The ABWRET-A (W25) Blended Course provides learners with a strong understanding of the Government of Alberta’s wetland function assessment tool, needed for Alberta Water Act approvals.
Course Overview
The Alberta Wetland Rapid Evaluation Tool – Actual (ABWRET-A) is a standardized method for assessing the important natural functions performed by all types of Alberta wetlands using both field and spatial data. Use of the ABWRET method is required by the Government of Alberta’s Wetland Policy when Water Act approval is sought and wetlands will be permanently impacted.
A strong understanding of the ABWRET-A tool is required at three stages and sign-off points in the Alberta Water Act approval process for wetlands:
- Pre-disturbance Stage: As part of the Wetland Assessment & Impact Report (WAIR)
- Restoration Design Stage: As part of the Wetland Restoration Plan
- Final Verification Stage: As part of the Verification Report
SALMTEC crafted this course specifically for intermediate learners and Authenticating Wetland Professionals, aiming to equip them with a comprehensive understanding of the Alberta Wetland Rapid Evaluation Tool Actual (ABWRET-A).
Course Learning Objectives
- Learners will understand the context for using ABWRET-A (green and white areas)
- Learners will understand the methods used to create ABWRET-A
- Learners will understand the basic theory behind the wetland functions
- Learners will receive an in-depth understanding of ABWRET-A indicators and wetland functional models
- Learners will understand the process of submitting ABWRET-A
- Learners will understand how to interpret the ABWRET-A results
Course Format
Online videos and quizzes with associated workbook activities can be completed at your own pace. You have two years to complete the course and there are four opportunities for you to attend the requisite 2.5hr scheduled online class (April and December annually).
This course has eight learning modules and consists of online (via SALMTEC’s learning platform), offline, and interactive components:
- Online Instruction: One to five online instruction elements per module (25 in total)
- Quizzes: One to five online quizzes per module
- Offline Activities: Four offline activities (requires internet browser)
- Interactive Class: One 2.5-hour online interactive class
- Final Exam: One final online exam
This course takes between 21 to 24 hours to complete, and you can start immediately upon registration. All online material must be completed prior to attending the interactive class.
2025 Class Schedule
- Interactive Classes: Regularly scheduled in April and December every year
- Class Timing: 12pm to 2:30pm MST
- Stay tuned for exact 2025 dates!
Course Instructors
- Online Instruction: Dr. Paul Adamus, creator of ABWRET-A
- Interactive Class Instructor: Laurie Hamilton, M.Sc.
W25 Students have until the end of Fall 2026 (Dec. 2026) to complete this course.
