Webinars

2022
• Ecosystem Management and Restoration Research Program (EMRRP) Overview (27 January)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Research Program (EMRRP) and how it can help address current and future environmental planning challenges. Presenter Dr. Brook Herman (Research Ecologist and Program Manager, EMRRP) discussed how EMRRP is designed to be a flexible research program capable of addressing a wide range of issues associated with ecosystem restoration that can be a source of collaboration bringing together planning teams with subject matter experts. Dr. Herman also described how research funded by EMRRP has addressed planning challenges, such as helping to increase the number of certified ecological planning models and providing knowledge transfer of monitoring and adaptive management practices. In addition, Dr. Herman addressed the Statement of Need (SON) process and important submittal dates.
• USACE National Regional Sediment Management Program Overview (13 January)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the USACE National Regional Sediment Management (RSM) Program and beneficial use of dredged material. Dr. Katie Brutsché, (Program Manager, USACE RSM Program and Associate Technical Director, Navigation Research and Development) described the concept of RSM, why it’s important, and how the program came to be. The presentation included example studies where RSM was successfully executed to create more efficient and effective management of sediment related projects. In addition, Dr. Brutsché discussed the beneficial use of dredged material (BUDM) as an RSM strategy.
  
  2021
• The Power of ERDC (4 November)
  
  This webinar highlighted the capabilities of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the role of the recently stood up group of “ERDC Liaisons.” As one of the most diverse engineering and scientific research organizations in the world, ERDC conducts research and development in support of military installations and the USACE Civil Works mission, as well as for other federal agencies, state and municipal authorities, and with U.S. industries through innovative work agreements. Presenter Michael Winkler (ERDC Strategic Integration Officer) provided an overview of ERDC capabilities related to Planning and described the role of the new ERDC Liaisons, who have been assigned to all MSCs and Districts as part of the Chief of Engineer’s intent to elevate the Corps’ research and development programs, and to promote ERDC involvement earlier in the project development process.
• Best Practices & Lessons Learned: Environmental Collaboration & Conflict Resolution (1 July)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of best practices and lessons learned from various MSC case studies on Environmental Collaboration and Conflict Resolution (ECCR), along with an introduction from the Collaboration and Public Participation Center of Expertise (CPCX). The webinar was presented by Frances Malamud-Roam (San Francisco District Regulatory Project Manager), Mike Thron (New Orleans District Biologist), Daniel Sumerall (Vicksburg District Project Manager), Cindy Upah (Alaska District Planning Chief), and Tyson Vaughn (CPCX ECCR Report Lead). The practitioners shared case studies incorporating innovative collaborative and conflict resolution practices which included the Bay Restoration Regulatory Integration Team, the Mississippi River Levee Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, and the Japanese Creek Continuing Authorities Program.
• The RMC, the MMC, and You (3 June)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the Risk Management Center (RMC) and the Modeling, Mapping, and Consequences (MMC), including the organization, background, and purpose of each Center as well as their respective mission areas and District support services. The MMC is at the forefront of the development of consequences analysis tools and methodology for USACE dam and levee risk and security assessments. Likewise, the RMC has been responsible for the development of USACE risk assessment methodology and risk management of the USACE dam and levee portfolio. Presenters Jason Needham, (Consequences Specialist, RMC), Ben Stubbs (Director, MMC), and Jesse Morrill-Winter (National Technical Specialist, Economics and Risk) discussed new requirements for District planners regarding the incorporation of life safety risk into project design and evaluation and the available support functions, expertise, and products the RMC and MMC can provide for local studies.
• Office of Water Project Review (OWPR): Who We Are and What We Do (22 April)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the Headquarters Office of Water Project Review (OWPR). Presenters Wes Coleman (OWPR Chief) and members of the team Judy McCrea (Plan Formulation), Fay Lachney (Plan Formulation Team Lead), Chris Bouquot (Economics), and Jeff Lin (Plan Formulation) discussed the history of OWPR origins and provided insight on the current organization of the office and its people. In addition to discussing OWPR staff policy review roles and responsibilities, the presenters shared other ongoing OWPR initiatives.
  
  2020
• Engaging Operations During Feasibility (29 October)
  
  This webinar focused on the benefits for planners of engaging with Operations personnel during the feasibility phase. During the feasibility phase of a Civil Works project, study teams often identify a number of benefit streams. Planners can benefit from ground- truthing their benefit concepts with professionals who are actively delivering project benefits in real-time: USACE Civil Works Operation Managers and other Operations professionals. Improved interaction and recognition of Operations Division professionals in the feasibility phase can lead to more practical outcomes, a better understanding of the project turnover phase, and life-cycle cost exposure for non-federal sponsors. . This webinar was presented by Peter Dodgion (HQUSACE Asset Management Program Manager).
• Real Estate and Planning: Partnering in Feasibility for Success (15 October)
  
