2018 Joint Annual Meeting

Portland.jpg

ORTWS_Logo.jpg     WATWS_Logo.jpg     SNVB_Logo   NWPARC_Logo

 

Regional Strategies Addressing Global Challenges for Wildlife and Habitat Conservation

Oregon Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Washington Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology, and Northwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

February 13-16, Portland, Oregon

Red Lion Hotel on the Shore

Jantzen Beach

 

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, February 13

  • NW PARC Hosted Training:

Standard and Novel Amphibian inventory and Monitoring Techniques

Wednesday, February 14

  • Associated Meetings
  • Plenary with Thomas Lovejoy
  • Hosted Lunch
  • Oral Presentations
    • White Nose Syndrome
    • Invasive Species
    • Marine Mammals
    • Ecological Responses to Intensive Forest Management
    • Renewable Energy
    • Non-lead
    • Conservation Funding
  • Evening Activities
    • Student Resume Session
    • Hosted Welcome Reception and Mixer
    • Poster Session
    • Photo Contest
    • Student Quiz Bowl

Thursday, February 15

  • NW PARC Reptile Session
  • Oral Presentations
    • Wildlife Connectivity
    • Forest Carnivores
    • Technical Sessions subject TBD
    • IGNITE!
  • SNVB members Lunch
  • ORTWS Presidents Lunch
  • Evening Activities
    • ORTWS Membership Meeting
    • Evening Banquet – awards and auction

Friday, February 16

  • WATWS Business Meeting
  • Field Trips*
    • Oregon Zoo Conservation Tour
    • Amphibian Egg Mass Monitoring
  • Workshops*
    • Data Wrangling – The basics of data analysis
    • Science Talk NW
    • White-nose Syndrome/Pd Surveillance Best Practices
    • Native Bee Workshop
    • Facilitation and Conflict Management for Wildlife Biologists

 

*Separate registration required

REGISTRATION

You may register as a Member if you are a current member of ORTWS, WATWS, TWS, SNVB, or NW PARC.

PRICES*

Early Bird Member (Available until January 23) – $165

Early Bird Student (Available until January 23) – $50

Member (After January 23)- $200

Retired Member – $125

Student (After January 23) – $75

Non-Member – $225

One Day Registration – $100

Vendors – $100

REGISTER HERE

 

*10/23/17 – Some prices were adjusted due to miscalculations and/or unanticipated costs.  Sorry for any inconvenience. Questions or concerns can be emailed to ortws.secretary@gmail.com.

LODGING

RED LION HOTEL ON THE SHORE JANTZEN BEACH

To book a hotel room visit Red Lion’s event page for the annual meeting. A special rate of $139 per night will be available for conference attendees.  Please use the link above for the Red Lion event page to reserve your room using the special rate. If you need to reserve a room over the phone call the hotel directly at 503-283-4466 and reference the 2018 Annual Meeting.

For more hotel information follow link to Red Lion Hotel on the Shore Jantzen Beach

 

OTHER NEARBY HOTELS 

Need to state you are part of the “2018 Joint Meeting” to reserve rooms for the special rate and conference block of rooms.

 

PROGRAM COVER CONTEST

Artists, doodlers, and daydreamers! Pick up your pens, paintbrushes, or pencils and share your artistic talents at the meeting. It’s colder, darker, and wetter out there and besides enjoying the migrations and winter preparations of our fauna it’s a great time to display your work in 2 dimensional mediums.

We are currently accepting original artwork to grace the cover of our 2017 program. Submissions should be of a size that can be reproduced on a portrait oriented 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper. Meeting Chairs will select a winner from the submissions.

Please submit your artwork before January 13, 2018 to teal.waterstrat@gmail.com with the subject line 2018 Program Cover Art and attach your submission as a JPG, PDF, TIFF or other extension. You will get full credit for your work in the meeting program and it will be archived on our website.  Even if the cover isn’t the best fit for your work, we would love to use them throughout the program. To see past program cover art from 2012 to 2017 art check out the SNVB meeting history page.

