annual meeting peppermill resort 10, 2017tws-west.org/events/2017/annual_meeting_2017_final.pdf ·...

Annual Meeting

Peppermill Resort – Reno, Nevada February 6–10, 2017

PLENARY SESSION THEME:

Invasive Species: Globalization and Bad Decisions

The Western Section of The Wildlife Society 2017 Annual Meeting

Program and Schedule 2 February 6–10, 2017

The Western Section of The Wildlife Society 2017 Annual Meeting–Reno, Nevada

February 6–10

SCHEDULE VIEW #1 - DETAILED SCHEDULE BY DAY AND HOUR

Don’t like this schedule format? There are two schedule formats to choose from. Pages 4 and 5 show day and room format. Use the one that works best for you.

Mon

day

7:30am to 1:30pm Registration/Office (Sorrento) 8:30am to 5:30pm 4th Conference of the North American Pika Consortium* (continues Tuesday) (Naples 6) 12:30pm to 9:00pm Wilderness First Aid with Foster Calm* (continues Tuesday) (Roma 1) 1:00pm to 5:30pm Altamont Symposium* (continues Tuesday) (Naples 1/2) 7:00pm to 9:00pm Altamont Symposium Reception* (Naples 3) 7:00pm to 9:00pm 4th Conference of the North American Pika Consortium Poster Reception* (Naples 6) 7:00pm to 9:00pm Registration Packet Production (Penthouse Suite #1635 − Peppermill Tower)

Tue

sday

7:30am to 1:30pm Registration/Office (Sorrento) 8:00am to 3:00pm 4th Conference of the North American Pika Consortium* (concludes) (Naples 6) with Working Groups (Capri 2/3/4)

8:30am to 5:00pm Wilderness First Aid with Foster Calm* (concludes) (Roma 1)

8:30am to 4:00pm Western Section Executive Board Meeting (all members welcome) (Capri 1)

9:00am to 5:30pm Sage Grouse Symposium* (Naples 7) 9:00am to 3:00pm Altamont Symposium* (concludes) (Naples 1/2) Noon to 4:00pm Southern Sierra Nevada Fisher Working Group Meeting (Naples 4)

1:00pm to 5:00pm Wildlife Biologist Construction Awareness Training (WildC.A.T.)* (Naples 5)

1:30pm to 3:00pm Exhibit Hall Setup (Naples Foyer & Sorrento)

3:00pm to 6:00pm California Bat Working Group (Naples 3)

3:00pm to 8:00pm Annual Meeting Registration and Exhibit Hall Open (Naples Foyer & Sorrento)

4:00pm to 5:30pm Predator Monitoring Working Group (Naples 4)

5:00pm to 7:00pm Humboldt Alumni Strategic Planning Meeting (Penthouse Suite #1635 − Peppermill Tower)

5:30pm to 7:00pm Forest Service Biologists Meet/Greet & Dinner (Roma 2)

7:00pm Official Meeting Opening 7:00pm to 9:00pm Welcome Reception, Exhibit Hall, Photo Display (includes buffet station and no-host bar) * (The Edge Nightclub)

Wed

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7:00am to 7:00pm Registration/Office (Sorrento)

7:00am to 7:00pm Exhibit Hall Open (Naples Foyer & Sorrento)

7:30am to 9:30am Breakfast Roundtable 1* (breakfast & discussion start promptly at 7:30am) (Capri Ballroom) 8:00am to 10:00am California Fisher Working Group Meeting (Naples 3/4)

8:00am to 10:00am Sierra Nevada Red Fox Working Group Meeting (Roma 1)

9:00am to 4:00pm Café Lounge – Comfy seats and hot drinks (Capri Foyer)

10:00am to 12:00pm Keynote Address & Dialogue (Naples 6-7)

10:00 am to 12:00pm Poster Setup Hours (Capri Ballroom)

10:00am to 5:30pm Speaker Practice Room (Roma 2)

Noon to 1:00pm Retirees Meeting (Naples 5)

Noon to 1:30pm Lunch break (on your own)/Peppermill Geothermal Plant Tour (Advance Registration Required) (Meet in Tuscany Foyer at Noon)

Noon to 1:30pm Chapter Leaders Meeting (all are welcome) (Roma 1− Professional Chapters) (Roma 2− Student Chapters)

Noon to 4:00pm Poster Viewing (Capri Ballroom)

12:30pm to 1:30pm Conservation Affairs Committee Meeting (Capri Foyer)

1:30pm to 5:30pm Scientific Concurrent Sessions: ● Ecology and Management of Birds (Naples 1/2) ● Habitat Assessment and Monitoring (Naples 3/4) ● Wildlife Genetics: Application and Assessment (Naples 6) ● Wildlife Techniques and Technologies 1 (Naples 7) ● Invasive Species: Impacts and Surveillance (Naples 1/2) ● Ecology and Management of Mammals 1 (Naples 6)

3:15pm to 3:35pm Afternoon Break (coffee/drinks and light snacks provided) (Naples Foyer & Sorrento Ballroom)



SCHEDULE VIEW #1 - DETAILED SCHEDULE BY DAY AND HOUR

Don’t like this schedule format? There are two schedule formats to choose from. Pages 4 and 5 show day and room format. Use the one that works best for you.

Wed

nes

day

Eve

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3:30pm to 5:30pm Resume Workshop for Undergrads (Naples 5)

5:30pm to 6:30pm HSU Reunion (Penthouse Suite #1635 − Peppermill Tower)

6:00pm to 7:00pm No-Host Cocktail Reception (Capri Foyer)

7:00pm to 10:00pm Annual Members Banquet, Awards Ceremony, and Bucket Raffle* (Capri Ballroom) Banquet Presentation: Beth Pratt-Bergstrom, TWS-WS member, wildlife advocate, author, and California Director for the National Wildlife Federation, will share tales of wild wonder from her new book When Mountain Lions are Neighbors: Wildlife in Today’s California. Note: Those not registered for the banquet dinner may join us at 7:45pm for the Presentation, Awards Ceremony and Raffle Program.

Th

urs

day

7:00am to 8:00pm Registration/Office (Sorrento)

7:00am to 8:15am Breakfast Roundtable 2* (Breakfast and discussion start promptly at 7:00am) (Capri Ballroom)

7:00am to 8:00pm Exhibit Hall plus Poster Viewing (Naples Foyer & Sorrento)

7:00am to 8:00pm Café Lounge – Comfy seats and hot drinks (Capri Foyer)

7:30am to 8:30am Professional Development Committee Meeting (Naples 5)

7:30am to 8:30am Western Wildlife Planning Meeting (Penthouse Suite #1635)

8:30am to Noon Scientific Concurrent Sessions: ● Wildlife Conservation on Private Lands (Partnering to Enhance Land Stewardship) (Naples 1/2) ● Habitat Modification and Restoration (Naples 3/4) ● Inputs and Methods for Conservation Planning and Ways to Measure Success (Naples 6) ● Invasive Species: Control and Monitoring (Naples 7) ● Wildlife Techniques and Technologies II (Naples 3/4) ● Ecology and Management of Shorebirds (Naples 7)

9:00am to 5:30pm Speaker Practice Room (Roma 2)

9:00am to 10:00am How *Not* to Give a Scientific Presentation (Roma 1)

9:00am to 12:30pm Career Fair and Recruiters (Capri 1)

10:15am to 10:35am Morning Break (includes hot drinks and light snacks) (Naples Foyer & Sorrento)

10:30am to 12:30pm Resumé Workshop for Undergrads (repeat) (Naples 5)

Noon to 1:30pm Lunch break (on your own)

Noon to 1:30pm Student-Professional Mixer and Lunch (advance signup required) (Capri Ballroom)

1:30pm to 3:30pm Plenary Session—Invasive Species: Globalization and Bad Decisions (Naples 6/7)

3:30pm to 4:00pm Afternoon break (coffee/drinks and light snacks provided) (Naples Foyer & Sorrento)

4:00pm to 5:30pm Annual Business Meeting and Members Forum with Raffle (Naples 6/7)

6:00pm to 8:00pm Poster Reception (light hors d’oeuvres provided to all meeting registrants) (Capri Ballroom/Naples Foyer/ Sorrento)

8:00pm to 9:30pm Chapter Meetings (students, please attend your local Professional Chapter meeting)

CA Central Coast – Valley View Penthouse Suite, 22nd Floor, Room 1734 Peppermill Tower

(Hawaii – no meeting scheduled)

Nevada – Sierra View Penthouse Suite, 2nd Floor, Room 1748 Peppermill Tower

North Coast – Penthouse Suite, Room 1635 Peppermill Tower

Sac-Shasta – Lake View Penthouse Suite, 2nd Floor, Room 1747 Peppermill Tower

SF Bay Area – Lake View Penthouse Suite, 1st Floor, Room 1747 Peppermill Tower

San Joaquin – Sierra View Penthouse Suite, 1st Floor, Room 1748 Peppermill Tower

Southern CA – Valley View Penthouse Suite, 1st Floor, Room 1734 Peppermill Tower

Fri

day

7:00am to noon Registration and Exhibit Hall open (posters to be removed before Noon) (Sorrento/Naples Foyer/Sorrento) 7:00am to Noon Café Lounge (Capri Foyer) 7:30am to 8:30am Mentoring Committee Meeting (all are welcome) (Roma 1) 7:30am to 8:30am Diversity Committee Meeting (all are welcome) (Roma 2)

8:30am to 10:30am Resumé Workshop for MS/PhD Students (Naples 5)

8:30am to 12:30pm Scientific Concurrent Sessions: ● Predators: History and Human Interactions (Naples 1/2) ● Ecology and Management of Mammals II (Naples 3/4) ● Renewable Energy and Wildlife Management (Naples 6) ● Ecology and Management of Amphibians and Reptiles (Naples 7) ● Perspectives on Canine Predators and Livestock (Naples 1/2)

● Quantitative Approaches and Modeling (Naples 6)

10:15am to 10:35am Silent Auction ends & Morning Break (hot drinks and light snacks provided) (Naples Foyer & Sorrento) 10:30am to 11:30am Job Interview Panel (Roma 1) 10:30am to 12:30pm Resumé Critiques, by appointment (Naples 5) 1:00pm to 2:30pm Meeting Planning Committee Wrap-Up Lunch (Roma 1)

* Requires separate registration fee



SCHEDULE VIEW #2 - DAY AND ROOM DESIGNATIONS

DAY ROOM

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Sorrento Registration/Office 7:30am to 1:30pm

Registration/Office 7:30am to 1:30pm

Exhibit Hall Setup 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Annual Meeting Registration & Exhibit Hall Open 3:00pm to 8:00pm


Exhibit Hall Open 7:00am to 7:00pm

Break Refreshments Afternoon: 3:15pm to 3:35pm


Exhibit Hall plus Poster Viewing 7:00am to 8:00pm

Poster Reception (light hors d’oeuvres provided

to all meeting registrants) 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Break Refreshments Morning: 10:15am to 10:35am Afternoon: 3:30pm to 4:00pm

Registration and Exhibit Hall Open

(posters to be removed before Noon) 7:00am to Noon

Break Refreshments Morning: 10:15am to 10:35am

Silent Auction ends 10:35am

Naples Foyer

Exhibit Hall Setup 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Annual Meeting Registration & Exhibit Hall Open 3:00pm to 8:00pm

Exhibit Hall Open 7:00am to 7:00pm

Break Refreshments Afternoon: 3:15pm to 3:35pm

Exhibit Hall plus Poster Viewing 7:00am to 8:00pm

Break Refreshments Morning: 10:15am to 10:35am Afternoon: 3:30pm to 4:00pm

Poster Reception (light hors d’ouevres provided


Registration and Exhibit Hall Open

(posters to be removed before Noon) 7:00am to Noon

Break Refreshments Morning: 10:15am to 10:35am

Silent Auction ends 10:35am

Naples 1/2 Altamont Symposium*

1:00pm to 5:30pm Altamont Symposium*

9:00pm to 3:00pm

Session: Ecology and Management of Birds

1:30pm to 3:15pm

Session: Invasive Species: Impacts and Surveillance

3:35pm to 5:30pm

Session: Wildlife Conservation on Private Lands (Partnering to

Enhance Land Stewardship) 8:30am to Noon

Session: Predators - History and Human Interactions 8:30am to 10:15am

Session: Perspectives on Canine Predators and Livestock

10:35am to 12:30am

Naples 3 Altamont Symposium Reception*

7:00pm to 9:00pm California Bat Working Group

3:00pm to 6:00pm California Fisher Working Group Meeting

8:00am to 10:00am

Session: Habitat Assessment and Monitoring

1:30pm to 5:30pm

Session: Habitat Modification and Restoration

8:30am to 10:15am

Session: Wildlife Techniques and Technologies II 10:35am to Noon

Session: Ecology and Management of Mammals II

8:30am to 12:30pm Naples 4

Southern Sierra Nevada Fisher Working Group Meeting

Noon to 4:00pm

Predator Monitoring Working Group

4:00pm to 5:30pm

Naples 5 Wildlife Biologist Construction

Awareness Training (WildC.A.T.)*

1:00pm to 5:00pm

Retirees Meeting Noon to 1:00pm

Résumé Workshops for Undergrads

3:30pm to 5:30pm

Professional Development Committee Meeting 7:30am to 8:30am

Résumé Workshop for Undergrads (repeat)

