Header Photo Courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation
2025 Special Symposia Overviews
The following special symposia will be included as part of the technical program and will run concurrently with the General Fisheries and General Wildlife Tracks. Each symposia will comprise a number of integrated presentations that address aspects of a single topic or theme. Read their overviews and learn more here.
S-01. Flight of Discovery: Bird Research & Monitoring within the Mississippi Flyway
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Tara Hohman, Conservation Science Manager, Audubon Upper Mississippi River, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Audubon UMR
Overview:
The Mississippi Flyway is a crucial corridor to breeding, wintering, and migratory birds. With around 365 species in North America using its pathway year-round, it provides ample opportunities for researchers to learn more about the needs of our feathered flying friends. In this open symposium we will discuss all things bird research and monitoring, with an emphasis on non-game species - including movement and migration patterns, habitat associations, conservation and monitoring efforts, and more. We hope that this discussion gives all an opportunity to learn, connect and collaborate around the variety of bird research in our vast region.
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Tara Hohman, Conservation Science Manager, Audubon Upper Mississippi River, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Audubon UMR
Overview:
The Mississippi Flyway is a crucial corridor to breeding, wintering, and migratory birds. With around 365 species in North America using its pathway year-round, it provides ample opportunities for researchers to learn more about the needs of our feathered flying friends. In this open symposium we will discuss all things bird research and monitoring, with an emphasis on non-game species - including movement and migration patterns, habitat associations, conservation and monitoring efforts, and more. We hope that this discussion gives all an opportunity to learn, connect and collaborate around the variety of bird research in our vast region.
S-02. Connecting the Dots: Addressing Aquatic Habitat Fragmentation Across the Midwest
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Eric Rahm, Stream Biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Christopher Cheek, Assistant Professor, Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University
Rob Hunt, Director of Resilient Waters, The Nature Conservancy
Jodi Whittier, Assistant Reseach Professor, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri
Jahn Kallis, Fish Habitat and Fish Passage Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Overview:
Aquatic habitat fragmentation is a major cause of declining aquatic biodiversity across the globe. Streams fragmented by dams, road crossings, or diversions can isolate required habitats limiting survival, growth, and/or reproduction for aquatic organisms. Watersheds with high levels of fragmentation often have lower levels of species resilience to anthropogenic and environmental stressors, i.e. flooding, drought, flow alteration, and water quality impacts. Barriers also pose a threat to human health and safety as many are poorly constructed with limited maintenance, often resulting in catastrophic failure and pose a significant drowning risk. State and regional partnerships are rapidly forming across the country to conduct barrier inventories and populate the National Aquatic Barrier Inventory & Prioritization Tool (aquaticbarriers.org). Additional prioritization tools are being developed at the local, state, and regional levels to address species specific needs, watershed wide habitat connectivity, and address infrastructure deficiencies in disadvantaged communities. This symposium will highlight all aspects of aquatic connectivity including planning and partnerships, funding, barrier inventory and assessments, habitat connectivity modeling, and successful barrier removals.
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Eric Rahm, Stream Biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Christopher Cheek, Assistant Professor, Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University
Rob Hunt, Director of Resilient Waters, The Nature Conservancy
Jodi Whittier, Assistant Reseach Professor, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri
Jahn Kallis, Fish Habitat and Fish Passage Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Overview:
Aquatic habitat fragmentation is a major cause of declining aquatic biodiversity across the globe. Streams fragmented by dams, road crossings, or diversions can isolate required habitats limiting survival, growth, and/or reproduction for aquatic organisms. Watersheds with high levels of fragmentation often have lower levels of species resilience to anthropogenic and environmental stressors, i.e. flooding, drought, flow alteration, and water quality impacts. Barriers also pose a threat to human health and safety as many are poorly constructed with limited maintenance, often resulting in catastrophic failure and pose a significant drowning risk. State and regional partnerships are rapidly forming across the country to conduct barrier inventories and populate the National Aquatic Barrier Inventory & Prioritization Tool (aquaticbarriers.org). Additional prioritization tools are being developed at the local, state, and regional levels to address species specific needs, watershed wide habitat connectivity, and address infrastructure deficiencies in disadvantaged communities. This symposium will highlight all aspects of aquatic connectivity including planning and partnerships, funding, barrier inventory and assessments, habitat connectivity modeling, and successful barrier removals.
S-03. CWD: A Wicked Challenge
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Aaron Hildreth, Cervid Biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jason Isabelle - Missouri Department of Conservation
Deb Hudman - Missouri Department of Conservation
Sherri Russell - Missouri Department of Conservation
Tricia Fry - Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Overview:
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) poses significant challenges for wildlife management and conservation efforts. Infected populations can experience high mortality rates, leading to population declines, changes in hunter behavior, and changes in ecosystem dynamics. Addressing the challenges posed by CWD in regions with multiple border states requires proactive collaboration, communication, and coordination among stakeholders to develop effective management strategies and prevent the further spread of the disease. This coordination is essential to harmonize regulations, surveillance efforts, and management strategies.
We propose to hold a symposium geared toward open discussion of what hasn’t worked, what has worked, and what’s new about all things CWD. Potential topics include: surveillance, testing, communication, and management approaches with a preference for novel approaches to dealing with the disease. This symposium is not designed as a platform for presenting statewide CWD updates, but rather to move the needle forward in information sharing that will hopefully give symposium participants some ideas to take back home with them to their respective states. To that end, we propose to wrap-up the symposium with a panel discussion to facilitate broader conversation.