STUDENT LODGING OPPORTUNITIES

Oregon and Washington Chapters of The Wildlife Society, Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology, and Northwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation are collaborating to provide some free student lodging for use during their 2018 Joint Meeting held in Portland, Oregon.

Undergraduate and graduate students in biological and natural resources programs (wildlife, forestry, conservation biology, zoology, environmental communication, etc.) that have an interest in attending the Joint Meeting are encouraged to apply for a lodging incentive. The incentive is free lodging for 3 nights (13, 14, and 15 February 2018) at Red Lion Hotel on the Shore – Jantzen Beach in Portland, OR, the host facility for the Joint Meeting. Any students selected will be expected to volunteer 4-6 hours of time prior to or during the Meeting to help with the program.

This incentive is part of efforts by the partner organizations to promote student participation in the Joint Meeting by making the cost of meeting attendance more affordable for students.

To be considered, complete and submit the Application Form included below by 8 January 2018.

Email completed form to Bruce Thompson bcthompson248@gmail.com

 

Student Lodging Incentive Application-2018JtMtg

 

 

EARLY CAREER PROFESSIONALS LODGING AND REGISTRATION OPPORTUNITIES

Oregon and Washington Chapters of The Wildlife Society are collaborating to provide FREE registration OR lodging for 20 early career professionals for use during the 2018 Joint Meeting held in Portland, Oregon.

Lodging support will cover the full cost for 3 nights (13, 14, and 15 February 2018) at Red Lion Hotel on the Shore – Jantzen Beach in Portland, OR. Each room will be occupied by up to 4 people. Rooms will feature two standard queen size beds (additional pull out beds may also be available upon request). Please indicate on the application form your preference for room sharing. Incidental room charges, registration costs, and meals are the responsibility of the recipient.

Registration support will cover full registration costs to attend the 4 day annual meeting (13, 14, 15, and 16 February 2018) at the Early Bird member rate of $165.00. Registration includes admission to the banquet on the 15th. Additional registration cost for workshops, meals and incidentals are the responsibility of the recipient.

To apply you should be:

  • Within 6 years of receiving a baccalaureate degree in a natural resource field
  • Employed or seeking employment in the wildlife profession or an associated natural resource field.
  • Be a current member of either the Oregon or Washington Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Oregon annual chapter member dues are $15 and Washington are $10, can be paid at the time of registration.
  • For lodging support only: able to show you have registered to attend at least two days of the annual meeting in Portland within one week of selection. This will ensure that you can register at the Early Bird member price of $165.

*We encourage early career professionals taking advantage of this offer to participate in offered workshops (particularly the Speaking to the Public Workshop, $20) and to attend the free business meetings. These are both great opportunities for you to strengthen your skills and network with mentors and colleagues.

To be considered, complete and submit the Application Form included here by 8 January 2018. Email completed entries to Lindsey Webb Lwebb@hnrg.com

Early Career Funding Application_2018mtg

Associated Meeting Open For All To Attend

Joint Oregon/Washington animal ranking meeting

The Washington Natural Heritage Program and Oregon Biodiversity Information Center maintain lists of rare, threatened and endangered species in their respective states. Species on the lists are ranked, and the lists are used by state and federal agencies to identify sensitive and special status species.

A joint meeting to discuss rare vertebrate species from Oregon and Washington, the ranking process, and the resultant ranks will be held on Wednesday, February 14 in conjunction with the  Oregon and Washington Chapters of The Wildlife Society, Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology, and Northwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Joint Meeting.  The meeting will start at 8:00 am and last until 10:00 am when the keynote address begins for the meeting.  The ranking meeting is open to all, but we request people register so we can alert you to proposed changes to the lists as the meeting date approaches.  The current Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species list for Oregon is available at http://inr.oregonstate.edu/orbic/rare-species/rare-species-oregon-publications . The Washington Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species list is available at http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/animals.html. This is your opportunity to submit information on rarity, threats, trends, local data and knowledge, and professional judgment.

You can bring your recommendations for species additions, deletions, changes to rank, distribution or list, or any other changes to the meeting or send them prior to Eleanor Gaines (eleanor.gaines@pdx.edu) for Oregon species, or John Fleckenstein (john.fleckenstein@dnr.wa.gov) for Washington species.  A spreadsheet with recommendations submitted will be summarized and posted to the above websites prior to the meeting; copies will be available at the meeting. Registered participants will be notified when the spreadsheet is updated.

