Don’t let our name fool you! We are a professional organization whose membership includes representatives from the environmental and engineering consultant community; local, state, and federal government staff; non-profit environmental organizations; law firms; and corporations. The Virginia Association of Wetland Professionals (VAWP) centers on environmental and natural resource issues throughout Virginia.

Established in 1994 and having recently celebrated our 20th anniversary, the VAWP is a non-profit organization that strives to provide an independent forum for the open discussion and exchange of wetland related ideas from all fields.

The overall mission of VAWP is to:

Bring together wetland scientists, regulators, managers, design professionals, attorneys and other wetland professionals in an independent forum that promotes discussion and exchange of ideas on important wetland issues in Virginia;

Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of wetland management through the development and operation of certification programs, training and education in wetland delineation, functional assessment, best management practices, mitigation and other areas;

Encourage improved public and private partnerships, planning and protection of wetlands based on best available science, technology and engineering practices;

Encourage the conservation and responsible use of wetland resources; and

Encourage and promote continued research and public education in the area of wetland functions and values.