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Aaron Hildreth, Cervid Biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jason Isabelle - Missouri Department of Conservation
Deb Hudman - Missouri Department of Conservation
Sherri Russell - Missouri Department of Conservation
Tricia Fry - Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Overview:
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) poses significant challenges for wildlife management and conservation efforts. Infected populations can experience high mortality rates, leading to population declines, changes in hunter behavior, and changes in ecosystem dynamics. Addressing the challenges posed by CWD in regions with multiple border states requires proactive collaboration, communication, and coordination among stakeholders to develop effective management strategies and prevent the further spread of the disease. This coordination is essential to harmonize regulations, surveillance efforts, and management strategies.
We propose to hold a symposium geared toward open discussion of what hasn’t worked, what has worked, and what’s new about all things CWD. Potential topics include: surveillance, testing, communication, and management approaches with a preference for novel approaches to dealing with the disease. This symposium is not designed as a platform for presenting statewide CWD updates, but rather to move the needle forward in information sharing that will hopefully give symposium participants some ideas to take back home with them to their respective states. To that end, we propose to wrap-up the symposium with a panel discussion to facilitate broader conversation.
S-04. Building Resilient Salmonid Populations with Multi-faceted Management and Research Approaches
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM (Part 1) and 1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM (Part 2)
Contact: Michael Siepker, Fisheries Biologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: AFS NCD Salmonid Technical Committee and Missouri Trout Working Group - (Natalie Coash of University of Missouri, Andrew Glen of Missouri Department of Conservation, Jeremy Kientz of South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, and Michael Siepker of Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
Overview:
Salmonids remain a popular group of fishes among North American freshwater anglers and occupy diverse habitats ranging from small, headwater spring creeks to large standing waters such as the Great Lakes. Increased interest in salmonids has prompted additional work by conservation agencies to develop thriving and resilient salmonid populations to support the popular sport fishery. Advancing our understanding of salmonid fisheries requires multi-faceted approaches that consider ecosystem and climate-level effects as well as their interactions with local covariates such as habitat changes, stocking practices, and native fish management. Management challenges vary across regions and agencies; this symposium will provide an opportunity for culturists, managers, and researchers to share ideas on how partners can collaborate to protect and enhance salmonid fisheries. The session will also allow management agencies to showcase their novel approaches and current challenges in providing diverse angling opportunities to their constituents.
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM (Part 1) and 1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM (Part 2)
Contact: Michael Siepker, Fisheries Biologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: AFS NCD Salmonid Technical Committee and Missouri Trout Working Group - (Natalie Coash of University of Missouri, Andrew Glen of Missouri Department of Conservation, Jeremy Kientz of South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, and Michael Siepker of Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
Overview:
Salmonids remain a popular group of fishes among North American freshwater anglers and occupy diverse habitats ranging from small, headwater spring creeks to large standing waters such as the Great Lakes. Increased interest in salmonids has prompted additional work by conservation agencies to develop thriving and resilient salmonid populations to support the popular sport fishery. Advancing our understanding of salmonid fisheries requires multi-faceted approaches that consider ecosystem and climate-level effects as well as their interactions with local covariates such as habitat changes, stocking practices, and native fish management. Management challenges vary across regions and agencies; this symposium will provide an opportunity for culturists, managers, and researchers to share ideas on how partners can collaborate to protect and enhance salmonid fisheries. The session will also allow management agencies to showcase their novel approaches and current challenges in providing diverse angling opportunities to their constituents.
S-05. Working Lands & Resilient Streams: The Power of Partnering with Landowners
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Kristen Bouska, Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jodi Whittier, University of Missouri
Ryan Toot, US Forest Service
Craig Soupir, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Ben Lubinski, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Mike Siepker, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Heidi Keuler, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Overview:
The health of rivers and streams are inextricably connected to the watershed in which they flow. Throughout the agricultural Midwest, stewardship of aquatic resources relies upon collaboration among landowners, conservationists, and scientists to address the needs of local streams, farms, and fishes. Through this symposium, we aim to highlight case studies of successful stream fish habitat conservation efforts on private lands, share lessons learned and resources for engaging landowners to implement mutually beneficial conservation work that protects or improves fish habitat, and identify interdisciplinary research and management needs to continue support for landowner-led conservation efforts.
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Kristen Bouska, Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jodi Whittier, University of Missouri
Ryan Toot, US Forest Service
Craig Soupir, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Ben Lubinski, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Mike Siepker, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Heidi Keuler, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Overview:
The health of rivers and streams are inextricably connected to the watershed in which they flow. Throughout the agricultural Midwest, stewardship of aquatic resources relies upon collaboration among landowners, conservationists, and scientists to address the needs of local streams, farms, and fishes. Through this symposium, we aim to highlight case studies of successful stream fish habitat conservation efforts on private lands, share lessons learned and resources for engaging landowners to implement mutually beneficial conservation work that protects or improves fish habitat, and identify interdisciplinary research and management needs to continue support for landowner-led conservation efforts.
S-06. Restoring and Reconstructing Endangered Ecosystems in Missouri: Case Studies of Prairie, Savanna, Woodland and Wetland Natural Communities
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Michael Leahy, Natural Community Ecologist, Missouri Dept of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: John Vogel, MDC
Overview:
Throughout the Midwest native prairie, savanna, woodland and wetland natural communities have been greatly diminished by modern land uses. These natural communities support a multitude of native plant and animal species, many of which themselves are rare, threatened or endangered. In this symposium speakers will discuss case studies from Missouri where successful restoration and or reconstruction of these habitats have occurred. The speakers will discuss how restoration of plant communities and ecosystem processes have benefitted insect pollinators, birds, and herpetofauna. The presentations will also explore what best management practices have created successful restoration and reconstruction of these imperiled habitats.
