2018 ARCHIVES | Special Symposia
(S-01) Use of Hydroacoustic Technology in Fisheries Management: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 | 1:40 PM – 5:20 PM
Organizers: Lisa K. Izzo, Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Vermont ([email protected]); Gayle B. Zydlewski, School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine; Donna L. Parrish, USGS, Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Overview: Recent advances in sonar technology have created an array of hydroacoustic techniques that are currently being used in fisheries applications. Side-scan sonar, split-beam echosounders, and multibeam “acoustic cameras” have broad potential for direct application to fisheries management through non-invasive sampling. These methods can characterize fish habitat, observe behavior around barriers, and estimate population size, and are continuously being used in novel ways to address management questions. This session will bring together researchers of varying backgrounds to discuss current applications and challenges of hydroacoustic techniques. We encourage submissions from both marine and freshwater systems to highlight the diversity of these applications in the field of fisheries.
Theme: Acoustic Technology
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 | 1:40 PM – 5:20 PM
Organizers: Lisa K. Izzo, Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Vermont ([email protected]); Gayle B. Zydlewski, School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine; Donna L. Parrish, USGS, Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Overview: Recent advances in sonar technology have created an array of hydroacoustic techniques that are currently being used in fisheries applications. Side-scan sonar, split-beam echosounders, and multibeam “acoustic cameras” have broad potential for direct application to fisheries management through non-invasive sampling. These methods can characterize fish habitat, observe behavior around barriers, and estimate population size, and are continuously being used in novel ways to address management questions. This session will bring together researchers of varying backgrounds to discuss current applications and challenges of hydroacoustic techniques. We encourage submissions from both marine and freshwater systems to highlight the diversity of these applications in the field of fisheries.
Theme: Acoustic Technology
(S-02) Freshwater Mussel Conservation and Management
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 | 1:40 PM – 5:00 PM
Organizers: Allison Roy, U.S. Geological Survey; Sean C. Sterrett, Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Massachusetts Amherst ([email protected])
Overview: Freshwater mussels are among the most imperiled species worldwide, yet they are critical to the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. While there are fewer species in the northeastern U.S. compared to some other parts of the country, a large proportion of northeast species have small populations and are at risk of extirpation. There is value for coordinating research on freshwater mussels toward informing decision making and conserving imperiled species. Current freshwater mussel research includes quantifying species-habitat relationships, mapping large-scale species distributions, understanding causes of decline, and assessing responses to restoration actions. There are also recent research advances on laboratory propagation and reintroduction of mussels for restoration. This symposium offers an opportunity for scientists and managers to share information on the ecology, conservation, and management of freshwater mussels in the northeast.
Themes: Conservation, Ecology, Management, Mussel
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 | 1:40 PM – 5:00 PM
Organizers: Allison Roy, U.S. Geological Survey; Sean C. Sterrett, Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Massachusetts Amherst ([email protected])
Overview: Freshwater mussels are among the most imperiled species worldwide, yet they are critical to the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. While there are fewer species in the northeastern U.S. compared to some other parts of the country, a large proportion of northeast species have small populations and are at risk of extirpation. There is value for coordinating research on freshwater mussels toward informing decision making and conserving imperiled species. Current freshwater mussel research includes quantifying species-habitat relationships, mapping large-scale species distributions, understanding causes of decline, and assessing responses to restoration actions. There are also recent research advances on laboratory propagation and reintroduction of mussels for restoration. This symposium offers an opportunity for scientists and managers to share information on the ecology, conservation, and management of freshwater mussels in the northeast.
Themes: Conservation, Ecology, Management, Mussel
(S-03) Citizen Science and Implications for Wildlife Management in the Northeast
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 | 1:40 PM – 3:00 PM
Organizer: Liza Morse, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, [email protected]
Overview: In the face of the many threats to wildlife today, the availability of thoughtful research is critical to wildlife managers who are often limited by time, money, and personnel. Citizen science presents one avenue to attain useful data with limited resources while also engaging the public. In particular, it allows research efforts to achieve geographical and temporal scales that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive undertakings. This symposium will elucidate citizen science efforts focused on monitoring wildlife and wildlife habitat in the Northeast and the ways in which it can be used by wildlife managers. Highlighted projects will include Vermont Center for Ecostudies’ Mountain Birdwatch (MBW), which has allowed VCE staff to develop a Bicknell’s Thrush population estimate model. MBW and the resulting Bicknell’s Thrush population estimate represent just one way in which citizen science can inform wildlife management. By highlighting multiple projects that target a range of taxa, the Citizen Science symposium will examine the ways in which citizen science can expand the capacity of wildlife managers as well as the limitations of such efforts.
