INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSIONERS
COMPLETE DEP TRAINING PROGRAM

 

New Canaan’s First Selectman, Jeb Walker (right), joins Wetland’s Commission Chairman Daniel Stepanek(left) in congratulating Commission members Don Tiefenthaler(second from left) and George Blauvelt (third from left) on having successfully completed all segments of CT’s Department of Environmental Protection “Inland Wetlands Commissioner Training Program.”

New Canaan, Conn. -- February 2, 2010 -- George Blauvelt and Donald Tiefenthaler, New Canaan Inland Wetlands Commission members, recently received Certificates for successfully completing Segments 1-3 of CT's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and The University of Connecticut Center for Continuing Studies, Municipal Inland Wetlands Commissioners Training Program.

In order to earn a Certificate, wetlands commission members must complete the three, day long sessions during a 12 month period.

Subjects of the three segments include a review of CT wetlands court cases and new legislative updates, DEP Watershed Management principles, an overview of municipal ethics ordinances, mapping and site plan review, permitting, wildlife and forestry issues and correct agriculture practices. Commissioners also take important field trips to personally witness wetlands practices in their respective settings. The in-depth courses are taught by officials in the CT Attorney General's office, members of the CT Bar Association, and DEP wetlands management.

"It is rare for commissioners to complete the three segments in a single year because the segments are time-consuming and one needs to travel to different locations in the State to participate," Daniel Stepanek, Chairman, New Canaan Inland Wetlands Commission, said. "We know though that what George and Don have learned and witnessed will help all Commission members make more thoughtful and timely decisions, which will benefit the entire New Canaan community."

Stepanek added that over the past two years, New Canaan Wetlands Commission members have participated in and successfully completed nineteen relevant wetland training opportunities.

**************************************************************************************

Contact Info: Kathleen Holland, Director of Inland Wetlands
203.594.3036
Pam Pooley 203 594 3089
**************************************************