2024 ARCHIVES | Workshops
The following high-quality pre-conference workshops were offered on Sunday, April 21, 2024 as part of the 2024 Annual Conference.
W-01: Small Fishways II Workshop
SUNDAY APRIL 21st; 8:30AM - 5:30PM (includes lunch and an afternoon field trip)
Fee: No Fee
Contact: Alex Haro, Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory, [email protected]; [email protected]
Co-organizers: Ben Gahagan, Diadromous Fish Biologist, MA Division of Marine Fisheries; Abigail Archer, Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist, Barnstable County Cooperative Extension, MA; Bryan Sojkowski, Hydraulic Engineer, Fish Passage Engineering, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Region
Overview:
This workshop will provide an overview and history of design and evaluation of small (less than 5 meters in height) fishways in eastern North America, and current techniques for biological and hydraulic evaluation of various fishway designs, including Denil, Alaska steeppass, pool and weir, and nature-like fishways. It will build on the very successful Small Fishways I workshop, held at the Joint Meeting of the Northeastern Division and Southern New England Chapter of the American Fisheries in Boston in January 2023. Background presentations will be given by biologists and engineers currently working in the field of fish passage technology and application in the region. The workshop will also feature brief case studies of fishway successes and failures and a compilation of fishway performance data and application.
An optional afternoon field trip to nearby operating fishways will also be offered; cost for the field trip will be covered by the organizers. The workshop is also partially sponsored by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which has offered to cover costs for recording the workshop presentations and offer the recorded workshop to ASMFC patrons beyond the New England area.
Intended Audience: The target participants are federal, state and local agencies, as well as NGO, local government, and watershed organization staff interested in development and evaluation of small fishways, nature-like fishways, and dam removals.
SUNDAY APRIL 21st; 8:30AM - 5:30PM (includes lunch and an afternoon field trip)
Fee: No Fee
Contact: Alex Haro, Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory, [email protected]; [email protected]
Co-organizers: Ben Gahagan, Diadromous Fish Biologist, MA Division of Marine Fisheries; Abigail Archer, Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist, Barnstable County Cooperative Extension, MA; Bryan Sojkowski, Hydraulic Engineer, Fish Passage Engineering, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Region
Overview:
This workshop will provide an overview and history of design and evaluation of small (less than 5 meters in height) fishways in eastern North America, and current techniques for biological and hydraulic evaluation of various fishway designs, including Denil, Alaska steeppass, pool and weir, and nature-like fishways. It will build on the very successful Small Fishways I workshop, held at the Joint Meeting of the Northeastern Division and Southern New England Chapter of the American Fisheries in Boston in January 2023. Background presentations will be given by biologists and engineers currently working in the field of fish passage technology and application in the region. The workshop will also feature brief case studies of fishway successes and failures and a compilation of fishway performance data and application.
An optional afternoon field trip to nearby operating fishways will also be offered; cost for the field trip will be covered by the organizers. The workshop is also partially sponsored by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which has offered to cover costs for recording the workshop presentations and offer the recorded workshop to ASMFC patrons beyond the New England area.
Intended Audience: The target participants are federal, state and local agencies, as well as NGO, local government, and watershed organization staff interested in development and evaluation of small fishways, nature-like fishways, and dam removals.
W-02: Navigating the Wilderness: Crafting a Successful TWS Student Conclave
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 9AM - 4PM (includes continental breakfast and box lunch)
Fee: $25 for students; $35 for professionals
Contact: Valorie Titus, Associate Professor, [email protected]
Co-organizers: Megan Linske, Past President, The Wildlife Society, Northeast Section
Overview:
This workshop will be geared toward students, faculty, and professionals involved with The Wildlife Society interested in bringing the NE Student Conclave back to the Section. The objective of the proposed workshop is to unite individuals interested in organizing the Wildlife Society Student Conclave in the Northeast Section, providing them with valuable insights and collaborative skills essential for planning and executing a successful event in wildlife conservation. The workshop encompasses key elements such as understanding the Wildlife Society's mission, conclave planning essentials, budgeting, funding strategies, event logistics, program development, promotion, registration, risk management, and networking opportunities. Participants will gain practical knowledge and a comprehensive toolkit to contribute to the advancement of wildlife conservation through successful event planning.