1/20/2025 | 1:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Michael Leahy, Natural Community Ecologist, Missouri Dept of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: John Vogel, MDC
Overview:
Throughout the Midwest native prairie, savanna, woodland and wetland natural communities have been greatly diminished by modern land uses. These natural communities support a multitude of native plant and animal species, many of which themselves are rare, threatened or endangered. In this symposium speakers will discuss case studies from Missouri where successful restoration and or reconstruction of these habitats have occurred. The speakers will discuss how restoration of plant communities and ecosystem processes have benefitted insect pollinators, birds, and herpetofauna. The presentations will also explore what best management practices have created successful restoration and reconstruction of these imperiled habitats.
S-07. Sharing Knowledge Across Sub-basins: Invasive Carp in the Missouri River Basin and Beyond
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM (Part 1) and 1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Part 2)
Contact: Alison Coulter, Assistant Professor, South Dakota State University, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Kim Bogenschutz, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Caleb Aldridge, US Fish and Wildlife Service, [email protected]
Patrick Kroboth, US Geological Survey, [email protected]
BJ Schall, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, [email protected]
Overview:
Invasive carp [Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus, Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, and Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix] in the United States have been the targets of intensive management given their negative ecosystem impacts. Management efforts fostered rapid innovation and adaptation of management techniques. However, the timeframe of management varies geographically resulting in differences in expertise and knowledge across the Mississippi River Basin. This symposium aims to bring together knowledge and innovation in invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species management, facilitating communication among managers and researchers from across the US. Talks are encouraged that address management at different stages of the invasion process including prevention (risk assessment, horizon scanning, education, regulation, inspections), surveillance, monitoring, spread (deterrents and barriers), removal, and economic development. We also welcome talks that address methods for information sharing including those related to Invasive Carp Advisory Committee, databases, etc. The Missouri River Invasive Carp Partnership will host these talks and, as one of the newer sub-basin partnerships, looks forward to learning from those managing invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species.
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM (Part 1) and 1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Part 2)
Contact: Alison Coulter, Assistant Professor, South Dakota State University, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Kim Bogenschutz, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Caleb Aldridge, US Fish and Wildlife Service, [email protected]
Patrick Kroboth, US Geological Survey, [email protected]
BJ Schall, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, [email protected]
Overview:
Invasive carp [Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus, Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, and Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix] in the United States have been the targets of intensive management given their negative ecosystem impacts. Management efforts fostered rapid innovation and adaptation of management techniques. However, the timeframe of management varies geographically resulting in differences in expertise and knowledge across the Mississippi River Basin. This symposium aims to bring together knowledge and innovation in invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species management, facilitating communication among managers and researchers from across the US. Talks are encouraged that address management at different stages of the invasion process including prevention (risk assessment, horizon scanning, education, regulation, inspections), surveillance, monitoring, spread (deterrents and barriers), removal, and economic development. We also welcome talks that address methods for information sharing including those related to Invasive Carp Advisory Committee, databases, etc. The Missouri River Invasive Carp Partnership will host these talks and, as one of the newer sub-basin partnerships, looks forward to learning from those managing invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species.
S-08. Conservation of Crawfish Frogs and Other Amphibians and Reptiles of the Midwest
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM 5:00 PM (Part 1) and 1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Part 2)
Contact: Melissa Youngquist, Research Biologist, Shedd Aquarium, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Mark Mills, [email protected], Professor, Missouri Western State University
Nate Engbrecht, [email protected], Herpetologist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Jeff Briggler, [email protected], Herpetologist, Missouri Department of Conservation
Midwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Overview:
Midwestern amphibian and reptile populations continue to face multiple threats to their health and persistence including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, the illegal wildlife trade, and emerging diseases. Conservation of these taxa will require collaboration and cooperation from diverse stakeholders: local, federal, and tribal governments, research institutes, zoos and aquariums, non-profits, and the public. The first half of this symposium will focus on general conservation of amphibians and reptiles in the Midwestern US. The second half of the symposium focuses on the status and conservation of Crawfish Frogs, which are a grassland species that was recently designated as a Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This session will provide a species status update, share current management and recovery actions, and establish a collaborative network to focus on recovering this at-risk grassland species. Overall, this symposium, sponsored by Midwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, seeks to provide a platform to share current research, management actions, and technologies and to foster collaborations for the conservation of amphibians and reptiles.
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM 5:00 PM (Part 1) and 1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Part 2)
Contact: Melissa Youngquist, Research Biologist, Shedd Aquarium, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Mark Mills, [email protected], Professor, Missouri Western State University
Nate Engbrecht, [email protected], Herpetologist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Jeff Briggler, [email protected], Herpetologist, Missouri Department of Conservation
Midwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Overview:
Midwestern amphibian and reptile populations continue to face multiple threats to their health and persistence including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, the illegal wildlife trade, and emerging diseases. Conservation of these taxa will require collaboration and cooperation from diverse stakeholders: local, federal, and tribal governments, research institutes, zoos and aquariums, non-profits, and the public. The first half of this symposium will focus on general conservation of amphibians and reptiles in the Midwestern US. The second half of the symposium focuses on the status and conservation of Crawfish Frogs, which are a grassland species that was recently designated as a Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This session will provide a species status update, share current management and recovery actions, and establish a collaborative network to focus on recovering this at-risk grassland species. Overall, this symposium, sponsored by Midwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, seeks to provide a platform to share current research, management actions, and technologies and to foster collaborations for the conservation of amphibians and reptiles.
