This huge gully was treated with bio-engineering and was one of IECA's first prize winners in the 2013 annual photo contest, which had multiple categories.

Russell Adsit, FASLA Executive Director, IECA

IECA Education
Traditionally, the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) hosts an annual event consisting of full day classes, short courses and a large exhibit hall of products and services. However, as the learning forum has progressed, many members and show attendees are seeking new and different ways to learn. For instance, young professionals who grew up in the generation of vast technological change, such as more powerful computers and software, mobile devices, tablets and the Internet are seeking information on a variety of platforms. As such, the IECA has been working to expand these delivery systems.

In 2015, the IECA will be hosting a joint conference with the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) in Portland, Oregon. The IECA is excited about this venture, as conference-goers would normally have to attend two separate meetings to access technical information that this show will provide.

Conference: As the conference has changed over the years the IECA is exploring different methods of delivering information, including forums, panels, round-table discussions and networking opportunities. They have also shortened the agenda format to allow fewer days away from the workplace. While information is available with the touch of a button or by searching on smart phones, face-to-face interaction is still valuable, as well as the ability to share a meal or cup of coffee with peers and experts in the field. Some changes to the IECA meeting have been subtle and some have been fairly radical.

For 2014, a mobile friendly webpage for the conference will be launched. Features of this technology will include a daily conference schedule, expo hall map, exhibitor list and more. In 2015, IECA will be hosting a joint conference with the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) in Portland, Oregon. This exciting new venture will give attendees full access to technical information they could only receive by attending two separate meetings in the past.

The conference planning committee meets on a regular basis and is open to ideas for changes that make the conference more valuable to attendees. Because advanced planning is required for site selection, some conference details are made far in advance of the actual event. Currently, they are working on the 2016 meeting site and dynamics.

The goal of the IECA Roadshows is to provide a one or two day educational opportunity for a regional audience that does not have the burden of travel and overnight costs.

Roadshows: Similar to how major entertainment is delivered, the IECA decided to try a regional format to deliver education. The premise of the Roadshows is to provide a one or two day educational opportunity for a regional audience, but without the burden of travel or overnight costs. With a shorter planning cycle, this educational offering is targeted to regional audiences and presents information that is up to date and relevant to its participants.

Webinars: While there are many definitions and variations of webinars, IECA characterizes its webinar offerings as live events that are held on a certain date and time. Well-known authors or researchers who provide popular topics on current practices instruct these webinars. These offerings span the knowledge base from a low impact development topic to water harvesting and MS4 Audit preparation techniques. While the optimum setup for the participant is a computer with Internet access and a phone line, some participants choose to simply call in and listen. IECA webinars are recorded and then archived in the eLearning portal, which can be accessed at ieca.org.

IECA webinars are recorded and then archived in an eLearning portal, which can be accessed through the IECA website. The cost of webinars varies depending on webinar content and length.

eLearning: In addition to recorded webinars, many online courses have been developed to fit the needs of entry level professionals, as well as contractors, subcontractors, engineers and consultants. Twenty courses are specifically designed for the specialty contractor or subcontractor and are offered in English and Spanish. Based upon research and input from IECA's professional development committee, 13 basic training classes have also been developed. These courses provide the introductory information that is necessary for almost all professionals. Some of these basic training courses cover vegetation, soils, hydrology and RUSLE-2 applications. Furthermore, a class in SWPPP preparation is offered, as well as a class in contractor site inspection. This past year, IECA launched the Certified Inspector in Sediment and Erosion Control (CISEC) online training course. The CISEC class is recommended for those who meet the inspector qualifications and are preparing for the CISEC exam.

In addition to their recorded webinars, the IECA has also developed many online courses that fit the needs of entry level professionals as well as contractors, subcontractors, engineers and consultants.

The Future: IECA is in the process of working through the IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training) application, which would acknowledge them as an Approved Provider of continuing education units. Although, this will require a more rigorous evaluation of course offerings, it will provide a broader acceptance of the CEUs by licensing organizations. The IECA is always adjusting its educational offerings to take advantage of technology advances and preferred delivery methods. They are also working with a variety of affiliated organizations so their educational offerings can be made available to their members. This provides an even greater exposure of the technical abilities of their members, as well as better-educated allied professionals in our shared quest for better environmental stewardship.

Russell Adsit, FASLA is the executive director of the IECA (Region One), a non-profit member organization that provides education, resource information and business opportunities to professionals in the erosion and sediment control industry. Prior to taking the helm of the IECA in November 2007, Adsit's professional experience included: landscape architect, contractor, small business owner, university assistant professor and project manager. Adsit holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) from the University of Georgia and a Masters in Agribusiness Management (MABM) from Mississippi State University.