Intended Audience: Students, Faculty, Professional Volunteers
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 9AM - 4PM (includes continental breakfast and box lunch)
Fee: $25 for students; $35 for professionals
Contact: Valorie Titus, Associate Professor, [email protected]
Co-organizers: Megan Linske, Past President, The Wildlife Society, Northeast Section
Overview:
This workshop will be geared toward students, faculty, and professionals involved with The Wildlife Society interested in bringing the NE Student Conclave back to the Section. The objective of the proposed workshop is to unite individuals interested in organizing the Wildlife Society Student Conclave in the Northeast Section, providing them with valuable insights and collaborative skills essential for planning and executing a successful event in wildlife conservation. The workshop encompasses key elements such as understanding the Wildlife Society's mission, conclave planning essentials, budgeting, funding strategies, event logistics, program development, promotion, registration, risk management, and networking opportunities. Participants will gain practical knowledge and a comprehensive toolkit to contribute to the advancement of wildlife conservation through successful event planning.
Intended Audience: Students, Faculty, Professional Volunteers
W-03: Safety in the Field Workshop for Students and Early Career Professionals
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 9AM - 12PM
Fee: No Fee
Note: if you are also planning to attend the Habitat Restoration Field Trip in the afternoon, you’ll need to bring your own lunch and be ready to meet the carpool by 12:20 p.m.
Contact: John Gutzeit, Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, [email protected]
Overview:
Fieldwork is often an essential aspect of a biologist’s job at one point or another. Whether you;re out for a couple of hours or backpacking for a days, you should feel confident in your ability to properly prepare for a trip, navigate unknown terrain, and remain safe in the field. In this workshop you will learn how to plan and prepare for the field, how to read a map and compass, introduction to wilderness first aid with some advance tips, and we provide you with additional resources to advance your knowledge and skill in field-safety practices.
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 9AM - 12PM
Fee: No Fee
Note: if you are also planning to attend the Habitat Restoration Field Trip in the afternoon, you’ll need to bring your own lunch and be ready to meet the carpool by 12:20 p.m.
Contact: John Gutzeit, Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, [email protected]
Overview:
Fieldwork is often an essential aspect of a biologist’s job at one point or another. Whether you;re out for a couple of hours or backpacking for a days, you should feel confident in your ability to properly prepare for a trip, navigate unknown terrain, and remain safe in the field. In this workshop you will learn how to plan and prepare for the field, how to read a map and compass, introduction to wilderness first aid with some advance tips, and we provide you with additional resources to advance your knowledge and skill in field-safety practices.
W-04: Habitat Restoration Field Trip to Frances Crane Wildlife Management Area
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 1PM - 4PM
Fee: No Fee
*NOTE: For those looking to carpool and/or to follow the convoy, please meet at the main entrance of the Hotel at 12:20pm.
Contact: Chalis Bird, [email protected]
Overview:
Join MassWildlife on an interactive walkthrough of Frances Crane Wildlife Management Area. The sandplain grassland and pitch pine-scrub oak woodland found at Crane WMA are inhabited by more than 20 species listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. During this field trip, participants will explore the WMA and stop to discuss the importance of native grasslands, the use of prescribed fire, and the conservation of vulnerable species. Please meet at Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area North (41.63410826637129, -70.56093608703497) for 1pm.
This is an outdoor activity; please dress for the weather including close-toed shoes meant for hiking/walking.
Intended Audience: Students and early career professionals are highly encouraged, habitat/wildlife professionals are also welcome.
