I am not in support of amendments reducing the minimum qualifications of applicants applying for the Professional Wetland Delineator certification. I think it is imperative that a state endorsed standard of a competent wetland delineator be maintained at it's current requirement. This legitimate certification is invaluable within the environmental consulting industry as it establishes the standard of what it means to be a competent delineator. In a profession that plays a huge role in protecting the commonwealth's environment this certifications shows, employers, regulators, and the public utilizing wetland delineation services the depth of knowledge required to be a competent delineator. I have observed ample evidence of practitioners of wetland delineations relying on inexperienced and underqualified individuals to complete delineations. Establishing adequate standards that validate and legitimize an individual as a competent and qualified wetland delineator establishes a true and honest standard within the industry and facilitates the state's ability to carry out and enforce water protection laws. The minimum qualifications for an applicant emphasizes the mastery needed to successfully and accurately complete wetland delineations within the commonwealth. Alot of study and consistently performing wetland delineations is needed in order to fully grasp and master the concepts of soil science, botany, and hydrology, which are equally and substantially employed in wetland delineating. These are three separate and complex concepts that are learned through a rigorous academic setting like a graduate degree or at least a four-year degree. Therefor it is my opinion that the minimum number of required semester hours in biology, physical, and quantitative sciences be maintained. I also believe the minimum number of years of wetland delineation experience for an applicant should be four years. I am in support of increasing the number of nontidal wetland delineations that an applicant must have inspected, reviewed, or confirmed.