Special Symposia Announced!
We received a fantastic response to the Call for Symposia, and are pleased to announce that 24 special symposia have been selected for inclusion in the program! Each symposia is a series of integrated presentations that address aspects of a single topic or theme. Read their overviews and learn more here.
Symposia will be included as part of the technical program and will run concurrently with other technical sessions. All individual presentations within a special symposium, including those that have been invited, need to submit abstracts through the online form.
Symposia will be included as part of the technical program and will run concurrently with other technical sessions. All individual presentations within a special symposium, including those that have been invited, need to submit abstracts through the online form.
1. Advancing Bat Conservation Through Research and Management in the Midwest
Type: Open
Overview: This symposium will showcase emerging research and management strategies that strengthen bat conservation. Presentations will highlight advancing solutions for white‑nose syndrome, strengthening habitat resilience, and elevating key life‑history insights to accelerate meaningful, science‑based conservation outcomes across the Midwest and North America.
Contact: John DePue, Bat Specialist/ Bat HCP Coordinator, Michigan DNR - Wildlife Division, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Maarten Vonhof Professor of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University
2. Advancing Bird Conservation Through Strategic Partnerships
Type: Open
Overview: Bird conservation depends on strong partnerships among conservation organizations, agencies, landowners, and communities. This symposium will highlight collaborative approaches advancing marsh bird conservation, Bird-Friendliness Index development, habitat restoration, and working lands initiatives while sharing lessons for scaling effective conservation across the Great Lakes region.
Contact: Kylie McElrath, MI Conservation Manager, Audubon Great Lakes, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Stephanie Beilke, Senior Manager Conservation Science, Audubon Great Lakes
3. Advancing Social Science and Human Dimensions to Shape the Future of Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Type: Open
Overview: Midwest fish and wildlife agencies are increasingly integrating conservation social science to address emerging conservation opportunities and challenges. This symposium will feature applied research and an interactive workshop to identify regional priorities for research, capacity building, collaboration, and public engagement that will help shape the future of conservation practice.
Contact: Emily Pomeranz, Assistant Professor, Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Ellie Prentice, PhD, Social Science Unit Supervisor, Missouri Department of Conservation; Kiandra Rajala, Midwest Regional Social Scientist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Adam Landon, Ph.D., Conservation Social Scientist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Ben Beardmore, Ph.D., Natural Resources Sociologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
4. American Marten in the Great Lakes Region
Type: Open
Overview: The American marten (Martes americana) is a heavily managed ecologically and culturally significant furbearer species across the Great Lakes Region. This symposium aims to bring together researchers and managers across the region to share knowledge and better inform conservation of this unique species.
Contact: Angela Kujawa, Wildlife biologist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Kevin Haynes, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians; Bob Sanders, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Anna Ryan, United States Forest Service; Paul Keenlance, Grand Valley State University
5. Building the Climate Adaptation Workforce in the Midwest
Type: Invite Only
Overview: This symposium will showcase graduate student and postdoctoral research that is producing actionable science to inform fish, wildlife, water, and land management in the Midwest.
Contact: olivia ledee, Regional Administrator, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, USGS, [email protected]
6. Celebrating and Centering Indigenous Knowledge in Fisheries and Wildlife Stewardship
Type: Open
Overview: This symposia is focused on centering indigenous knowledge and engagement in natural resource management using standard presentation format as well as a panel Q&A to encourage discussion.
Contact: Emily Martin, Fisheries Biologist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jen Rees and Clay Buchanan (MDNR); MJ Oubre (Fruits by the Fish)
7. Connecting Science and Stewardship: Partnership Success Stories from the Midwest
Type: Invite Only
Overview: This symposium will highlight collaborative conservation efforts that demonstrate how partnerships among agencies, universities, NGOs, Tribes, and private organizations are improving biodiversity conservation and land stewardship throughout the region.
Contact:
Co-Organizers: Co-Organizers: Jesse Lincoln, Michelle Busch, Clay Wilton
8. Conservation and Best Management of the Northern Mudpuppy in the Midwest
Type: Open
Overview: The Northern Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is declining throughout portions of the Great Lakes region due to habitat degradation, disease, and other stressors. This symposium highlights emerging research on habitat use, monitoring techniques, conservation genetics, and management strategies to support the long-term conservation of this ecologically important amphibian.
