I started my professional career in Virginia and as an owner of a consulting firm in West Virginia, I still work in Virginia regularly.  I obtained my PWD in 2009 and because I believe in the certification, I have paid the maintenance fees and maintained the PWD. 

Proper wetland delineations are needed to protect both responsible economic development and the environment for the common good of the people.  When conducted poorly, the permittees suffer financial hardships and the resources of the state suffer unnecessary degradation along with the negative effects to the health and well being of the community.

The PWD certification is far different from the Professional Wetland Scientist program maintained by the Society of Wetland Scientists.  The PWS program has no competency testing and only requires experience in some level of wetland science.  A PWS may have no actual experience performing delineations or working with environmental regulations.

Not only should the PWD certification be maintained, it should serve as a model for all other states to help ensure that the professionals overseeing the health of the state's resources are qualified and familiar with the nuances that come with working within the state and region.