  This webinar discussed how planners can partner effectively with Real Estate throughout the feasibility phase to ensure successful project delivery during implementation, including an overview of common Real Estate definitions, Real Estate’s role during the feasibilty phase and identifying Real Estate requirements, how Real Estate fits into SMART Planning, and best practices for project delivery teams (PDTs) partnering with their local Real Estate teams. The webinar was presented by members of the USACE Real Estate Community of Practice and NWD vertical chain: Ted Nettles (HQUSACE Realty Specialist/HQUSACE Base Realignment and Closure [BRAC] Program Manager), Kimberly Ohman (NWD Planning and Acquisition Program Manager), and Meredith Harmon (NWK Planning and Acquisition Branch Chief).
• Incorporating Managed Aquifer Recharge into the USACE Planning Process (20 August)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR), which includes both artificial recharge basins and aquifer storage and recovery wells and is being used to address many water management challenges around the globe. The presentation provided an overview of a recently published USACE Institute for Water Resources (IWR) report on how the Corps and its partners have been, or have considered, using MAR in civil works projects. In addition to applications in flood risk management and aquatic ecosystem restoration, MAR can be used for drought management, water supply, seawater intrusion prevention, and other water resources management objectives. The presentation also discussed how MAR may be further integrated into the USACE civil works planning process and new initiatives to deliver more sustainable and resilient water management solutions. The webinar was presented by Dr. Will Logan, Director of the International Center for Integrated Water Resources Management at IWR.
  
  2019
• Dam Safety Modification Studies (16 May)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of Dam Safety Modification Studies including best practices, how these studies incorporate risk informed planning, and examples of recent successes. The webinar was presented by Kendall Zaborowski and Jami Buchanan, Planners with the Dam Safety Modification Mandatory Center of Expertise (DSMMCX).
• National Nonstructural Committee and Nonstructural Measures (21 March)
  
  This webinar provided an update on nonstructural measures for Flood Risk Management (FRM) and Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) within USACE, presented by members of the USACE National Nonstructural Committee (NNC)  Ms. Lea Adams (Committee Chair, HEC) , Ms. Danielle Tommaso (NAN), and Mr. Jodie Foster (SWF-RPEC).The presentation introduced the NNC and provided background on why USACE is involved with nonstructural measures. The presenters also gave an overview of nonstructural measures, walked through incorporation of nonstructural measures / alternatives in the USACE planning process, and highlighted an example project with a nonstructural focus. The goal of the presentation was to help PDT members working on FRM and CSRM projects know what nonstructural measures are, how to incorporate them in planning studies, and where to access additional resources.
  
  2018
• USACE Emergency Action Plan Guidance (21 June)
  
  Mr. Eric Halpin, USACE Deputy Dam and Levee Safety Officer, addressed the recently published EC 1110-2-6074, Guidance for Emergency Action Plans, Incident Management and Reporting, and Inundation Maps for Dams and Levee Systems. The webinar discussed the vital role emergency action plans (EAPs) play in the comprehensive risk management strategy for USACE dam and levee projects. The policy intent of EC 1110-2- 6074 is consistency of EAPs across the USACE portfolio of dam and levee projects. USACE has an open data sharing posture with respect to local, state, and federal emergency management authorities for not only EAPs but also their corresponding inundation maps in both non-editable and editable electronic formats.
  
  2017
• Successfully Integrating Dam Safety into Planning Studies: Tricks and Treats (31 October)
  
  Presented by Maria Wegner, HQUSACE Senior Policy Advisor, and Eric Halpin, USACE Deputy Dam and Levee Safety Officer, the provides a brief overview of the USACE Dam Safety program, highlights the key policies for the integration of dam safety with planning studies, and offer some 'tricks and treats' to aid in successful integration.
• Incorporation of Climate Change Impacts Into Inland Hydrologic Analysis (7 September)
  
  Ms. Chanel Mueller (MVP), a Climate Change Resilience and Preparedness Subject Matter Expert provided an overview of guidance on USACE Climate Adaptation Policy and shared useful tools for assessing potential climate change impacts to civil works projects on inland systems. A case study was presented for an ecosystem restoration project on the Upper Mississippi River.
• Floodplain Management Plans, A Short Course (6 April)
  
  Brian Rast, with the Collaboration and Public Participation Center of Expertise, Institute for Water Resources, presented an overview of floodplain management plans and described how development and implementation of these plans can contribute towards increased community resilience. Non-Federal interests are required to prepare and implement a floodplain management plan as part of construction of cost-shared flood risk management or coastal storm risk management project (Policy Guidance Letter 52). The presentation also shared examples of community-adopted floodplain management plans
• Overview of USACE Climate Preparedness and Resilience (16 March)
  
