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PTMApp Training April 25
A repeat of the April 3 training on the PTMApp (Prioritize, Target and Measure Application) will be offered online April 25 from 10-11 a.m. Registration is required. This training will provide an overview and primer to current and potential PTMApp toolbar users on the updates to the PTMApp tool along with additional tools to process the output. The updates covered are important for users to be aware of when using PTMApp Desktop and PTMApp Web tool. Register and receive the link for the online training here.
Successful Outreach Strategies Upcoming Trainings
Hold the dates for the next two online training sessions for Successful Outreach Strategies
- May 29, 9-10:30 a.m. – Topic on Marketing
- June 26, 9-10:30 a.m. – Topic on Written Communication
More information will be available in late April when registration will open. To learn more about the Successful Outreach Strategies training program click here.
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Training Magazine Network recently shared that “Upon visiting with trainers and presentation content creators…the following two statements to be invariably true: 1) The biggest issue that PowerPoint users face is placing too much text on a slide; and 2) The primary reason that people do this is because they ask their slides to function both as the visual for the live presentation and as the printed handout.” It was also determined that this fails almost 100% of the time.
The next time you are designing a PowerPoint presentation, remember your PowerPoint slides should not be designed to be a printed handout. Your PowerPoint slides should be designed to support adult learning by being visually appealing with pictures representing the key learning for that slide and the “1-6-6” rule. No more than one concept per slide, no more than six bullets per slide and no more than six words per bullet. A separate handout incorporating the takeaway information/learnings should be created as a resource for participants.
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BWSR Spring Training
Nearly two hundred individuals working in the natural resource sector registered for the March 28 BWSR Spring Training. BWSR Spring Training enhances accessibility to training by providing online training for local government staff at no cost to increase knowledge and skill development to support effectiveness in their natural resource work. Comments from the evaluation included “It was engaging and beneficial to my training needs” and “I really enjoy spring training and the ease of it.” Over twenty individuals from BWSR or other external partners were trainers during the eight sessions. Many suggestions were provided for future online trainings! Thank you to all who attended BWSR Spring Training.
- April 25, Prioritize, Target, and Measure Application (PTMApp) Training: Overview and Update, BWSR, Online
- May 29, 9-10:30 a.m., Hold the date for Successful Outreach Strategies: Marketing topic, BWSR, Online
- June 26, 9-10:30 a.m., Hold the date for Successful Outreach Strategies: Written Communication topic, BWSR, Online
Minnesota’s Conservation Cohorts
Conservation Cohorts are On the Job Trainings (OJT) where attendees meet, virtually and in person, with the same small group over several weeks or months. The focus of these meetings is the planning, design, and installation/certification of conservation practices and systems that are part of real world conservation planning that the attendee is working on. The intention of these cohorts is that attendees will gain the skills, confidence, and credentialing (including Job Approval Authority) to independently plan, design, and certify conservation practices that address high priority resource concerns in their work area.
As interested attendees sign up the cohorts are created based on geographic areas, levels of experience, and desired outcomes. There are several cohort options, so attendees will likely need to consider what they can take on and prioritize their training needs.
Prescribed Grazing (CPS 528) Cohorts
There are two training outcomes from these cohorts: 1) CPS 528 Prescribed Grazing certification, and 2) developing grazing systems with a producer from start to finish. Technical staff that need to review grazing records and grazing systems in the office and the field for the sole purpose of certifying Prescribed Grazing do not need to complete the grazing plan development portion of the training. Please consult your supervisor on what level of training is appropriate for you.
Additional information and a link to register for a Prescribed Grazing Cohort can be found here. Registration closes May 15.
Soil Health Cohorts
The focus of these meetings is the planning, design, and installation/certification of soil health related conservation practices. The core practices that will be the focus of these cohorts includes:
- Conservation Crop Rotation (CPS 328)
- No Till (CPS 329)
- Cover Crop (CPS 340)
- Reduced Till (CPS 345)
By the end of this cohort participants will be able to design soil health conservation systems that treat site specific soil health resource concerns using adaptive cover crop species or mixes in conjunction with reduced tillage, residue management, and diverse crop rotations.
Additional information and a link to register for a Soil Health Cohort can be found here.