10:30am to 12:30pm

Résumé Workshop for MS/PhD Students

8:30am to 10:30am

Résumé Critiques, by appointment

10:30am to 12:30pm

Naples 6

4th Conference of the North American Pika Consortium*

8:30am to 5:30 pm

4th Conference of the North American Pika Consortium

Poster Reception* 7:00pm to 9:00pm

4th Conference of the North American Pika Consortium*

8:00am to 3:00pm

Keynote Address & Dialogue 10:00am to Noon

Session: Wildlife Genetics - Application and Assessment

1:30pm to 3:15pm

Session: Ecology and Management of Mammals I

3:35pm to 5:30pm

Session: Inputs and Methods for Conservation Planning and Ways

to Measure Success 8:30am to Noon

Plenary Session − Invasive Species: Globalization and

Bad Decisions 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Annual Business Meeting and Members Forum with Raffle

4:00pm to 5:30pm

Session: Renewable Energy and Wildlife Management

8:30am to 10:15am

Session: Quantitative Approaches and Modeling

10:35am to 12:30pm

Naples 7 Sage Grouse Symposium*

9:00am to 5:30pm

Session: Wildlife Techniques and Technologies 1 1:30pm to 5:30pm

Session: Invasive Species- Control and Monitoring

8:30am to 10:15am

Session: Ecology and Management of Shorebirds

10:35am to Noon

Session: Ecology and Management of Amphibians

and Reptiles 8:30am to 12:30pm

Capri Foyer

Café Lounge 9:00am to 4:00pm

Conservation Affairs Committee Meeting 12:30pm to 1:30pm

No-host Cocktail Reception 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Café Lounge 7:00am to 8:00pm

Café Lounge 7:00am to Noon



SCHEDULE VIEW #2 - DAY AND ROOM DESIGNATIONS

DAY ROOM

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Capri Ballroom

Breakfast Roundtable 1* (breakfast and discussion start

promptly at 7:30am) 7:30am to 9:30am

Poster Setup: 10:00am to Noon Viewing: Noon to 4:00pm

Annual Members Banquet, Presentation, Awards Ceremony

& Bucket Raffle * 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Breakfast Roundtable 2* (breakfast and discussion start

promptly at 7:00am) 7:00am to 8:15am

Student-Professional Mixer and Lunch (advance signup required)

12:00pm to 1:30pm

Poster Reception (light hors d’oeuvres provided


Capri 1 Western Section Executive

Board Meeting (all members welcome) 8:30am to 4:00pm

Career Fair and Recruiters 9:00am to 12:30pm

Capri 2 4th Conference of the North American Pika Consortium

Working Group


Working Group


Working Group

Roma 1

Wilderness First Aid with Foster Calm*

12:30 to 9pm

Wilderness First Aid with Foster Calm* 8:30am to 5:00pm

Sierra Nevada Red Fox Working Group Meeting

8:00am to 10:00am

TWS-WS Professional Chapter Leaders Meeting (all are welcome) Noon to 1:30pm

How *Not* to Give a Scientific Presentation

9:00am to 10:00am

Mentoring Committee Meeting (all are welcome)

7:30am to 8:30am

Job Interview Panel 10:30am to 11:30am

Meeting Planning Committee Wrap-up Lunch

1:00pm to 2:30pm

Roma 2 Forest Service Biologists

Meet/Greet & Dinner 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Speaker Practice Room 10:00am to 5:30pm,

except as below

TWS-WS Student Chapter Leaders Meeting (all are welcome) Noon to 1:30pm

Speaker Practice Room 9:00am to 5:30pm

Diversity Committee Meeting (all are welcome) 7:30am to 8:30am

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Registration Packet Production 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Humboldt Alumni Strategic Planning Meeting 5:00pm to 7:00pm

HSU Reunion 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Western Wildlife Planning Meeting 7:30am to 8:30am

North Coast Chapter Meeting 8:00pm to 9:30pm

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San Joaquin Valley

Chapter Meeting 8:00pm to 9:30pm

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Nevada Chapter Meeting

8:00pm to 9:30pm

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Southern California

Chapter Meeting 8:00pm to 9:30pm

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CA Central Coast Chapter Meeting

8:00pm to 9:30pm

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SF Bay Chapter Meeting 8:00pm to 9:30pm

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Sac-Shasta Chapter Meeting 8:00pm to 9:30pm

The Edge Nightclub

Welcome Reception,

Photo Display (includes buffet station and no-host bar) *

7:00pm to 9:00pm

Tuscany Foyer Geothermal Plant Tour Noon to 1:30pm

* Events requiring separate registration and fee



FLOOR PLAN

The Peppermill Resort offers free Wi-Fi internet access throughout the facility. No password is required; simply open your web browser and scroll down to Log Me In and select Done once prompted.

Please, no video streaming or downloads which will slow the network for everyone.

How to stay in communication with TWS-WS:

Twitter: @WesternTWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tws.western

● Join our newsletter email list: www.tws-west.org (ResourcesNewsletters)

● Visit our website for the most up-to-date information: www.tws-west.org

● email us: [email protected]

The Western Section of The Wildlife Society PO Box 6756, Albany, CA 94706

https://www.facebook.com/tws.western

http://www.tws-west.org/



mailto:[email protected]



A MESSAGE FROM THE MEETING CHAIR

Welcome to Reno!

64th Annual Meeting of The Western Section of TWS

Fellow Wildlifers,

Thank you for joining us at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Western Section. We have a wonderful slate of activities, networking events, and professional paper sessions scheduled that I am sure you will not want to miss.

Our theme this year is Invasive Species: Globalization and Bad Decisions. Invasive species can be both local and global problems that affect wildlife directly and indirectly. Globalization here is cast in the broad sense whether invasions are facilitated by currently expanding global trade or just movement (past or present) of species across borders for any reason. Similarly, bad decisions as used here is broadly meant to be decisions that are made either knowingly (e.g., pet trade, direct introduction of species, horticulture trade) or by accident and indifference (e.g., failure to consider the consequences of actions like dumping of ballast water from ships) that result in establishment of invasive species. Because of the nature of this topic it transcends the immediate topic of the biology of invasive species to encompass the arenas of economics, politics, law, philosophy, and ethics. Hence, the issues surrounding invasive species and their impacts are enormously complex, highly contentious, politically divisive, and are often technically difficult to resolve. This is an issue that will affect almost every wildlifer in their career.

In addition to a technical session devoted to invasive species, we have roundtable breakfast sessions and a plenary session also devoted to invasive species. Our plenary session will be a novel format featuring two outstanding individuals: Dr. Daniel Simberloff of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Dr. Karen Poiani, Executive Director of Island Conservation, who will engage in a free-flowing conversation about invasive species. Dr. Simberloff is a world authority on invasion biology while Dr. Poiani leads an organization that confronts the realities of invasive species impacts on a daily basis. For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed listening to knowledgeable and intelligent people engage in meaningful conversation – it can be mesmerizing and sow the seeds for ideas that will later bear fruit in unexpected ways. I hope this rings true for you as well when you spend the plenary with Drs. Poiani and Simberloff. To enhance the relevance of our plenary, I am asking members who would like to hear about particular but general invasive species issues to please send me a message suggesting either a question or a topic for consideration by our interlocutors. You can send these directly to me until the morning of the plenary at [email protected] and I will forward them to our plenary speakers.

We also have as our keynote speaker, Mr. Juan Palma, who is the Director of the Nevada Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Mr. Palma had a distinguished career in federal service, retiring as director of the Utah state office of the Bureau of Land Management, before joining TNC. He will also engage in a discussion with conservationists about key conservation issues around the western US.

To foster professional development and topics of particular interest to members, we are again sponsoring several pre-meeting workshops that include a North American Pika Symposium, a Sage Grouse Symposium, an Altamont Pass Symposium, a Wildlife Biologist Construction Awareness Training (WildC.A.T.), and a Wilderness First Aid certification class. These professional development events provide opportunities for retaining professional currency and have important implications for your career advancement. Visit our meeting website for more details about these symposia and other events at the meeting.

Throughout my career, TWS meetings have provided many things to me. Among these were the opportunities to present my research, learn from others, learn about the society, and to network. The size of our section meeting is very conducive to networking and I look back now at the many opportunities I had during meetings to establish future collaborations, generate new ideas, and reinvigorate my enthusiasm for wildlife conservation as well as to make new friends and colleagues. Therefore, I hope you will use your time at the conference not only to network and learn but also to help us build a stronger Western Section of TWS.

R. J. Gutiérrez, TWS-WS President-Elect 2017 TWS-WS Annual Meeting Chair




TABLE OF CONTENTS

SCHEDULE VIEW #1 - DETAILED SCHEDULE BY DAY AND HOUR ........................................................................ 2

SCHEDULE VIEW #2 - DAY AND ROOM DESIGNATIONS ........................................................................................ 4

FLOOR PLAN ................................................................................................................................................................ 6

A MESSAGE FROM THE MEETING CHAIR ................................................................................................................ 9

PROFESSIONALS: SUPPORT OUR FUTURE WILDLIFERS! .................................................................................. 12

GENERAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................................... 13

RENO RESTAURANTS ............................................................................................................................................... 15

EXHIBITOR PARTICIPANT LIST ................................................................................................................................ 16

CAREER FAIR PARTICIPANT LIST ........................................................................................................................... 16

TWS WESTERN SECTION 2016 BOARD MEMBERS ............................................................................................... 17

2017 ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM COMMITTEE ................................................................................................. 18

MEETING SCHEDULES .............................................................................................................................................. 19

SPECIAL EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS..................................................................................................................... 20

KEYNOTE ADDRESS AND DIALOGUE ..................................................................................................................... 23

SESSION ABSTRACT ELECTRONIC ACCESS INFORMATION ............................................................................. 13

PLENARY AGENDA ................................................................................................................................................... 24

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................................ 24

PLENARY SPEAKER BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES ................................................................................................ 25

BUSINESS MEETING AND MEMBERS FORUM AGENDA ....................................................................................... 25

CONTRIBUTED PAPER SCHEDULE ......................................................................................................................... 27

CONCURRENT SESSION TALK SCHEDULE IN GRID FORMAT ............................................................................. 29

TWS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM ............................................................................................................................. 41

POSTER SESSION CONTRIBUTED PAPERS ........................................................................................................... 43

TWS WESTERN SECTION COMMITTEES NEED VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE THE SECTION! ............................... 49



PROFESSIONALS: SUPPORT OUR FUTURE WILDLIFERS!

Remember how it felt to be a student at your first meeting? Or an early career professional trying to land that first wildlife biology job? It was a little overwhelming and intimidating, right?

One of the aims of The Wildlife Society is to support and foster the next generation of wildlife professionals. Please help us meet that goal by looking for opportunities to engage with students.

Here’s how (it’s easy!):

● Students have blue badge-holders and Early Career Professionals have red badge-holders. When you see a student or an Early Career Professional, especially one who might need some meeting guidance, introduce yourself and help them engage in a conversation, session or activity.

● Fill out your Ask me about… button. We will be encouraging students to ask you about it! You can change the topic every day with your re-usable badge.

● Play our Passport Game, included in your registration packet. Stamp your passport card whenever you attend a concurrent session, or any of the other activities listed on the passport sheet. Rubber stamps are provided at the entrance the room for each activity. Instructions are on the card itself! When you complete the game, you can enter yourself in a raffle for great prizes!

● Sign up to be a mentor to a student or early career professional. Attend the first-ever Mentoring Committee meeting on Friday meeting at 7:30am (in Roma 1) for more information on this brand-new program that is currently in development.

● Pick up buttons at the Student Affairs table so students know your expertise. This will help them approach you for a conversation!

If you have any questions or ideas about how to help TWS-WS help students get the most out of their experiences at our Annual Meeting, please visit us at the Student Activities table, located in the Exhibit Hall.

Mandi McElroy, Co-Chair Ivan Parr, Co-Chair Reno 2017 Student Activities Committee



SESSION ABSTRACT ELECTRONIC ACCESS INFORMATION

To conserve paper and reduce energy consumption, abstracts for concurrent and poster sessions are provided electronically.

Abstracts are available to view, download or print via the Western Section Annual Meeting website: http://wildlifeprofessional.org/western/tws_abstract_display_grid.php?e=AC2017

SMART PHONE USERS MAY SCAN THIS CODE TO GAIN QUICK ACCESS TO THE ONLINE ABSTRACTS.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Annual Business Meeting and Members Forum. The Annual Business Meeting and Members Forum will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 5:30 pm in Naples 6 & 7. Section members are invited to discuss activities past and future with officers and committee chairs of the Western Section, including new officers and Executive Board members. Attendance by all members is encouraged.

Breakfast Roundtables. The roundtable discussions were created in response to post-meeting membership surveys calling for more venues and events that facilitate small-group conversations about issues of interest to wildlifers. We will have two breakfast roundtables at the 2017 Annual Meeting (on Wednesday and Thursday mornings) to help you exchange ideas and cultivate productive professional relationships. Times are slightly different each morning, so check your program carefully.

Career Fair & Recruiters. The Career Fair will be held on Thursday from 9 am to 12:30 pm in Capri 1. This is an opportunity for students to meet prospective employers and discuss careers in the wildlife sciences. Professionals from state and federal agencies and several consulting firms will be present.

Cell Phone – Informal Policy. The Western Section of The Wildlife Society strongly encourages all meeting participants to silence their cellular phones and similar devices prior to entering meeting rooms! The informal policy of the Western Section is that, if your device makes an audible noise during any session, you will be expected to purchase a beverage for every person in your seating row at that evening’s social function. Seriously…you beep, you buy!

Chapter Leaders Meeting. Join other Chapter board members and leaders to discuss the challenges you face in your Chapter. Brainstorm solutions together and share what systems and strategies work for your Chapter. This meeting will be held on Wednesday from noon to 1:30 pm in Roma 1 for Professional Chapters and in Roma 2 for Student Chapters.

