The Essentials of Indian Law: Everything You
Need to Know to Work in Indian Country, Las Vegas, NV., Dec 3 - 4
Thousands of treaties, statutes, judicial decisions and regulations affect everyday life in Indian Country. This popular class summarizes the essentials of Indian law. We’ll answer questions such as: What is “sovereignty?” Can tribes be sued? Who has jurisdiction? Who must use the tribal court? What is the power of the tribal council? What are the impacts of federal agencies exercising control on Indian reservations?
During this class, you’ll learn how to analyze jurisdictional issues that arise in disputes among tribes and other governments or individuals. You’ll also discover how federal laws and treaties impact Indian sovereignty and statutory and judicial laws at the tribal level. If you work for a tribal organization, you’ll walk away with the knowledge needed to better understand its history and mission. If you work for a federal, state or local government agency, you’ll learn how to work more effectively and develop positive relationships with tribes. Website Notice [exit notice]
Managing Financial Aspects of Construction
Projects for Tribal Organizations, Las Vegas, NV., Dec 3 - 4
Construction project management is a complicated job. One of the most challenging tasks is managing the project’s finances. Organizations entering into construction contracts face many common problems: How often do construction contractors fail to deliver what is in their bid packages? What happens if a contractor files a claim, alleges constructive changes or raises a host of other issues to extract more money from the deal?
This comprehensive program will take you from the initial concept of a project to the day you make final payment to the contractor. Each step is designed to help you bring your construction project in on budget and according to specifications. Prepare to meet your responsibilities, improve accountability and exceed your tribe’s expectations. Website Notice [exit notice]
Strategies for Working with Youth in
Indian Country, Las Vegas, NV., Dec 3 - 5
If you’re a social worker, after-school daycare provider, educator or law enforcement officer, you face many obstacles in your efforts to guide Indian Country youth along the right path. This class will provide you with the information that you need to care for and lead future generations. We’ll discuss the types of challenges that all children face in the world today while concentrating on the key aspects involved in working with at-risk youth and recruiting and retaining qualified staff.
Our experts will provide you with the tools that you need to fund youth programs, counsel youth, develop a community strategy for getting and keeping kids out of gangs and improve the lives of your community’s young people. Website Notice [exit notice]
Social Media and Digital Content Development, National Conservation Training Center (Dec. 3 - 7, 2012)
Are you getting your message to that “niche” audience? Are you taking advantage of all the ways you can reach those “niche” audiences through Social Media? The Social Media and Digital Content Development course will help take your communications to the next level by showing you how to use the Social Media sites (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr) available to you as an FWS employee and how to create the digital content you will need to post to these sites. The course will cover how to write captivating content for Facebook and Twitter postings; how to take interesting photos, edit them, and catalog them to be placed on Flickr; how to shoot and edit short videos for YouTube; and how to record and edit audio files for audio podcasts. And once you’ve created your content, you will learn the FWS policies and procedures for posting that content to the appropriate Social Media site.
Objectives:
• Enhance the delivery of your FWS message through the use of social media
• Know and adhere to the FWS policies and procedures for posting FWS content to Social Media sites.
• Produce captivating written content that’s attractive to Social Media audiences.
• Know how to take good photos and use photo editing software to make your photos even better.
• Shoot and edit effective and visually appealing short videos.
• Record and edit audio for interesting audio podcasts.
Contact: LINDA LUFKIN; Phone: 304.876.7484; Email: linda_lufkin@fws.gov
Indian Self-Determination Act:
Contracting and Compacting Under P.L. 93-638, Las Vegas, NV., Dec 4 - 5
The Indian Self-Determination Act has undergone significant changes since it was enacted in 1975. This law and its regulations form the cornerstone of the rights tribes have to assume control of services and programs that are funded through the Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human Services for the benefit of their tribal members.
This class was designed to provide both seasoned veterans and newcomers with an in-depth knowledge of the Act, amendments, regulations and relevant case law. Instructor, Richard Phelps*, CEO of Falmouth Institute, will discuss important issues, such as contractibility, declination, appeals and reporting requirements. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique rights tribes have under the statute. Website Notice [exit notice]
Communication Skills for Managers Within
Tribal Organizations and Enterprises, Anchorage, AK. Dec 5 - 6
Interpersonal communication in the workplace is the core of every manager’s job. The ability to communicate successfully — to speak, write and listen with ease — will help you to gain greater respect and will enable you to achieve powerful, professional results.
