Forks in the 4(f) Road – Navigating the Regulatory Complexities of DOT NEPA and Protected Land Resources
Join us at NCAEP’s FHWA/USDOT 4(f) Dinner Meeting for an informative presentation by Seth Wilcher (FHWA) and John Jamison (NCDOT) on the fundamentals of NEPA compliance and Section 4(f) reviews. Transportation projects must avoid or minimize impacts to parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges, and historic sites. NCDOT follows these federal requirements in its NEPA process, identifying Section 4(f) resources early and coordinating with FHWA and stakeholders to determine de minimis impacts or evaluate feasible avoidance alternatives. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) protected lands add an additional layer of federal protection, as “Section 6(f)” prohibits conversions from outdoor recreation use without approval and replacement of equivalent recreational value and function. Seth and John will provide an overview of these issues, discuss project examples, and offer lessons learned from their experiences.
Seth has over two decades of professional experience in environmental compliance, with the first half of his career spent in consulting and the second half with FHWA. In the private sector, he prepared Section 106 and NEPA documentation for projects in every region of the country for a wide range of federal clients - from the National Park Service to the Department of Defense. In his role at FHWA's North Carolina Division office, he provides technical assistance, guidance, and coordination for NCDOT, its consultants, and other state and federal agencies during project development. Seth works to foster positive relationships with transportation partners and stakeholders to facilitate effective delivery of NCDOT's federal-aid projects.
John has more than 25 years of diverse experience as an environmental scientist, planner, and project manager in North Carolina. He is the manager of NCDOT’s Environmental Policy Unit, providing oversight of NEPA/SEPA documentation and Merger implementation as well as developing NCDOT guidance for an array of environmental processes. In his prior role as an environmental consultant for more than 15 years, he has managed numerous transportation contracts, projects, and environmental tasks. He is also a Past President of NCAEP (amongst other things).
Social Hour starting at 5:00 PM
Food at 5:30 PM
Speaker at ~6:30 PM
What: Section 4(f)/6(f) Dinner Meeting
When: October 29, 2026, 5:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: Pullen House
10801 Durant Rd., Raleigh, NC 27614
Corporate Members: Please email mailto:vp@ncaep.org for the Corporate Code for registration.
Pullen House
Parking is limited, however, parking in the Kohl's plaza (facing Durant Road) is within walking distance of Pullen House. There are sidewalks along Durant Road to facilitate access. Car-pooling is encouraged. Please contact us if you need a ride from the parking lot of Kohl's to Pullen House.
Payment in full is required by October 15, 2026. Registrants cancelling their registration two (2) weeks or more prior to the event will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Due to catering constraints, no refunds will be given for cancellations less than two (2) weeks prior to the event.
