Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2019: Full Schedule

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

Monday January 28, 2019 8:00am - 8:15am EST
HOPE BALLROOM D/E

PLENARY SESSION Main Agenda Item

Presentation Type Plenary Session

8:15am EST

Plenary Session I: Moving Science to Action: Strategic Conservation in a Changing World - Sponsored by Sovereign Sportsman Solutions, LLC

Plenary Speakers

Amanda Rodewald

Cornell University

Amanda Rodewald is the Garvin Professor and Senior Director of Conservation Science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University. Prior to joining the Cornell faculty in 2013, she spent 13 years as a professor in the School of Environment... Read More →

Monday January 28, 2019 8:15am - 9:15am EST
HOPE BALLROOM D/E

PLENARY SESSION Main Agenda Item

Presentation Type Plenary Session

9:15am EST

AWARDS PRESENTATION: Janice Lee Fenske Memorial Award, The Wildlife Society Awards, and North Central Division - American Fisheries Society Awards - Sponsored by Sovereign Sportsman Solutions, LLC

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.

Monday January 28, 2019 9:15am - 10:00am EST
HOPE BALLROOM D/E

PLENARY SESSION Main Agenda Item

Presentation Type Plenary Session

10:00am EST

Refreshment Break with Exhibitors

Monday January 28, 2019 10:00am - 10:20am EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM C/D

Main Agenda Item

12:00pm EST

Lunch Break on own

Lunches are on your own and there are a number of nearby options to choose from.

HOTEL DINING OPTIONS: The hotel restaurant, Burnham's is located on the 2nd Floor and features a full menu of eclectic, Cleveland cuisine. Additionally, on Monday & Tuesday, Eliot's Bar (2nd Floor) will have a variety of affordable and quick grab and go options for purchase, set up specifically for conference guests.
DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND: Click here for a map of the closest, quickest and cheapest options within close proximity of the hotel.

Monday January 28, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
N/A

Main Agenda Item

1:00pm EST

Poster Set-up

Monday January 28, 2019 1:00pm - 5:00pm EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM C/D

Main Agenda Item

3:00pm EST

Refreshment Break with Exhibitors

Monday January 28, 2019 3:00pm - 3:20pm EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM C/D

Main Agenda Item

5:00pm EST

AFS NCD Business Meeting

Monday January 28, 2019 5:00pm - 6:30pm EST
VETERANS MEETING ROOM A/B

Main Agenda Item

7:00am EST

Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors

Tuesday January 29, 2019 7:00am - 8:00am EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM C/D

Main Agenda Item

7:00am EST

Conference Registration Desk Open

Tuesday January 29, 2019 7:00am - 6:00pm EST
LAKESIDE FOYER

Main Agenda Item

7:00am EST

Speaker Ready Room

Tuesday January 29, 2019 7:00am - 6:00pm EST
CLEVELAND NOW BOARDROOM

Main Agenda Item

8:00am EST

Plenary Session II: Welcome - Sponsored by Sovereign Sportsman Solutions, LLC

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

Tuesday January 29, 2019 8:00am - 8:10am EST
HOPE BALLROOM D/E

PLENARY SESSION Main Agenda Item

Presentation Type Plenary Session

8:10am EST

Plenary Session II: Communicating the Science and Engaging the Angling Public and Policy Makers: Examples from Fisheries Management in Minnesota - Sponsored by Sovereign Sportsman Solutions, LLC

Plenary Speakers

Don Pereira

HDR Inc.

Don Pereira recently retired from the Minnesota DNR, where his employment began in 1983. He spent most of his career in the fisheries research program, including serving as the Research and Policy Manager for the Section of Fisheries for over 6 years. In 2013 he became the Chief... Read More →

Tuesday January 29, 2019 8:10am - 9:10am EST
HOPE BALLROOM D/E

PLENARY SESSION Main Agenda Item

Presentation Type Plenary Session

9:10am EST

Plenary Session II: Ignite Session - Sponsored by Sovereign Sportsman Solutions, LLC

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

Plenary Speakers

Kent Bekker

Toledo Zoo

Kent Bekker is the director of Conservation and Research at the Toledo Zoo. Kent earned his Master of Science from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio and his Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. Kent worked in... Read More →

Jen Brumfield

Cleveland Metroparks

Jen Brumfield is a naturalist with Cleveland Metroparks, a bird illustrator, author of several natural history field guides, and a representative with Leica's Birding Optics Pro Staff team. Jen eagerly combines a passion for extreme birding, field studies, outdoor education and... Read More →

Johanna Dart

National Wild Turkey Federation, in partnership with Ohio DNR, Division of Wildlife

Johanna Dart grew up enjoying outdoor recreational activities but was never exposed to hunting. While attending graduate school, she was selected as a Glassen Scholar at Michigan State University and was placed in an internship with the Boone & Crockett Club. During this time, Johanna... Read More →

Alia Dietsch

The Ohio State University

Dr. Alia Dietsch is an assistant professor in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. Her research primarily focuses on applying theories and methodologies of social psychology to understanding human values, attitudes, and behaviors in the context... Read More →