This course will help you sharpen your management communication skills through class activities and presentations. You’ll learn what is key to upward and downward communication and therefore be able to create new opportunities for your employees and yourself within your organization.
Communication is not a simple process, and many people do not have the required understanding of communication issues.This class will provide you with the tools to strengthen your verbal, nonverbal and written communications, equipping you for success in your management position. Website Notice [exit notice]
TRIBAL COURT PROBATION, LAS VEGAS, NV.,
Dec 5 - 7
This training examines in detail the field of tribal court probation. It is designed to improve the skills of
probation officers and to add new ones. The training is primarily for probation officers (adult and juvenile), but is relevant for those who interact with probation activities including police officers and court staff.
Effective probation programs are vital components of tribal courts. This training session explores a range of issues concerning tribal court probation: the evolution of tribal court systems, the essential components of tribal court probation, the evolution of juvenile justice, criminal procedures and the mandate of the Indian Civil Rights Act, diversion programs, sentencing alternatives, pre-sentence investigations and reports, probation hearings, probation orders and probation agreements, monitoring of probation, interaction
with rehabilitation resource agencies, modification of probation, revocation of probation and release from probation.
The best practices in the field are presented and the trainees participate actively in the training process. On the final day of the session, the trainees engage in exercises based upon sample case materials. These exercises allow the trainees to interact and to examine issues in a peer group context. Website Notice [exit notice]
PROTECTING SACRED SITES& MONITORING CULTURAL RESOURCES, LAS VEGAS, NV., Dec 5 - 7
Beginning December 5, 2012, NIJC will conduct a training session on Protecting Sacred Sites &
Monitoring Cultural Resources. This session examines the challenges and barriers to protecting
sacred sites on lands that are important for traditional religious beliefs and practices. The training
will also provide an introduction to cultural resources monitoring at road construction sites, energy
projects and other activities where sacred sites and cultural resources may be affected. Participants
will receive a comprehensive reference manual and certificate of achievement upon completion of the
training session. Website Notice [exit notice]
Casino Surveillance for the Indian
Gaming Facility, Las Vegas, NV., Dec 6 - 7
Properly trained employees are key to a high-performance surveillance department, one that efficiently protects the casino, patrons and personnel. This interactive class is a must for tribal gaming commission members and staff, as well as investigators and surveillance department employees. You’ll gain insight into surveillance department operations and techniques, from opening and closing tables to recording procedures to detecting counterfeit chips and currency.
Our expert instructor will give you an in-depth look at how a surveillance department should be run. You’ll learn how to effectively cooperate with other departments, protect casino assets and work with the chain of command. Report writing, oversight responsibility and the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS) will be covered. Plus, you’ll explore the latest industry trends in casino surveillance technology, including fingerprinting and face recognition systems. Website Notice [exit notice]
Indian Taxation, Las Vegas, NV., Dec 6 - 7
As sovereign governments, Indian tribes have the power to impose taxes on people and activities within their territories. At the same time, the Internal Revenue Service is claiming the authority to tax certain benefits that tribes provide to members, such as per capita payments. Further complicating matters, tribal governments must fight a relentless barrage of taxation efforts by powerful congressional representatives, as well as state and local governments. U.S. Supreme Court decisions have only raised more questions and posed more challenges for tribal leaders and representatives.
With the intricacies of Indian taxation increasing, you need to arm yourself with the most up-to-date information about this complex area of Indian law. During this class, you’ll discuss your tribe’s taxing authority, tribal tax code development and federal laws that formulate these policies. You’ll learn about the treatment of tribes under the federal Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and examine the most recent Supreme Court decisions regarding taxation and the threat of congressional attempts to allow the taxation of tribes. Website Notice [exit notice]
Indian Water Rights and Water Law, Las Vegas, NV., Dec 6 - 7
Even though federal laws and policies assure Indian tribes significant water rights, the outcomes of tribal water claims are far from certain. Tribes must compete with powerful political and economic forces for their share of this precious — and often scarce — natural resource.