To register for the  ranking meeting, please email eleanor.gaines@pdx.edu . There is no registration fee. The meeting room will be announced to registered participants when assigned, and will be posted on the above websites.  Please forward to others who may have information to share.

TRAINING’S, WORKSHOPS & FIELD TRIPS

 

Training Course: Standard & Novel Amphibian Inventory & Monitoring Techniques

Course Lead: Elke Wind, Amphibian Ecologist, E. Wind Consulting

Date: Tuesday, February 13th

Location: Portland Expo Center (2060 N Marine Dr., Portland, OR)

Length: 8:30am-5:00pm (8 hours)

Cost: $99 (non-student); $56(student)

Class Size: 50

Overview: Participants will learn about standard and novel techniques used by experts to inventory, monitor, and track amphibians, such as species identification, handling, photography, funnel trapping, eDNA, radio telemetry, camera traps, and drones. The course will consist of an in-class component and hands-on field training opportunities. Participants will receive an amphibian and reptile monitoring handbook.

 

Field Trip: Oregon Zoo Conservation Tour

Lead: David Shephardson PhD, ORTWS President and Deputy Conservation Manager, Oregon Zoo

Date: Friday, February 15th

Length: 9:30am-12:30pm (3 hours)

Cost: $17.00

Group Size: 30

Overview: Behind the scene tour of the the Oregon Zoo’s species recovery programs with Deputy Conservation Manager David Shepherdson.  Starts at the Oregon Zoo front gate. Lunch not included, stay at the zoo for the rest of the day if you want.

 

WORKSHOP FULL – Workshop: Data Wrangling – The basics of data analysis

Workshop lead: Seth Harju, Biometrician, Heron Ecological, LLC

Date: Friday, February 15th

Length: 8:00am-11:00am (3 hours)

Cost: $21

Class Size: 20

Overview:  This workshop is intended for wildlife biologists who want to improve their understanding of the fundamentals of wildlife and ecological data analysis, regardless of prior statistical training.  The workshop will focus on helping participants gain a better understanding of: 1.) the nature of ecological and wildlife data (e.g., data distributions, inherent analytical challenges, etc.), 2.) how the data and the research question drive the analysis (e.g., common research/monitoring questions, order of operations, etc.), 3.) how different types of statistical analyses are related to each other (e.g., statistical tools fall into different family types), and 4.) common mistakes made in statistical analyses (e.g., misinterpreting p-values and confidence intervals, violating statistical assumptions, etc.).  Through these areas of focus, the ultimate goal of the workshop is to explain some of the ‘art’ in the ‘art of statistics’.  It will also discuss some of the first steps to do when wrangling data for a report or analysis.

Materials: For those interested in following along on their own laptop, participants are encouraged to bring a laptop with the freeware Program R and RStudio installed (R code will be provided beforehand).

 

Workshop: Communication & Conflict Resolution Skills Double Workshop Session

Date: Friday, February 16th

Time: 8:30am-12:40pm (4 hours)

Cost: $21

Class Size: 35

This is a two-part workshop session which will focus on building communication and conflict resolution skills. The first session will take place from 8:30am-10:30am, and the second session will take place from 10:40-12:40pm.

Workshop Session A: Confident and Clear Science Communication by Science Talk (formally Science Talk NW)

  • Overview: Want to get comfortable presenting your research? Employers have told ORTWS they are looking for scientists who can communicate clearly and concisely. This workshop will help you prepare for your next speaking engagement, and to engage with different audiences including other researchers, policymakers, journalists, and the lay public. There will also be a special focus on interacting with the public on controversial issues. Science without communication is silent – let’s make some noise!
  • Workshop leaders: Steven Sobieszczyk is an earth scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, adjunct professor at Portland State University, and public speaking blogger/podcaster. He is heavily involved in science communication, video production, media relations, and public engagement, especially with Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) programs. Steve recently finished a stint as media lead and spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management in California.  Allison Coffin is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Washington State University Vancouver. She has more than 10 years of experience teaching communication workshops to a variety of scientific and professional audiences. Dr. Coffin runs the science communication website communicatalyst.com and is a long-time member of Toastmasters International. Both Steve and Alli are on the Executive Board for Science Talk, a professional science communication organization.