S-09. Conservation Social Science: Informing Management and Enhancing Engagement in the Midwest
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Ellie Prentice, Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Science Unit Supervisor, [email protected]
Overview:
The conservation and management of fish and wildlife resources is a dynamic interplay between people and nature. With new research, engagement, evaluation, and attention to the social context of both management decisions and agency governance, a greater emphasis is being placed on understanding the social side of conservation. This symposium is hosted by the MAWFA Conservation Social Science / Human Dimensions technical working group to a) showcase social science research that is relevant to fish and wildlife conservation and management and agency outreach and engagement strategies, and b) to provide a forum for interaction for social scientists from across the region. In particular, this symposium will include several talks related to the appropriate use of angler creel data for management decision making. This is an open symposium, and authors are encouraged to submit relevant research on topics pertaining to the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and their habitats, and the engagement of the public in conservation-related activities, drawing on the theories and methods of sociology, psychology, economics, anthropology, and other social sciences. This symposium will help facilitate discussion of how social science can address conservation challenges in the region and identify opportunities for collaboration and coordination across boundaries. We encourage submissions that relate to the conference theme of “the road to resiliency: from surviving to thriving in conservation” but submissions on all topics engaging social science approaches are welcome.
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Ellie Prentice, Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Science Unit Supervisor, [email protected]
Overview:
The conservation and management of fish and wildlife resources is a dynamic interplay between people and nature. With new research, engagement, evaluation, and attention to the social context of both management decisions and agency governance, a greater emphasis is being placed on understanding the social side of conservation. This symposium is hosted by the MAWFA Conservation Social Science / Human Dimensions technical working group to a) showcase social science research that is relevant to fish and wildlife conservation and management and agency outreach and engagement strategies, and b) to provide a forum for interaction for social scientists from across the region. In particular, this symposium will include several talks related to the appropriate use of angler creel data for management decision making. This is an open symposium, and authors are encouraged to submit relevant research on topics pertaining to the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and their habitats, and the engagement of the public in conservation-related activities, drawing on the theories and methods of sociology, psychology, economics, anthropology, and other social sciences. This symposium will help facilitate discussion of how social science can address conservation challenges in the region and identify opportunities for collaboration and coordination across boundaries. We encourage submissions that relate to the conference theme of “the road to resiliency: from surviving to thriving in conservation” but submissions on all topics engaging social science approaches are welcome.
S-10. Charting a Path Forward - Fisheries and Aquatic Plant Management Now and in the Future
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Jeff Kopaska, Executive Director, American Fisheries Society, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jason Euchner, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Matt Johnson, Aquatic Control
Overview:
The objective of this symposium will be to discuss the interaction of fisheries management and habitat management, focusing on aquatic plant management. Presentations will address the latest management, research, and technology advancements in aquatic plant management, and the impacts of these activities on fish populations and fisheries management. The symposium provide opportunities for collaboration between aquatic plant biologists and fisheries biologists regarding plant management techniques, and will address fish population dynamics that correlate with aquatic plant management activities. Industry representatives will present new technologies and research related to new techniques. The topics that will be covered in this symposium include: aquatic plant management plans, management techniques, treatment outcomes, and fisheries population dynamics in systems with aquatic plant management activity.
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Jeff Kopaska, Executive Director, American Fisheries Society, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jason Euchner, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Matt Johnson, Aquatic Control
Overview:
The objective of this symposium will be to discuss the interaction of fisheries management and habitat management, focusing on aquatic plant management. Presentations will address the latest management, research, and technology advancements in aquatic plant management, and the impacts of these activities on fish populations and fisheries management. The symposium provide opportunities for collaboration between aquatic plant biologists and fisheries biologists regarding plant management techniques, and will address fish population dynamics that correlate with aquatic plant management activities. Industry representatives will present new technologies and research related to new techniques. The topics that will be covered in this symposium include: aquatic plant management plans, management techniques, treatment outcomes, and fisheries population dynamics in systems with aquatic plant management activity.
S-11. Crayfish Conservation and Management
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM (Part 1) and 1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Part 2)
Contact: Cheyenne Stratton, Aquatic Invertebrate Ecologist, Missouri Department of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Caitlin Bloomer (University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign), Eric Larson (University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign), Dusty Swedberg (Prairie Research Institute – Illinois Natural History Survey)
Overview:
Research on freshwater crayfish has surged in recent decades due to increased recognition of their crucial role in aquatic and semi-aquatic ecosystems. In addition, crayfish invasions have become a pressing issue globally, with the Midwest facing threats from species such as the marbled crayfish, red swamp crayfish, rusty crayfish, and signal crayfish. Traditional methods for managing these invasive species have proven either ineffective, too resource-intensive, or have caused unintended ecological consequences. This has led researchers to explore alternative management and mitigation strategies. Additionally, there has been significant growth in burrowing crayfish ecology and management, along with a noticeable increase in lotic crayfish management and ecology. This symposium aims to provide a platform for researchers and managers across the Midwest to share the latest findings and strategies related to the conservation of native species and management of invasive crayfish.
With the increase in research efforts, there is a growing need among North American crayfish researchers for regular, collaborative opportunities. Surveys at the 2024 Sothern Division AFS indicated a need for more interaction between crayfish researchers, state and federal agencies, and on-the-ground conservation managers. The Midwestern Fish and Wildlife Conference provides a key opportunity to facilitate these interactions and foster collaboration among researchers and managers. By bringing together experts in the field, we can better address the challenges posed by invasive crayfish and work towards conserving our native species.