Concurrent Sessions. Concurrent sessions will be held on Wednesday afternoon, Thursday morning, and Friday morning (refer to Schedule View #1 or Schedule View #2 for session topics, times, and locations).

Exhibits and Vendor Displays. Exhibits will be displayed Tuesday 3 to 8 pm, Wednesday 7 am to 7 pm, Thursday 7 am to 8 pm, and Friday 7 am to noon in Sorrento & Naples Foyer.

HSU Reunion. A reunion will be held for all past and current Humboldt State University students, faculty and staff on Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in Penthouse Suite #1635 at The Peppermill Tower.

How NOT to Give a Scientific Presentation. Join us for this informative (and fun!) workshop led by retired California State University Chico Professor Jon Hooper. Jon has been leading communication workshops around the country for the past 40 years. He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, a Certified Interpretive Trainer, and has a PhD in Wildlife Ecology. This workshop will be held on Thursday from 9 to 10 am in Roma 1.

Job Board. Post and view job announcements on the job board which will be located in the Exhibit Hall near the registration desk. Please do not post résumés as we cannot be responsible for the security of your personal information.

Job Interview Panel: I Got a Job Interview, Now What? – Getting Jobs in a Tough Job Environment. Join us for a panel discussion about the skills employers desire to see in prospective new hires and what candidates can expect in the interview process. Panelists include biologists from federal and state agencies and from private industry. Questions will also be fielded from the audience. The panel discussion will be held on Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 am in Roma 1.

Keynote Address & Dialogue. In 2015, The Nature Conservancy won TWS-WS’s Conservationist of the Year award. Come hear Director of the Nevada Chapter, Juan Palma, and his colleagues, for a conversation about the conservation accomplishments and challenges faced in the West, especially throughout Nevada. The Keynote Address and Dialogue will be held on Wednesday from 10 am to noon in Naples 6 & 7.

Local Services. A listing of local services (banks, pharmacies, grocery stores, hospital, etc.) is available at the Peppermill concierge desk.

Messages and Announcements. Post and view messages and announcements at the message board which will be located in the Exhibit Hall near the Registration Desk.



Members Awards Banquet. The banquet presentation features Beth Pratt-Bergstrom, a TWS-WS member, wildlife advocate, author, and California Director for the National Wildlife Federation. She will share tales of wild wonder from her new book When Mountain Lions Are Neighbors: Wildlife in Today’s California. The 2017 Awards program will follow along with networking and a short raffle. The banquet will be held Wednesday evening from 7 to 10 pm in the Capri Ballroom. A no-host cocktail reception will precede the banquet from 6 to 7 pm in the Capri Foyer and all are welcome to attend the cocktail reception. Also, for those who did not purchase banquet tickets, the presentation, Awards and Raffle Program are open to all meeting attendees and seats after 7:45pm or as soon as doors open to banquet hall.

Odor Sensitivity. Please be courteous to those who may be sensitive to chemical smells by refraining from wearing perfumes, colognes and strong-smelling hand lotions. Seriously! The person typing this program is very sensitive to chemicals and fragrances, and feels like a big grumpy grizzly bear after exposure. Don’t pester the wildlife!

Plenary Session. The Plenary Session, titled Invasive Species: Globalization and Bad Decisions, will be held on Thursday from 1:30 to 3:30 pm in Naples 6 & 7. There will be no concurrent sessions during the plenary session. Everyone should plan to attend. See the Plenary Agenda for more information about the speakers.

Poster Session. Posters will be available for viewing in Capri Ballroom on Wednesday from Noon to 4:00 pm, and on Thursday from 7 am to 8 pm in Naples Foyer & Sorrento. The Poster Reception will be Thursday from 6 to 8 pm in Capri Ballroom & Naples Foyer/Sorrento. Light hors d’oeuvres are included with your meeting registration. Authors will be available to answer questions about their posters during the Poster Reception and no-host bars will be setup in the Capri and Naples Foyers. Please remove posters before noon on Friday.

Professional Development Committee (PDC) Meeting. The PDC will meet on Thursday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 am in Naples 5. This is an opportunity for PDC chapter coordinators and PDC Section members to discuss objectives and schedules for 2017 events and activities. Whether your interest is as a subject matter expert for a topic of interest or as host of a facility that would be perfect for field workshops, this meeting is a great chance to make an action plan to serve Western Wildlifers. Come and offer your skills and knowledge or learn what events are in the works.

Raffles!! Raffle proceeds support the Western Section’s commitment to providing students with programs and scholarships, encouraging their involvement and attendance at this meeting as well as our professional development events.

Raffle tickets will be sold by TWS-WS board members and designated volunteers throughout the meeting up to the last call or when tickets are sold out. For more detailed information, please visit the Raffle/Silent Auction table in Sorrento Ballroom where all raffle and silent auction items will be available for viewing. Winners need not be present to win, although we cannot ship prizes so winners must find a friend to pick up their prizes before noon Friday.

This year we will hold two raffles! The first raffle will be conducted at the Members Banquet on Wednesday evening where we will hold a Dutch Raffle (a.k.a. bucket raffle). Each item will have a bucket and purchasers will drop tickets into the bucket of each prize they would like to win. Raffle Master of Ceremonies Joe DiDonato returns to the banquet stage to draw a winning ticket from each bucket. The second raffle will be held at our Thursday evening Annual Business Meeting and Members’ Forum with Raffle, held in Naples 6 & 7 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Retirees Meeting. Are you retired and do you want to connect with other retired TWS-WS members? Gather informally on Wednesday from noon to 1pm in Naples 5 to talk about issues important to retired Wildlifers.

Recycled and Low Environmental Impact Program Materials. This program has been printed on 30% post-consumer recycled and Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper. In addition, the programs were printed using Toshiba’s eco-Style printer which is made with 30% recycled plastics and is Energy Star Tier 2 compliant. Ascent’s participation in Close the Loop, a zero waste to landfill recycling program, allows for 100% recycling of collected consumable supplies such as cartridges, drum units and toner bottles. Best of all, it manufactures eLumber™ using all the waste that was once considered unusable. Thank you to Ascent Environmental for handling the layout and printing this program at no charge to TWS-WS. They also provided outstanding editing skils (AND that last bit is just a silly joke, for the few who actually read these things.)

Refreshment and Lunch Breaks. Light refreshments will be provided at the mid-morning and afternoon breaks. For information on local restaurants and services, inquire at the Registration Desk or at the Peppermill concierge desk.

Registration Desk. Registration materials, general information, and Western Section membership applications can be picked up at the Registration Desk located in Sorrento.

Résumé Workshop. The Western Section is pleased to announce the return of our fantastic résumé workshop! Barbara Peters (retired) and Kristina Hunt both from the Career Center at Humboldt State University will offer outstanding guidance on job searching to students and young professionals.

● Wednesday 3:30 – 5:30 pm (Naples 5) Undergraduate Students and Graduating Seniors ● Thursday 10:30 am – 12:30 pm (Naples 5) Undergraduate Students and Graduating Seniors (repeat session) ● Friday 8:30 – 10:30 am (Naples 5) MS / PhD Students ● Friday 10:30 am – 12:30 pm (Naples 5) Resume Critiques by advance appointment

Re-usable Name Badge Holders. The Western Section is now using re-usable name badge holders. At the end of the meeting, please drop off your name badge holder at the Registration Desk so it can be re-used next year. Thanks!

Silent Auction. Proceeds from our Silent Auction support student programs and scholarships. Items will be available for bidding in the Exhibit Hall (Naples Foyer & Sorrento) throughout the meeting until the first break Friday morning. Bidders need not be present to win. However, prizes will not be mailed and must be picked up and paid for by the winner (or a proxy) before noon on Friday when the meeting closes. We reserve the right to award a silent auction item to the next highest bidder if payment or pickup is not completed by noon Friday.



Speaker Practice Room. The Roma 2 room is available throughout most of the meeting for speakers to practice their presentations; obtain a key from the Registration Desk.

Student Presentation Contest. Recognition is awarded to the best student presentations, both oral and posters. Award winners will be announced on our website and through our email list-serv after the meeting.

Student-Professional Mixer Lunch. Please join us on Thursday from 12:00 to 1:30 pm in the Capri Ballroom. The goal is to help students talk to professionals. We have a mixer game planned so that students can talk to professionals about all sorts of wildlife related issues. Advance sign-up required. This event is full and only those who pre-registered may attend.

Videotaping and Photography Policy. Videotaping and photography of participants at meeting events may occur. Western Section of TWS may use photographs and videos of meeting attendees for any lawful purpose, including publicity, illustration, advertising, newsletter, and web content. More information will be available at the meeting registration desk. Your registration and attendance at this meeting confirms your acknowledgement and agreement with these terms for use of videos and photographs.

Welcome Reception. A welcome reception will be held on Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm at The Edge Nightclub. A buffet station will be provided and a no-host bar will be available. A ticket or name badge symbol indicating payment is required for this event. Wildlife photos submitted by Western Wildlifers and Wildlings will be on display.

Western Wildlife Planning Meeting. Western Wildlife is our new peer-reviewed online journal. All are welcome to join the Planning Meeting on Thursday from 7:30 am to 8:30 am in the Penthouse Suite, #1635 Peppermill Tower, to talk about Western Wildlife.

RENO RESTAURANTS

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Downtown Downtown Downtown

Daughter’s Café ($$) – Seasonal Breakfasts & Lunches

Beto’s Mexican Food ($) – Authentic Mexican food

Beto’s Mexican Food ($) – Authentic Mexican food

Hash House A Go-Go ($$) – Twisted Farm Food

Hash House A Go-Go ($$) – Twisted Farm Food

Louis’ Basque corner ($$) – Comfort Basques food from the Pyrenees

Mountains. Family atmosphere and friendly to large groups.

Homage ($$) – French Bakery, Coffees

Homage ($) – Bakery, Lunches & Craft Beers

Noble Pie ($$) – Wings, pizza, and cocktails.

Open late! (Gluten-free crust option)

Peg’s Glorified Ham and Eggs ($$) – American Traditional Breakfast

Pho 777 ($) – Vietnamese Noodle Restaurant Pho 777 ($) – Vietnamese Noodle Restaurant

Midtown Midtown Midtown

Crème Café ($$) — Crepes, Beignets, Scrambles,

French Press Coffee

Grateful Gardens ($$) – Wholesome menu caters to all including meat

eaters, paleo, vegan and gluten-free

Bangkok Cuisine ($$) – Authentic Thai

Grateful Gardens ($$) – Wholesome menu caters to all including meat

eaters, paleo, vegan and gluten-free

Laughing Planet ($) – A quick-service restaurant offering nutritious, affordable, and delicious fare: tasty burritos and bowls, soups, salads, smoothies, juices,

and homemade cookies

Brasserie St. James ($$) – Industrial-chic neighborhood tavern with house brews & guest beers paired with gastropub fare.

The Coffeebar ($) – Local coffeehouse serving locally roasted

coffees, espresso & tea, plus seasonal crepes, salads & panini

Michael’s Deli ($) – New York style homemade soups,

salads & more

Campo ($$) – Low-key spot dishes up handmade pastas &

other Italian eats such as pizzas from a wood-fired oven.

Two Chicks ($$) — Eggceptional breakfast

Midtown Eats ($$) – Comfort food unrestricted by culinary

boundaries. Including signature burgers, salads, and daily chef du jour entrées

Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen ($$) – A Midtown twist to Mexican cuisine

Naan & Kabab ($$) – Traditional Mediterranean dishes like baba ghanoush, kebabs & hummus along with

homemade desserts.

The Depot ($$) – Housed in an old railway headquarters, this

warm gastropub serves American pub fare & craft beers.

SUP ($$) – Soups. Salads. Sandwiches.

Wild River Grille ($$) – This modern venue in the historic Riverside

Hotel provides an array of American entrees & cocktails.



EXHIBITOR PARTICIPANT LIST

AECOM 300 California Street, Suite 600 San Francisco, CA 94104 [email protected] Alpen Optics 10329 Dorset Street Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 [email protected] Animex Fencing Offices A1-A2 Knowle Village Business Park Knowle, Fareham, Hampshire 317 [email protected] Ascent Environmental 455 Capitol Mall, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95814 [email protected] Craft and Quail 5471 Braehurst Ln Sebastopol, CA 95472 [email protected] Dudek 605 3rd Street Encinitas, CA 92024 [email protected] ERTEC Environmental Systems 1150 Ballena Blvd., Suite 250 Alameda, CA 94501 [email protected]

ESA 6190 San Mateo Ct. Rohnert Park, CA 94928 [email protected] GEI Consultants, Inc. 2868 Prospect Park Dr Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 [email protected] GeoTrak, Inc. 2521 Schieffelin Road, Ste. 136 Apex, NC 27502 [email protected] Holohil Systems PO Box 2398 Sidney, BC 833 Canada [email protected] Ironwood Consulting PO Box 10068 San Bernardino, CA 92423 [email protected] Lotek Wireless Inc. / Biotrack / Sirtrack 115 Pony Drive Newmarket, ON 375 [email protected] Mountain Lion Foundation P.O. Box 1896 Sacramento, CA 95812 [email protected]

RECON Environmental 1927 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 wloeffler@ reconenvironmental.com San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido, CA 92027 [email protected] Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc. 319 Diablo Road, Suite 220 Danville, CA 94526 [email protected] Swaim Biological 4435 First Street, PMB # 312 Livermore, CA 94551 [email protected] Tomahawk Live Trap PO Box 155 Hazelhurst, WI 54531 [email protected] US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region 1323 Club Drive Vallejo, CA 94592 [email protected]

Vectronic-Aerospace 845 Pheasant Lane North Liberty, IA 52317 [email protected] Westervelt Ecological Services 600 North Market Blvd, Suite 3 Sacramento, CA 95834 [email protected] Wildlands 3070 Humphrey Rd. Loomis, CA 95650 [email protected] Wildnote 672 Serrano Drive #4 San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 [email protected] Also participating in the Exhibit Hall:

Central Coast Chapter

Diversity Committee

Raffle and Silent Auction - to benefit TWS-WS student programs

Sac-Shasta Chapter

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Southern California Chapter

Student Affairs Committee

Western Wildlife

CAREER FAIR PARTICIPANT LIST

AECOM [email protected] CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife [email protected] Condor Country [email protected] GEI Consultants, Inc. [email protected]

The Great Basin Institute [email protected]

Humboldt State Alumni [email protected] ICF [email protected] McCormick Biological, Inc. [email protected]

RECON Environmental [email protected] San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research [email protected] Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc. [email protected]

Swaim Biological [email protected] US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region [email protected] Westervelt Ecological Services [email protected]



TWS WESTERN SECTION 2016 BOARD MEMBERS

2016 Elected Officers

President Rachel Sprague Pūlama Lāna‘i

Past-President Don Yasuda USDA Forest Service

President-Elect Rocky Gutiérrez Retired, University of Minnesota

Section Representative Cynthia Perrine TWS Western Section

2016 Appointed Officers

Treasurer John McNerney City of Davis

Secretary Janae Scruggs (January-June) CDFW Bridget Sousa (July-December)

H.T. Harvey and Associates

Western Wildlife Bridget Sousa, Co-Chair H.T. Harvey and Associates Howard Clark, Co-Chair Colibri Ecological Consulting

Chapter Representatives

California Central Coast Sara Snyder California North Coast Sal Chinnici Humboldt Redwood Company

Hawaii Angela Amlin Hawai’i Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Nevada Kelley Stewart University of Reno

Sacramento-Shasta Katie Smith CDFW

San Francisco Bay Area Matthew Bettelheim, CWB AECOM, Inc.