This two-day class will cover the history of U.S. water policy, from the European settlement of the West to the Winters Doctrine to current “water wars.” More importantly, it provides practical strategies for protecting tribal rights, implementing on-reservation regulation of water use and identifying off-reservation factors that affect your tribe’s water supply and future growth.
Our experienced instructor will guide you through the maze of legal requirements, case law and tribal, state and federal regulations that impact your water resources. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss unique challenges that your tribe faces in guaranteeing its water rights. Website Notice [exit notice]
Strategic Purchasing Procedures for
Tribes and Tribal Businesses, Las Vegas, NV., Dec 6 - 7
Other than payroll, the majority of money spent by tribes and tribal organizations is on goods and services that support the mission of the organization. The opportunity for savings in this activity is significant but often overlooked. Many times you're dealing with people who are highly trained in purchasing techniques, which puts you at a disadvantage when spending the tribe's money.
This intensive two-day program will introduce you to techniques and procedures that are guaranteed to save your organization thousands, if not millions, of dollars each year. Our experienced faculty will expose you to an array of concepts such as cost and price analysis, types of contracts, two-step sealed bidding, Brooks Act contracting and much more. Website Notice [exit notice]
Managing Human Resources Departments for Tribal Organizations and Enterprises, Las Vegas, NV., Dec 10 - 11
In today’s workplace, the human resources department does more than manage the paperwork for hiring and paying the organization’s personnel. In addition to those basic functions, the HR department is expected to manage performance, facilitate employee advancement and ensure a productive work environment. Using policies, evaluation, compensation and training, HR professionals are tasked with hiring the right people, improving productivity and dealing with problems when they arise.
This comprehensive class will cover the most important things you need to know to effectively manage a tribal HR department. Our experienced instructor will walk you through the hiring and compensation process, discuss the importance of organizational charts and job descriptions and give you tools to help you identify the training needs in your organization. This training will help you to raise productivity and employee satisfaction in your organization. Website Notice [exit notice]
Professional Excellence III for Tribal Secretaries
and Administrative Professionals: Job Tools, Las Vegas, NV., Dec 12 - 14
As an administrative professional, you need to have much more than traditional “secretarial skills” to function in today’s office environment. Practical tools and education to navigate through the difficult situations that you face at work are essential. What’s more, you need to keep a positive attitude while juggling multiple tasks. In this popular class, we’ll provide you with the tools necessary to organize yourself to realize your full potential. You’ll learn a commonsense approach to time management, understand how to reduce stress in the work environment, and go back to your job with the confidence to communicate assertively. You’ll also walk away knowing how to successfully manage projects, interact effectively with customers, and work effectively as part of a team.
During this class, you’ll use group discussion and exercises to fully immerse yourself in these topics, as well as learn ways to set new standards and push the limits of your job. Our expert instructor will take you through the basics of Microsoft® Excel and Outlook. You’ll get an in-depth look at writing and editing documents in Microsoft® Word and explore features that will help you create documents for any task in a timely manner. Website Notice [exit notice]
Indian Country Human Resource Certification, Wyandotte, OK (Jan 21 - 25, 2013)
Falmouth Institute and the National Native American Human Resources Association (NNAHRA) have teamed up to create the Indian Country Human Resource Certification Program. This professional development program provides HR professionals working in Indian Country an opportunity to become trained in human resources topics, issues, laws and regulations unique to tribal organizations and enterprises. Attend this inclusive training, earn your Indian Country HR Certification and advance your career. Website Notice. [exit notice]
Advanced Human Resource Certification for Indian
Country, Wyandotte, OK. (Jan 28 - Feb 1)
Designed for tribal HR professionals who have successfully completed Falmouth Institute and NNAHRA’s Human Resource Certification, or who can demonstrate at least 6 years of employment in the HR field, this new certification program will allow participants to enhance their knowledge of tribal HR policies and issues and provide them with an additional credential that asserts their advanced knowledge of the tribal HR field.