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 1PM - 4PM
Fee: No Fee
*NOTE: For those looking to carpool and/or to follow the convoy, please meet at the main entrance of the Hotel at 12:20pm.
Contact: Chalis Bird, [email protected]
Overview:
Join MassWildlife on an interactive walkthrough of Frances Crane Wildlife Management Area. The sandplain grassland and pitch pine-scrub oak woodland found at Crane WMA are inhabited by more than 20 species listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. During this field trip, participants will explore the WMA and stop to discuss the importance of native grasslands, the use of prescribed fire, and the conservation of vulnerable species. Please meet at Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area North (41.63410826637129, -70.56093608703497) for 1pm.
This is an outdoor activity; please dress for the weather including close-toed shoes meant for hiking/walking.
Intended Audience: Students and early career professionals are highly encouraged, habitat/wildlife professionals are also welcome.
W-05: Implementing the Relevancy Roadmap
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 1-5PM
Fee: $20
Contact: Ann Forstchen, Relevancy Specialist, Wildlife Management Institute, [email protected]
Co-organizers: Tovar Cerulli - Clearwater Communications
Overview:
Using instruction, group discussion, and hands-on practice this workshop will continue the discussion of how conservation of fish and wildlife contributes to everyone’s quality of life and how conservation agencies are working to understand and be relevant to more people in their state. Workshop presenters (from Wildlife Management Institute, Metropolitan Group and staff from several state agencies) will share their expertise in working with many state agencies to implement the Relevancy Roadmap and share what worked, what didn’t, important lessons learned along the states’ relevancy journeys, and how to get started. Participants will learn from and with each other to get started on their relevancy journey but the workshop will also be informative to those who are in the midst of their journey. The workshop presenters will share resources developed and compiled during a 5-month training program in 2023 with over 50 people from state conservation agencies – including assessment tools, guidance documents, journal and popular articles, discussion questions and more. The workshop will provide participants with the tools to help their agency get started on their relevancy journey and connect them to the growing national network of people working to improve conservation outcomes by engaging broader constituencies.
Intended Audience: mid-level professionals, but students are welcome
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 1-5PM
Fee: $20
Contact: Ann Forstchen, Relevancy Specialist, Wildlife Management Institute, [email protected]
Co-organizers: Tovar Cerulli - Clearwater Communications
Overview:
Using instruction, group discussion, and hands-on practice this workshop will continue the discussion of how conservation of fish and wildlife contributes to everyone’s quality of life and how conservation agencies are working to understand and be relevant to more people in their state. Workshop presenters (from Wildlife Management Institute, Metropolitan Group and staff from several state agencies) will share their expertise in working with many state agencies to implement the Relevancy Roadmap and share what worked, what didn’t, important lessons learned along the states’ relevancy journeys, and how to get started. Participants will learn from and with each other to get started on their relevancy journey but the workshop will also be informative to those who are in the midst of their journey. The workshop presenters will share resources developed and compiled during a 5-month training program in 2023 with over 50 people from state conservation agencies – including assessment tools, guidance documents, journal and popular articles, discussion questions and more. The workshop will provide participants with the tools to help their agency get started on their relevancy journey and connect them to the growing national network of people working to improve conservation outcomes by engaging broader constituencies.
