Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2019

8:00 AM | Welcome to Cleveland & Opening Remarks
Kendra Wecker, Executive Administrator, Information & Education, Ohio DNR, Division of Wildlife

8:10 AM | Posting of Colors & Pledge of Allegiance - ODNR Division of Wildlife Law Enforcement Section Color Guard

9:15 AM | JANICE LEE FENSKE MEMORIAL AWARD
Presented by: Jessica Mistak, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The Janice Lee Fenske Memorial Award was created in 2005 to recognize undergraduate and graduate students for their achievements in the field of fisheries or wildlife management.  Each year, up to 25 Fenske Memorial Award finalists are selected based on their enthusiasm to protect fisheries and wildlife resources through management activities, selflessness and motivation to teach others, interest in professional involvement, integrity, positive attitude, and compassion.  The outstanding students will be announced during this award ceremony.

9:30 AM | THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY AWARDS
Presented by: Jodie Provost, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Outstanding Wildlife Student Awards.  One undergraduate and one graduate student recognized for academic achievement, professional experience, and activities in The Wildlife Society.

Student Chapter of the Year Award.  An exemplary student chapter recognized for its contributions to The Wildlife Society’s mission and goals.

Professional Award of Merit.  The North Central Section’s most prestigious award.  Recognizing outstanding professional accomplishments in wildlife conservation and leadership over a period of years in any area of wildlife work.

9:45 AM | NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION - AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY AWARDS
Presented by: Heather Hettinger, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Best Chapter Communications.  One award will be given to the chapter that has developed the most efficient, useful, and attractive newsletter and website to disseminate information to its members.

Most Active Student Subunit.  One award will be given to the North Central Division student subunit that has carried out the most active program in developing interest among undergraduate and graduate students in fisheries science and fulfilling the mission of the American Fisheries Society.

Most Active Chapter.  Two awards (small chapter, large chapter) will be given to the chapters
that have carried out the most active programs of enhancing professionalism and fisheries science.

Fisheries Excellence.  This award will be given to a North Central Division member who has made an outstanding contribution to the fisheries profession. This contribution may be a single activity or a collection of achievements over the individual’s career.

8:00 AM | Welcome Remarks
Mike Reynolds, Executive Administrator, Wildlife Management & Research

The Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference is pleased to present the 4th Annual Ignite Session.  Started at the Grand Rapids conference in 2016, Midwest Ignite Sessions highlight current efforts in resource management, challenge and engage session attendees, and tell passionate stories about successful programs.  Speakers come from diverse backgrounds with diverse perspectives, fanning the flames of contemporary conservation and management.

Please join us for another exciting round of 5-minute presentations with only 20 automatically advancing slides!  Speakers include:

Title: What the Heck is R3 (and Why does it Matter)?
Presenter: Johanna Dart, National Wild Turkey Federation

Title: Burning Rivers, Dead Zones, Fisheries, AIS and HABs: Managing Our Aquatic Resources Past, Present, and Future
Presenter: Jeffrey Reutter, The Nature Conservancy in Ohio

Title: Restoration of Lake Sturgeon in the Maumee River
Presenter: Kent Bekker, Toledo Zoo

Title: How a Shift in Wildlife Values Can Affect Wildlife Management in the U.S.
Presenter: Alia Dietsch, The Ohio State University

Title: One Turtle, One Frog, One Snake
Presenter: Jen Brumfield, Cleveland Metroparks

Title: Open Your Ears and Shut Your Mouth
Presenter: Greg Lipps, The Ohio State University

8:00 AM | Welcome & Introductory Remarks
Rich Carter, Executive Administrator, Fish Management & Research