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM (Part 1) and 1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Part 2)
Contact: Cheyenne Stratton, Aquatic Invertebrate Ecologist, Missouri Department of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Caitlin Bloomer (University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign), Eric Larson (University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign), Dusty Swedberg (Prairie Research Institute – Illinois Natural History Survey)
Overview:
Research on freshwater crayfish has surged in recent decades due to increased recognition of their crucial role in aquatic and semi-aquatic ecosystems. In addition, crayfish invasions have become a pressing issue globally, with the Midwest facing threats from species such as the marbled crayfish, red swamp crayfish, rusty crayfish, and signal crayfish. Traditional methods for managing these invasive species have proven either ineffective, too resource-intensive, or have caused unintended ecological consequences. This has led researchers to explore alternative management and mitigation strategies. Additionally, there has been significant growth in burrowing crayfish ecology and management, along with a noticeable increase in lotic crayfish management and ecology. This symposium aims to provide a platform for researchers and managers across the Midwest to share the latest findings and strategies related to the conservation of native species and management of invasive crayfish.
With the increase in research efforts, there is a growing need among North American crayfish researchers for regular, collaborative opportunities. Surveys at the 2024 Sothern Division AFS indicated a need for more interaction between crayfish researchers, state and federal agencies, and on-the-ground conservation managers. The Midwestern Fish and Wildlife Conference provides a key opportunity to facilitate these interactions and foster collaboration among researchers and managers. By bringing together experts in the field, we can better address the challenges posed by invasive crayfish and work towards conserving our native species.
S-12. Not Just for Ducks…Reframing Marshes as Working Water Gardens
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Frank Nelson, Wetland Ecologist, Missouri Dept. of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Zack Miller, Ph.D. , Preserve Engagement Manager, [email protected], The Nature Conservancy; Nadia Navarrete-Tindall; Lincoln University of Missouri, Cooperative Extension, [email protected]
Overview:
Today we face a trifecta of connected challenges: biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and climate change. These threats and their potential solutions have both global and local significance. For example, wetlands, which are one of the most productive and biodiverse habitats, have been drastically reduced worldwide. Midwestern states like Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, have lost the majority of their historic wetlands through agricultural conversion of floodplains. This same food system that has contributed to wetland loss is itself quite fragile, as 75% of global food is dependent on only 12 crops and five animals. Without natural buffers, like wetlands, commodities within floodplains are at risk of natural hazards as the frequency and severity of droughts and floods are increasing worldwide. Finding solutions that are more resilient requires greater integration of social and ecological systems.
Native wetland flora and fauna have deep cultural histories around the world. What if rather than just providing wildlife habitat, wetland management in the Midwest also included opportunities to diversify our food systems, bolster flood resiliency, and increase biodiversity? What if wetland conservation included working wetlands and sustainable water gardens that provided both ecological and economic benefits? This session will explore cultural connections, aspects of One Health, social interest/capacity, commercial market opportunities, and cost-share needs.
1/21/2025 | 10:20 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Frank Nelson, Wetland Ecologist, Missouri Dept. of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Zack Miller, Ph.D. , Preserve Engagement Manager, [email protected], The Nature Conservancy; Nadia Navarrete-Tindall; Lincoln University of Missouri, Cooperative Extension, [email protected]
Overview:
Today we face a trifecta of connected challenges: biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and climate change. These threats and their potential solutions have both global and local significance. For example, wetlands, which are one of the most productive and biodiverse habitats, have been drastically reduced worldwide. Midwestern states like Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, have lost the majority of their historic wetlands through agricultural conversion of floodplains. This same food system that has contributed to wetland loss is itself quite fragile, as 75% of global food is dependent on only 12 crops and five animals. Without natural buffers, like wetlands, commodities within floodplains are at risk of natural hazards as the frequency and severity of droughts and floods are increasing worldwide. Finding solutions that are more resilient requires greater integration of social and ecological systems.
Native wetland flora and fauna have deep cultural histories around the world. What if rather than just providing wildlife habitat, wetland management in the Midwest also included opportunities to diversify our food systems, bolster flood resiliency, and increase biodiversity? What if wetland conservation included working wetlands and sustainable water gardens that provided both ecological and economic benefits? This session will explore cultural connections, aspects of One Health, social interest/capacity, commercial market opportunities, and cost-share needs.
S-13. Living Data on the Road to Resilience: Opportunities, Challenges, and Best Practices
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Lyndsie Wszola, Biometrician, Missouri Department of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Fishers and Farmers Partnership for the Upper Mississippi River Basin Steering Committee (Kristen Bouska, USGS; Sherry Fischer, Missouri Department of Conservation; Heidi Keuler, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Ben Lubinski, Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Mike Siepker, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Craig Soupir, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Ryan Toot, US Forest Service & Jodi Whittier, University of Missouri)
Overview:
State and federal agencies often operate on long time scales with established priorities and cultures. However, emergent events often require agencies to make decisions on short time scales. For example, agencies must respond to fish kills, disease emergence, and novel invasive species whether or not they have time to implement a formal scientific study on the issue. Fortunately, many agencies often maintain large datasets that have the potential to be leveraged in times of information need. However, if datasets are not appropriately curated or analyzed, they may not be ready to apply when time-sensitive decisions are needed. In this symposium, we will ask how agency leadership, scientists, and managers can leverage long-term agency data for timely decision making. We will bring together data management professionals, scientists from agencies and elsewhere, and conservation decision-makers to highlight case studies of data pipelines that work for timely conservation decision-making. We will also discuss what doesn’t work and how we can reinforce existing data structures for conservation decision-making in a rapidly changing world. This symposium will bring together diverse perspectives to explore how a well-engineered data system can provide a map for the road to resilience.