Intended Audience: mid-level professionals, but students are welcome
W-06: Wildlife Mortality Investigation Workshop
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 1-5PM
Fee: $20
Contact: Melanie Kunkel, NEAFWA Regional Fish and Wildlife Health Coordinator, NEAFWA, [email protected]
Co-organizers: Krysten Schuler, Cornell University, Assistant research professor; Martin Feehan, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Deer & moose biologist and wildlife health specialist
Overview:
Wildlife mortality investigations often occur unexpectedly and pose unique challenges to wildlife management agencies. Rapid responses by agency first responders, including biologists, managers, and wardens, are critical to understand and manage threats to wildlife populations and human and domestic animal health. The purpose of this workshop is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for and respond to wildlife mortality events efficiently and safely. The following topics will be covered: field biosecurity and biosafety measures; comprehensive data collection, including history; biological specimen collection, storage, and transport; and carcass/waste disposal. Participants will engage in a hands-on, mock wildlife mortality field investigation, including initial field investigation, personal protective equipment considerations, and biological specimen collection and disposal. The mock mortality investigation will focus on highly pathogenic avian influenza, a pathogen that recently has caused high mortalities in numerous species in the northeast and poses a threat to wildlife, human, and domestic health, necessitating the need for rapid field responses by agency personnel. Post-mortem methods for evaluating for Parelaphostrongylus tenuis (commonly referred to as brain worm or meningeal worm), a common parasite that causes neurologic disease and death in moose and elk populations in the northeast, will also be demonstrated. The course will be taught be wildlife health professionals, and copies of the materials (e.g., PDFs, PowerPoints) will be provided to all participants.
Intended Audience: Wildlife professionals, technicians, and students
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 1-5PM
Fee: $20
Contact: Melanie Kunkel, NEAFWA Regional Fish and Wildlife Health Coordinator, NEAFWA, [email protected]
Co-organizers: Krysten Schuler, Cornell University, Assistant research professor; Martin Feehan, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Deer & moose biologist and wildlife health specialist
Overview:
Wildlife mortality investigations often occur unexpectedly and pose unique challenges to wildlife management agencies. Rapid responses by agency first responders, including biologists, managers, and wardens, are critical to understand and manage threats to wildlife populations and human and domestic animal health. The purpose of this workshop is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for and respond to wildlife mortality events efficiently and safely. The following topics will be covered: field biosecurity and biosafety measures; comprehensive data collection, including history; biological specimen collection, storage, and transport; and carcass/waste disposal. Participants will engage in a hands-on, mock wildlife mortality field investigation, including initial field investigation, personal protective equipment considerations, and biological specimen collection and disposal. The mock mortality investigation will focus on highly pathogenic avian influenza, a pathogen that recently has caused high mortalities in numerous species in the northeast and poses a threat to wildlife, human, and domestic health, necessitating the need for rapid field responses by agency personnel. Post-mortem methods for evaluating for Parelaphostrongylus tenuis (commonly referred to as brain worm or meningeal worm), a common parasite that causes neurologic disease and death in moose and elk populations in the northeast, will also be demonstrated. The course will be taught be wildlife health professionals, and copies of the materials (e.g., PDFs, PowerPoints) will be provided to all participants.
Intended Audience: Wildlife professionals, technicians, and students
W-07: It's Time to Flip the Script on Conservation Messages
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 1-5PM
Fee: $50
Contact: Brooke Tully, LLC
Overview: We work hard to reach and engage audiences in adopting planet-friendly behaviors, and it's frustrating when we don't see the level of traction and momentum we need. Yet the hard truth is that our traditional communication approaches are no longer working hard enough for us. It's time to flip the script!
We'll explore practical ways of motivating action for the planet through a mix of activities, individual processing time, more extensive group discussions, and presentations. By the end of the workshop, you will be equipped with the skills to:
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st; 1-5PM
Fee: $50
Contact: Brooke Tully, LLC
Overview: We work hard to reach and engage audiences in adopting planet-friendly behaviors, and it's frustrating when we don't see the level of traction and momentum we need. Yet the hard truth is that our traditional communication approaches are no longer working hard enough for us. It's time to flip the script!
We'll explore practical ways of motivating action for the planet through a mix of activities, individual processing time, more extensive group discussions, and presentations. By the end of the workshop, you will be equipped with the skills to:
- Prioritize specific behaviors or actions to promote.
- Clarify priority audiences for communication and outreach efforts.
- Identify tangible and psychological barriers to behavior change.
- Select message frames and approaches that help overcome psychological barriers.