The environmental issues and ground-water are very perplexing for agents who have been around a long time. She took the course about a year ago. During the two-day course, real estate professionals learn how natural processes change shorelines and waterfront property and the regulations that pertain. They also learn how to identify wetlands as well as the functions and values of wetlands and the regulations that apply to wetland use. Groundwater, wells, and onsite sewage systems are among the other topics taught, including stream processes and issues related to salmon protection and restoration.
Some programs rely on local or state grant funding while fees are charged for others.
Through Extension's Watershed Stewards Program, key volunteers in communities in Island, Clark, King and Jefferson counties take a comprehensive 12-week watershed training program focusing on the water resource issues that are a priority in their region. In turn, these Watershed Stewards help provide leadership in local watershed education and restoration programs. Because private wells are largely unregulated, the burden for making certain water from these sources is safe to drink falls on the well owners. Extension's program, run largely by volunteers, stresses steps that can be taken to prevent pollution.