May is American Wetlands Month, established by the EPA in 1991 to honor the ecological, economic, and social value of wetlands and to inspire conservation efforts nationwide. Wetlands filter water, buffer floods, and provide critical habitat for plants and wildlife. This year, Winterbrook Planning is proud to spotlight our wetlands expertise and the leadership of our two Senior Wetland Scientists.

Winterbrook’s Wetland Projects

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park: Winterbrook delineated 12 wetlands and three streams across 29 acres in Corvallis, preparing all state and federal permit documentation and securing approval from the Oregon Department of State Lands.
• Junction City Wetlands Inventory: Winterbrook prepared a Local Wetlands Inventory (LWI) for Junction City, Oregon. A total of 13 wetlands were identified within the City UGB, ranging from one-half to 231 acres in size. Winterbrook led a series of public meetings and open houses and prepared a detailed report summarizing LWI methods and findings, GPS mapping and field data. The Department of State Lands formally approved the LWI.
• Pendleton Periodic Review: Winterbrook prepared a citywide inventory of Statewide Planning Goal 5 natural resources (wetlands, riparian corridors and wildlife habitat) and Goal 7 natural hazards (floodplains, slopes, geology). As part of the Goal 5 documentation, Winterbrook prepared a draft Local Wetland Inventory (LWI) for the City, the result of extensive fieldwork, mapping, and public meetings. Winterbrook worked with ESA to update the LWI, which was approved by the Department of State Lands. To address Goal 7, Winterbrook prepared new flash flood hazard maps, slope and geologic (high bedrock) studies. Winterbrook drafted Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments to implement Goal 5 and 7 studies, which were adopted by the City Council.

Phil Quarterman and Anita Smyth on Tigard site visit

Our Expert Team

Anita Cate Smyth, Senior Wetland Scientist: Leads field delineations, functional assessments, and regulatory negotiations, ensuring projects meet stringent environmental standards while advancing community goals.

Philip Quarterman, Senior Wetland Scientist: Specializes in wetland permitting and mitigation planning, crafting conservation strategies that protect biodiversity and maintain essential ecosystem services.

Below, you can see the EPA’s material on American Wetlands Month: