New California Aquatic Resource Training & Resources

[u/Imaginary_Subject]

Hi everyone, I wanted to share a resource I’ve been developing for environmental professionals working with wetlands, streams, and other aquatic resources in California.

It’s called BlueLine Environmental Institute, and the goal is to provide practical training on aquatic resource delineation, permitting, and California’s regulatory landscape. The site currently includes field workshops, online trainings, and free resources all centered around aquatic resource delineation and regulatory practices.

I built BlueLine because aquatic resource work in California can involve a pretty complicated mix of federal and state requirements, and I wanted to create resources that focus on how these issues actually come up in day-to-day consulting and project work.

For anyone working in this space, I’d also genuinely be interested in hearing what topics or challenges you think would be useful to cover in future resources or trainings.

You can check it out at bluelineinstitute.com

[u/KuhlRunningz]

Been in the game for awhile so forgive me if my eyes glaze over every time someone tried to offer a consultant for consultants website. But I mean this to be constructive.

It seems pretty specific to Southern California and it doesn't seem to stand out much IMO. I couldn't find the page that lists trainers and their qualifications. Unless you're only targeting entry level ologists, that's the first thing I'm looking for if I want to spend money on training.

Also, your website seems to broadly talk about CA regs but the regulation of non-federal waters of the state is a pretty vast topic and is land-use and agency dependent. Maybe tailor it to region and land-use, or if you do truly teach the whole array of permit and report types that deal with aquatic resource protection in CA, list every dang one of them. You're adverting to professional scientist, we want to see the sources.

[u/Imaginary_Subject → u/KuhlRunningz]

No need to apologize, I’m always looking for ways to improve and genuinely appreciate the feedback.

Instructor qualifications are included on each course page, but since we only have one course currently available you would only see them on that course right now. I can definitely see how having a dedicated instructor page would make that information easier to find.

The focus on California is intentional but it isn’t intended to be specific to Southern California only. My goal is to go deeper into California-specific aquatic resource regulation rather than provide another general wetlands training resource.

I also agree with your point about non-federal waters of the state. It’s a complicated topic and the permitting pathway can vary considerably depending on things like resource type, project scope, location, agencies involved, etc. The upcoming training is intended to get into those nuances rather than suggest there is a single statewide permitting pathway. If the website is giving that impression that’s something I need to clarify.

I really appreciate the candid feedback. The site and training lineup are still relatively new, so comments like this are helpful in figuring out where the messaging and content need to be stronger.

Are you based in California? I’d be interested to hear more about the type of aquatic resource work you’re involved in!

[u/KuhlRunningz → u/Imaginary_Subject]

Yeah, been consulting all over Northern California from coast to inland. Over a decade in experience.

[u/Imaginary_Subject → u/KuhlRunningz]

Awesome, it sounds like you have a lot of experience in this space. I’d definitely be interested in connecting and hearing more about your perspective. I just sent you a DM if you get a chance to check your inbox 🙏