Revamped BMP training offered

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Best Management Practices (BMP) workshops at Lake Tahoe are being thoroughly updated to help contractors and landscape installers meet new, tougher BMP Retrofit standards for 2011. The BMP Refresher Course is April 26, and the Basic BMP Workshop is April 28. Both workshops require participants to pass a new, more challenging test to be listed on approved providers list.

Workshop organizers say this year's training will give BMP installers important information on how to avoid costly mistakes that could prevent an installation from passing a final inspection.

The purpose of BMPs is to improve developed landscapes so they do not contribute fine sediment or other pollutants to storm drains and streams. They are required on all developed properties in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

John Cobourn of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension says that participants will receive a completely revised 120-page book, "How to Install BMPs in the Lake Tahoe Basin."

Pre-registration fees are $20 for the basic workshop and $15 for the refresher course. Prices go up slightly after April 8. For more details and information on registration, please go to www.unce.unr.edu/adhoc/bmpworkshop, or call 775-784-7070.