Workshop Session B: Building Skills for Difficult and Controversial Community Situations

  • Overview: Increasingly land managers and wildlife biologists are being brought into multi-stakeholder groups to help with difficult problems that require consideration of both science and social values. Wild horse management, water rights, dry forest restoration, living with predators are just a few examples of complex problems that require sound facilitation and leadership if solutions are to be sought. Alas many of us in scientific professions feel far more comfortable in our content expert role and can struggle when it comes to facilitating community conflict. Poor process can erode trust among stakeholders and impede progress. Relying on a foundation of making best available science understandable, and utilizing active listening, facilitation and meeting management skills, and developing an ability to recognize conflict as a necessary part of group process can help communities move from a place of polarization to finding common ground and solutions. This interactive workshop will present case studies, tips and techniques, resources, and will provide opportunities for you to work on your own real-life situations.
  • Workshop Leaders: Nicole Strong, Assistant Professor of Practice, Oregon State University Extension, Forestry and Natural Resources, Central Oregon. Nicole realized, as a young field biologist in 1995, that all the research in the world is for naught if you don’t engage community members in stewardship and decision-making. Nicole has been teaching facilitation and conflict management skills to professionals and landowners in Oregon and throughout Latin America for 17 years. Nicole has an M.S. in Forest Resources from Pennsylvania State University, a B.S. in Wildlife Sciences from Purdue University, and is proud to have served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala (1999-2001). Lauren Grand, Assistant Professor of Practice, Oregon State University Extension, Forestry and Natural Resources, Lane County. Lauren chose a career in extension 4 years ago because she believes the usefulness of research is only as good as its dissemination to the land managers that put it to practice. She has a BS in Environmental Science and Education from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Master’s Degree in Forest Resources from University of Washington. She has spent several years of her career conducting forest ecology research throughout Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Lauren has also worked in the private sector as a sustainability and wood certification consultant for a wood manufacturing company in Vietnam.

 

Workshop: White-nose Syndrome / Pd Surveillance Best Practices Workshop

Date: Friday, February 16th

Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (4 hours)

Cost: $21 for materials (bring your own lunch)

Class Size: 25

Overview: The focus of the workshop will be to provide hands-on training with subject matter experts on surveillance and equipment decontamination techniques in the field. The target audience is agency biologists, contractors, students, and scientists conducting bat research in the western United States that complements national surveillance efforts for P. destructans. The workshop will include a 1.5 hour lecture and a 1.5 hour laboratory. The laboratory session will provide hands-on training in field techniques for Pd surveillance, sample collection from bats and the environment, long-wave UV screening methods, and decontamination procedures for equipment and clothing. The objectives of this workshop are:

  1. To provide a forum for information sharing and networking among institutions, agencies, and scientists working with bats or in their roosting environments in the era of WNS.
  2. To facilitate understanding of various surveillance strategies for WNS/Pd and provide technical training on available sampling techniques and biosecurity measures to improve one’s confidence and efficiency in implementation.

Workshop lead: Julia D. Burco, ODFW Wildlife Veterinarian; Anne Ballmann, USGS Veterinarian, others TBD

 

FIELD TRIP FULL   – Field Trip: Amphibian Egg Mass Monitoring

Trip lead: Katy Weil

Date: Friday, February 16th

Length: 9:00am-12:00pm (3 hours)

Cost: $0

Group Size: 10

Overview:  Opportunity to visit a regional wetland to complete a survey for four pond-breeding amphibian species.  Training will be provided, including a safety overview and discussion of effectiveness monitoring within a natural area restoration context.  It is recommended that participants be undeterred by inclement weather, knee-deep water, and mud.  Equipment provided, but please bring two extra pairs of socks (trust us on this one).  Additional information regarding conditions and any requirements is available upon request.