San Joaquin Valley Jeff Davis Colibri Ecological Consulting

Southern California Jeff Lincer Lincer & Associates

Chapter Representatives

Cal Poly SLO Student Chapter Mason DuBois

Humboldt State Student Chapter Adrian Macedo

UC Davis Student Chapter Bailey Higa

UCSB Student Chapter Aaron Huelsman

San Francisco State Student Chapter Daniel Tzadakel

University of Nevada, Reno Student Chapter Esmeralda Aguilar

Contractors

Accountant Mike Chapel

Program Director Cynthia Perrine

Project Manager and Meeting Planner Candace Renger

Webmaster Eric Renger

Committee Chairs

Awards and Grants Richard Burg CDFW

Conservation Affairs Kelly Holland

Diversity Katie Smith

Membership Don Yasuda USDA Forest Service Mentoring Jeff Lincer

Professional Development Jessica Martini-Lamb Sonoma County Water Agency

Student Affairs Mandi McElroy and Ivan Parr AECOM, Inc.

Communication Content Editor Suzanne Marczak San Diego Zoo

Historian YOUR NAME HERE! Email [email protected] for more information.




2017 ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Meeting Chair ........................................................................................................................................................................ R. J. Gutiérrez President ............................................................................................................................................................................ Rachel Sprague Professional Development Committee Chair and Pre-Meeting Symposia ................................................................. Jessica Martini-Lamb Program Director ................................................................................................................................................................. Cynthia Perrine Project Manager and Meeting Planner .............................................................................................................................. Candace Renger Annual Members Banquet and Awards Ceremony ................................................................ Rachel Sprague, Cynthia Perrine, Rich Burg Audio Visual Captains ...................................................................................... Ona Alminas, Don Yasuda, Keelan Dann, John McNerney Breakfast Roundtable ............................................................................................................................. Lisa Fields, Chair; Wendy Loeffler Career Fair .............................................................................................................................................................................. Karen Swaim Chickadee Ridge Snowshoe Adventure ................................................................................................................................ Kelley Stewart Exhibit Hall .................................................................................................................................................................................. Callie Ford Keynote Speech Coordinator .............................................................................................................................................. Cynthia Perrine Local Arrangements Chair ..................................................................................................................................................... Kelley Stewart Mentoring Program Development.................................................... Jeff Lincer, Chair; Suzanne Marczak, Patti Krueger, Colleen Wisinski Photo Collection Submissions and Slideshow ................................................................................................................... Eveline Larrucea Photographer ............................................................................................................................................................. Janine Payne Schneir Plenary Session .................................................................................................................................................................... R. J. Gutiérrez Poster Session ............................................................................................................................................ Carlos Alvarado, Allison Fuller Printed Program Compilation ............................................................................................................................................. Natasha Dvorak Printed Program Editing ......................................................................................... Rhys Evans, John Perrine, Debra Hawk, Rick Williams Raffle and Silent Auction ............................................................................................................................................ Sandra Hunt-von Arb Retirees Meeting ................................................................................................................................................................... R. J. Gutiérrez Sponsorship & Exhibitors .................................................................................................................................................. Candace Renger Student Activities Subcommittee ................................................................. Mandi McElroy, Co-Chair; Ivan Parr, Co-Chair; Kristen Wasz,

Ryan Baumbusch, Colleen Wisinski, Angela Amlin Student Presentation Competition Coordinators .......................................................................................... Brian Barton, Karen Converse Volunteer Coordination .......................................................................................................................... Patrick Tweedy, Ryan Baumbusch

Concurrent Session Chairs

Session Name Session Chair Ecology and Management of Birds........................................................................................................ Kathryn Purcell, US Forest Service Habitat assessment and monitoring ........................................................................................................... John Keane, US Forest Service Wildlife genetics: application and assessment .................................................................................................. Benjamin Sacks, UC Davis Wildlife Techniques and Technologies I ........................................................................................................... John Perrine, Cal Poly SLO Invasive Species: Impacts and Surveillance ....................................................................................................... Dirk Van Vuren, UC Davis Ecology and Management of Mammals I ....................................................................................... Cody McKee, Nevada Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Conservation on Private Lands (Partnering to Enhance Land Stewardship) ........ Geoff Geupel, Point Blue Conservation Science Habitat modification and restoration ................................................................................................ Dan Barton, Humboldt State University Inputs and Methods for Conservation Planning and Ways to Measure Success ............................... Rachel Mazur, National Park Service Invasive Species: Control and Monitoring ................................................................................... Rhys Evans, Vandenberg Air Force Base Wildlife Techniques and Technologies II ......................................................................................... Dan Barton, Humboldt State University Ecology and Management of Shorebirds ........................................................................ Rodney Siegel, The Institute for Bird Populations Predators: history and human interactions ................................................................ Breanna Owens, Point Blue Conservation Science &

Karin Vardaman, California Wolf Center Ecology and Management of Mammals II ................................................................................ Kelley Stewart, University of Nevada, Reno Renewable energy and wildlife management ............................................................................................................. Rick Williams, PG& E Ecology and Management of Amphibians and Reptiles ....................................................... Laura Patterson, CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife Perspectives on Canine Predators and Livestock ..................................................... Breanna Owens, Point Blue Conservation Science &

Karin Vardaman, California Wolf Center Quantitative approaches and modeling ................................................................................. James Sedinger, University of Nevada, Reno



MEETING SCHEDULES

Official Meetings

Tuesday, February 7 8:30 am – 4 pm Western Section Executive Board Meeting (Capri 1)

Wednesday, February 8 Noon – 1:30 pm TWS-WS Chapter Leaders Meetings

Professional Chapters (Roma 1) Student Chapters (Roma 2)

Noon – 1:00 pm TWS-WS Retirees’ Meeting (Naples 5)

12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Conservation Affairs Committee Meeting (Capri Foyer)

Thursday, February 9 7:30 am – 8:30 am Professional Development Committee (Naples 5)

7:30 am – 8:30 am Western Wildlife Planning Meeting (Penthouse Suite, #1635 Peppermill Tower)

4:00 am – 5:30 pm Annual TWS Western Section Business Meeting and Members Forum with Raffle (Naples 6 & 7)

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm Chapter Meetings

Central Coast: Valley View Penthouse Suite, 2nd Floor, Room 1734 Peppermill Tower

Hawaii: no meeting scheduled

Nevada: Sierra View Penthouse Suite, 2nd Floor, Room 1748 Peppermill Tower

North Coast: Presidential Suite 1635 Peppermill Tower

Southern California: Valley View Penthouse Suite, 1st Floor, Room 1734 Peppermill Tower

Sac-Shasta: Lake View Penthouse Suite 2nd Floor, Room 1747 Peppermill Tower

SF Bay Area: Valley View Penthouse Suite 1st Floor, Room 1747 Peppermill Tower

San Joaquin: Sierra View Penthouse Suite 1st Floor, Room 1748 Peppermill Tower

Friday, February 10 7:30 am to 8:30 am Mentoring Committee TWS-WS Meeting (Roma 1)

7:30 am to 8:30 am Diversity Committee TWS-WS Meeting (Roma 2)

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Annual Meeting Planning Committee and Wrap-Up (Roma 1)

Other Meetings

Tuesday, February 8 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm California Bat Working Group (Naples 3)

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Predator Monitoring Working Group (Naples 4)

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Forest Service Biologists Meet/Greet & Dinner (Roma 2)

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Humboldt Alumni Strategic Planning Meeting (Penthouse Suite #1635 Peppermill Tower)

Wednesday, February 8 8:00 – 10:00 am California Fisher Working Group (Naples 3 & 4)

8:00 – 10:00 am Sierra Nevada Red Fox Working Group (Roma 1)

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm HSU Reunion (Penthouse Suite #1635 Peppermill Tower)



SPECIAL EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

Breakfast Roundtables Wednesday’s Discussion Question: Has there been, or should there be, a paradigm shift in how we approach conservation in light of modern day pressures like climate change, globalization, increased human development, etc.? Wednesday, 7:30 am sharp, Capri Ballroom. (Separate fee and advance registration required.)

Thursday’s Discussion Question: Do you distinguish among non-native, invasive, and naturalized species? If so, how does that translate to policy and action, or inaction, regarding treatment goals and/or methods? What are the consequences of inaction, if any? What should our management goals be regarding non-native, invasive, and naturalized species (plants and animals) when viewed through the lens of globalization? Thursday, 7:00 am sharp, Capri Ballroom. (Separate fee and advance registration required.)

The goal (in addition to providing a great breakfast) is to facilitate conversations among wildlife professionals and students in which each can delve deeper into a current topic of interest in a small group setting. Objectives include networking, increased awareness of important wildlife issues, and an opportunity for students and early career professionals to practice their communication (including listening) skills. Other potential benefits include the opportunity for mentoring and identifying potential future TWS workshops.

The Wednesday discussion will utilize The World Café method whereby participants will change tables over several discussion rounds which will allow for many conversations and different perspectives. We will come together at the end of the breakfast roundtable to share highlights with the larger group.

The Thursday breakfast participants will follow a more traditional format whereby attendees will have in-depth discussions by table group throughout the duration of the breakfast. The table groups will report back their discussion highlights to the larger group towards the end of the breakfast roundtable discussion.

Résumé Workshops & Résumé Critiques Wednesday afternoon 3:30 to 5:30 pm Naples 5 Undergrads & Graduating Seniors

Thursday morning 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Naples 5 Undergrads & Graduating Seniors

Friday morning 8:30 to 10:30 am Naples 5 MS / PhD

Résumé Writing for Undergrads and Graduating Seniors: Barbara Peters and Kristina Hunt (HSU Career Center) will present Résumé Writing workshops for undergraduate students on both Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning (same material presented each day). Information and handouts will be provided that demonstrate how to put together an effective résumé and cover letter targeted to positions in the wildlife and environmental fields (seasonal, internship, and professional). Joining Barbara this year is Kristina Hunt, the new wildlife Career Advisor at HSU.

Résumé Writing for Graduate Students: Barbara Peters and Kristina Hunt will also present a Résumé / Curriculum Vitae Writing workshop for graduate students (MS & PhD) on Friday morning. They will provide information and handouts about putting together an effective CV/résumé and cover letter targeted to professional positions in the wildlife and environmental fields.

In all three workshops, they will also provide a list of special skills that students develop as part of their undergraduate and graduate experiences (research techniques, field equipment & techniques, training, licenses, etc.), as well as interviewing tips and on-line resources for job hunting in these fields.

On Friday, they will be available, on a sign-up basis, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm to critique CVs/Résumés; but both are also willing to review emailed Resumes & CV’s after the annual meeting.

Barbara Peters worked at Humboldt State University (HSU) in Arcata, CA, as a Career Counselor for 30 years. At HSU, she specialized in helping undergrads and graduate students in the natural resources and sciences with career decision-making, gaining summer job and internship experiences, and professional job hunting upon graduation. Prior to her time at HSU, she worked for 5 years in the Career Planning and Placement Office at Idaho State University. She obtained her B.A. degree in Political Science (1971) and her M.A.Ed. in Student Personnel Work in Higher Education (1976) from Idaho State University. She lives in Eureka, CA with her fisherman husband and her Springer Spaniel, Maizey. Barbara has been presenting these workshops at the Western Section Annual Meeting since 2007 and at the national TWS Meeting since 2009.

Kristina Hunt is a Career Advisor in the Academic & Career Advising Center for the College of Natural Resources and Sciences at Humboldt State University (HSU). She enjoys the opportunity to build relationships with students, inspiring them to explore their interests in wildlife and connecting them to fulfilling professions. Kristina has 10 years of experience in Human Resources which has provided her with valuable insight from an employer’s perspective. In her free time, Kristina enjoys spending time with her family and retreating to the family ranch.



