IECA introduces four new educational tracks

DENVER — The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) introduced four new Educational Tracks to replace its eight previous Technology Sections. According to the association, these new streamlined tracks will allow IECA to better serve the ever-evolving needs of its members by addressing the changes in the regulatory and economic landscape through continuing education. In support of this move, IECA has replaced the Technology Sections Committee with the Environmental Tracks Sub-committee. This new sub-committee will be under the purview of the Professional Development Committee.

The new Education Tracks focus on four specific areas identified as the primary topics of interest for IECA members and industry professionals seeking continuing education. The four tracks are Erosion & Sediment Control, Stormwater Management, MS4 Management, and Surface Water Restoration.

J.B. Dixon, CPESC, CISEC, chair of the Environmental Tracks Sub-committee, had this to say of reason behind the shift, “In my role as a member on the Professional Development Committee, and my appointment to the Chair of the Technology Sections Committee, I have felt an undercurrent from committee members and association members that IECA could leverage its educational offerings better than it has been in these changing times. With that, we began to look strongly at what changes could be made within IECA’s educational efforts to reposition the association to its place at the forefront of stormwater education and professional networking.”

Professional Development Committee Chair Jerry Sanders, CPESC, explains the changes to IECA’s system for stratifying educational content with the new tracks. “The Educational Track system will help our membership and visitors to easily identify their desired area of specialization, while also providing a broad range of educational opportunities. These opportunities are not only provided to those who want to increase their knowledge and expertise, it also creates a larger platform for individuals to share their knowledge and experience with others. The new system removes boundaries and allows our organization and membership the opportunity to continue to lead in the ever-changing environment of our industry.”

IECA Technical Vice President Charlie Riling, Jr., TRECTNO, ABI, CESSWI, and the IECA Board of Directors liaison to the Professional Development Committee, cites the work of Dixon as central in completing the new system. “I want to thank the Professional Development Committee for the vision to see that a change was necessary and particularly J.B. Dixon, Educational Track chair, for his efforts to put together a new look to the educational component of IECA.”

More information about IECA’s Educational Tracks may be found on IECA’s website at www.ieca.org/resources/techsectionhome.asp.