  Dr. Kathleen White from IWR presented a webinar on USACE Climate Preparedness and Resilience. The webinar provided an overview of USACE climate preparedness and resilience activities and resources that could be of use to the PCoP. Dr. White described the 4 strategies that guide USACE climate preparedness and resilience, and gave an overview of relevant regulations and tools. She encouraged planners to address these issues early in the study process and provided information on how to request assistances from the Climate and Preparedness and Resilience Community of Practice.
• Dealing With Costs (2 March)
  
  Mr. Jeremy LaDart, Economist from the HQ Office of Water Project Review (OWPR) covered cost guidance, cost basics and terminology, and cost share ratios. Mr. LaDart discussed how and where to obtain costs and common cost issues.
• Opportunities to Support Levee Inventory, Inspections and Risk Assessments of Non-USACE Levee Systems (5 January)
  
  Mr. Noah Vroman (Director of the Levee Safety Production Center in MVD, Vicksburg, MS), Ms. Jamie McVicker (Levee Safety Production Center, St. Louis, MO) and Ms. Cathi Sanders (Program Manager for the National Levee Database, Kansas City, MO) shared information about an effort to inventory and review all non-Federal levee systems which was authorized in WRRDA 2014 and will be initiated in FY17. The presentation presents an overview of the process to be followed and provided information on how planners can get involved in the State Liaison Teams and Levee Inspection and Risk Assessment Teams. Statements of Interest for State Liaisons are available at the USACE Levee Safety Community of Practice site on the Technical Excellence Network (TEN) link below and are due to Janet Ulivi by 13 January 17
  
  2016
• Civil Works Research and Development Process (8 December)
  
  Mr. Tony Niles, HQUSACE Assistant Director for Civil Works Research and Development described how the Civil Works Research and Development Program is organized and how research needs are identified by the field, prioritized by Communities of Practice and Research Area Review Groups (RARGs), and approved for funding. The leads for the Environment, Navigation, and Flood and Coastal Risk Management Research Area Review Groups provided a brief summary of planning-related R&D work units. Statements of Need for research and development that are submitted by 30 December 2016 will prioritized and considered for funding in the following Fiscal Year.
• Conservation Planning to Recover Federally Listed Species: The Threatened and Endangered Species Team (TEST) Summary (16 February)
  
  Joe Wilson, from the Headquarters Operations & Regulatory Division shared experiences and activities from the cross- disciplinary Threatened and Endangered Species Team (TEST).
• Civil Works Sustainability (7 January)
  
  Heather Morgan, HQ E&C, shared the work of the Sustainability working group: the concepts, principles and application of large scale sustainability in Civil Works. She included the status of the Civil Works Sustainability Initiative and describe the future actions for this initiative.
  
  2015
• Real Estate and SMART Planning (17 December)
  
  In a webinar for planners, realty specialists and appraisers, John Cline, HQ Real Estate, Paula Johnson-Muic, SWD Chief of Real Estate, and Belinda Estabrook Savannah District Senior Realty Specialist discussed the role of Real Estate in a feasibility study team, specific decisions made throughout the feasibility study process that should include Real Estate, and the perspective of Real Estate during Agency Technical Review.
• Engineering with Nature to Create Project Value (15 October)
  
  Dr. Todd S. Bridges, Senior Research Scientist from the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), provided an overview of the integration of Engineering with Nature initiative across all USACE missions. Engineering with Nature approaches have been applied in field research and demonstration projects. The principles of Engineering with Nature were included in the development of the North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study, specifically the inclusion of Natural and Nature Based Features for Coastal Resilience.
• Understanding Consequences in the Dam Safety Periodic Assessment (PA) Process (3 September)
  
  Kurt Buchanan, a Consequences Technical Lead with the Modeling, Mapping, and Consequences Mandatory Center of Expertise (MMC-MCX) shared overview of the economist's role in the Dam Safety Programs Periodic Assessment (PA) process. PAs are performed on Corps projects on a 10 year cycle and include a Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment (SQRA). Periodic Assessments require the participation of an economist and potentially other planners to help assess the consequences of potential failure modes. This presentation will include an overview of how PAs fit into the overall dam safety process, the role of the economist in estimating consequences for PAs, and how MMC-MCX products are used to inform those estimates.
  
  2014
• Cost Engineering Support for SMART Planning (3 April)
  
  A presentation by members of the Cost Engineering Mandatory Center of Expertise (MCX) and Planning Community of Practice on integration of Cost Engineering, including Cost Agency Technical Review (ATR) in SMART feasibility studies.
• Dam Safety & Planning: Examples of Collaboration and Lessons Learned (6 February)
  
  The webinar discussed recent examples of collaborations and lessons learned from the Dam Safety and Planning Programs and was presented by Eric Halpin (HQUSACE Special Assistant for Dam & Levee Safety), Maria Wegner (Planning Community of Practice), Marci Jackson (Sacramento District) and David Serafini (Sacramento District).