Theme: Citizen Science
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 | 1:40 PM – 3:00 PM
Organizer: Liza Morse, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, [email protected]
Overview: In the face of the many threats to wildlife today, the availability of thoughtful research is critical to wildlife managers who are often limited by time, money, and personnel. Citizen science presents one avenue to attain useful data with limited resources while also engaging the public. In particular, it allows research efforts to achieve geographical and temporal scales that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive undertakings. This symposium will elucidate citizen science efforts focused on monitoring wildlife and wildlife habitat in the Northeast and the ways in which it can be used by wildlife managers. Highlighted projects will include Vermont Center for Ecostudies’ Mountain Birdwatch (MBW), which has allowed VCE staff to develop a Bicknell’s Thrush population estimate model. MBW and the resulting Bicknell’s Thrush population estimate represent just one way in which citizen science can inform wildlife management. By highlighting multiple projects that target a range of taxa, the Citizen Science symposium will examine the ways in which citizen science can expand the capacity of wildlife managers as well as the limitations of such efforts.
Theme: Citizen Science
(S-04) Engaging Southern Vermont Woodland Owners in Stewardship with Wildlife in Mind
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 | 3:20 – 4:20 PM
Organizers: Christine Cadigan, American Forest Foundation, [email protected]; Morgan Smith, American Forest Foundation, [email protected]; Andrea Shortsleeve, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, [email protected]; Steve Hagenbuch, Audubon Vermont, [email protected]; Travis Hart, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, [email protected]
Overview: With Vermont and northern New England forests being home to some of the highest concentrations of breeding bird species in the continental United States, our region is recognized to provide essential habitat not only for bird species, but for a suite of other forest-dependent wildlife as well. Currently, over 80% of Vermont’s 4.4 million acres of forest are privately owned, making private landowners essential to forest stewardship and wildlife conservation in Vermont.
Recognizing the current and future importance of well-managed, privately-owned interior forest blocks, the American Forest Foundation, Vermont Woodlands Association, Vermont Tree Farm Committee, Audubon Vermont, Vermont Forests, Parks, and Recreation, and Vermont Fish and Wildlife have partnered together, creating a woodland owner outreach program, Woods, Wildlife, and Warblers. This program focuses on connecting southern Vermont woodland owners with the necessary knowledge, resources, and professional support to the stewardship of their woods and the wildlife that inhabit them.
In this session, representatives from the American Forest Foundation, Audubon Vermont, and Vermont Fish and Wildlife will provide an overview of the program including the importance of managing Vermont’s woodlands with wildlife in mind, our outreach strategies and success stories, and our future plans to continue to increase forest and wildlife stewardship. Audience members will leave the session with an improved understanding of the importance of wildlife in woodland conservation as well as tips and tricks to engage landowners in woodland management with wildlife in mind.
Themes: Wildlife, Outreach & Education
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 | 3:20 – 4:20 PM
Organizers: Christine Cadigan, American Forest Foundation, [email protected]; Morgan Smith, American Forest Foundation, [email protected]; Andrea Shortsleeve, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, [email protected]; Steve Hagenbuch, Audubon Vermont, [email protected]; Travis Hart, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, [email protected]
Overview: With Vermont and northern New England forests being home to some of the highest concentrations of breeding bird species in the continental United States, our region is recognized to provide essential habitat not only for bird species, but for a suite of other forest-dependent wildlife as well. Currently, over 80% of Vermont’s 4.4 million acres of forest are privately owned, making private landowners essential to forest stewardship and wildlife conservation in Vermont.