Seeding Practices Cohorts
The focus of these meetings is the planning, design, and installation/certification of seeding practices. The core practices that will be the focus of these cohorts include the practices below based on IDP requests:
- Pasture and Hayland Planting (CPS 512)
- Conservation Cover (CPS 327)
- Critical Area Planting (CPS 342)
- Wetland Restoration (CPS 657)
- Filter Strip (CPS 393)
- Restoration and Management of Rare or Declining Habitats (CPS 643)
- Wildlife Habitat Planting (CPS 320)
- Contour Buffer Strips (CPS 332)
Attendees have the option to identify a primary and a secondary seeding practice they are working to obtain Job Approval Authority for.
Additional information and a link to register for a Seeding Practices Cohort can be found here.
Cultivating Career Success: On Farm Communications Training
Join the staff at the Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center in Staples for an enriching opportunity to delve into the world of farming through our comprehensive Farm Immersion program (formerly known as Agronomy 101 Training). These immersive training days are designed to equip NRCS and SWCD participants with hands-on technical knowledge and educational insights across various aspects of modern agriculture.
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Topics covered: The training sessions cover a wide array of essential farming aspects, including:
- Equipment Ride and Drives
- Irrigation
- Farm Economics
- Livestock Management
- Cover Crops
- Conservation Practices
- Crop Rotation & Planning
- Fertility & Integrated Pest Management
- Technology and Precision Agriculture
- Other Collaborative Efforts
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Hands-on learning: Engage in interactive sessions and hands-on experiences tailored to deepen your understanding of agricultural practices.
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Expert guidance: Learn from seasoned professionals and experts in the field who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience.
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Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow employees from around the state, industry experts, and potential collaborators, fostering a network within the agricultural community.
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Training dates: The sessions will be held May 8, 9; July 18, 19; and October 16, 17. Participants are expected to attend one session (one day) in each of these months and are asked to commit to attending all three sessions.
Additional information and a link to the registration can be found here.
Pasture and Hay Planting Training
Training on CPS 512 Pasture and Hay Planting is being held May 14 in Detroit Lakes. Attendees will learn about seed size, pure live seed, seeds per pound and use the seed calculator to develop seed mixes for pasture and hayland plantings.
Additional information and a link to register can be found here.
Grazing Facilitating Practices Training
TTCP is hosting training for Grazing Facilitating Practices near Pillager on May 16. Facilitating practices are those that need to be in place for a rotational grazing system to properly function, and can include:
- Fence
- Heavy Use Area Protection
- Trails and Walkways
- Stream Crossing
- Water Well
- Pumping Plant
- Livestock Pipeline
- Watering Facility
Additional information about this training opportunity and a link to the registration can be found here.
Prescribed Burning Awareness Training
For those looking to obtain Job Approval Authority (JAA) for CPS 338 Prescribed Burning, there is still space available in the Prescribed Burning Awareness Training. These 16 hours of Awareness Training are required to obtain Job Class I JAA for Prescribed Burning, allowing the planner to recommend CPS 338 as an alternative during the conservation planning process. If you already have JAA you likely do not need this training. Please consult your supervisor/ARC if you have questions.
This training is being held at Camp Ripley beginning May 21 at 12:30 p.m. and concluding May 23 at 12 p.m. Space is limited to 35 attendees, so please do not sign up if you cannot attend all three days. Additional information and registration can be found here.
Native Plant Community and Plant ID Training
Discover the wealth of Minnesota's native flora with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Native Plant Community training program. Dive into the fascinating world of native flora and deepen your understanding of plant community classification and plant identification with these expert-led sessions, including three dedicated to prairie environments and one delving into the intricacies of forest habitats. Enhance your botanical knowledge further with specialized sessions focusing on grass identification and the unique world of ferns and lycophytes. Due to high demand, early registration is strongly encouraged as classes fill up quickly. For further details and to secure your spot, visit the registration flier: Minnesota DNR Native Plant Community Training. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Minnesota's natural heritage and become an informed steward of its native plant communities.
Train the Trainer Events
Join Pheasants Forever Staff and partners in unique field training opportunities throughout Minnesota during the 2024 field season. These trainings are open to all NRCS, SWCD, FSA, DNR, FWS, and other agency staff within Minnesota. Registration is open for the first three events with more to come:
Save the Date: 2024 Conservation Planning Course
The weeklong Conservation Planning Course will be held at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris from July 29 through Aug. 2. If your goal is to become a Level III Conservation Planner, set aside this week on your calendar to attend this course. It is an intensive week of hands-on training, assessing resources on several landuses and working through the nine steps of conservation planning on a family farm. There are significant hours of prerequisites for this course and if you plan on attending in July you should get started on them now. You can find a list of prerequisites here.