How NOT to Give a Scientific Presentation Workshop with Dr. Jon Hooper, California State University, Chico Thursday, 9 am – 10 am, Roma 1

Whether you are just starting out or looking to improve, this informative (and likely humorous) mini-workshop will provide you with information and tips for presenting your research work to your peers. Instructor Jon Hooper will provide demonstrations on how to give an effective presentation….and how NOT to. Dr. Jon K. Hooper, Professor (retired), CSU Chico (and Certified Wildlife Biologist, Certified Interpretive Trainer with a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and 40+ years teaching communication workshops around the country).

Career Fair & Student Professional Mixer Lunch Thursday, 9 am – 12:00 pm, Capri 1

This is an opportunity for students to meet prospective employers and discuss careers in the wildlife sciences. Professionals from state and federal agencies and several consulting firms will be present. All are invited to attend the Career Fair.

The Student-Professional mixer lunch, in the Capri Ballroom from 12:00-1:30pm, is free to students and professionals who have pre-registered for the event. Come play a game with us! This is the students’ chance to ask professionals all sorts of wildlife-related questions. Menu: Salads, deli sandwiches, and delicious desserts.

Job Interview Panel: I Got a Job Interview, Now What? Getting Jobs in a Tough Job Environment with David Wyatt, Sacramento City College and Patti Krueger, U.S. Forest Service Friday, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, Roma 1

The job interview process can be an intimidating experience for the job seeker. To help make this less mysterious, a group of 4-6 invited speakers from agencies, private consulting, and academia will provide insights into what can be expected during a job interview with their respective employers. Topics include how to prepare for the interview, how you should present yourself, and the range of potential questions you may be asked. In addition, an open discussion follows the presentations. This workshop will be led by David Wyatt, who teaches in the Biology Department at Sacramento City College, and Patti Krueger, who works as the Regional Threatened and Endangered Species Coordinator for the US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region.



KEYNOTE ADDRESS AND DIALOGUE

2017 Keynote Wednesday, 10:00 am to noon (Naples 6&7)

Juan Palma, Director of the Nevada Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), will deliver a keynote address on Wednesday morning, February 10th. Director Palma will be joined by conservation scientists from the Nevada Chapter of TNC for a conversation about the conservation accomplishments and challenges faced in the West, especially throughout Nevada.

TNC was the 2015 recipient of TWS-WS Conservationist of the Year award. This Conversation with Conservationists promises to be informative, engaging, dynamic, and inspiring. All registrants are welcome to participate in Wednesday’s Keynote Conversation.

The Conservationist of the Year Award is presented by the Western Section to a person or group, engaged in wildlife conservation either as a profession or as an avocation, who has made an outstanding contribution to wildlife conservation in California, Nevada, Hawaii or Guam. The nominee can be any individual or group who has demonstrated an active concern for wildlife conservation by accomplishing projects or programs that have significantly enhanced wildlife resource conservation within the Western Section geographical area.

NOTE: The 2017 Conservationist of the Year will be awarded Wednesday night at the banquet. Who will join this illustrious group of committed conservationists?

Sign up for TWS Western Section Newsletter Emails

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email communication system in favor of more dynamic emails

hosted by Constant Contact. The new system provides better

service to our members by allowing us to send more

personalized (and attractive!) emails that are friendly to mobile

devices. If you use Gmail, check the Promotions tab. And if

you are a current member and not receiving these messages,

let us know at [email protected].

To join our new group and receive our workshop and meeting

announcements and newsletters, visit the publications section

of our website: www.tws-west.org

Thanks to

for their generous support of the

Altamont Pass Symposium





PLENARY AGENDA

Invasive Species: Globalization and Bad Decisions

Thursday, February 9, 2017 1:30 – 3:30 pm Naples 6 & 7

Chair: R.J. Gutiérrez, TWS Western Section President-Elect

While the causes and consequences of species invasions have attained high visibility within the past few decades, they have long been a negative transformative agent for wildlife communities and habitats within the area encompassed by the Western Section of TWS. Species invasions began in California and Nevada with the transformation of vegetation communities by invasive grasses and weeds unwittingly brought to California by colonizing Spaniards in the 17th century. Mosquitoes were introduced to Hawaii in about 1826 and have served as hosts for malarial parasites that have subsequently decimated endemic Hawaiian birds. World War II likely led to the introduction of brown snakes to Guam that have subsequently eliminated or reduced many species there. Yet these initial waves of invasion will not be the last because they continue today in various ways. In our meeting theme, we use the word globalization in a general sense to mean anything related to the movement of potentially invasive species as a consequence of human movement (accidents), commerce, and nostalgia (purposeful introductions). Invasions are also often the result of bad decisions whether they were well-intentioned decisions or simply ill-conceived. Bad decisions clearly overlap decisions related to commerce as well as purposeful decisions that result directly in negative invasions. Ironically, the wildlife profession has often been at the forefront of purposeful introductions of potentially invasive species in an attempt to improve hunting opportunities and wildlife habitat. In keeping with a broad vision about our theme, invasive plants, issues of public policy, and laws are relevant topics. The former because invasive plants can affect habitats upon which wildlife depend and policy decisions and laws affect the ease by which invasive species persist or enter the country and whether we do anything about them once they are here (e.g., de facto protection of wild pigs in California and protection of wild horses and burros on public lands).

Plenary sessions within conferences usually follow a standard format of speaker (or set of speakers) giving an oral presentation. We will use a different, novel format for our plenary session – a conversation between experts working in conservation and with invasive species. Our two exceptional individuals will engage in a wide-ranging conversation about invasive species. Each interlocutor brings a unique perspective to discuss invasive species. One interlocutor has an extensive academic, theoretical, and conservation background in invasive species biology; the other confronts species invasions on islands throughout the world.

Plenary Schedule: 1:30pm Welcome and Introduction – R.J. Gutiérrez 1:36pm Plenary Discussion on Invasive Species – Drs. Daniel Simberloff & Karen Poiani 3:06pm Questions from audience 3:30pm Plenary ends, afternoon break.

Remember the Annual Business Meeting & Members Forum with Raffle

4:30 to 6 pm – Naples 6 & 7

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The number of contact hours for each workshop and contributed paper session is equal to the number of actual hours spent in a workshop or session and does not include time allotted for breaks or lunch. Generally, attendance at a meeting such as this is not creditable for an initial application for Certified Wildlife Biologist or Associate Wildlife Biologist (but this year’s pre-meeting events are!); however, meeting hours may be credited one for one toward CWB Recertification. For example, if you attend four, 2.5 hour technical sessions (sorry, social events do not count!) you may claim 10 hours toward a Professional Development Certificate (in category 1) or toward Certified Wildlife Biologist renewal (also category 1). Speaking in or chairing a session is usually credited at 1 hour = 2 hours. Additional information on the TWS Professional Development Certificate and Certified /Associate Wildlife Biologist programs is available from the TWS-Western Section Professional Development Committee or on the national TWS website: www.wildlife.org

http://www.wildlife.org/



PLENARY SPEAKER BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

Dr. Daniel Simberloff is the Nancy Gore Hunger Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He received his PhD from Harvard University in 1969 working with Dr. Edward O. Wilson. Dr. Simberloff has had an extraordinarily productive career publishing nearly 500 papers. Many of his papers have been seminal works in their fields and have provided new theory or challenges to current ideas in ecology. He has been a leader in the study of invasion biology making contributions to the Presidential Executive Order 13112 on invasive species, serving on the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group, serving as current editor of the Journal of Biological Invasions, and recently publishing a book on the subject – Invasive Species: What Everyone Needs to Know. He has also served on the National Board of Governors of The Nature Conservancy, the federal Invasive Species Advisory Committee, and several editorial boards of international journals. Among his many honors, he was named Eminent Ecologist by the Ecological Society of America in 2006, received the Ramon Margalef Prize in Ecology in 2012, and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2012.

Dr. Karen Poiani is Chief Executive Officer of Island Conservation, Santa Cruz, California. She received her PhD from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1990. Dr. Poiani’s career has been centered primarily within the nongovernmental sphere of conservation. Prior to her joining Island Conservation, Dr. Poiani was the Director of Evaluation and Learning for the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Before that she had a long association with The Nature Conservancy holding numerous leadership positions within the organization such as Chief Conservation Strategy Officer, member of the Global Executive Team, Director of Science, Director of Conservation Learning, Director of Conservation Programs (Hawaii State Chapter), and senior Conservation Ecologist (Asia Pacific Program). In addition, she was principal of her own consulting firm, Karen Poiani Consulting. She has been a leader and mentor to women working in conservation (e.g., leading strategic planning for Women’s Environmental Network Board, SF Bay Area).

BUSINESS MEETING AND MEMBERS FORUM AGENDA

Thursday, February 9, 4:00 to 5:30 pm

Reports summarizing Executive Board and contractor accomplishments and key highlights will be located in the back of the room. Minutes will be recorded during this meeting to track issues, ideas, and action items for the Executive Board. Members will receive a door prize raffle ticket at the start of the meeting and must be present to win.

4:00 p.m. Call to order (President Sprague) - Approval of 2016 Business Meeting Minutes (Past-President Yasuda/Secretary Sousa)

4:05 p.m. Official Review of Election Results - President-Elect and Dues Increase Proposal (Yasuda)

4:10 p.m. Review of Past Year Accomplishments (Outgoing President Sprague/Section Representative Perrine) - Progress on Strategic Plan 2014-2019 - Roadmap for the Future of the Section & Member Services

4:30 p.m. Review of President’s Agenda for 2017 (Incoming President Gutiérrez)

4:40 p.m. Installation and Charge of 2017 Executive Board (Gutiérrez)

4:45 p.m. Members’ Forum (members, led by Sprague & Gutiérrez)

5:10 p.m. Review of Action Items Arising from Members Forum (Sousa)

5:15 p.m. Raffle (Hunt-von Arb)

5:30 p.m. Meeting Adjournment (Gutiérrez)

Next, head over to the Poster Reception and hors d’oeuvres

6 to 8 pm in Capri Ballroom



CONTRIBUTED PAPER SCHEDULE

2017 Annual Meeting

Session Name Start Time Room Page

Wednesday February 8, 2017

Ecology and Management of Birds Chair: Kathryn Purcell, US Forest Service

Wed 1:30 pm Naples 1/2 33

Habitat Assessment and Monitoring Chair: John Keane, US Forest Service


Wildlife Genetics: Application and Assessment Chair: Benjamin Sacks, UC Davis

Wed 1:30 pm Naples 6 34

Wildlife Techniques and Technologies I Chair: John Perrine, Cal Poly SLO


Invasive Species: Impacts and Surveillance Chair: Dirk Van Vuren, UC Davis


Ecology and Management of Mammals I Chair: Cody McKee, Nevada Fish and Wildlife


Thursday February 9, 2017

Wildlife Conservation on Private Lands (Partnering to Enhance Land Stewardship) Chair: Geoff Geupel, Point Blue Conservation Science

Thu 8:30 am Naples 1/2 36

Habitat Modification and Restoration Chair: Dan Barton, Humboldt State University


Inputs and Methods for Conservation Planning and Ways to Measure Success Chair: Rachel Mazur, National Park Service

Thu 8:30 am Naples 6 37

Invasive Species: Control and Monitoring Chair: Rhys Evans, Vandenberg Air Force Base


Wildlife Techniques and Technologies II Chair: Dan Barton, Humboldt State University


Ecology and Management of Shorebirds Chair: Rodney Siegel, The Institute for Bird Populations


Friday February 26, 2017

Predators: History and Human Interactions Co-Chairs: Breanna Owens, Point Blue Conservation Science & Karin Vardaman,

California Wolf Center Fri 8:30 am Naples 1/2 38

Ecology and Management of Mammals II Chair: Kelley Stewart, University of Nevada, Reno

Fri 8:30 am Naples 3/4 39

Renewable energy and wildlife management Chair: Rick Williams, PG&E

Fri 8:30 am Naples 6 39

Ecology and Management of Amphibians and Reptiles Chair: Laura Patterson, CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife


Perspectives on Canine Predators and Livestock Co-Chairs: Breanna Owens, Point Blue Conservation Science & Karin Vardaman,

California Wolf Center Fri 10:35 am Naples 1/2 40

Quantitative Approaches and Modeling Chair: James Sedinger, University of Nevada, Reno




CONCURRENT SESSION TALK SCHEDULE IN GRID FORMAT (LISTED BY PRESENTER NAME)

Wednesday February 8, 2017

Room Naples 1 / 2 Naples 3 / 4 Naples 6 Naples 7

Ecology and Management of Birds Habitat assessment

and monitoring Wildlife genetics:

application and assessment Wildlife Techniques and Technologies I

1:35 PM

California spotted owl spatial ecology on the Plumas National Forest.

Colin Dillingham

Evaluation and guidance for riparian restoration in coastal California

using birds as indicators of restoration success.

Kathleen Grady-Student Paper

Patterns of genetic variation in populations of the pygmy rabbit

(Brachylagus idahoensis) in California and Nevada, USA.

Marjorie Matocq

Acoustic bat monitoring occupancy model in Great Basin National Park.

Dylan Rhea-Fournier

1:55 PM

Detection and distribution of flammulated owls (Psiloscops

flammeolus) in Nevada: insights from a new pilot survey program.

Rory Lamp

Using scat surveys to estimate habitat use by feral horses and cattle in relation to landscape features

in sage-grouse habitat. Levi Jaster-Student Paper

Genetic structure across a contact zone between Xerospermophilus

ground squirrels in southern California.

