Blogs

RUSLE2 Demystified: Strengthening Erosion Modeling Accurate erosion prediction is at the heart of effective stormwater compliance, defensible design, and responsible land management. Today, the Western Chapter IECA launches the first session of its three‑part RUSLE2 webinar series — a focused professional development opportunity for practitioners who rely on erosion modeling in transportation, infrastructure, and construction projects. Webinar 1: Understanding RUSLE2 Foundations for Defensible Erosion Modeling 📅 September 30, 2026 ⏰ 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM PST 🎓 Earn 1 PDH 🎙️ Instructor: Melanie Sotelo, Associate Vice President & Director ...

Take a look above at the partners list of the Emerging Leaders Alliance Conference that took place in Pittsburgh, PA. September 14-16, 2026. It gets me excited too! Each year, ELA partners select and sponsor a vibrant contingent of young professionals to attend the conference. Over the course of 3 days, I had the privilege of interacting with this diverse range of young professional leaders, and the energy and knowledge in the room was awe inspiring! Attending the Emerging Leaders Alliance conference was a valuable professional development experience and an energizing opportunity to reflect on my own leadership growth as well. The conference brought together ...

On a hot spring day in November 2025, several IECA members and non-members were welcomed by ACCIONA Construction Australia (ACCIONA) onto the Singleton Bypass Project. After a site and safety induction by Simon Kunde, Environmental Manager, attendees toured the site for three hours in vehicles provided by ACCIONA to ensure our safety on this busy and complicated infrastructure project. The Singleton Bypass forms an important part of the Australian Government’s wider $764 million investment in projects along the New England Highway (NEH). ACCIONA was awarded the design and construct contract for the new 8-kilometre highway section west of Singleton connecting ...

COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW CHAPTER TREASURER ARTHUR “ART” ALLEN HAS RETIRED To paraphrase the bard: “Retirement is such sweet sorrow.” After a long and rewarding career in soil and wetland science, Art Allen retired from EcoTec, Inc. on July 31, 2026. Art was born in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1959 and grew up in the “wilds” of New Braintree and North Brookfield. When not working for his father’s water systems business or doing chores around his family’s small farm, he was sent off to have fun in the woods or on his bike to friends’ homes several miles away. In those days, long before cell phones, you literally fended for ...

As a professional in Erosion Control and Stormwater management I have had opportunities to serve as a professional witness in contested erosion and stormwater management cases. One that I remember vividly was a high-profile case in Dallas, Texas concerning high water flows and erosion through some of the older established communities. The legal representative on the Defense was dead set on discrediting all the professional witnesses being brought forward and he was especially interested in the organizations that were listed on each individual resume. “Mr. Sanders, I see you are a member of the International Erosion Control Association.” “Yes.” “Isn’t that ...

COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. Regional Conference Reflections: A look back at our 2026 IECA Northeast Education & Field Expo Our early June event was hosted in Downtown Concord, NH for lodging and social activities with classroom sessions and field expo demonstrations held nearby at New England College in Henniker, NH. The weather was perfect for outdoor learning and networking. Several attendees enjoyed our opening welcome reception held at The Barley House. Our keynote speaker, John Maclaine with Maine Department of Environmental Protection, kicked things off with his ...

If you've ever tried to coordinate a small group over email, juggling attachments, reply-alls, and "wait, which version is final?" — Workspace was made for you. A Workspace is a private online space inside IECA Connect where committees, project teams, chapter leaders, and boards can collaborate without broadcasting everything to the entire membership. Think of it as your group's own corner of Connect. Here's what's inside: Document Library — Upload, store, and collaborate on files. No more hunting through email chains for the latest draft. Task Lists — Assign action items and track who's doing what, so nothing falls through the cracks. Voting ...

Staying ahead in erosion and sediment control isn’t just about compliance — it’s about connection, continuous learning, and being part of a community that elevates the entire profession. That’s exactly what membership in the Western Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association (WCIECA) delivers. From timely regulatory updates to hands‑on training opportunities, WCIECA keeps professionals across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Hawaii informed, engaged, and equipped to meet today’s environmental challenges. Here’s why joining WCIECA is one of the smartest professional moves you can make — and an upcoming event you won’t want to miss. ...

Blogs on IECA Connect are a chance to share your expertise with the whole membership — not just the people in one discussion thread. Got a project story, a lessons-learned moment, or an opinion on where the industry is headed? A blog post is your public platform. This video walks through how to find blogs others have written and how to get started with one of your own. No journalism degree required. 👉 connect.ieca.org/participate/faq — What topic would you write a blog about if you took the plunge? Drop your idea below — who knows, maybe this community will convince you to go for it. ...

Issue #2 2026 IECA AUSTRALASIA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The Australasian IECA Chapter has continued to grow in strength throughout 2026, driven by the commitment of our members, volunteers, directors, sponsors, government partners, and supporters. Growth in membership, training programs, and RSP-ESC accreditation demonstrates the value our industry places on professionalism, education, and continuous improvement. A key focus this year has been the advancement of sustainable erosion and sediment control (ESC) . Across Australia and New Zealand, we are seeing greater adoption of practices, technologies, ...