Forks in the 4(f) Rd (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

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.

Regulatory Real Talk (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Regulatory Real Talk

Hosted by Stantec

Join us at NCAEP’s Regulatory Real Talk for an informative discussion from Tommy Fennel (District Regulatory Chief), Tyler Crumbley (Deputy Chief), Chris Hopper (Raleigh Project Manager), and Joshua Tutt (Washington Regulatory Specialist). There have been several changes in the way the USACE project managers interact with their customers and emphasis shifts in local priorities. During this meeting, the USACE will share some suggested efficiencies, ongoing challenges, and lessons learned. Speakers also hope to solicit input from the consulting community regarding the challenges, successes, and frustrations working with the Regulatory Program.

Tommy Fennel is a native of Johnsonville, South Carolina. He attended Francis Marion University where he received a BS Degree in Biology. He began his professional career as an Agent with the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services serving for two years before accepting a position with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.

In 2002, Tommy joined the Charleston District as a Project Manager in the Regulatory Division’s Conway Field Office. He served as the Branch Chief of the Conway Field Office from 2007 to 2021 as well Deputy Division Chief from 2019 to 2021. In April 2022, he joined the Wilmington District as the Regulatory Division Chief.

Tommy is married to Jill Wright, and they currently reside in North Myrtle Beach.

His awards include: Charleston District Employee of the Month, Field Team Member of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, Commanders Award for Civilian Service, and the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service.

Bring Your Lunch & Join the Conversation!
The presentation will begin at 11:00 AM, with lunch and networking to follow. Bring your own lunch and stick around afterward to mingle, share experiences, and continue the conversation with our USACE guests and fellow consultants.

What: Regulatory Real Talk

When: November 5, 2026, 11am – 1pm

Where: Stantec, 801 Jones Franklin Rd., Ste. 300, Raleigh, 27606

Registration will be capped at 65 attendees.

NC Association of Environmental Professionals (NCAEP) upcoming events

Forks in the 4(f) Rd (29 Oct 2026)

Regulatory Real Talk (05 Nov 2026)