Philip Leitner

Acoustic deterrence: an effective tool for bat exclusion and

impact minimization. Kim Briones

2:15 PM

Summary of survey results for the yellow-billed cuckoo on the Upper

Butte Basin Wildlife Area. Laura Cockrell

A versatile method of modeling urban density for ecological research. Justin White-Student Paper

Big differences over small distances: genetic data offer little evidence of hybridization at the contact zone between peninsular and desert

bighorn sheep. Michael Buchalski

Fur and feathers: detection dogs assisting avian and bat fatality

surveys. Katherine Ayres

2:35 PM

Recent stability of resident and migratory landbird populations

in national parks of the Pacific Northwest.

Chris Ray

Bumble bee use of montane chaparral and riparian vegetation

after wildfire in the central Sierra Nevada.

Helen Loffland

Using environmental DNA to investigate the distribution of the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog

(Rana sierrae) in the Plumas National Forest.

Mallory Bedwell-Student Paper

Pilot study for use of scent-detection dogs to survey for the

California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense).

Robyn Powers

2:55 PM

A century of avifaunal change in the Fresno district.

Jeff Davis

Assessing deer population responses to a high-severity wildfire in the

Sierra Nevada using non-invasive genetic sampling.

Jennifer Brazeal-Student Paper

The use of environmental DNA in emergent aquatic pathogen

surveillance in post-fire areas in Las Plumas National Forest, CA.

Christine Richey

Effects of searcher efficiency and survey coverage on the precision and

accuracy of fatality estimates and detection of rare fatalities.

Gabriel Reyes

Session Break

Invasive Species: Impacts and Surveillance

Habitat assessment and monitoring

Ecology and Management of Mammals I

Wildlife Techniques and Technologies I

3:40 PM

Invasive species, fire, and drought: least Bell's vireo and riparian

area management at MCB Camp Pendleton.

Colin Lee

Are populations of the pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) in decline?

Dave Johnston

Den site characteristics for ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) on the

Sutter Buttes, Sutter Co., California. David Wyatt

Efficacy of camera traps to detect herpetofauna with emphasis on the

Alameda whipsnake and San Francisco garter snake.

Jerry Roe

4:00 PM

Foraging behavior of European starlings: implications for mitigating

their impact on native species. Kathryn Purcell

What was old is new again: testing fisher habitat models with

independent data. Aaron Facka

Resource selection across gestation in desert bighorn sheep.

Marcus Blum-Student Paper

An economical method of installing nest cameras near urban red-tailed

hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) nests. Josh Snook

4:20 PM

Hybrids - invasive or protected species?

Lindsey Koos

Humboldt marten denning ecology in a managed forest landscape.

Desiree Early

Factors influencing juvenile survival of mule deer in an arid environment. Levi Heffelfinger-Student Paper

EarlyBird - a platform for nesting bird data.

Laura Burkholder

4:40 PM

At-large cats and toxoplasmosis: impacts to endangered Hawaiian

monk seals, regulatory challenges, and collaborative solutions.

Angela Amlin

Does lack of structure limit an arboreal species in young forest?

Mark Linnell

Juvenile survival of mule deer in the Blue Mountains of Oregon.

Nathan Jackson-Student Paper

TelemetR: a tool for managing, visualizing, and analyzing animal movement data.

Mitchell Gritts

5:00 PM

Plague in California: a review of the past, present, and future.

Gregory Hacker

Livestock grazing effects on Western terrestrial vertebrates: a systematic

review and meta-analysis. Daniel Barton

Seasonal ecology of the North American porcupine (Erethizon

dorsatum) in a coastal dune ecosystem.

Cara Appel-Student Paper

Nocturnal airplane and ground telemetry employed to determine

foraging range and habitat of California leaf-nosed and Townsend’s

big-eared bats Patricia E. Brown

When entering or exiting rooms during sessions, please be careful to open and close doors quietly.

Please do not congregate and converse in the hallway in the immediate area of a door, as your conversation may disturb ongoing sessions.




Thursday February 9, 2017


Wildlife Conservation on

Private Lands (Partnering to Enhance Land Stewardship)

Habitat modification and restoration

Inputs and Methods for Conservation Planning and Ways

to Measure Success

Invasive Species: Control and Monitoring

8:35 AM

NRCS Partnerships in California and Nevada.

Carlos Suarez

Fuel modification zones on conservation lands. Kim Klementowski

The status of overwintering monarch butterflies in Santa Barbara County.

Jessica Griffiths

Current status and plans for seabird conservation and management on the

island of Lana'i Rachel Sprague

8:55 AM

Point Blue Conservation Science's rangeland watershed initiative:

rewatering California, one ranch at a time.

Wendell Gilgert

Collaborative habitat design and adaptive management to stabilize and increase giant garter snake

populations in the urbanized Natomas Basin, Sacramento, CA.

Kelly Holland

Maintenance and establishment of field biology programs at colleges and universities.

David Wyatt

Effects of invasive brook trout removal on a herpetofauna community in the

Klamath Mountains, USA. Justin Demianew-Student Paper

9:15 AM

A new conservation paradigm - cooperative partnerships key the

success of sage grouse initiative conservation.

Thad Heater

Tidal marsh restoration success story: a case study of the island ponds.

Rachel Tertes

Applying wildlife value theory to non-charismatic species: mesopredators.

Zoe Glas-Student Paper

Efforts to eradicate invasive water snakes in California.

Valerie Cook Fletcher

9:35 AM

Cultivating a land ethic. Kelly Weintraub

An automated water resources tracking system: near real-time

decision support for wetland water managers facing drought and flood.

Matthew Reiter

Strategic conservation plan for the California red-legged frog on the

central coast of California. Dou-Shuan Yang

Invasive species, wildfire, and the need for native seed.

Sarah Kulpa

9:55 AM

Data informed ranch and grazing management.

Cynthia Daley

Managing the drawdown of water on private wetlands to provide

shallow-water habitat for shorebirds during spring migration.

Ian Souza-Cole

Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary

ecosystem management to develop a land management plan for

Tasmam Kojom, Plumas County, CA. Adam Lewandowski

Avoiding false negatives: maximizing survey efforts of cavernicolous

bat roosts. Jason Williams

Session Break

Wildlife Conservation on

Private Lands (Partnering to Enhance Land Stewardship)

Wildlife Techniques and Technologies II

Inputs and Methods for Conservation Planning and Ways

to Measure Success

Ecology and Management of Shorebirds

10:40 AM

Private lands conservation in Nevada: an overview and a perspective

from Maggie Creek Ranch. Susan Abele

Artificial burrow design and productivity of western burrowing

owls in San Diego County. Colleen Wisinski

Management of East Bay Municipal Utility District lands under the

USFWS Safe Harbor Agreement. James Jones

Apparent survival of western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) during the nonbreeding season in

northern California. Nora Papian-Student Paper

11:00 AM

Building relationships and wildlife habitat: conservation stories from

Point Blue partner biologists in California.

Tiffany Russell

Endocrine disrupting chemicals in critically endangered California

condors: assessing full contaminant exposure following reintroduction

to coastal environments. Jennifer Cossaboon

Ethically reporting data for renewable projects -

where we are falling down flat. Kathryn Simon

Shorebird nest site habitat composition: implications

for climate change. Aaron Gottesman-Student Paper

11:20 AM

Managing riparian birds on an active cattle ranch in the

southern Sierra Nevada foothills. Bonnie Eyestone

Using satellite GPS transmitters to study California condor movement

patterns at wind energy development sites in central California.

Mike Stake

Suburban deer management: a sterilization case study.

G. Kent Webb

A bioenergetics model for setting shorebird conservation objectives in

California's Central Valley. Matt Reiter

11:40 AM

Panel Discussion

Road mortality mitigation: the effectiveness of Animex fence

versus mesh fence. Dean Swensson

Citizen enforcement is key element to secure ESA protection and

implement recovery: case study - Santa Ana sucker fish.

Ileene Anderson

Habitat Restoration and Management of the Western Snowy Plover on

Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

Rhys Evans

When entering or exiting rooms during sessions, please be careful to open and close doors quietly. Please do not congregate and converse in the hallway in the immediate area of a door, as your conversation may disturb ongoing sessions.




Friday February 10, 2017


Predators:

history and human interactions

Ecology and Management

of Mammals II

Renewable energy and

wildlife management


of Amphibians and Reptiles

8:35 AM

A decade of rural home livestock protection: pumas, people, and pens.

Lynn Cullens

Distribution models, occupancy estimation, and conservation status of

the cascade red fox in southern Washington.

Jocelyn Akins-Student Paper

Unanticipated consequences: monitoring for newly emerging

wildlife impacts. Ileene Anderson

Was the California red-legged frog ever native to the Central Valley?

Sean Barry

8:55 AM

Finding a fix for human-black bear conflict: lessons from the Sierra.

Rachel Mazur

Occupancy estimation as a tool to test and refine a predictive species

distribution model for the Sacramento Valley red fox (Vulpes vulpes patwin).

Sophie Preckler-Quisquater-Student Paper

Spatial patterns of relatedness for the Mojave desert tortoise

(Gopherus agassizii) in a reduced and fragmented habitat.

Kirsten Dutcher

Habitat value of constructed breeding pools for the endangered California

tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense).

David Cook

9:15 AM

Activity and movements of habituated and supplemented wild black bears compared to non-habituated bears.

Roger Powell

Investigating the interactions among fisher, gray fox, and ringtail using

dynamic occupancy models. David Green

Evolving regulations from MBTA to BGEPA to ESA.

Brad Norton

Observations on how drought has affected California tiger salamander, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and vernal

pool tadpole shrimp within three California mitigation banks.

Tara Collins

9:35 AM

Historic and recent distribution of gray wolves in California.

Jeff Alvarez

Fisher (Pekania pennanti) reproductive parameters in the

southern Sierra Nevada relative to the broader range.

Rebecca Green

Continental-scale movements of golden eagles in western N. America.

Jessi Brown

Temporary captivity of California red-legged frogs during a pond

enhancement in an arid landscape Ted Robertson

9:55 AM

How livestock guard dogs work. Daniel Kinka

Distribution to density: updates regarding coastal marten and fisher in

Oregon and Washington. Katie Moriarty

Will large scale solar developments affect insectivorous bat populations?

Dave Johnston

Restoring California jointfir (Ephedra californica) to buffer climate change

effects on blunt-nosed leopard lizards (Gambelia sila) in the San Joaquin

Desert. Michael Westphal

Session Break

Perspectives on

Canine Predators and Livestock


of Mammals II

Quantitative approaches

and modeling


of Amphibians and Reptiles

10:40 AM

Effects of wolf presence on cattle operations in the northern

Rocky Mountains. Tyanne Roland

Diet preferences of the salt marsh harvest mouse in the Suisun Marsh.

Katherine Smith-Student Paper

Modelling an Agassiz's desert tortoise population: a retrospective analysis of

a catastrophic decline. Kristin Berry

Native or not: a historical review of Nevada's enigmatic western pond

turtle. Jason Jones

11:00 AM

New Ranch Range Riding: redefining relationships between land, wildlife,

livestock and humans. Hilary Zaranek Anderson

Developing a protocol for long-term monitoring and habitat projections for

a climate-sensitive sentinel species, the American pika, to track ecosystem change.

Aidan Beers

Technological advances for improved regional conservation decision

support. Chris McColl

Habitats, home ranges, and demographics of the western pond

turtle in Nevada's Carson River. Mark Enders

11:20 AM

The Working Circle Collaborative: An initiative to reduce wolf depredation of

livestock. Karin Vardaman

Fecundity limits initial success of reintroduced Gunnison's prairie dogs

in an arid grassland ecosystem. Elizabeth Hunter

Using integrated population models to inform management of Pacific black

brant populations on the Yukon-Kuskokwim River Delta.

Thomas Riecke-Student Paper

Understanding the hibernal phenology of a population of eastern box turtles

(Terrapene c. carolina). Margarete Walden

11:40 AM

Panel Discussion – Part 1

Bats of a feather flock together? A different approach for analysis under

CEQA of project impacts to bat species.

Kim Fettke

Exploring compensation in duck mortality: how do duck populations

respond to harvest? Ben Sedinger-Student Paper

The northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) and the California

biodiversity hotspot. Brian Lavin-Student Paper

12:00 PM

Panel Discussion – Part 2

Designing an effective bat monitoring program prior to the invasion of white-

nose syndrome. Katrina Smith-Student Paper

Minimizing model and design based sources of bias when estimating juvenile survival from counts of offspring with a marked parent. Phillip Street-Student Paper

Island diversification of (Oophaga pumilio) the strawberry poison dart

frog in Panama. Dustin Howland-Student Paper

When entering or exiting rooms during sessions, please be careful to open and close doors quietly. Please do not congregate and converse in the hallway in the immediate area of a door, as your conversation may disturb ongoing sessions.



