcasts
• Farming Implements in Action: Impacts on the Soil, Erosion Potential of Tillage Systems, and Economics
• Silvopasture Webinar Series
• Nutrient and Pest Management Equipment
• Tech Talk Replay: Nutrient Management Module 7: Manure
• Tech Talk Replay: Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide for Monarchs
• Nitrogen Smart Review
• Tech Talk Replay: Evaluating Herbicide Plans in a Soil Health System

Program Contacts