Recognizing the current and future importance of well-managed, privately-owned interior forest blocks, the American Forest Foundation, Vermont Woodlands Association, Vermont Tree Farm Committee, Audubon Vermont, Vermont Forests, Parks, and Recreation, and Vermont Fish and Wildlife have partnered together, creating a woodland owner outreach program, Woods, Wildlife, and Warblers. This program focuses on connecting southern Vermont woodland owners with the necessary knowledge, resources, and professional support to the stewardship of their woods and the wildlife that inhabit them.
In this session, representatives from the American Forest Foundation, Audubon Vermont, and Vermont Fish and Wildlife will provide an overview of the program including the importance of managing Vermont’s woodlands with wildlife in mind, our outreach strategies and success stories, and our future plans to continue to increase forest and wildlife stewardship. Audience members will leave the session with an improved understanding of the importance of wildlife in woodland conservation as well as tips and tricks to engage landowners in woodland management with wildlife in mind.
Themes: Wildlife, Outreach & Education
(S-05) Knowns and Unknowns of New England Cottontail Conservation
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 | 1:40 PM – 5:00 PM
Organizers: Adrienne Kovach, University of New Hampshire, [email protected]; Amanda E. Cheeseman, State University of New York Environmental Science & Forestry ([email protected])
Overview: The New England cottontail is a strict habitat specialist that relies on the thick understory vegetation of early successional or shrubland habitats. Due to the decline in early successional forests, the New England cottontail has experienced severe population declines and a > 86% range contraction. As a result, the New England cottontail is a species of high priority conservation concern in the Northeast and was considered for federal listing under the ESA. This initiated a widely acclaimed, collaborative, conservation initiative that culminated in the 2015 decision that the species did not warrant protection under the ESA, due to extensive conservation efforts already underway. Nonetheless, much uncertainty remains about the species’ ecology, viability, and population status, as well as the success of ongoing management efforts. This session will bring together a broad group of researchers to provide new insights into numerous aspects of the species’ biology, ecology, population genetic structure, and vulnerability to risks of landscape fragmentation, isolation, habitat degradation, interspecific competition, disease, and parasites. In drawing on these recent research findings, this symposium will overview the current state of knowledge about the species and the latest tools employed in research and conservation. Our aim is also to identify knowledge gaps and provide suggestions for addressing uncertainties in areas most relevant for successful conservation management.
Themes: Recent research highlights, synthesis of current state of knowledge, and identification of uncertainties in New England cottontail conservation
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2018 | 1:40 PM – 5:00 PM
Organizers: Adrienne Kovach, University of New Hampshire, [email protected]; Amanda E. Cheeseman, State University of New York Environmental Science & Forestry ([email protected])
Overview: The New England cottontail is a strict habitat specialist that relies on the thick understory vegetation of early successional or shrubland habitats. Due to the decline in early successional forests, the New England cottontail has experienced severe population declines and a > 86% range contraction. As a result, the New England cottontail is a species of high priority conservation concern in the Northeast and was considered for federal listing under the ESA. This initiated a widely acclaimed, collaborative, conservation initiative that culminated in the 2015 decision that the species did not warrant protection under the ESA, due to extensive conservation efforts already underway. Nonetheless, much uncertainty remains about the species’ ecology, viability, and population status, as well as the success of ongoing management efforts. This session will bring together a broad group of researchers to provide new insights into numerous aspects of the species’ biology, ecology, population genetic structure, and vulnerability to risks of landscape fragmentation, isolation, habitat degradation, interspecific competition, disease, and parasites. In drawing on these recent research findings, this symposium will overview the current state of knowledge about the species and the latest tools employed in research and conservation. Our aim is also to identify knowledge gaps and provide suggestions for addressing uncertainties in areas most relevant for successful conservation management.
Themes: Recent research highlights, synthesis of current state of knowledge, and identification of uncertainties in New England cottontail conservation
CANCELED: (S-06) Resiliency and Credibility in the 21st Century
(S-07) Aquatic Connectivity
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Organizer: Gabe Gries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, [email protected]
Overview: Improving aquatic connectivity is widely embraced by many state, federal, and non-governmental organizations as a means of strengthening populations of migratory and resident aquatic species. While new projects, prioritization methodologies, communication efforts, and methods to monitor success are ongoing and changing, these efforts are not always communicated well among organizations. It is critical organizations share success and advancements in order to increase our collective conservation impact. For example, coordination across organizations will improve our ability to maximize conservation, benefit the public, establish and achieve goals, use resources wisely, and leverage expertise. Additionally, improved collaboration enables information and resources to be pooled, resulting in increased strategic planning when deciding which activities to undertake.