For up to 10 participants.  Shoe size required, as chest waders will be provided.  Email shoe size to Katy.Weil@oregonmetro.gov if you will be attending this field trip.

 

Workshop: Native Bee Workshop

Date: Friday, February 16th

Length: 8:00am-5:00pm (8 hours)

Cost: $0

Class Size: 50

Overview:  The TWS Native Bee Workshop will provide an overview of pollinators (including their value to ecology, major taxonomic groups, and common threats) but will focus on native bees.  Presentations will include information about the life history and habitat requirements, distribution, adaptations, and morphological characteristics of the major bee families and genera of the Pacific Northwest. In addition to threats on pollinator habitat, you will learn about habitat restoration and management on natural lands and research projects being undertaken to better understand and monitor bee communities.  The workshop will also cover basic bee sampling methods and considerations for monitoring. It will provide ample time for questions and discussion to address the participants’ needs.  There will be a 1 hour break for lunch, but lunch will NOT be provided.

PHOTO CONTEST

Start taking photos for the photo contest at the annual meeting in February!! The Photo Contest is intended for amateur photographers and is limited to meeting attendees, so start thinking of which winning shot(s) you are going to enter!

Prizes will be awarded to category winners!

Photo Contest Rules

There are 3 options for submitting photos:

  1. Bring your printed and mounted photograph(s) to the annual meeting and turn them in at the Registration Desk. Cost is $2 to enter the photo contest.
  2. Submit your photo(s) digitally by uploading to dropbox for the photo contest to upload your photo(s). Dropbox login information will be provided when you register for the conference. We will print your photo(s) for you at the annual meeting for $1 extra ($3 total). Please name your photos with the following template: First_Last_Category.jpg
  3. Bring your photo(s) on a thumb drive to the annual meeting. You may then upload your digital photo to one of our computers at the registration desk. We will print your photo(s) for you at the annual meeting for $1 extra ($3 total). Please name your photos with the following template: First_Last_Category.jpg

 

  • All photos must be received by February 13th, 2018
  • Photos must be taken by the participant.
  • Photos should fit into the following categories:
  1. Birds
  2. Mammals
  3. Reptiles/Amphibians
  4. Other Critters
  5. Landscapes
  6. Everything else
  • Black-and-white and color prints (no slides) will be displayed and judged by meeting participants.
  • Photos must be of an inoffensive nature.
  • Print size: 5-in x 7-in minimum to 16-in x 20-in maximum.
  • Prints must be mounted on stiff backing or matted (or both).
  • There will be no glass over photos or any framing such as wood or metal.
  • Print your name, address, and category on the back of each photo.
  • Name of photographer must not be visible to the viewers.

 

AUCTION AND RAFFLE ITEMS

Looking for a way to give back to the wildlife profession and future professionals? Looking for a last minute tax deduction?

Help contribute to your organization by donating items for our annual raffle and silent auction that will be held at the 2018 Joint Annual Meeting. Nothing is too big or too small!

Proceeds benefit organizations by helping to provide funding for grants, scholarships and future annual meetings.

Please contact your organizations representative for more information or to coordinate donations. Please pass this on to those who may be interested in donating.

ORTWS – Julia Burco – ortws.beaver@gmail.com

WATWS – Lisa Dowling – ldowling@pheasantsforever.org

NW PARC – Lori Salzer – lori.salzer@dfw.wa.gov

SNVB – Teal Waterstrat – teal.waterstrat@gmail.com

TRIVIA CONTEST

Do you know some great wildlife related trivia? Test friends, colleagues and professionals with your trivia question! Send your questions and answers to ortws.meadowlark@gmail.com.  Trivia questions will be displayed on the big screen at the evening banquet Thursday, February 15th.  This is just for fun so prizes will not be awarded.

 

For additional questions, or if you are interested in volunteering contact Steering Committee Chairs for each organization.

John Goodell (ortws.vicepresident@gmail.com) Oregon Chapter TWS

Katy Stuart (katydstuart@gmail.com) Washington Chapter TWS

Teal Waterstrat (teal.waterstrat@gmail.com), SNVB

Betsy Howell (blhowell@fs.fed.us), NW PARC