Contact: David Mifsud, Herpetologist, Herpetological Resource and Management, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: The Michigan Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (MARC)
9. Coral Reefs of the Midwest: Research and Conservation of Vernal Pools as Essential Habitat for Wildlife
Type: Open
Overview: Vernal pools are seasonally flooded wetlands that provide essential habitat for wildlife. However, they can be difficult to identify in the field and receive limited protection. Lack of information about vernal pools also hampers their management. This symposium will highlight advances in vernal pool research and conservation in the Midwest.
Contact: Abby Pointer, Associate Director of Community Engagement and Partnership, Michigan Nature Association, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Northeast-Midwest Vernal Pools Collaborative (Yu Man Lee, Michigan Natural Features Inventory; Abby Pointer and Andrew Myers, Michigan Nature Association; Laura Bourgeau-Chavez, Michigan Tech Research Institute)
10. Embracing the Past While Navigating Future Challenges of Coldwater Fish Culture, Management, and Research
Type: Open
Overview: Coldwater fish culture and management have conserved, restored, and maintained Midwestern recreational fisheries for over 150 years. Join us as hatchery managers, fisheries biologists, researchers, engineers, and resource managers explore the history, science, research, and current coldwater fish culture and management practices that support these regional fisheries.
Contact: Natalie Coash, Coldwater Research Specialist, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: The Salmonid Technical Committee of the North Central Division of AFS:
Mike Siepker (Iowa Dept of Natural Resources, Decorah, IA; [email protected]), Natalie Coash (Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Columbia, MO, [email protected]), and Aaron Switzer (Michigan Dept of Natural Resources, [email protected])
11. Emerging Aquatic Stressors with the Potential to Impact Fish Health in the Midwest
Type: Open
Overview: We will gather highlights about the impact of emerging biotic and abiotic stressors modulating fish health and their physiological or pathobiological responses in the Midwest Region. We welcome surveillance studies, clinical reports, and experimental approaches.
Contact: Dr. Bartolomeo Gorgoglione, DVM, Ph.D., Michigan State University, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Prof. Peter Douwe Dijkstra; Social behavior and physiology laboratory, Department of Biology; Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan; [email protected]
12. Exploring the Final Frontier of the Great Lakes: Emerging Science for Fisheries Management of Offshore and Deepwater Ecosystems
Type: Open
Overview: Offshore and deepwater habitats comprise most of the Great Lakes by volume yet remain among the least studied ecosystems. This symposium will highlight emerging science and management applications involving offshore fishes, food webs, habitat, monitoring, and conservation, with emphasis on burbot, lake trout, deepwater ciscoes, sculpins, and ecosystem connectivity.
Contact: Shawn Sitar, Fisheries Research Biologist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jill Olin, Michigan Technological University; Gord Paterson, Michigan Technological University
13. From Field to Future: Navigating a Career in Fisheries and Wildlife
Type: Invite Only
Overview: This symposium will focus on professional development and skills for students and early career professionals.
Contact: Gary Potts, Past President, The Wildlife Society & IL DNR (Retired), [email protected]
Co-Organizers: MFWC Student Committee members: Samantha Courtney, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Email: [email protected], Phone: 989-217-7055, Gary Potts, North Central Section of The Wildlife Society, Email: [email protected], cell: 618-322-0758
14. Herptile Health and Disease
Type: Open
Overview: This session will focus on health and disease of reptiles and amphibians, including updates on research and emerging disease.
Contact: Scott Larsen, Wildlife Veterinarian, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Kristin Wildman, Michigan DNR
15. Interagency Collaboration: Federal, State and Tribal Partnership
Type: Open
Overview: This symposium will highlight interagency collaborations that center indigenous knowledge through co-developed projects to benefit fish and wildlife populations. Presenters will provide insights learned throughout the process of project development, implementation, communication and the benefits to fish and wildlife populations.
Contact: Clay Buchanan, [email protected]
16. Laying the Groundwork for Wildlife Crossings in the Midwest (withdrawn)
Type: Invite Only
Overview: The symposium will provide diverse interdisciplinary perspectives on wildlife crossings from the international to state level scale, including funding, partnerships, and political support. The morning session will focus on broad scale considerations, while the afternoon session will focus on state level perspectives. Each session will conclude with a panel discussion.
