The Alberta Wetland Rapid Evaluation Tool – Actual (ABWRET-A) (F25) Blended Course equips learners with essential knowledge and practical skills using 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 approach used to assess the ecological functions of Alberta’s wetlands using both field and spatial data. This method is an essential component of the Government of Alberta’s Wetland Policy and is required when seeking Water Act approvals for projects that may result in permanent wetland impacts.
This blended course provides learners with a structured, in-depth understanding of ABWRET-A, covering its application across three critical stages in the approval process:
- Pre-disturbance Stage: Used in the Wetland Assessment & Impact Report (WAIR)
- Restoration Design Stage: Supports the development of a Wetland Restoration Plan
- Final Verification Stage: Integral to the Verification Report
Designed for professionals working in environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and wetland conservation, this course offers the technical depth needed to evaluate wetland functions effectively. Through a mix of online instruction, interactive components, and hands-on activities, participants gain practical knowledge of ABWRET-A’s indicators, wetland function models, and result interpretation, ensuring they are well-equipped to apply the tool in real-world scenarios.
This course welcomes learners from diverse backgrounds, including intermediate learners and Authenticating Wetland Professionals, who are interested in understanding the Alberta Wetland Rapid Evaluation Tool – Actual (ABWRET-A) for regulatory and conservation applications. Whether you have experience in hydrology, water quality, soils and terrain, wildlife habitat, vegetation, or policy implementation, this course provides an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and apply ABWRET-A within Alberta’s wetland policy framework. Designed to support professionals across environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and wetland conservation, it offers a structured approach to evaluating wetland functions regardless of your specific expertise.
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
This blended course offers a flexible learning experience, combining online instruction, interactive components, and independent activities to support diverse learning styles. Participants can complete online videos and quizzes at their own pace, with up to two years to finish the course. Additionally, learners have four opportunities annually to attend the required three-hour interactive online class, scheduled in April and December.
The course consists of eight learning modules and includes:
- Online Instruction: 25 structured learning elements across modules
- Quizzes: Integrated assessments within each module to reinforce key concepts
- Offline Activities: Four interactive exercises that require internet access
- Interactive Class: A live, three-hour online session held on Friday, December 12, 2025
- Final Exam: A comprehensive online assessment
With an estimated completion time of 21 to 24 hours, participants can begin their coursework immediately upon registration. All online materials must be completed before attending the interactive class to ensure a cohesive learning experience.
2025 Class Schedule
- Next Class: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
- Class Timing: 12pm to 3:00pm MST
Course Instructors
- Online Instruction: Dr. Paul Adamus, creator of ABWRET-A
- Interactive Class Instructor: Laurie Hamilton, M.Sc.
F25 Students have until the end of Winter 2027 (April 2027) to complete this course.
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