Contributed Papers

Session # 1

Ecology and Management of Birds

Wednesday, February 8, 2017; 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Naples 1 / 2

Chair: Kathryn Purcell, US Forest Service

1:35 - 1:55 pm California spotted owl spatial ecology on the Plumas National Forest. Dylan C. Kesler, Colin P. Dillingham, Rachel L. Bauer, Rodney B. Siegel, James M. Johnson

1:55 - 2:15 pm Detection and distribution of flammulated owls (Psiloscops flammeolus) in Nevada: insights from a new pilot survey program. Kristin J. Van Gunst, Mark Enders, Rory Lamp, Christy Klinger, Mackenzie Jeffress

2:15 - 2:35 pm Summary of survey results for the yellow-billed cuckoo on the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area. Laura E. Cockrell

2:35 - 2:55 pm Recent stability of resident and migratory landbird populations in national parks of the Pacific Northwest. Chris Ray, James F. Saracco, Mandy L. Holmgren, Robert L. Wilkerson, Rodney B. Siegel, Kurt J. Jenkins, Jason I. Ransom, Patricia J. Happe, Mark H. Huff

2:55 - 3:15 pm A century of avifaunal change in the Fresno district. Jeff N. Davis

Contributed Papers

Session # 2

Habitat Assessment and Monitoring

Wednesday, February 8, 2017; 1:30 pm - 5:20 pm Naples 3 / 4

Chair: John Keane, US Forest Service

1:35 - 1:55 pm Evaluation and guidance for riparian restoration in coastal California using birds as indicators of restoration success. Kathleen E. Grady, Derek J. Girman, Thomas A. Gardali Student Paper

1:55 - 2:15 pm Using scat surveys to estimate habitat use by feral horses and cattle in relation to landscape features in sage-grouse habitat. Levi Jaster, Phillip Street, Tessa Behnke, James Sedinger Student Paper

2:15 - 2:35 pm A versatile method of modeling urban density for ecological research. Justin H. White, Jeremy M. Smith Student Paper

2:35 - 2:55 pm Bumble bee use of montane chaparral and riparian vegetation after wildfire in the central Sierra Nevada. Helen L. Loffland, Rodney B. Siegel, Julia S. Polasik, Morgan W. Tingley, Erin Elsey, Chuck R. Loffland, Gretchen Lebuhn

2:55 - 3:15 pm Assessing deer population responses to a high-severity wildfire in the Sierra Nevada using non-invasive genetic sampling. Jennifer L. Brazeal, Ben Sacks Student Paper

3:15 - 3:35 pm Refreshment Break

3:40 - 4:00 pm Are populations of the pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) in decline? Dave Johnston

4:00 - 4:20 pm What was old is new again: testing fisher habitat models with independent data. Aaron N. Facka, Richard Callas, Deana Clifford, Tom Engstrom, Laura Finley, Kevin P. Smith, Sean M. Matthews, Roger A. Powell

4:20 - 4:40 pm Humboldt marten denning ecology in a managed forest landscape. Desiree A. Early, Keith A. Hamm, Lowell V. Diller, Keith M. Slauson, William J. Zielinski

4:40 - 5:00 pm Does lack of structure limit an arboreal species in young forest? Mark A. Linnell, James K. Swingle, Damon B. Lesmeister

5:00 - 5:20 pm Livestock grazing effects on Western terrestrial vertebrates: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Daniel C. Barton, W. Tim Bean, Cara Appel, Emily Buck, Kelly Commons, Matthew Delgado, Justin Demianew, Sharon Dulava, Melica Dunne, Aaron Gottesman, Alyssa Marquez, Nora Papian



Contributed Papers

Session # 3

Wildlife Genetics: Application and Assessment

Wednesday, February 8, 2017; 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Naples 6

Chair: Dr. Benjamin Sacks, UC Davis

1:35 - 1:55 pm Patterns of genetic variation in populations of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in California and Nevada, USA. Marjorie D. Matocq, Eveline Larrucea, Morgan Robinson, Jennifer Rippert

1:55 - 2:15 pm Genetic structure across a contact zone between Xerospermophilus ground squirrels in southern California. Philip Leitner, Jennifer Rippert, Marjorie D. Matocq

2:15 - 2:35 pm Big differences over small distances: genetic data offer little evidence of hybridization at the contact zone between peninsular and desert bighorn sheep. Michael Buchalski

2:35 - 2:55 pm Using environmental DNA to investigate the distribution of the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae) in the Plumas National Forest. Mallory E. Bedwell, Caren Goldberg, Tina Hopkins, Colin Dillingham Student Paper

2:55 - 3:15 pm The use of environmental DNA in emergent aquatic pathogen surveillance in post-fire areas in Las Plumas National Forest, CA. Christine A. Richey, Kirsten V. Kenelty, Kristina Van Stone Hopkins, Melanie Reed, Brittany N. Stevens, Samantha Mapes, Esteban Soto

Contributed Papers

Session # 4

Wildlife Techniques and Technologies I


Chair: John Perrine, Cal Poly SLO

1:35 - 1:55 pm Acoustic bat monitoring occupancy model in Great Basin National Park. Dylan J. Rhea-Fournier, Bryan Hamilton

1:55 - 2:15 pm Acoustic deterrence: an effective tool for bat exclusion and impact minimization. Kim M. Briones, Dave S. Johnston

2:15 - 2:35 pm Fur and feathers: detection dogs assisting avian and bat fatality surveys. Katherine L. Ayres

2:35 - 2:55 pm Pilot study for use of scent-detection dogs to survey for the California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense). Robyn M. Powers, Katherine Ayres, Monica Hemenez, Alexandra Thiel, Lauralea Oliver

2:55 - 3:15 pm Effects of searcher efficiency and survey coverage on the precision and accuracy of fatality estimates and detection of rare fatalities. Gabriel A. Reyes, Meredith J. Rodriguez, Kenneth T. Lindke, Katherine L. Ayres, Murrelet D. Halterman, Brian B. Boroski, Dave S. Johnston

3:40 - 4:00 pm Efficacy of camera traps to detect herpetofauna with emphasis on the Alameda whipsnake and San Francisco garter snake. Jerry D. Roe, Travis Mccleary, Eric Abelson

4:00 - 4:20 pm An economical method of installing nest cameras near urban red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) nests. Josh S. Snook, Justin H. White, Zac Ormsby

4:20 - 4:40 pm EarlyBird - a platform for nesting bird data. Tyson Read, Andrea Henke, Laura Burkholder

4:40 - 5:00 pm TelemetR: a tool for managing, visualizing, and analyzing animal movement data. Mitchell A. Gritts, Cody J. Mckee, Cody A. Schroeder, John C. Tull

5:00 - 5:20 pm

Nocturnal airplane and ground telemetry employed to determine foraging range and habitat of California leaf-nosed and Townsend’s big-eared bats

Patricia E. Brown, William E. Rainey and Allen W. Calvert



Contributed Papers

Session # 5

Invasive Species: Impacts and Surveillance

Wednesday, February 8, 2017; 3:35 pm - 5:20 pm Naples 1 & 2

Chairs: Dirk Van Vuren, UC Davis

3:40 - 4:00 pm Invasive species, fire, and drought: least Bell's vireo and riparian area management at MCB Camp Pendleton. Colin K. Lee, Suellen Lynn, Barbara E. Kus

4:00 - 4:20 pm Foraging behavior of European starlings: implications for mitigating their impact on native species. Kathryn L. Purcell

4:20 - 4:40 pm Hybrids - invasive or protected species? Sam R. Garcia, Andi Henke, Zachary Parker, Virginia Strohl, Andie Herman, Lindsey Koos

4:40 - 5:00 pm At-large cats and toxoplasmosis: impacts to endangered Hawaiian monk seals, regulatory challenges, and collaborative solutions. Angela N. Amlin, Michelle M. Baribieri

5:00 - 5:20 pm Plague in California: a review of the past, present, and future. Gregory M. Hacker, James Tucker, Mark Novak

Contributed Papers

Session # 6

Ecology and Management of Mammals I


Chair: Cody McKee, Nevada Fish and Wildlife

3:40 - 4:00 pm Den site characteristics for ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) on the Sutter Buttes, Sutter Co., California. David T. Wyatt

4:00 - 4:20 pm Resource selection across gestation in desert bighorn sheep. Marcus E. Blum, Kelley, M. Stewart, Mike Cox, Cody McKee, Brian Wakeling Student Paper

4:20 - 4:40 pm Factors influencing juvenile survival of mule deer in an arid environment. Levi J. Heffelfinger, Kelley M. Stewart, James S. Sedinger, Vernon C. Bleich, Neal W. Darby Student Paper

4:40 - 5:00 pm Juvenile survival of mule deer in the Blue Mountains of Oregon. Nathan J. Jackson, Kelley M. Stewart, Danielle R. Walsh, Darren A Clark Student Paper

5:00 - 5:20 pm Seasonal ecology of the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) in a coastal dune ecosystem. Cara Appel Student Paper

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Contributed Papers

Session # 7

Wildlife Conservation on Private Lands (Partnership to Enhance Land Stewardship)

Thursday, February 9, 2017; 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Naples 1 & 2

Chair: Geoff Geupel, Point Blue Conservation Science

8:35 - 8:55 am NRCS Partnerships in California and Nevada. Carlos Suarez, Ray Dotson

8:55 - 9:15 am Point Blue Conservation Science's rangeland watershed initiative: rewatering California, one ranch at a time. Wendell C. Gilgert, Geoffrey R. Geupel , Elizabeth L. Porzig, Breanna Owens, Kelly M. Garbach

9:15 - 9:35 am A new conservation paradigm - cooperative partnerships key the success of sage grouse initiative conservation. Thad W. Heater, Tim Griffiths, Jeremy Maestas, Dave Naugle

9:35 - 9:55 am Cultivating a land ethic. Kelly Weintraub, Rob Thompson

9:55 - 10:15 am Data informed ranch and grazing management. Cynthia Daley

10:15 - 10:35 am Refreshment Break

10:40 - 11:00 am Private lands conservation in Nevada: an overview and a perspective from Maggie Creek Ranch. Susan L. Abele, Jon Griggs

11:00 - 11:20 am Building relationships and wildlife habitat: conservation stories from Point Blue partner biologists in California. Tiffany Russell, Corey Shake

11:20 - 11:40 am Managing riparian birds on an active cattle ranch in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills. Bonnie E. Eyestone, Geoff R. Geupel , Breanna Owens, Ryan Digaudio

11:40am-12:00pm Panel Discussion

Contributed Papers

Session # 8

Habitat Modification and Restoration

Thursday, February 9, 2017; 8:30 am - 10:15 am Naples 3 & 4

Chair: Dan Barton, Humboldt State University

8:35 - 8:55 am Fuel modification zones on conservation lands. Kim M. Klementowski, Deborah Rogers

8:55 - 9:15 am Collaborative habitat design and adaptive management to stabilize and increase giant garter snake populations in the urbanized Natomas Basin, Sacramento, CA. Kelly Holland, Vance Howard, John Roberts, Peter Buck

9:15 - 9:35 am Tidal marsh restoration success story: a case study of the island ponds. Rachel Tertes, Lisa Porcella, James Hobbs, Cheryl Strong, John Bourgeois, Jen McBroom, Janell Hillman, Laura Valoppi

9:35 - 9:55 am An automated water resources tracking system: near real-time decision support for wetland water managers facing drought and flood. Matthew Reiter, Nathan Elliott, Fayvor Love, Doug Moody, Sam Veloz, Catherine Hickey, Michael Fitzgibbon, Rachel Esralew, Mark Reynolds

9:55 - 10:15 am Managing the drawdown of water on private wetlands to provide shallow-water habitat for shorebirds during spring migration. Ian F. Souza-Cole, Samantha Arthur, Julia Barfield, Khara M. Strum, Kristin A Sesser



Contributed Papers

Session # 9

Inputs and Methods for Conservation Planning and Ways to Measure Success

Thursday, February 9, 2017; 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Naples 6

Chair: Rachel Mazur, National Park Service

8:35 - 8:55 am The status of overwintering monarch butterflies in Santa Barbara County. Dan E. Meade, Jessica L. Griffiths, Charis Van Der Heide, Francis X. Villablanca

8:55 - 9:15 am Maintenance and establishment of field biology programs at colleges and universities. David T. Wyatt

9:15 - 9:35 am Applying wildlife value theory to non-charismatic species: mesopredators. Zoe E. Glas, Jackie Getson, Linda S. Prokopy Student Paper

9:35 - 9:55 am Strategic conservation plan for the California red-legged frog on the central coast of California. Dou-Shuan Yang

9:55 - 10:15 am Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary ecosystem management to develop a land management plan for Tasmam Kojom, Plumas County, CA. Linda W. Leeman, Adam Lewandowski, Steve Henderson


10:40 - 11:00 am Management of East Bay Municipal Utility District lands under the USFWS Safe Harbor Agreement. James S. Jones

11:00 - 11:20 am Ethically reporting data for renewable projects - where we are falling down flat. Kathryn Simon

11:20 - 11:40 am Suburban deer management: a sterilization case study. G. Kent Webb

11:40 – 12:00 pm Citizen enforcement is key element to secure ESA protection and implement recovery: case study - Santa Ana sucker fish. Ileene Anderson, John Buse, Lisa Belenky, Aruna Prabhala

Contributed Papers

Session # 10

Invasive Species: Control and Monitoring

Thursday, February 9, 2017; 8:30 am - 10:15 am Naples 7

Chair: Rhys Evans, Vandenberg Air Force Base

8:35 - 8:55 am Current status and plans for seabird conservation and management on the island of Lana'i. Rachel Sprague, André F. Raine

8:55 - 9:15 am Effects of invasive brook trout removal on a herpetofauna community in the Klamath Mountains, USA. Justin A. Demianew, Justin M. Garwood, Daniel C. Barton Student Paper

9:15 - 9:35 am Efforts to eradicate invasive water snakes in California. Valerie K. Cook Fletcher

9:35 - 9:55 am Invasive species, wildfire, and the need for native seed. Sarah Kulpa

9:55 - 10:15 am Avoiding false negatives: maximizing survey efforts of cavernicolous bat roosts. Jason A. Williams



Contributed Papers

Session # 11

Wildlife Techniques and Technologies II

Thursday, February 9, 2017; 10:35 am - 12:00 pm Naples 3 & 4

Chair: Dan Barton, Humboldt State University

10:40 - 11:00 am Artificial burrow design and productivity of western burrowing owls in San Diego County. Colleen L. Wisinski, Lisa A. Nordstrom, Jeffrey L. Lincer, Karen R. Y. Ceballos, Kira L. Marshall, Ronald R. Swaisgood