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Lyndsie Wszola, Biometrician, Missouri Department of Conservation, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Fishers and Farmers Partnership for the Upper Mississippi River Basin Steering Committee (Kristen Bouska, USGS; Sherry Fischer, Missouri Department of Conservation; Heidi Keuler, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Ben Lubinski, Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Mike Siepker, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Craig Soupir, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Ryan Toot, US Forest Service & Jodi Whittier, University of Missouri)
Overview:
State and federal agencies often operate on long time scales with established priorities and cultures. However, emergent events often require agencies to make decisions on short time scales. For example, agencies must respond to fish kills, disease emergence, and novel invasive species whether or not they have time to implement a formal scientific study on the issue. Fortunately, many agencies often maintain large datasets that have the potential to be leveraged in times of information need. However, if datasets are not appropriately curated or analyzed, they may not be ready to apply when time-sensitive decisions are needed. In this symposium, we will ask how agency leadership, scientists, and managers can leverage long-term agency data for timely decision making. We will bring together data management professionals, scientists from agencies and elsewhere, and conservation decision-makers to highlight case studies of data pipelines that work for timely conservation decision-making. We will also discuss what doesn’t work and how we can reinforce existing data structures for conservation decision-making in a rapidly changing world. This symposium will bring together diverse perspectives to explore how a well-engineered data system can provide a map for the road to resilience.
S-14. Thriving Amidst Challenges: Examining Resilient Walleye Populations
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Logan Zebro, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jason Gostiaux (Michigan DNR)
Jason DeBoer (Illinois Natural History Survey)
Overview:
This symposium aims to feature research that focuses on the resiliency of walleye (Sander vitreus) populations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains regions. Presentations should be 15 minutes long, leaving 5 minutes for a question-and-answer period.
Walleye remain one of the most desired sportfish throughout much of the United States and Canada. However, walleye populations have been declining on a region wide scale over the past several decades across the Midwest and Great Plains. Habitat loss, invasive species, and ecosystem alterations have all likely contributed to such declines, which may be further compounded by climate change. Although many Midwest walleye populations have declined, others continue to succeed and display impressive resiliency under increasingly challenging conditions. Many of the recent featured walleye symposiums and special issues have often focused on the myriad of factors contributing toward population declines. Understanding such factors and dynamics remains important in fisheries science, but we can also benefit from learning about resilient walleye populations and factors that may contribute toward resiliency. Therefore, in this symposium we strive to focus on resilient walleye populations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains regions including potential factors contributing toward resiliency and/or recovery, regional overviews, or avenues for future research.
We welcome walleye research on inland lakes and reservoirs, rivers, and the Laurentian Great Lakes. This symposium targets fisheries professionals from state, federal, or tribal agencies, or academic institutions. We also welcome contributions from undergraduate or graduate students with projects focusing on resilient walleye populations.
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Logan Zebro, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jason Gostiaux (Michigan DNR)
Jason DeBoer (Illinois Natural History Survey)
Overview:
This symposium aims to feature research that focuses on the resiliency of walleye (Sander vitreus) populations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains regions. Presentations should be 15 minutes long, leaving 5 minutes for a question-and-answer period.
Walleye remain one of the most desired sportfish throughout much of the United States and Canada. However, walleye populations have been declining on a region wide scale over the past several decades across the Midwest and Great Plains. Habitat loss, invasive species, and ecosystem alterations have all likely contributed to such declines, which may be further compounded by climate change. Although many Midwest walleye populations have declined, others continue to succeed and display impressive resiliency under increasingly challenging conditions. Many of the recent featured walleye symposiums and special issues have often focused on the myriad of factors contributing toward population declines. Understanding such factors and dynamics remains important in fisheries science, but we can also benefit from learning about resilient walleye populations and factors that may contribute toward resiliency. Therefore, in this symposium we strive to focus on resilient walleye populations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains regions including potential factors contributing toward resiliency and/or recovery, regional overviews, or avenues for future research.
We welcome walleye research on inland lakes and reservoirs, rivers, and the Laurentian Great Lakes. This symposium targets fisheries professionals from state, federal, or tribal agencies, or academic institutions. We also welcome contributions from undergraduate or graduate students with projects focusing on resilient walleye populations.
S-15. The Sustainable Rivers Program - Reoperating Corps of Engineers Water Infrastructure to Enhance Environmental Benefits
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Brian Johnson, Env. Compliance Branch Chief, US Army Corps of Engineers - St. Louis, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jim Howe - The Nature Conservancy
Travis Moore - Missouri Department of Conservation
Overview:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is one of the largest water managers in the nation, with direct influence on over 53,000 miles of river in the United States. Since 2002 the Corps has partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) through The Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP) to find ways to enhance the environmental outcomes at many of these sites. The intent of the SRP program is to find and implement opportunities, through modification of operations, to restore ecological functions and improve habitat, at Corps owned water resources infrastructure projects. All while maintaining or enhancing the projects’ authorized missions and benefits. Through 2023 the SRP program has partnered with federal, state, and local agencies and NGO’s to work on over 45 rivers. These efforts have focused on a strategic and science-based approach to identify and implement operational changes, including numerous rivers in the Midwest. This symposium focuses on many of the Midwest located SRP projects, the development and outcome of those efforts, and explores the opportunity to expand the program to new rivers.