In addition to five days of intensive training with Indian Country’s leading HR professionals, participants must pass an online exam that requires them to apply their advanced knowledge to solve HR challenges common in Indian Country. Exams will be hand scored by expert HR professionals and participants will receive a score of High Pass, Pass, or Fail. Participants who successfully complete Falmouth Institute’s Advanced Human Resource Certification for Indian Country will receive the ATHRP designation. Website Notice. [exit notice]
Balancing Nature and Commerce in Communities that Neighbor Public Lands, National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown, WV (February 4-6, 2013)
During this 3-day course ‘teams’ will focus on the economics, natural resources and community character of their area and learn valuable partnership building skills. At the end of the course, teams will leave with a specific action plan for implementing a collaborative project in their community.
Course Objectives:
- Describe the social, political, and economic characteristics of communities and their public land neighbors
- Identify the benefits of protecting and enhancing natural, cultural and visual resources of communities
- Describe approaches to land use and community planning, that provide common ground for conservation and development interests
- Identify opportunities for developing partnerships between communities and neighboring public land managers
Website Notice - [
exit notice]
Tribal Administrative Assistant Certificate Program
Falmouth Institute
The program, designed by the Falmouth Institute specifically for administrative staff working for tribal governments
or organizations, will help you achieve the skills and knowledge necessary to demonstrate a high level of commitment to your job and to Indian Country. In addition to training on core office and clerical skills, you will be given the opportunity to increase your knowledge of laws and regulations that impact your tribe or department. Website Notice. [exit notice]
CERTIFICATE PROCESS
- Complete the Tribal Administrative Assistant Certificate registration form.
- Submit the registration fee of $100 (includes exam fee).
- Complete the three core Professional Excellence classes (see bullets below), plus one additional Falmouth class of your choice (you may include Falmouth's Tribal Secretaries Conference) within 24 months of registering for the certificate program:
- Professional Excellence I for Tribal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Professional Excellence II for Tribal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Professional Excellence III for Tribal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- After completing the course work, you will be required to take an assessment exam within three months of completing the final class.
- The Falmouth Tribal Administrative Assistant Certificate Program can also be delivered as an On-Site Executive Program. By bringing this program directly to your staff, Falmouth can customize the courses to meet your organizational needs for time, place and content. This On-Site program can be delivered for organizations seeking to certify at least seven participants. To discuss on-site training opportunities, please call Falmouth at 800-992-4489, ext. 119.
Haz-Mat Training
Native American Fish & Wildlife Society
The CLEAR-Workplace Safety Training Program and the Native American Fish & Wildlife Society are partners in providing training to Native American tribes throughout the U.S.. The Awareness and Operations courses comply with OSHA's 29CFR1910.120(q)(6) with added elements from NFPA 472. Also, the courses comply with most sections of the Hazaard Communication Standard 29CFR1920.1200 and the recognition and identification sections of DOT's Hazardous Materials Employee training requirements.
Sometimes tribal members, employees, emergency response personnel or others who might be the first on scene of an emergency chemical release, are welcome to attend. This includes: firefighters, law enforcement officers, security personnel, emergency coordinators, conservation officers, and environmental workers.
Training conducted include the following:
- HazMat Awareness (8 hrs.)
- HazMat Operations Level Responder (24 hrs.)
- Clandestine Meth Lab Awareness (8 hrs.)
- Incident Command System (hrs. vary)
- WMD & All Hazards Awareness (8 hrs.)
- MCI Triage Awareness (8 hrs.)
- Radiological/Nuclear Awareness (8 hrs.)
Disasters can happen at any time and in a variety of ways. It could be a natural disaster caused by weather or something more sinister (like a terrorist attack) and first responders must be prepared to deal with these types of events.
To schedule a course for your tribe and/or community, contact the Native American Fish & Wildlife Society at (303) 466-1725.
Tribal Administrative Assistant Certificate Program
Since 1985, Falmouth Institute has provided trusted and effective training to thousands of tribal secretaries and administrative assistants. With this history and experience, we are proud to introduce our
Tribal Administrative Assistant Certificate Program.
The program, designed by the Falmouth Institute specifically for administrative staff working for tribal governments
or organizations, will help you achieve the skills and knowledge necessary to demonstrate a high level of commitment to your job and to Indian Country. In addition to training on core office and clerical skills, you will be given the opportunity to increase your knowledge of laws and regulations that impact your tribe or department.
