To Whom it May Concern,

I am both a Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD) and Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS).  I am writing to express my support for continued regulation by DPOR of Virginia Wetland Delineators.  This regulation is necessary to ensure continued practice of this field by state certified practitioners, which is not afforded by the Professional Wetland Scientist.  The PWS Certification is not commensurate with the PWD Certification, and therefore is not the same.  The JLARC study recommending removal of this certification program is flawed and its recommendations should not be acted upon in relationship to their recommendations.    

THE PWD certification program is necessary, and ensures practitioners are qualified to perform this necessary service within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Sincerely,

Rick Thomas, PWS, PWD