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Brian Johnson, Env. Compliance Branch Chief, US Army Corps of Engineers - St. Louis, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Jim Howe - The Nature Conservancy
Travis Moore - Missouri Department of Conservation
Overview:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is one of the largest water managers in the nation, with direct influence on over 53,000 miles of river in the United States. Since 2002 the Corps has partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) through The Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP) to find ways to enhance the environmental outcomes at many of these sites. The intent of the SRP program is to find and implement opportunities, through modification of operations, to restore ecological functions and improve habitat, at Corps owned water resources infrastructure projects. All while maintaining or enhancing the projects’ authorized missions and benefits. Through 2023 the SRP program has partnered with federal, state, and local agencies and NGO’s to work on over 45 rivers. These efforts have focused on a strategic and science-based approach to identify and implement operational changes, including numerous rivers in the Midwest. This symposium focuses on many of the Midwest located SRP projects, the development and outcome of those efforts, and explores the opportunity to expand the program to new rivers.
S-16. Migratory Birds and Climate Change: Science to Inform Management
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Mohammed Alsaffar, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Upper Mississippi/Great Lakes Joint Venture, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Olivia LeDee, USGS - Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
Doug Gorby, USFWS - Upper Mississippi/Great Lakes Joint Venture
Overview:
Climate change poses many challenges to migratory birds, including physiological stress, phenological asynchrony, altered inter-specific interaction, and habitat degradation or loss. Moreover, these challenges may exist across the annual cycle. Fortunately, many migratory birds are well-studied and have provided early insights on the effects of climate change on wildlife. In this symposium, we will review the state of knowledge for climate change and migratory birds and highlight recent studies in the Midwest. We will also address unique approaches in urban, wetland, and forest systems. The symposium will also highlight decision science to support climate adaptation, including landscape modeling, nature-based solutions, and the Resist-Accept-Direct framework.
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Mohammed Alsaffar, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Upper Mississippi/Great Lakes Joint Venture, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Olivia LeDee, USGS - Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
Doug Gorby, USFWS - Upper Mississippi/Great Lakes Joint Venture
Overview:
Climate change poses many challenges to migratory birds, including physiological stress, phenological asynchrony, altered inter-specific interaction, and habitat degradation or loss. Moreover, these challenges may exist across the annual cycle. Fortunately, many migratory birds are well-studied and have provided early insights on the effects of climate change on wildlife. In this symposium, we will review the state of knowledge for climate change and migratory birds and highlight recent studies in the Midwest. We will also address unique approaches in urban, wetland, and forest systems. The symposium will also highlight decision science to support climate adaptation, including landscape modeling, nature-based solutions, and the Resist-Accept-Direct framework.
S-17. Applied Science and Adaptation of R3 Efforts
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Keith Warnke, R3 and Relevancy Coordinator, MAFWA, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Eric Edwards, MDC
Overview:
Recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooting sports participants is a growing priority for State Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SFWA), non-profit organizations, and many partners in the conservation community. As the discipline has grown, so has the realization that it is very much an applied science and much of the science is new and/or mis-understood. Past and current R3 effort and evaluation processes have disproportionately relied on simple implementation outputs as goals, rather than participant behavioral outcomes. Currently, increasing support for, and participation in, a target activity is accepted as the standard metric for R3 efforts. This symposium will highlight the roles of outputs and outcomes in achieving those metrics, provide examples of effective efforts, and explore emerging technologies and methods to further the science of R3. This is an open symposium, and authors are encouraged to submit results and research on applied R3 including applications of adaptive management, the Outdoor Recreation Adoption Model (ORAM), results chains, and marketing campaigns. The objective is to further the research, application, and evaluation of R3 efforts that demonstrate achievement of these standard metrics.
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Keith Warnke, R3 and Relevancy Coordinator, MAFWA, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Eric Edwards, MDC
Overview:
Recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooting sports participants is a growing priority for State Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SFWA), non-profit organizations, and many partners in the conservation community. As the discipline has grown, so has the realization that it is very much an applied science and much of the science is new and/or mis-understood. Past and current R3 effort and evaluation processes have disproportionately relied on simple implementation outputs as goals, rather than participant behavioral outcomes. Currently, increasing support for, and participation in, a target activity is accepted as the standard metric for R3 efforts. This symposium will highlight the roles of outputs and outcomes in achieving those metrics, provide examples of effective efforts, and explore emerging technologies and methods to further the science of R3. This is an open symposium, and authors are encouraged to submit results and research on applied R3 including applications of adaptive management, the Outdoor Recreation Adoption Model (ORAM), results chains, and marketing campaigns. The objective is to further the research, application, and evaluation of R3 efforts that demonstrate achievement of these standard metrics.
S-18. FishCAST: Working Towards a Better Future for all Fisheries Professionals
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Brittany Harried, Postdoctoral Fellow, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Brittany Harried - University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
MJ Oubre - Illinois Chapter AFS
Jory Jonas - Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Overview:
The Fisheries Community Advocacy and Sustainability Team (FishCAST) was established following in-depth discussions on the critical need for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the North-Central Division (NCD) at the 2024 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference. Formed in March 2024, FishCAST aims to provide resources and opportunities to support its members, fostering a strong sense of belonging and improving the retention and recruitment of diverse members within the fisheries community.