The objective of this symposium is to provide an opportunity for experts to meet, present, and discuss current topics in aquatic connectivity, including successful (and unsuccessful) projects, connectivity communication and outreach, project prioritization, measuring return on investment (e.g. biological, public safety, monetary), and how various organizations approach connectivity.
The objective of this symposium is to provide an opportunity for experts to meet, present, and discuss current topics in aquatic connectivity, including successful (and unsuccessful) projects, connectivity communication and outreach, project prioritization, measuring return on investment (e.g. biological, public safety, monetary), and how various organizations approach connectivity.
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Organizer: Gabe Gries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, [email protected]
Overview: Improving aquatic connectivity is widely embraced by many state, federal, and non-governmental organizations as a means of strengthening populations of migratory and resident aquatic species. While new projects, prioritization methodologies, communication efforts, and methods to monitor success are ongoing and changing, these efforts are not always communicated well among organizations. It is critical organizations share success and advancements in order to increase our collective conservation impact. For example, coordination across organizations will improve our ability to maximize conservation, benefit the public, establish and achieve goals, use resources wisely, and leverage expertise. Additionally, improved collaboration enables information and resources to be pooled, resulting in increased strategic planning when deciding which activities to undertake.
The objective of this symposium is to provide an opportunity for experts to meet, present, and discuss current topics in aquatic connectivity, including successful (and unsuccessful) projects, connectivity communication and outreach, project prioritization, measuring return on investment (e.g. biological, public safety, monetary), and how various organizations approach connectivity.
The objective of this symposium is to provide an opportunity for experts to meet, present, and discuss current topics in aquatic connectivity, including successful (and unsuccessful) projects, connectivity communication and outreach, project prioritization, measuring return on investment (e.g. biological, public safety, monetary), and how various organizations approach connectivity.
(S-08) Moose Management in the Northeast
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 8:00 AM – 2:40 PM
Organizers: James D. Murdoch (University of Vermont, [email protected]) and Cedric Alexander (Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, [email protected])
Overview: The moose (Alces alces) is an iconic species in the northeastern states that is important ecologically, economically, and culturally, and consequently a focus of wildlife management in the region. However, moose face management challenges often associated with population and health declines linked with ticks, climate, and land use patterns. Population changes can affect harvest and management approaches of state agencies. This symposium focuses on challenges and opportunities for moose management in the Northeast. We invite presentations on all facets of moose biology and management in the region.
Theme: Moose management
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 8:00 AM – 2:40 PM
Organizers: James D. Murdoch (University of Vermont, [email protected]) and Cedric Alexander (Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, [email protected])
Overview: The moose (Alces alces) is an iconic species in the northeastern states that is important ecologically, economically, and culturally, and consequently a focus of wildlife management in the region. However, moose face management challenges often associated with population and health declines linked with ticks, climate, and land use patterns. Population changes can affect harvest and management approaches of state agencies. This symposium focuses on challenges and opportunities for moose management in the Northeast. We invite presentations on all facets of moose biology and management in the region.
Theme: Moose management
(S-09) Ongoing and Emerging Threats to Wildlife Health in the Northeast, U.S
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Organizers: Julie Ellis, Tufts University, [email protected]; Krysten L. Schuler, Wildlife Health Lab, Cornell University ([email protected])
Overview: Disease emergence and resurgence threatens the sustainability of healthy population levels and long-term survival for many wildlife species in the Northeast. Disease outbreaks in wildlife can erode biodiversity and threaten ecosystem health. This symposium brings together university researchers and state agency staff to present their findings on diseases that are significant to wildlife conservation, as well as diseases that are transmitted between wildlife and domestic animals. Symposium speakers will provide information on a diverse array of topics pertaining to wildlife health, including: the recent epizootics of Hemorrhagic Disease (HD) in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), emerging diseases of amphibians, lead in Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), factors affecting moose health in New York, mange in black bears (Ursus americanus), mass mortality of Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), canine distemper in fisher (Pekania pennant) populations, and threats to Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) health. Through this symposium, we seek to raise the profile of wildlife disease research and management in the region.