Contact: Jared Duquette, Human-Wildlife Interactions Specialist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Amanda Novak, Michigan Department of Transportation; Caleb Knerr, Missouri Department of Transportation
17. Passive Acoustic Monitoring in Wildlife Research and Management
Type: Open
Overview: This session is for anyone using passive acoustic monitoring, such as autonomous recording units, to meet research and management objectives. We are especially interested in presentations focused on innovation, efficiencies gained, and problem solving using this technology. We will end with a panel discussion emphasizing tips, tricks, and expert advice.
Contact: Marie Perkins, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jason Riddle, Madelyn Slaven, Ava Cross-Weisbeck - University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
18. Recovering Eastern Massasaugas: What Have We Learned Over the Past Decade?
Type: Open
Overview: This symposium will focus on what has been learned through the implementation of conservation activities over the past decade, while highlighting recent research findings that will inform future efforts to recover the Eastern Massasauga.
Contact: Gregory Lipps, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Coordinator, The Ohio State University, [email protected]
Co-Organizer: Eric Hileman
19. Somewhere Over the Invasion Curve: Emerging and collaborative approaches with prevention, early detection, and applied management of invasive species
Type: Open
Overview: Invasive species disrupt fish, wildlife, and their habitats. This symposium aims to cover all stages of the invasive curve while highlighting interdisciplinary, collaborative, and innovative applied approaches to aquatic and terrestrial invasive species management in the Midwest, with sessions on prevention, early detection & response, and managing established species.
Contact: Katie Grzesiak, Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Justin Bopp, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, MI DNR
20. The Riverine Acoustic Fish Telemetry Network: Connecting Rivers and Researchers
Type: Open
Overview: The symposium provides a presentation and discussion space for researchers directly involved in ongoing acoustic telemetry projects, as well as those planning future projects in the Mississippi River Basin.
Contact: Marybeth Brey, Fish Biologist, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Andrea Fritts, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
21. The Role of Zoos, Aquariums, Museums, and Similar Institutions in Midwest Wildlife Conservation: Head-starting and Fieldwork
Type: Open
Overview: Zoos, aquariums, museums, and partner organizations play an increasingly important role in wildlife conservation across the Midwest. This symposium will highlight innovative research, collaborative partnerships, and practical conservation strategies that bridge animal care, science, and on-the-ground species recovery.
Contact: Matt Cross, Director of Vertebrate Conservation, The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Alyssa Schwarzenberg, Toledo Zoo and Aquarium; Bill Flanagan, John Ball Zoo; Callie Klatt Golba, Curator of Turtle Conservation, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, Chicago, IL. Email: [email protected]; Mic Rohde, PhD Candidate, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Email: [email protected]
22. Two Decades in the CWD Trenches: Looking Back to Move Forward
Type: Open
Overview: Twenty years into Chronic Wasting Disease management in the Midwest, what have we learned? This symposium invites abstracts reflecting on the science, strategy, and communication shaping CWD response across the Midwest specifically focusing on using successes to shortcomings to inform management.
Contact: Tricia Fry, Fish and Wildlife Health Coordinator, MAFWA, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Chad Stewart, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Sonja Christensen, Michigan State University
23. Wave the Flag or Ride the Wave? Alternatives to Walleye Management
Type: Open
Overview: Is Walleye management stuck in the mindset that “once a Walleye lake, always a Walleye lake,” or should there be a shift to promote new fisheries in historic Walleye lakes while continuing to appropriately manage those Walleye populations that are maintaining status quo or expanding?
Contact: Jason Gostiaux, Fisheries Biologist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Logan Zebro (South Dakota State University), Joe Rydell (Nebraska Game and Parks Commission), Colin Dassow (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources), and Dylan Gravenhof (South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks)
24. Wetlands vs. Streams – Seeking the Path of Holistic Restoration
Type: Open
Overview: Practical stream restoration often incorporates wetland function as a project component. Wetland restoration often augments stream health. These opportunities for complimentary restoration are not universally executed. Should co-restoration opportunities result in necessity? What best management practices exist when one targeted project (wetland/stream) jeopardizes the health of the other?