At the upcoming 2025 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference, FishCAST will host a dedicated symposium to enact the committee’s mission, purpose, and goals. This symposium is designed to feature a wide array of presentation submissions from NCD members. Topics will include, but are not limited to: DEI synopsis talks derived from the 2024 annual meeting in Honolulu, comprehensive guidance on best practices within the fisheries profession, detailed advice on delivering meaningful land acknowledgements, updates on new initiatives and successes within the field, and personal lived experiences of NCD members.
The symposium will conclude with a moderated discussion. The interactive segment will foster open dialogue and active engagement among participants. By hosting informational and discussion sessions, FishCAST seeks to identify and prioritize areas of short- and long-term growth within the NCD.
FishCAST is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the fisheries community. Through this symposium, the team hopes to inspire ongoing conversations, collaborations, and actions that will drive meaningful progress. Join us at the 2025 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference to be a part of this important and transformative event.
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Brittany Harried, Postdoctoral Fellow, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Brittany Harried - University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
MJ Oubre - Illinois Chapter AFS
Jory Jonas - Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Overview:
The Fisheries Community Advocacy and Sustainability Team (FishCAST) was established following in-depth discussions on the critical need for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the North-Central Division (NCD) at the 2024 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference. Formed in March 2024, FishCAST aims to provide resources and opportunities to support its members, fostering a strong sense of belonging and improving the retention and recruitment of diverse members within the fisheries community.
At the upcoming 2025 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference, FishCAST will host a dedicated symposium to enact the committee’s mission, purpose, and goals. This symposium is designed to feature a wide array of presentation submissions from NCD members. Topics will include, but are not limited to: DEI synopsis talks derived from the 2024 annual meeting in Honolulu, comprehensive guidance on best practices within the fisheries profession, detailed advice on delivering meaningful land acknowledgements, updates on new initiatives and successes within the field, and personal lived experiences of NCD members.
The symposium will conclude with a moderated discussion. The interactive segment will foster open dialogue and active engagement among participants. By hosting informational and discussion sessions, FishCAST seeks to identify and prioritize areas of short- and long-term growth within the NCD.
FishCAST is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the fisheries community. Through this symposium, the team hopes to inspire ongoing conversations, collaborations, and actions that will drive meaningful progress. Join us at the 2025 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference to be a part of this important and transformative event.
S-19. How is Landscape Conservation Relevant to You?
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Kate Parsons, MLI Engagement Coordinator, US Fish and Wildlife Service, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Claire Beck, Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Overview:
The Midwest Landscape Initiative (MLI; https://www.mlimidwest.org) is sponsoring this symposium to highlight the relevancy of landscape conservation in the Midwest region. The MLI is a collaboration of fish and wildlife organizations that identifies shared conservation priorities to develop solutions for healthy, functioning ecosystems in the Midwest. Landscape conservation brings together people across a shared, defined area, and their diverse socio-ecological objectives to collectively create and implement conservation strategies. These efforts span jurisdictional boundaries across space, scale, and sector. This approach is not meant to supplant planning and authority from organizations at more local levels. Instead, it supplements those efforts by aligning missions and priorities across that shared area to integrate, coordinate, and ultimately amplify the collective actions of those organizations to achieve a broader goal. By the end of this symposium, participants should have a better understanding of ongoing collaborative landscape conservation efforts in the region, future needs and their role in achieving this level of collaboration.
This symposium will include an overview of the Midwest Landscape Initiative and related products such as the Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need database and the Midwest Conservation Blueprint. However, the majority of the symposium will consist of presentations by partners to share information and updates about their landscape conservation efforts, and how we, as conservation practitioners, can advance landscape conservation in the region. Examples of presentations include on-going large-scale collaborations in different sectors (e.g., industry, private lands) and future direction for landscape conservation (e.g., skillsets needed to successfully collaborate).
The work in our region is enhanced by the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives shared. To that end, we encourage all to attend, from directors to management biologists to students to field technicians to policy analysts and everyone among and between.
1/22/2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: Kate Parsons, MLI Engagement Coordinator, US Fish and Wildlife Service, [email protected]
Co-Organizers: Claire Beck, Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Overview:
The Midwest Landscape Initiative (MLI; https://www.mlimidwest.org) is sponsoring this symposium to highlight the relevancy of landscape conservation in the Midwest region. The MLI is a collaboration of fish and wildlife organizations that identifies shared conservation priorities to develop solutions for healthy, functioning ecosystems in the Midwest. Landscape conservation brings together people across a shared, defined area, and their diverse socio-ecological objectives to collectively create and implement conservation strategies. These efforts span jurisdictional boundaries across space, scale, and sector. This approach is not meant to supplant planning and authority from organizations at more local levels. Instead, it supplements those efforts by aligning missions and priorities across that shared area to integrate, coordinate, and ultimately amplify the collective actions of those organizations to achieve a broader goal. By the end of this symposium, participants should have a better understanding of ongoing collaborative landscape conservation efforts in the region, future needs and their role in achieving this level of collaboration.
This symposium will include an overview of the Midwest Landscape Initiative and related products such as the Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need database and the Midwest Conservation Blueprint. However, the majority of the symposium will consist of presentations by partners to share information and updates about their landscape conservation efforts, and how we, as conservation practitioners, can advance landscape conservation in the region. Examples of presentations include on-going large-scale collaborations in different sectors (e.g., industry, private lands) and future direction for landscape conservation (e.g., skillsets needed to successfully collaborate).
The work in our region is enhanced by the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives shared. To that end, we encourage all to attend, from directors to management biologists to students to field technicians to policy analysts and everyone among and between.