CERTIFICATE PROCESS
Complete the Tribal Administrative Assistant Certificate registration form. Submit the registration fee of $100 (includes exam fee). Complete the three core Professional Excellence classes (see bullets below), plus one additional Falmouth class of your choice (you may include Falmouth's Tribal Secretaries Conference) within 24 months of registering for the certificate program:
> Professional Excellence I for Tribal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
> Professional Excellence II for Tribal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
> Professional Excellence III for Tribal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
After completing the course work, you will be required to take an assessment exam within three months of completing the final class.
The Falmouth Tribal Administrative Assistant Certificate Program can also be delivered as an On-Site Executive Program. By bringing this program directly to your staff, Falmouth can customize the courses to meet your organizational needs for time, place and content. This On-Site program can be delivered for organizations seeking to certify at least seven participants. To discuss on-site training opportunities, please call Falmouth at 800-992-4489, ext. 119.
Testing accommodations are available to those with a documented disability. Please contact Laura Brooks at 1-800-992-4489 or laura.brooks@falmouthinstitute.com to discuss your particular situation. You must request accommodations when you register for the Certification Program for accommodations to be guaranteed.
Environmental Protection Agency's Tribal Training Web Site
This site contains a consolidated, centralized listing of training courses offered by EPA that will help Indian tribes develop and implement water quality programs consistent with the Clean Water Act (CWA). It will enable Indian tribes to obtain, in one central place, a list of relevant training courses consistent with the goals established for individual reservations. The dates of the training courses, descriptions of each course, course locations, and other important information are included on the site. The Basic Information page gives more detail about this site and how it is organized.
If you would like to be kept up to date about new courses and other information as it is added to this site,
please send a blank email to: join-tribal_training_cwa@lists.epa.gov (you will receive a welcome message once you have joined).
Office of Trust Services Geospatial Support
GIS Support Program Serving Tribes and BIA
The BIA is pleased to announce the release of the training schedule for January-September 2012. All registrations can be faxed to 303-231-5229 or email to otsgs@bia.gov. All questions can be directed to the OTSGS Help Desk at 877-293-9494.
GIS support program classes are available throughout the year. Please click here to learn more regarding class schedules.
Grant Writing Workshop
Course Description: This course is customized to meet State, Regional or Program specific needs through a planning process with the Training Program staff. The course is designed to provide an overview of the components necessary in a project statement / narrative for grant programs administered by WSFR Program. It focuses on writing a quality project statement / narrative, writing to the rules and guidelines of a specific grant program, meeting competitive and non-competitive program requirements and addressing the measurement of objectives in performance reports. Participants work individually and in small groups to write and evaluate a project statement / narrative.
Who should take this course:
Persons responsible for planning, implementing, reporting and/or overseeing agency projects/activities receiving WSFR Program's grant funding.
Objectives:
•Identify and describe key information for managing grant programs such as program purpose, eligibility, funding source and distribution and project selection criteria.
•Identify and explain the components of the project statement / narrative.
•Determine if the project statement / narrative meets minimum requirements.
•Determine if the proposal is substantial in character and design.
•Identify the required elements of a performance report.
•Understand the submission requirements for performance reports.
Availability: By request.
Enroll/Questions: Contact WSFR Program's Information Management Branch at 304-876-7927
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Offers Section 106 Training
The ACHP is pleased to announce its popular Section 106 training schedule for 2011. We are offering the 106 Essentials and the Advanced Seminar in 12 locations across the country. All courses are taught by highly knowledgeable ACHP staff who are engaged both on a daily basis and have practical hands-on experience with Section 106 issues. Attendees taking our courses receive an added benefit from the expertise that our instructors bring to the course. We invite you to pass this flyer on to colleagues and associates who would benefit from attending the course. You may contact Cindy Bienvenue at cbienvenue@achp.gov if you have any questions.
Essentials 106 Seminar Dates and Locations: http://www.achp.gov/106essentials.html#forms (February through October)
Advanced Section 106 Seminar Dates and Locations: http://www.achp.gov/106advanced.html#forms (February through October
University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC)
Native American students who are studying in any areas of environmental science are invited to participate in a two summer field course conducted through the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC) and the Department of Biological Sciences in collaboration with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana.