Contact: Patrick Ertel, Habitat Management Unit, Michigan DNR - Fisheries, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Randall Knapik, Michigan DNR - Wildlife
25. Wildlife Capture and Immobilization
Type: Open
Overview: Research and Updated Practices on Capture and Immobilization of Wildlife
Contact: Scott Larsen, Wildlife Veterinarian, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Type: Open
Overview: This symposium will showcase emerging research and management strategies that strengthen bat conservation. Presentations will highlight advancing solutions for white‑nose syndrome, strengthening habitat resilience, and elevating key life‑history insights to accelerate meaningful, science‑based conservation outcomes across the Midwest and North America.
Contact: John DePue, Bat Specialist/ Bat HCP Coordinator, Michigan DNR - Wildlife Division, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Maarten Vonhof Professor of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University
2. Advancing Bird Conservation Through Strategic Partnerships
Type: Open
Overview: Bird conservation depends on strong partnerships among conservation organizations, agencies, landowners, and communities. This symposium will highlight collaborative approaches advancing marsh bird conservation, Bird-Friendliness Index development, habitat restoration, and working lands initiatives while sharing lessons for scaling effective conservation across the Great Lakes region.
Contact: Kylie McElrath, MI Conservation Manager, Audubon Great Lakes, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Stephanie Beilke, Senior Manager Conservation Science, Audubon Great Lakes
3. Advancing Social Science and Human Dimensions to Shape the Future of Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Type: Open
Overview: Midwest fish and wildlife agencies are increasingly integrating conservation social science to address emerging conservation opportunities and challenges. This symposium will feature applied research and an interactive workshop to identify regional priorities for research, capacity building, collaboration, and public engagement that will help shape the future of conservation practice.
Contact: Emily Pomeranz, Assistant Professor, Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Ellie Prentice, PhD, Social Science Unit Supervisor, Missouri Department of Conservation; Kiandra Rajala, Midwest Regional Social Scientist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Adam Landon, Ph.D., Conservation Social Scientist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Ben Beardmore, Ph.D., Natural Resources Sociologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
4. American Marten in the Great Lakes Region
Type: Open
Overview: The American marten (Martes americana) is a heavily managed ecologically and culturally significant furbearer species across the Great Lakes Region. This symposium aims to bring together researchers and managers across the region to share knowledge and better inform conservation of this unique species.
Contact: Angela Kujawa, Wildlife biologist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Kevin Haynes, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians; Bob Sanders, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Anna Ryan, United States Forest Service; Paul Keenlance, Grand Valley State University
5. Building the Climate Adaptation Workforce in the Midwest
Type: Invite Only
Overview: This symposium will showcase graduate student and postdoctoral research that is producing actionable science to inform fish, wildlife, water, and land management in the Midwest.
Contact: olivia ledee, Regional Administrator, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, USGS, [email protected]
6. Celebrating and Centering Indigenous Knowledge in Fisheries and Wildlife Stewardship
Type: Open
Overview: This symposia is focused on centering indigenous knowledge and engagement in natural resource management using standard presentation format as well as a panel Q&A to encourage discussion.
Contact: Emily Martin, Fisheries Biologist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jen Rees and Clay Buchanan (MDNR); MJ Oubre (Fruits by the Fish)
7. Connecting Science and Stewardship: Partnership Success Stories from the Midwest
Type: Invite Only
Overview: This symposium will highlight collaborative conservation efforts that demonstrate how partnerships among agencies, universities, NGOs, Tribes, and private organizations are improving biodiversity conservation and land stewardship throughout the region.
Contact:
Co-Organizers: Co-Organizers: Jesse Lincoln, Michelle Busch, Clay Wilton
8. Conservation and Best Management of the Northern Mudpuppy in the Midwest
Type: Open
Overview: The Northern Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is declining throughout portions of the Great Lakes region due to habitat degradation, disease, and other stressors. This symposium highlights emerging research on habitat use, monitoring techniques, conservation genetics, and management strategies to support the long-term conservation of this ecologically important amphibian.
Contact: David Mifsud, Herpetologist, Herpetological Resource and Management, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: The Michigan Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (MARC)
9. Coral Reefs of the Midwest: Research and Conservation of Vernal Pools as Essential Habitat for Wildlife
Type: Open
Overview: Vernal pools are seasonally flooded wetlands that provide essential habitat for wildlife. However, they can be difficult to identify in the field and receive limited protection. Lack of information about vernal pools also hampers their management. This symposium will highlight advances in vernal pool research and conservation in the Midwest.
