Blogs

🌱 Why WCIECA Membership Matters More Than Ever — And a Must‑Attend RUSLE2 Workshop This Fall

By Cyndi Brinkhurst,B.S., A.A., A.S posted 15 hours ago
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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. ...
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You have something worth saying — here's where to say it

By Heather Gravning posted 8 days ago
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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. ...
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IECA Australasia Chapter Newsletter - Issue #2 - 2026

By Sandra Lanz posted 13 days ago
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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, ...
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The file cabinet you never knew you had

By Heather Gravning posted 22 days ago
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Every community on Connect has a Resource Library — and members have been quietly uploading helpful docs, specs, and resources for years. The trick is knowing how to find them (and how to add your own). This video shows you how to search the libraries, browse by community, and upload your own files — Word docs, PDFs, images, YouTube links, you name it. If you've ever shared something useful in a discussion, it's probably already sitting in a library somewhere. 👉 connect.ieca.org/participate/faq — Have you uploaded anything to a library? Or found something there that saved the day? Tell us about it! ...
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Understanding QPE Forecasts, Dewatering & Passive Treatment Under the 2022 CGP: A Must‑Attend Webinar for Western Stormwater Pros!

By Cyndi Brinkhurst,B.S., A.A., A.S posted 27 days ago
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As California’s Construction General Permit (CGP) continues to reshape stormwater compliance, professionals across the state are navigating new requirements that directly affect project planning, monitoring, and discharge management. If you work in SWPPP development, site inspections, or stormwater program oversight, staying ahead of these changes isn’t optional — it’s essential. On Wednesday, August 12, 2026 , the Western Chapter of IECA is hosting a timely and highly practical webinar designed to help practitioners understand and apply the latest CGP requirements related to Qualified Precipitation Events (QPEs), dewatering, and passive treatment systems ...
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This is literally what Connect is for!

By Heather Gravning posted Jul 07, 2026
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Discussions are the heartbeat of IECA Connect. Got a question about a product? Dealing with a tricky site condition? Want to know what other members think about a new regulation? Post it in a discussion. Someone almost certainly has an answer — or the same question. This video covers how to start a thread, reply to others, and choose whether to respond publicly (encouraged!) or privately. Spoiler: if your reply helps the whole community, make it public. 👉 connect.ieca.org/participate/faq — What's one question you've always wanted to ask your peers? Drop it in the replies — or better yet, start a new thread! ...
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May 2026

By Reta Smith posted Jun 29, 2026
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COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. The Northeast Chapter excitedly awaits your arrival at our upcoming regional IECA education and field expo. Partnering with Merrimack and Hillsborough Conservation Districts, we have a 2 day schedule packed with practical classroom learning and hands-on field experience opportunities. We hope you can join us June 2-3, 2026 at New England College located at 98 Bridge St, Henniker, NH 03242. Below is a sneak peek of what to expect with highlights from our agenda. Network with industry professionals as we kick-off our event at an opening welcome reception sponsored by EJ Prescott. Whether ...
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Summer 2026 IECA Highlights: Big Deadlines, Big Ideas, Big Opportunities

By Cyndi Brinkhurst,B.S., A.A., A.S posted Jun 23, 2026
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🌟 Top Highlights from the Western Chapter IECA Summer 2026 Newsletter The latest Western Chapter IECA newsletter delivers a packed slate of updates, opportunities, and industry insights for erosion and sediment control professionals across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Hawaii. Below is a curated roundup of the most important announcements your team should know. 1. A Call for Engagement: “We Cannot Afford to Bowl Alone” President Blanca Hoffmeier urges members to stay connected and involved as the Western region faces escalating environmental challenges — from California wildfire burn scars to Hawaii’s Kona Low landslides and intense monsoon ...
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Did you know hundreds of erosion control pros are right at your fingertips?

By Heather Gravning posted Jun 23, 2026
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Just got back from a conference and want to keep the conversation going? The IECA Member Directory makes it easy to look up someone you met, learn more about them, and connect directly through the platform. You can search by name, company, city, state, country, or just want to see who else is in your corner of the world, it's all in there. This video shows you exactly how to find members and add them to your contact list so you can message them directly through the platform. 👉 connect.ieca.org/participate/faq — Try it out: find someone in your state and send them a connection request. Then come back and tell us where you're from! ...
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IECA Pulse: It is all About the Buzz

By Jerry B. Sanders,CPESC posted Jun 16, 2026
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In today’s world, it is all about the Buzz, what is happening in the entertainment and sports world, what is happening in politics, what is Elon doing, who is the newest and best in each arena of activity. The more it is talked about the more we become involved and our own thought process and professional activities begin to take a back seat along with our potential impact. We all need/want to be involved and aware but are we being so involved in our day-to-day routine and the activities of others and other industries that we are sacrificing the impact of our profession and association. The IECA Mission: Protecting Soil and Water Resources Globally ...
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Your profile is your handshake — is yours doing the work?

