Restoration Project Permitting Lunch & Learn

In April 2026, the Gallatin Water Collaborative and the Montana Watershed Coordination Council hosted a Lunch & Learn focused on the changes to Nationwide Permit 27 & 401 water quality certification processes. Updates to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) ACE Nationwide Permit 27 and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 401 certifications may affect stream or wetland restoration projects. Presenters included Tim McNew, Senior Project Manager with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, and Keenan Storrar, 401 certification and 318 Authorization coordinator with the Montana DEQ Water Protection Bureau.

Goals of this session:

• Learn how the changes affect stream or wetland restoration projects.

• Understand the new requirements for permit applications.

Meeting Resources:

• Agenda

• Meeting Notes

• Meeting Recording

Restoration Project Permitting Resources:

• 2026 Nationwide Permit 27 Fact Sheet

• 401 Certification Final Determination of 2026 NWPs

• Montana NWP 27 Checklist

• Montana Wetland Boundary Verification Checklist

• 2026 Nationwide Permits, Conditions, Further Information, and Definitions

• Public comment portal for NWP program changes