Contact: Abby Pointer, Associate Director of Community Engagement and Partnership, Michigan Nature Association, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Northeast-Midwest Vernal Pools Collaborative (Yu Man Lee, Michigan Natural Features Inventory; Abby Pointer and Andrew Myers, Michigan Nature Association; Laura Bourgeau-Chavez, Michigan Tech Research Institute)
10. Embracing the Past While Navigating Future Challenges of Coldwater Fish Culture, Management, and Research
Type: Open
Overview: Coldwater fish culture and management have conserved, restored, and maintained Midwestern recreational fisheries for over 150 years. Join us as hatchery managers, fisheries biologists, researchers, engineers, and resource managers explore the history, science, research, and current coldwater fish culture and management practices that support these regional fisheries.
Contact: Natalie Coash, Coldwater Research Specialist, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: The Salmonid Technical Committee of the North Central Division of AFS:
Mike Siepker (Iowa Dept of Natural Resources, Decorah, IA; [email protected]), Natalie Coash (Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Columbia, MO, [email protected]), and Aaron Switzer (Michigan Dept of Natural Resources, [email protected])
11. Emerging Aquatic Stressors with the Potential to Impact Fish Health in the Midwest
Type: Open
Overview: We will gather highlights about the impact of emerging biotic and abiotic stressors modulating fish health and their physiological or pathobiological responses in the Midwest Region. We welcome surveillance studies, clinical reports, and experimental approaches.
Contact: Dr. Bartolomeo Gorgoglione, DVM, Ph.D., Michigan State University, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Prof. Peter Douwe Dijkstra; Social behavior and physiology laboratory, Department of Biology; Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan; [email protected]
12. Exploring the Final Frontier of the Great Lakes: Emerging Science for Fisheries Management of Offshore and Deepwater Ecosystems
Type: Open
Overview: Offshore and deepwater habitats comprise most of the Great Lakes by volume yet remain among the least studied ecosystems. This symposium will highlight emerging science and management applications involving offshore fishes, food webs, habitat, monitoring, and conservation, with emphasis on burbot, lake trout, deepwater ciscoes, sculpins, and ecosystem connectivity.
Contact: Shawn Sitar, Fisheries Research Biologist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jill Olin, Michigan Technological University; Gord Paterson, Michigan Technological University
13. From Field to Future: Navigating a Career in Fisheries and Wildlife
Type: Invite Only
Overview: This symposium will focus on professional development and skills for students and early career professionals.
Contact: Gary Potts, Past President, The Wildlife Society & IL DNR (Retired), [email protected]
Co-Organizers: MFWC Student Committee members: Samantha Courtney, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Email: [email protected], Phone: 989-217-7055, Gary Potts, North Central Section of The Wildlife Society, Email: [email protected], cell: 618-322-0758
14. Herptile Health and Disease
Type: Open
Overview: This session will focus on health and disease of reptiles and amphibians, including updates on research and emerging disease.
Contact: Scott Larsen, Wildlife Veterinarian, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Kristin Wildman, Michigan DNR
15. Interagency Collaboration: Federal, State and Tribal Partnership
Type: Open
Overview: This symposium will highlight interagency collaborations that center indigenous knowledge through co-developed projects to benefit fish and wildlife populations. Presenters will provide insights learned throughout the process of project development, implementation, communication and the benefits to fish and wildlife populations.
Contact: Clay Buchanan, [email protected]
16. Laying the Groundwork for Wildlife Crossings in the Midwest (withdrawn)
Type: Invite Only
Overview: The symposium will provide diverse interdisciplinary perspectives on wildlife crossings from the international to state level scale, including funding, partnerships, and political support. The morning session will focus on broad scale considerations, while the afternoon session will focus on state level perspectives. Each session will conclude with a panel discussion.