By Heather Gravning posted Jun 09, 2026
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Your IECA Connect profile is how fellow members get to know you between conferences. A complete profile means the right people can find you and reach out when it matters. Bonus: set it to "public" visibility from My Account - Privacy Settings, so internet searches can find you too! This week's video walks through how to update your contact details, set your privacy preferences, and make sure the right people can see the right things. It takes about two minutes — and your future connections will thank you. 👉 connect.ieca.org/participate/faq — After you update your profile, reply here and share one thing you added or changed! ...
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Welcome to IECA Connect — let's get you in the door 🚪

By Heather Gravning posted May 28, 2026
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Have you ever stared at the login screen wondering if you're using the right credentials? You're not alone. Your IECA Connect login is the same username and password you use for the main IECA site — no separate account needed. Keep in mind that Connect is for IECA members only. We just updated our Help & FAQ page with short how-to videos, and I'm rolling them out one at a time so they don't all get lost in the scroll. First up: logging in. It's a two-minute watch and covers the basics, including what to do if you're locked out. 👉 Watch the video here: connect.ieca.org/participate/faq — then drop a reply and tell me: is this your first time ...
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March 2026

By Reta Smith posted May 14, 2026
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COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. Several Northeast Chapter Board Members spent the first week of March attending the 2026 IECA Annual Conference and Expo held in Fort Worth, Texas. The days were jam packed offering a mix of educational and social events for industry professionals to connect and learn about erosion and sediment control practices across state lines. Members were able to represent our Northeast region at young professional events, committee meetings, chapter meetings and be recognized in award ceremonies. Distributors and manufacturers participating in the expo hall were able to showcase new products and solutions nationwide. ...
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IECA Australasia Chapter Newsletter - Issue #1 - 2026

By Sandra Lanz posted Apr 01, 2026
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Issue #1 2026 IECA AUSTRALASIA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The past few months have been strong ones for IECA Australasia, with great momentum both internationally and here at home. I was proud to represent our chapter at the IECA International Annual Conference in Fort Worth, alongside colleagues from across the global IECA community. Our Australasia delegation was our largest yet, with 22 members attending, including our Young Professional scholarship recipients. The innovation, research, and practical solutions shared at the conference reinforced that our chapter continues to sit in a very strong position when it ...
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Knowledge Circle Opportunity!

By Joe L. Moore posted Feb 23, 2026
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Wrap up your IECA Conference experience on the morning of Wednesday, March 4 by joining me at the Knowledge Circle Roundtables . Grab breakfast and sit down for an informal conversation with myself and your industry peers as we discuss Emerging Technologies and Tools . The best part is that the people at the will drive the conversation designed around making Water and Soil Health practical, engaging, and relevant to what you are seeing in the field. As an industry expert, innovator, and implementer, I know there is no shortage of important topics to explore when it comes to technology and advancements that support success in soil and ...
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February 2026

By Reta Smith posted Feb 13, 2026
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COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. Northeast Chapter Board Member Spotlight Scott Davis is one of the IECA Northeast Chapter's newest board members, now serving as the New York Representative. Scott has attended many IECA and NEC conferences over the past 15 - 20 years and is excited to be participating in this new capacity. After two years of civil engineering courses at Syracuse University, Scott moved across the street, literally, to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He graduated in 1990 receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Forest Biology with a concentration in fisheries biology. ...
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January 2026

By Reta Smith posted Feb 11, 2026
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COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW. University of Rhode Island Soil Judging Team qualifies for 2026 National Competition We are proud to share that URI earned second place in both the team and group categories at the Northeast’s Regional Collegiate Soil Judging Contest. This result qualified the team for the 2026 National Soil Judging Contest at North Carolina State University. Joe Manetta, Research Associate, Lecturer, and Soil Judging Coach shared a note of thanks with our chapter for supporting this program and investing in the next generation of soil scientists. “This season was an important one for our team: it was the first competition ...
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Going to IECA 2026? Show up with a plan.

By Sandra Lanz posted Jan 26, 2026
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🎯 Going to IECA 2026? Show up with a plan. The IECA Annual Conference & Expo can be a career‑defining experience—or completely overwhelming if you go in unprepared. Join our live webinar for Young Professionals and learn how to: ✅ Build a personal conference game plan ✅ Network confidently (without awkwardness) ✅ Navigate the Expo Hall with purpose ✅ Turn new connections into real post‑conference opportunities Conference Confidence: A Young Professional’s Playbook 📅 28 Jan (USA) | 29 Jan (Australia) ⏱ 45–60 mins | Beginner‑friendly If you’re heading to IECA 2026 in Fort Worth , this is your shortcut to clarity, confidence, and momentum. ...
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BPESC Update Webinar Recording

By Sandra Lanz posted Jan 18, 2026
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IECA Australasia recently hosted a panel webinar discussing the updated Best Practice Erosion & Sediment Control for building and construction sites (BPESC). A recording of the webinar can be found in the Australasia Chapter website library or via the following link: BPESC webinar update recording - Jan 2026 BPESC webinar update presentation slides - Jan 2026 Originally published in 2008, the BPESC has been periodically updated to ensure that the document remains current and continues to serve as an essential reference for best practice ESC planning and management within Australia. The 2025 version captures a range of updates, user feedback, ...
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November 2025

By Reta Smith posted Jan 09, 2026
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COLLABORATE TODAY. SUSTAIN TOMORROW . REGIONAL CONFERENCE RECAP Northeast Chapter Board Members gathered in Westborough, MA earlier this month for our annual regional conference themed “Save the Soil, Protect the Water.” During our chapter business meeting, officers were elected for 2026. Pictured right, current 2025 officers pose with newly elected leaders. Congratulations to those ready to serve our organization in the year ahead and heartfelt appreciation for our current President, Eric Steinhauser & Vice President, Harvey Dickson. We thank you for your leadership. 2026 Chapter Officers President-Ariel Leclerc Vice President-Mike ...
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