The purpose of this program is to promote an understanding of field-oriented environmental biology and how field research is conducted. Two more specific goals are sought. First, the program helps to prepare Native American students for advanced studies in environmental biology, so they can better manage biological resources on their lands. Second, the program promotes a better understanding of Native American attitudes towards the environment in non-Native American students interested in environmental biology, so they can incorporate these cultural insights into better management strategies. This program provides a fruitful step in the students' career development by allowing them to conduct independent research and giving them an opportunity to work with established scientists in environmental biology in remarkable natural settings.
A number of the Native American students who have participated in this program are pursuing graduate degrees or are working in tribal natural resource offices shortly after graduation. At least four openings in the UNDERC program are reserved for students of Native American descent that have at minimum, sophomore standing within their educational institution. We therefore seek your assistance in sharing this opportunity with the students at your College or University.
Contact:
Dr. Page Klug, Assistant Director
Environmental Research Center-West
089 Galvin Life Sciences
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556
pklug@nd.edu
(574) 631-2612
FWS-National Conservation Training Center (NCTC)
NCTC uses a Web based system called DOI LEARN to register students for NCTC classes.
* Search DOI LEARN. [exit notice for all links shown below]
Classes of interest through DOI Learn include:
• Facilitating Effective Meetings (LED5122): This course is intended for those employees who have or are expected to have responsibilities as facilitators in their respective agencies. Methodologies in the course are a combination of theory presentation, large group discussion and skill practice. Students are given several opportunities to apply their learning as facilitators during videotaped sessions. They will give and receive feedback with other participants and instructors. Limited Enrollment of 10.
Objectives:
Manage group processes towards the desired outcome;
Implement and reinforce the use of operating guidelines;
Use group memory techniques;
Develop strategies for moving groups through the stages of group development;
Use effective intervention techniques;
Identify methods to reduce individual stress reactions associated with facilitation; and
Identify effective preparation strategies for facilitating.
• The NEPA Concepts course includes an overview of the National Environmental Policy Act (Module 1) and an introduction to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations to implement NEPA (Module 2). Module 1 includes the background of NEPA, vision and intent of NEPA, and NEPA's marching orders. Module 2 includes the background of the CEQ regulations, public involvement, producing better decisions, and tools and documents. Click here for information regarding Module 3.
• Hazardous Material 4 Hour Refresher: Participants will be able to recognize and respond to hazardous materials incidents that may be encountered during normal duties. The 4-hour refresher course is intended for anyone who goes to the field or as an introductory awareness course.
• Technical Writing: This course provides basic guidelines that cover most writing situations, with an emphasis on writing planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents. This course consists of three lessons: Grammar, Mechanics and Punctuation, and Diction and Effective Sentences. Each lesson contains rules, examples, and practice exercises.
• Safeguarding Wildlife From Climate Change Web Conference Series: The USFWS and National Wildlife Federation (NWF) have developed a series of web conferences to increase communication and transfer of technical information between conservation professionals regarding the increasing challenges from climate change. This program is being facilitated by the USFWS's National Conservation Training Center (NCTC). A key to the success of the web series will be improved collaboration and shared learning of rapidly developing tools and processes for evaluating future effects to fish and wildlife species and ecosystems.
• Legal Description and Land Status (Self-Study): Use the components of the rectangular system of a cadastral survey to legally describe land. Describe any area on a map, in writing, using the correct legal description format. Describe an area on a map or plat when given a written legal description. List the six components of the land status records system. List the sources and location of land status records. Use land status records to research and document the current status of any parcel of land.
• Applied Supervision: This course, including its on-line prerequisites, covers certain critical personnel, human relations, leadership, and critical thinking skills needed to successfully supervise employees in mission accomplishment while building and sustaining a productive work environment. Course topics include transitioning from peer to supervisor, roles and responsibilities, developing and motivating staff, handling difficult situations, and leading a diverse workforce. Prerequisite topics include pay and leave, ethics, Merit System Principles, rights and responsibilities.
• GIS Introduction for Conservation Professionals: A geographic information system (GIS) is a powerful tool that can assist conservation professionals in natural resource-related projects. This course gives participants an introduction to GIS technology and terminology and teaches them how to use an existing GIS. Professionals emerge from this course with skills in the use of GIS software. Training examples use data from actual FWS projects and other similar conservation efforts. College Credit: 2 semester hours.