Greg Lipps

The Ohio State University

Greg Lipps is the Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Coordinator for the Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership at Ohio State University. For the past decade, Greg has spent much of his time investigating the status and distribution of Eastern Hellbenders and Eastern Massasaugas... Read More →

Jeffrey Reutter

The Nature Conservancy in Ohio

Dr. Jeffrey Reutter began working on Lake Erie in 1971, retiring as Director of Ohio Sea Grant, F.T. Stone Laboratory, and the Center for Lake Erie Research in 2017. During his time as director he awarded scholarships and fellowships to over 2,200 students; authored over 150 papers... Read More →

Tuesday January 29, 2019 9:10am - 10:00am EST
HOPE BALLROOM D/E

PLENARY SESSION Main Agenda Item

Presentation Type Plenary Session

10:00am EST

Refreshment Break with Exhibitors

Tuesday January 29, 2019 10:00am - 10:20am EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM C/D

Main Agenda Item

12:00pm EST

AFS NCD Reservoir Technical Committee

Tuesday January 29, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM B

Main Agenda Item

12:00pm EST

Lunch Break on own

Lunches are on your own and there are a number of nearby options to choose from.

HOTEL DINING OPTIONS: The hotel restaurant, Burnham's is located on the 2nd Floor and features a full menu of eclectic, Cleveland cuisine. Additionally, on Monday & Tuesday, Eliot's Bar (2nd Floor) will have a variety of affordable and quick grab and go options for purchase, set up specifically for conference guests.
DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND: Click here for a map of the closest, quickest and cheapest options within close proximity of the hotel.

Tuesday January 29, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
N/A

Main Agenda Item

3:00pm EST

Refreshment Break with Exhibitors

Tuesday January 29, 2019 3:00pm - 3:20pm EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM C/D

Main Agenda Item

4:00pm EST

TWS North Central Section Annual Member & Executive Board Meeting

Tuesday January 29, 2019 4:00pm - 6:00pm EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM B

Main Agenda Item

5:00pm EST

North-Central Division Ictalurid Technical Committee Meeting

Tuesday January 29, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM A

Main Agenda Item

5:00pm EST

Ohio Chapter AFS Business Meeting

Tuesday January 29, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
VETERANS MEETING ROOM A/B

Main Agenda Item

5:30pm EST

(NEW LOCATION) South Dakota State University Alumni and Friends Social

RSVP requested. Please stop by the conference registration desk onsite and let us know if you’re interested in or planning to attend this event.

Tuesday January 29, 2019 5:30pm - 7:00pm EST
BAR 32 (at the Hilton)

Main Agenda Item

5:30pm EST

Michigan State University Fisheries and Wildlife Alumni and Friends Social

Tuesday January 29, 2019 5:30pm - 7:00pm EST
ELIOT'S LIVING ROOM

Main Agenda Item

6:00pm EST

Trade Show & Poster Social and Student Research-in-Progress Posters

Tuesday January 29, 2019 6:00pm - 9:00pm EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM C/D

Main Agenda Item

7:00am EST

Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors

Wednesday January 30, 2019 7:00am - 8:00am EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM C/D

Main Agenda Item

7:00am EST

Conference Registration Desk Open

Wednesday January 30, 2019 7:00am - 11:00am EST
LAKESIDE FOYER

Main Agenda Item

7:00am EST

Speaker Ready Room

Wednesday January 30, 2019 7:00am - 12:00pm EST
CLEVELAND NOW BOARDROOM

Main Agenda Item

8:00am EST

Plenary Session III: Welcome: On-the Ground Management - Sponsored by Sovereign Sportsman Solutions, LLC

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

Wednesday January 30, 2019 8:00am - 8:10am EST
HOPE BALLROOM D/E

PLENARY SESSION Main Agenda Item

Presentation Type Plenary Session

8:00am EST

AFS Governing Board Meeting

Wednesday January 30, 2019 8:00am - 5:00pm EST
SUPERIOR BALLROOM A

Main Agenda Item

8:10am EST

Plenary Session III: New Life for Aging Waters—Celebrating 20 Years of Nebraska’s Aquatic Habitat Program - Sponsored by Sovereign Sportsman Solutions, LLC

Plenary Speakers

Mark Porath

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Mark Porath is the Aquatic Habitat Program Manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Working as a fisheries biologist in Arizona and Nebraska, he became involved in numerous habitat restoration and enhancement projects with a wide range of partners from state and federal... Read More →

Wednesday January 30, 2019 8:10am - 9:05am EST
HOPE BALLROOM D/E

PLENARY SESSION Main Agenda Item

Presentation Type Plenary Session

9:05am EST

(CANCELLED) Plenary Session III: Chronic Wasting Disease—The Lessons We’ve Learned (or Have We)? - Sponsored by Sovereign Sportsman Solutions, LLC

Plenary Speakers

Bryan Richards

United States Geological Survey

Bryan Richards is the Emerging Disease Coordinator at the United States Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) in Madison, Wisconsin. Trained in wildlife ecology at the University of Wisconsin and Southern Illinois University, Bryan spent over a decade involved... Read More →

Wednesday January 30, 2019 9:05am - 10:00am EST
HOPE BALLROOM D/E

PLENARY SESSION Main Agenda Item