Theme: Wildlife Health in the Northeast, U.S.
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Organizers: Julie Ellis, Tufts University, [email protected]; Krysten L. Schuler, Wildlife Health Lab, Cornell University ([email protected])
Overview: Disease emergence and resurgence threatens the sustainability of healthy population levels and long-term survival for many wildlife species in the Northeast. Disease outbreaks in wildlife can erode biodiversity and threaten ecosystem health. This symposium brings together university researchers and state agency staff to present their findings on diseases that are significant to wildlife conservation, as well as diseases that are transmitted between wildlife and domestic animals. Symposium speakers will provide information on a diverse array of topics pertaining to wildlife health, including: the recent epizootics of Hemorrhagic Disease (HD) in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), emerging diseases of amphibians, lead in Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), factors affecting moose health in New York, mange in black bears (Ursus americanus), mass mortality of Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), canine distemper in fisher (Pekania pennant) populations, and threats to Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) health. Through this symposium, we seek to raise the profile of wildlife disease research and management in the region.
Theme: Wildlife Health in the Northeast, U.S.
(S-10) Connecting Habitats Across the Northeast: The Staying Connected Initiative as a Multi-scaled, Multi-pronged Approach to Large Landscape Conservation
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Organizer: Jens Hawkins-Hilke, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
Overview: The Staying Connected Initiative (SCI) is a bi-national collaboration of over forty partners – including conservation groups, universities, and public transportation and natural resource agencies – working since 2009 to ensure landscape connections across the globally significant, 80 million-acre Northern Appalachian-Acadian region. To sustain a connected forested landscape at this scale, SCI partners use an innovative, multi-pronged approach including conservation science, land protection, land use planning, engagement with private landowners, transportation mitigation, and policy advocacy.
In this symposium, speakers will provide examples of how this multi-faceted approach is applied on the ground, at state and provincial levels, and at the regional scale.
Theme: Habitat Connectivity Across the Northern Appalachian Region
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Organizer: Jens Hawkins-Hilke, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
Overview: The Staying Connected Initiative (SCI) is a bi-national collaboration of over forty partners – including conservation groups, universities, and public transportation and natural resource agencies – working since 2009 to ensure landscape connections across the globally significant, 80 million-acre Northern Appalachian-Acadian region. To sustain a connected forested landscape at this scale, SCI partners use an innovative, multi-pronged approach including conservation science, land protection, land use planning, engagement with private landowners, transportation mitigation, and policy advocacy.
In this symposium, speakers will provide examples of how this multi-faceted approach is applied on the ground, at state and provincial levels, and at the regional scale.
Theme: Habitat Connectivity Across the Northern Appalachian Region
(S-11) One Health Practice and Wildlife Management: Standing at the Crossroads
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 2:00 PM – 4:20 PM
Organizers: Michelle Kneeland, Biodiversity Research Institute, [email protected]; Charles Lubelczyk, Maine Medical Center Research Institute ([email protected]); Pauline Kamath, School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine ([email protected])
Overview: The global “One Health” movement aims to increase interdisciplinary efforts to improve the health of humans, animals, and our environment, under the recognition that they are closely intertwined. Infectious diseases have demonstrated an ability to cross species barriers, affecting animal (wild and domestic) as well as human populations. With unprecedented rates of environmental change, the distribution and abundance of animal, vector, and pathogen populations are shifting, highlighting an urgent need to identify effective strategies for disease management. In addition to infectious disease, vector-borne agents, environmental contaminants, and biotoxins from harmful algal blooms are further examples of current health issues that span the realms of environmental, human, and wildlife health.