Contact: Jared Duquette, Human-Wildlife Interactions Specialist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Amanda Novak, Michigan Department of Transportation; Caleb Knerr, Missouri Department of Transportation
17. Passive Acoustic Monitoring in Wildlife Research and Management
Type: Open
Overview: This session is for anyone using passive acoustic monitoring, such as autonomous recording units, to meet research and management objectives. We are especially interested in presentations focused on innovation, efficiencies gained, and problem solving using this technology. We will end with a panel discussion emphasizing tips, tricks, and expert advice.
Contact: Marie Perkins, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jason Riddle, Madelyn Slaven, Ava Cross-Weisbeck - University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
18. Recovering Eastern Massasaugas: What Have We Learned Over the Past Decade?
Type: Open
Overview: This symposium will focus on what has been learned through the implementation of conservation activities over the past decade, while highlighting recent research findings that will inform future efforts to recover the Eastern Massasauga.
Contact: Gregory Lipps, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Coordinator, The Ohio State University, [email protected]
Co-Organizer: Eric Hileman
19. Somewhere Over the Invasion Curve: Emerging and collaborative approaches with prevention, early detection, and applied management of invasive species
Type: Open
Overview: Invasive species disrupt fish, wildlife, and their habitats. This symposium aims to cover all stages of the invasive curve while highlighting interdisciplinary, collaborative, and innovative applied approaches to aquatic and terrestrial invasive species management in the Midwest, with sessions on prevention, early detection & response, and managing established species.
Contact: Katie Grzesiak, Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Justin Bopp, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, MI DNR
20. The Riverine Acoustic Fish Telemetry Network: Connecting Rivers and Researchers
Type: Open
Overview: The symposium provides a presentation and discussion space for researchers directly involved in ongoing acoustic telemetry projects, as well as those planning future projects in the Mississippi River Basin.
Contact: Marybeth Brey, Fish Biologist, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Andrea Fritts, USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
21. The Role of Zoos, Aquariums, Museums, and Similar Institutions in Midwest Wildlife Conservation: Head-starting and Fieldwork
Type: Open
Overview: Zoos, aquariums, museums, and partner organizations play an increasingly important role in wildlife conservation across the Midwest. This symposium will highlight innovative research, collaborative partnerships, and practical conservation strategies that bridge animal care, science, and on-the-ground species recovery.
Contact: Matt Cross, Director of Vertebrate Conservation, The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Alyssa Schwarzenberg, Toledo Zoo and Aquarium; Bill Flanagan, John Ball Zoo; Callie Klatt Golba, Curator of Turtle Conservation, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, Chicago, IL. Email: [email protected]; Mic Rohde, PhD Candidate, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Email: [email protected]
22. Two Decades in the CWD Trenches: Looking Back to Move Forward
Type: Open
Overview: Twenty years into Chronic Wasting Disease management in the Midwest, what have we learned? This symposium invites abstracts reflecting on the science, strategy, and communication shaping CWD response across the Midwest specifically focusing on using successes to shortcomings to inform management.
Contact: Tricia Fry, Fish and Wildlife Health Coordinator, MAFWA, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Chad Stewart, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Sonja Christensen, Michigan State University
23. Wave the Flag or Ride the Wave? Alternatives to Walleye Management
Type: Open
Overview: Is Walleye management stuck in the mindset that “once a Walleye lake, always a Walleye lake,” or should there be a shift to promote new fisheries in historic Walleye lakes while continuing to appropriately manage those Walleye populations that are maintaining status quo or expanding?
Contact: Jason Gostiaux, Fisheries Biologist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Logan Zebro (South Dakota State University), Joe Rydell (Nebraska Game and Parks Commission), Colin Dassow (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources), and Dylan Gravenhof (South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks)
24. Wetlands vs. Streams – Seeking the Path of Holistic Restoration
Type: Open
Overview: Practical stream restoration often incorporates wetland function as a project component. Wetland restoration often augments stream health. These opportunities for complimentary restoration are not universally executed. Should co-restoration opportunities result in necessity? What best management practices exist when one targeted project (wetland/stream) jeopardizes the health of the other?
Contact: Patrick Ertel, Habitat Management Unit, Michigan DNR - Fisheries, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Randall Knapik, Michigan DNR - Wildlife
25. Wildlife Capture and Immobilization
Type: Open
Overview: Research and Updated Practices on Capture and Immobilization of Wildlife
Contact: Scott Larsen, Wildlife Veterinarian, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
