Recommendation: retain state certification of wetland delineators through DPOR.
Background: I have served two terms by governor appointment to DPOR board for soils scientists and wetland delineators; taught wetland ecology and delineation at undergraduate and graduate level since 1995; developed wetland delineation curricula for state and federal agencies; and published studies that connect to delineation.
Perspective: The overlap between PWS and delineation can be extremely minimal; in fact, I am not aware of any required wetland delineation competencies to earn the PWS. The public has an overwhelming interest in competent delineation since the application of state and federal regulations relies on first accurately delineating wetland boundaries. Should public confidence in delineation decline, so will support for government regulation of wetland destruction.