Job Approval Authority Achievements
During 2023 in Minnesota, 143 employees achieved Job Approval Authority (JAA), indicating their proficiency and authorization to plan, design and apply specific conservation practices. With 778 new or updated JAA entries across 87 different practices, it's evident that our conservation workforce is actively engaged in advancing their skills and responsibilities. Notably, the northeast part of the state emerges as a frontrunner, boasting 253 new JAA items, indicative of a robust commitment to professional development in that area. Within the realm of Ecological Sciences JAA, standout practices include Cover Crop, which garnered recognition with 45 certified employees, and Conservation Crop Rotation, with 40 employees demonstrating expertise. In the Engineering sector, Water and Sediment Control Basins, along with Underground Outlet, are identified as top practices, each obtained by 12 skilled professionals. Additionally, 11 employees gained JAA in Grassed Waterways and Subsurface Drains. These achievements underscore a concerted effort towards excellence and specialization across various practices, ensuring a well-equipped workforce capable of addressing contemporary challenges and fostering sustainable solutions.
Congratulations! Keep up the great work!
2024 Shared Training Calendar
An updated working version of the 2024 training calendar is now available. This 12 month view of training offerings is regularly updated and provides information about upcoming training events, including potential dates and locations. Please see the legend at the top and note that the further out a training is proposed the more likely adjustments will need to be made. The dates, locations, and other details are always tentative until the event is posted on the Training Calendar.
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Minnesota Wetland Professional Certification Program |
More information on each course, registration, and MWPCP professional exams can be found at the MWPCP website.
2024 MWPCP Course Schedule:
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Arden Hills – June 10-14
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Brainerd – Sept. 9-13
Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Regulations: Arden Hills – Sept. 30-Oct. 4
Technical Training
Hydric Soils: Albany City Hall and Two Rivers County Park, Stearns County – April 30 & May 1
Wetland Restoration: McLeod County Fairgrounds – May 15-16
Wetland Delineation Methods: Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center - Spicer – May 29-31
Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA) Method: MNDOT Shoreview Training Center – June 17 or 18
Wetland Plant ID: Lino Lakes (July 16) or Cloquet Forestry Center (July 18)
Antecedent Precipitation Tool: St Cloud MNDOT Training Center – Oct. 22 (2 sessions)
Regional Training
Redwood Falls Community Center – Aug. 27-28
Technical Training & Certification Program Trainings
Tech Talk Webinars: Mondays at 1 p.m.
April 22 Intro to Urban Soil Health for Conservation Planning and Management
April 29 Soil Health Resource Concerns
May 6 TTCP Onboarding
May 20 Conservation Tree Shrub Groups (CTSG) Updates
Conservation Cohorts
Prescribed Grazing
Seeding Practices
Soil Health
April
April 25 Economics of Crop Production, Online
May
May 8 - Oct. 17 Cultivating Career Success: On Farm Communications Training, CLC Staples
May 14 Pasture and Hay Planting, Detroit Lakes
May 16 Grazing Facilitating Practices, Pillager
June
June 3-7 Introduction to Conservation Engineering, Faribault
- Monthly Jan. 9 to Dec. 10 Sustainable Forestry Education Cooperative 2024 Forestry Webinar Series, SFEC, Online
- Fridays Feb. 9 to April 19 Fridays with a Forester, UMN, Online
- April 3 to 17 Climate Change Impacts on Wildlife and Habitat, UMN Extension, Online
- March 14 to April 25 Improving Restorations Webinar Series, UMN Extension, Online
- May 22, St. Cloud Stormwater Practices Tour + MS4 Implementation Workshop, Minnesota Erosion Control Association, St. Cloud
- May 31 – June 2, Botany for Naturalists, Ecologists, and Herbalists, North House Folk School, Grand Marais
- Starting in June Cover Crop Academy, UMN Extension, Multiple Locations
- June 18 Brush Management Strategies, PF, Glyndon
- June 28 Eye in the Sky: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) (Drones), PF, St. James
- July 17 How to Increase the Chances that Brome Conversion Projects Will Produce Desired Results, PF, Montevideo
Not all training takes place in a classroom. Check out the links below to learn at a time and place of your choosing.
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.
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Program Contacts
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