🌟 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 erosion in Arizona and Nevada.

“We cannot afford to ‘bowl alone’ while hillsides slide and infrastructure fails,” the newsletter notes.
Active membership, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship are emphasized as essential to strengthening the profession.

2. 2027 IECA Annual Conference – Abstract Deadline Extended to June 30

The 2027 IECA Annual Conference & Expo will be held February 21–24, 2027 in Reno, Nevada.
Professionals are encouraged to submit standout project abstracts before the extended June 30 deadline.

3. IECA Career Center Relaunch

The revamped Career Center now offers:

• Resume posting
• Location‑specific job searches
• An Offer Analyzer
• A resource library for professional development

A one‑stop hub for both job seekers and hiring managers.

4. Nominations Open for 2027 IECA Awards

Nominations are now being accepted through October 31, 2026 for categories including:

• Environmental Excellence
• Outstanding Professional
• Emerging Leaders
• Contractor of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement
  Help spotlight the industry’s best work and brightest contributors.

5. 2026 Western Chapter Board Elections

Board nominations close June 29, with elections running July 1–31.
Three board seats are open, and state representatives are also needed for HI, NV, and AZ.
This is a chance to shape the chapter’s direction and expand your professional impact.

6. Upcoming Webinar: Weather, Dewatering & Passive Treatment Under the 2022 CGP

A timely training session on August 12, 2026 will cover:

• Dewatering requirements
• Passive treatment systems
• Tracking Qualified Precipitation Events (QPEs)
• Navigating new CGP compliance challenges

On‑demand webinars are now available, and a RUSLE2 series is also in development.

7. Regional News: Climate Resilience & Restoration

Curated IECA news highlights include:

• Nevada watershed recovery after wildfire
• Biochar’s surprising role in soil ecology
• Soil restoration as a climate‑cooling strategy
• Rising landslide risks in California
• Sponge‑city stormwater innovations in Los Angeles
• Coastal restoration breakthroughs, including hybrid seagrass discoveries

These stories reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of erosion control and environmental resilience.

8. Training & Professional Resources

Dirt Time continues to expand its online training library, including:

• Alternatives to Rip Rap
• Hydromulching
• Bioengineering & biotechnical stabilization
• A new course on soil and stream stabilization coming soon

Professionals can earn CEUs through video‑based learning and testing.

9. Industry Products & Professional Listings

The newsletter features dozens of vendors and service providers offering:

• Erosion control products
• Hydroseeding
• Soil amendments
• Geotechnical services
• Stormwater compliance support

A valuable directory for sourcing materials and expertise.

The newsletters are a member benefit - JOIN IECA today and automatically become a member of the Chapter in which you live.