The Soil and Water Conservation Society, Southern New England Chapter, will hold its 2016 Winter Conference on Friday, March 11, from 8 – 4 at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Timber “swamp” mats have been used for decades by forestry and linear energy projects to facilitate low-impact, temporary equipment access across wetlands and waterways. Composite material products emerged more recently; installation methods and other project elements are changing in response. Meanwhile, federal, state and local regulations governing temporary wetland crossings in southern New England have evolved; and requirements for the same project may vary by location.
SWAMP THINGS will bring together regional experts in the fields of energy transmission management, wetland crossing construction and the various levels of environmental regulation to describe how wetland crossings are designed, permitted, constructed and restored. Manufacturers and suppliers of timber and composite mat systems will exhibit and promote their products as solutions to access issues. The program will provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, concerns and hopefully solutions. SWCS members $50, nonmembers $65. Register at www.swcssnec.org/winter/.