Despite increasing recognition of the importance of One Health concepts, implementation of interdisciplinary approaches for both effective wildlife management strategies and wildlife health surveillance remains difficult. In this symposium, we will highlight current efforts working to implement One Health approaches through the lens of wildlife management. We invite speakers to present case studies on wildlife health issues that are of concern to public and environmental health in the Northeastern United States, as well as novel techniques that bring together the fields of public health, veterinary health, and wildlife ecology. Participation is encouraged from professionals with diverse perspectives (wildlife biologists and managers, ecologists, veterinarians, public health officials) involved in the study or management of wildlife health.
Theme: Wildlife Health & One Health
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 2:00 PM – 4:20 PM
Organizers: Michelle Kneeland, Biodiversity Research Institute, [email protected]; Charles Lubelczyk, Maine Medical Center Research Institute ([email protected]); Pauline Kamath, School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine ([email protected])
Overview: The global “One Health” movement aims to increase interdisciplinary efforts to improve the health of humans, animals, and our environment, under the recognition that they are closely intertwined. Infectious diseases have demonstrated an ability to cross species barriers, affecting animal (wild and domestic) as well as human populations. With unprecedented rates of environmental change, the distribution and abundance of animal, vector, and pathogen populations are shifting, highlighting an urgent need to identify effective strategies for disease management. In addition to infectious disease, vector-borne agents, environmental contaminants, and biotoxins from harmful algal blooms are further examples of current health issues that span the realms of environmental, human, and wildlife health.
Despite increasing recognition of the importance of One Health concepts, implementation of interdisciplinary approaches for both effective wildlife management strategies and wildlife health surveillance remains difficult. In this symposium, we will highlight current efforts working to implement One Health approaches through the lens of wildlife management. We invite speakers to present case studies on wildlife health issues that are of concern to public and environmental health in the Northeastern United States, as well as novel techniques that bring together the fields of public health, veterinary health, and wildlife ecology. Participation is encouraged from professionals with diverse perspectives (wildlife biologists and managers, ecologists, veterinarians, public health officials) involved in the study or management of wildlife health.
Theme: Wildlife Health & One Health
(S-12) Closing the Loop: NRCS-supported Outcome-based Monitoring Informs Habitat Conservation on Working Lands in the Northeast
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 1:40 PM – 5:20 PM
Organizer: Charles Rewa, USDA NRCS
Overview: The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to landowners to voluntarily apply conservation practices on working agricultural and forest lands, including practices beneficial to at-risk fish and wildlife species. Wildlife species associated with early successional habitats in predominantly forested Northeastern landscapes are disproportionately among priority species for conservation, including Species of Greatest Conservation Need identified by State Wildlife Action Plans. Therefore, management of young forest and other early successional habitats is a priority for NRCS related conservation assistance in the Northeast. The NRCS Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) wildlife component is supporting outcome-based assessments of the benefits NRCS-supported practices provide target wildlife species. The purpose of this symposium is to present how these benefits are being assessed, highlight emerging findings, and describe how assessment outcomes are used to inform delivery of landowner assistance in working landscapes to optimize benefits to target at-risk wildlife species.
Theme: The theme focuses on how science and outcome-based monitoring is used to focus and adapt NRCS habitat management technical and financial assistance to private landowners in the Northeast to benefit at-risk target wildlife species.
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 | 1:40 PM – 5:20 PM
Organizer: Charles Rewa, USDA NRCS
Overview: The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to landowners to voluntarily apply conservation practices on working agricultural and forest lands, including practices beneficial to at-risk fish and wildlife species. Wildlife species associated with early successional habitats in predominantly forested Northeastern landscapes are disproportionately among priority species for conservation, including Species of Greatest Conservation Need identified by State Wildlife Action Plans. Therefore, management of young forest and other early successional habitats is a priority for NRCS related conservation assistance in the Northeast. The NRCS Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) wildlife component is supporting outcome-based assessments of the benefits NRCS-supported practices provide target wildlife species. The purpose of this symposium is to present how these benefits are being assessed, highlight emerging findings, and describe how assessment outcomes are used to inform delivery of landowner assistance in working landscapes to optimize benefits to target at-risk wildlife species.
Theme: The theme focuses on how science and outcome-based monitoring is used to focus and adapt NRCS habitat management technical and financial assistance to private landowners in the Northeast to benefit at-risk target wildlife species.