• Endangered Species Act: You will learn about the ESA Counterpart Regulations, the Alternative Consultation Agreements. You'll also learn about conducting and documenting Biological Assessments and Evaluations in accordance with the National Fire Plan.
• Trail Management: Plans, Projects and People: Agency trail staff, contractors, and volunteers will achieve sustainable and accessible trails of all kinds, using the best practices of the trail management process (TMP). The TMP is a collaborative process that includes planning, design layout, construction, maintenance, monitoring, crew leadership, interpretation, operations, and safety.
• Managing Archeological Collections: This is the final assessment for the NPS Managing Archeological Collections course. Successful completion of this assessment will give the student a transcript of completion and a certificate in DOI LEARN within one day of passing the assessment.
• Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Sampling: This self study course consists of four components: a 21-minute video tape, a 34-minute video tape, a field note reference card, and a study guide which is required reading. The video tapes discuss the use of macroinvertebrates for monitoring aquatic habitats, techniques for sampling, and management applications of macroinvertebrate data. The field note card is designed to be kept and used by the participant after completing the course. It contains a step-by-step procedure for setting up a study, the equipment required, and interpretation of field data. The reference document contains more in-depth reading on the use of macroinvertebrates in monitoring, data collection and analysis, and interpretation.
• Wetland Plant Identification: This interagency course is designed to improve the ability of field staff to identify wetland plants using botanical manuals and floras. The class consists of several one-day sessions on the following groups: woody plants, including winter condition; herbaceous dicots; and grasses, sedges and rushes, and other monocots. Lectures discuss morphology, terminology and identification. Plants representative of that day's topic(s) are collected daily in the field and keyed-out in the classroom, in both directed and individual keying exercises.
• Measuring & Monitoring of Plant Populations & Veg: Current monitoring, analysis, and evaluation techniques for vegetation and plant populations. Determine objectives and requirements for monitoring studies. Collect accurate and precise data for special status plants or other plant populations. Practice collection and recording skills in field sessions.
• Field Techniques for Invasive Plant Management: This course introduces participants to invasive plant management at the field level. Instruction will include invasive plant ecology; road maintenance and its influence on the introduction and distribution of invasive's; mapping and monitoring invasive plants; invasive control methods; the proper and safe use of recommended equipment; and applicable Refuge System policy. Other topics include preparing pesticide use proposals, interpreting herbicide labels, and identifying Best Management Practices. College Credit: 2 semester hours.
• Pesticides and Fish and Wildlife Resources: An overview of the major types of pesticides that may affect fish and wildlife resources, typical routes of exposure, assessing potential risk, and environmental fate of pesticides in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Portions of Federal laws that relate to pesticide use will be described. A description of current pesticide use policy and principles of integrated pest management will be provided. Participants will learn procedures to evaluate non-target effects, and considerations for listed species. Case histories describe different types of pesticide use and field investigation procedures. Useful references and information sources about pesticide safety and use and fish and wildlife risk are provided.
• Advanced Plant ID: Grasses, Sedges, Rushes and Composites: This interagency course is designed to improve the ability of field staff to identify specific groups of wetland plants using botanical manuals and other flora. Lectures discuss morphology, terminology and identification. Participants collect representative plants in the field and, back in the classroom, log them in using directed and individual keying exercises. The course is taught by instructors from the Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Corps of Engineers.
• Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement: Outlines requirements and methods to successfully restore and/or enhance aquatic habitats.
• Grant Writing for Conservation: So you want to do more for conservation but you need help to lift your project off the ground? If this describes your situation, this course has been designed for you! Join us to learn how to interweave the grant proposal writing process and strategic thinking for successful grant management once awarded.
• Non-Game Wildlife Survey Techniques: This course provides an overview of the inventory and survey techniques to assess amphibian, reptile, small mammal and bat populations. The goal is to help biologists establish monitoring programs. Instruction will take place in the classroom and in the field.
• Critical Writing/Critical Thinking: This intensive, hands-on writing course is designed to achieve excellence in writing through clarity in thinking. Critical thinking involves evaluating information to reach a well-justified decision or recommendation and critical writing is the clear, unambiguous communication of your information. The goal of this course is to develop your skills as a writer and editor/reviewer in order to make FWS policy and science writing clear, well-organized, persuasive, and logical.