11:00 - 11:20 am Endocrine disrupting chemicals in critically endangered California condors: assessing full contaminant exposure following reintroduction to coastal environments. Jennifer M. Cossaboon, Christopher W. Tubbs, Rachel G. Felton, Nathan G. Dodder, Eunha Hoh

11:20 - 11:40 am Using satellite GPS transmitters to study California condor movement patterns at wind energy development sites in central California. Mike M. Stake, Joe Burnett, Kelly J. Sorenson

11:40 - 12:00 pm Road mortality mitigation: the effectiveness of Animex fence versus mesh fence. John Carlos Milburn Rodriguez, Dean Swensson, Jeff Hathaway, Kari Gunson, Steve Bega, Darrelle Moffat

Contributed Papers

Session # 12

Ecology and Management of Shorebirds

Thursday, February 9, 2017; 10:35 am - 12:00 pm Naples 7

Chair: Rodney Siegel, The Institute for Bird Populations

10:40 - 11:00 am Apparent survival of western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) during the nonbreeding season in northern California. Nora C. Papian, Mark A. Colwell Student Paper

11:00 - 11:20 am Shorebird nest site habitat composition: implications for climate change. Aaron R. Gottesman, Mark A. Colwell, Dan R. Ruthrauff, Tim Bean Student Paper

11:20 - 11:40 am A bioenergetics model for setting shorebird conservation objectives in California's Central Valley. Kristen Dybala, Matthew E. Reiter; Catherine M. Hickey; W David Shuford; Khara M Strum; Gregory S. Yarris

11:40 - 12:00 pm Habitat Restoration and Management of the Western Snowy Plover on Vandenberg Air Force Base, California,

Samantha Kaisersatt, Vandenberg AFB, Rhys Evans, Vandenberg AFB

Contributed Papers

Session # 13

Predators: History and Human Interactions

Friday, February 10, 2017; 8:30 am - 10:15 am Naples 1 & 2

Chairs: Brenna Owens & Karin Vardaman, Point Blue Conservation Science, California Wolf Center

8:35 - 8:55 am A decade of rural home livestock protection: pumas, people, and pens. Lynn Cullens

8:55 - 9:15 am Finding a fix for human-black bear conflict: lessons from the Sierra. Rachel L. Mazur, Carl Lackey

9:15 - 9:35 am Activity and movements of habituated and supplemented wild black bears compared to non-habituated bears. Roger A. Powell, Lynn L. Rogers, Susan A. Mansfield

9:35 - 9:55 am Historic and recent distribution of gray wolves in California. Jeff A. Alvarez

9:55 - 10:15 am How livestock guard dogs work. Daniel Kinka, Julie K. Young



Contributed Papers

Session # 14

Ecology and Management of Mammals II

Friday, February 10, 2017; 8:30 am - 12:20 pm Naples 3 & 4

Chair: Kelley Stewart, University of Nevada, Reno

8:35 - 8:55 am Distribution models, occupancy estimation, and conservation status of the cascade red fox in southern Washington. Jocelyn Akins, Mark J. Statham, Keith B. Aubry, Benjamin N. Sacks Student Paper

8:55 - 9:15 am Occupancy estimation as a tool to test and refine a predictive species distribution model for the Sacramento Valley red fox (Vulpes vulpes patwin). Sophie Preckler-Quisquater, Kathleen Miles, Tom Batter, Stacy Anderson, Ben Sacks Student Paper

9:15 - 9:35 am Investigating the interactions among fisher, gray fox, and ringtail using dynamic occupancy models. David S. Green, Sean M. Matthews, Roger A. Powell

9:35 - 9:55 am Fisher (Pekania pennanti) reproductive parameters in the southern Sierra Nevada relative to the broader range. Rebecca E. Green, Kathryn L. Purcell, Craig M. Thompson, Douglas A. Kelt, Heiko U. Wittmer

9:55 - 10:15 am Distribution to density: updates regarding coastal marten and fisher in Oregon and Washington. Katie M. Moriarty, Mark A. Linnell, Brent R. Barry


10:40 - 11:00 am Diet preferences of the salt marsh harvest mouse in the Suisun Marsh. Katherine Smith Student Paper

11:00 - 11:20 am Developing a protocol for long-term monitoring and habitat projections for a climate-sensitive sentinel species, the American pika, to track ecosystem change. Aidan T. Beers, Chris Ray, Paul Mclaughlin

11:20 - 11:40 am Fecundity limits initial success of reintroduced Gunnison's prairie dogs in an arid grassland ecosystem. Ana D. Davidson, Jon Erz, Elizabeth A. Hunter, Kevin T. Shoemaker

11:40 - 12:00 pm Bats of a feather flock together? A different approach for analysis under CEQA of project impacts to bat species. Kim Fettke

12:00 - 12:20 pm Designing an effective bat monitoring program prior to the invasion of white-nose syndrome. Katrina J. Smith, Daniel C. Barton, David A. Riggs Student Paper

Contributed Papers

Session # 15

Renewable Energy and Wildlife Management

Friday, February 10, 2017; 8:30 am - 10:15 am Naples 6

Chairs: Rick Williams, Pacific Gas and Electric

8:35 - 8:55 am Unanticipated consequences: monitoring for newly emerging wildlife impacts. Ileene Anderson, Lisa Belenky

8:55 - 9:15 am Spatial patterns of relatedness for the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in a reduced and fragmented habitat. Kirsten E. Dutcher, Amy G. Vandergast , Ken E. Nussear, Todd C. Esque, Anna Mitelberg, Jill S. Heaton

9:15 - 9:35 am Evolving regulations from MBTA to BGEPA to ESA. Brad Norton

9:35 - 9:55 am Continental-scale movements of golden eagles in western North America. Jessi L. Brown, Carol L. Mcintyre, Bryan Bedrosian, Douglas A. Bell, Melissa Braham, Adam Duerr, Robert Domenech, Jeffrey R. Dunk, Todd E. Katzner, Dave Laplante, Brian W. Smith, Brian Woodbridge

9:55 - 10:15 am Will large scale solar developments affect insectivorous bat populations? Dave S. Johnston, Meredith Jantzen, Gabe Reyes, Kim Briones, Brian Boroski.



Contributed Papers

Session # 16

Ecology and Management of Amphibians and Reptiles

Friday, February 10, 2017; 8:30 am - 12:20 pm Naples 7

Chair: Laura Patterson, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

8:35 - 8:55 am Was the California red-legged frog ever native to the Central Valley? Sean J. Barry, Gary M. Fellers

8:55 - 9:15 am Habitat value of constructed breeding pools for the endangered California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense). David G. Cook, David L. Stokes, Julian A. Meisler

9:15 - 9:35 am Observations on how drought has affected California tiger salamander, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and vernal pool tadpole shrimp within three California mitigation banks. Tara Collins

9:35 - 9:55 am Temporary captivity of California red-legged frogs during a pond enhancement in an arid landscape Ted Robertson, Sean Dexter, Christian Knowlton, Samantha Kehr

9:55 - 10:15 am Restoring California jointfir (Ephedra californica) to buffer climate change effects on blunt-nosed leopard lizards (Gambelia sila) in the San Joaquin Desert. Michael F. Westphal, Alex Filazzola, Amanda Liczner, Christopher Lortie, Debra Woollett-Smith, Alice Whitelaw


10:40 - 11:00 am Native or not: a historical review of Nevada's enigmatic western pond turtle. Jason L. Jones, Mark Enders

11:00 - 11:20 am Habitats, home ranges, and demographics of the western pond turtle in Nevada's Carson River. Mark S. Enders, Jason L. Jones

11:20 - 11:40 am Understanding the hibernal phenology of a population of eastern box turtles (Terrapene c. carolina). Margarete A. Walden, Nancy E. Karraker

11:40 - 12:00 pm The northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) and the California biodiversity hotspot. Brian R. Lavin Student Paper

12:00 - 12:20 pm Island diversification of Oophaga pumilio, the strawberry poison dart frog in Panama. Dustin W. Howland, Derek Girmen Student Paper

Contributed Papers

Session # 17

Perspectives on Canine Predators and Livestock

Friday, February 10, 2017; 10:35 am - 12:20 pm Naples 1 & 2

Chairs: Breanna Owens, Point Blue Conservatinon Science & Karin Vardaman, California Wolf Center

10:40 - 11:00 am Effects of wolf presence on cattle operations in the northern Rocky Mountains. Tyanne Roland, Patrick E. Clark, John Williams, Larry Larson, Douglas E. Johnson, Neil Rimbey

11:00 - 11:20 am New Ranch Range Riding: redefining relationships between land, wildlife, livestock and humans. Hilary Zaranek Anderson

11:20 - 11:40 am The role of traditional public lands grazing practice in relation to wolf-livestock conflicts; improvements in understanding and management practice. Timmothy Kaminski

11:40 - 12:00 pm The Working Circle Collaborative: An initiative to reduce wolf depredation of livestock. Karin Vardaman, Carrie Koopmann Rivers, Mark Coats, Karen Kovacs

12:00 - 12:20 pm Panel Discussion



Contributed Papers

Session # 18

Quantitative Approaches and Modeling

Friday, February 10, 2017; 10:35 am - 12:30 pm Naples 6

Chair: James Sedinger, University of Nevada, Reno

10:40 - 11:00 am Modelling an Agassiz's desert tortoise population: a retrospective analysis of a catastrophic decline. Kristin H. Berry, Julie L. Yee

11:00 - 11:20 am Technological advances for improved regional conservation decision support. Chris J. McColl

11:20 - 11:40 am Using integrated population models to inform management of Pacific black brant populations on the Yukon-Kuskokwim River Delta. Thomas V. Riecke, A. G. Leach, A. W. Van Dellen, J. S. Sedinger Student Paper

11:40 - 12:00 pm Exploring compensation in duck mortality: how do duck populations respond to harvest? Ben S. Sedinger, Christopher A. Nicolai, Kelley M. Stewart Student Paper

12:00 - 12:20 pm Minimizing model and design based sources of bias when estimating juvenile survival from counts of offspring with a marked parent. Phillip A. Street, Thomas V. Riecke, James S. Sedinger Student Paper

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A professional wildlife biologist is a person with the educational background and demonstrated expertise in the art and science of applying the principles of ecology to the conservation and management of wildlife and its habitats. An applicant for professional certification who demonstrates this expertise through education and experience, and is judged to be able to represent the profession as an ethical practitioner, will be designated as a Certified Wildlife Biologist.

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POSTER SESSION CONTRIBUTED PAPERS

Poster Reception

Thursday, February 9, 6 to 8 pm Capri Ballroom

Session Chairs: Carlos Alvarado and Allison Fuller (Ascent Environmental)

Posters will be available for informal viewing in the Capril Ballroom on Wednesday from 12 to 4:00 pm, and on Thursday from 7 am to 8 pm.

Density-dependent habitat selection in golden-mantled ground squirrels, Callospermophilus lateralis. Jaclyn R. Aliperti, Kimberly Jenderseck, Dirk H. Van Vuren

An online bibliography and research library for Puma concolor in the United States. Garrett Allen, Brandi Coley, Lisa Dinicolantonio, Mason Dubois, Elisa Fernandes-McDade, Pearl Holmes, Katherine Kneuper, Anna Nicole Mack, Haley Martin, Elizabeth Meisman, Mariah Mendez, Kira Pearson Student Paper

Response of foothill yellow-legged frogs to bullfrog removal in a perennial pond. Jeff A. Alvarez, Jeffery T. Wilcox

Pacific fisher (Pekania pennanti) distribution in southwestern Oregon. Brent R. Barry, Katie Moriarty, Taal Levi Student Paper

Food web linkages demonstrate importance of terrestrial prey for the threatened California red-legged frog. Meghan R. Bishop, Robert C. Drewes, Vance T. Vredenburg

Has cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) altered the thermal landscape for lizards in the Great Basin? Gareth D. Blakemore, Kristina M. Bozanich, Chris, R. Feldman Student Paper

Conservation of the island spotted skunk. Ellie Bolas, Kevin Crooks, Adam Dillon, Dirk Van Vuren Student Paper

Social survey indicates that Reno is hawk-friendly territory. Meghan Collins, Justin H. White

Disease dynamics and susceptibility to a fungal pathogen in two co-occurring terrestrial salamander species. Mae M. Cowgill, Wesley Sparagon, Frank Cipriano, Andrew Zink, Vance Vredenburg Student Paper

Trap success and initial population estimates of pygmy rabbits in the Great Basin. Miranda M. Crowell, Thomas Dilts, Peter Weisberg, Kevin Shoemaker, Marjorie Matocq Student Paper

Habitat selection by pygmy rabbit at rangewide and landscape spatial scales. Thomas E. Dilts, Peter J. Weisberg, Miranda M. Crowell, Kevin T. Shoemaker, Marjorie D. Matocq

Assessing California Ridgway's rail response to adaptive tidal marsh restoration and enhancement. Megan L. Elrod, Julian K. Wood, Nadav Nur, Leo Salas, Jennifer Mcbroom, Joy Albertson, Orien Richmond

San Francisco Bay tidal marsh-dependent species response to habitat restoration. Megan L. Elrod, Julian K. Wood, Nadav Nur, Sam Veloz, Dennis Jongsomjit

Bonus points: unrecognized supplemental benefits of mitigation and conservation banks. Kim Fettke

The effect of habitat restoration on feral cat activity at the Ma-le'l Dunes in Humboldt County, California. Holly E. Gamblin, Aidan Branney, Lauren Clark, Sheri Hart, Elizabeth Carillo, Alejandro Jimenez



Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) food habits in the Sutter Buttes, Sutter Co., California. Jamie L. Gergeni, Stephen V. Gergeni, David S. Newton, Brian T. Kornelly, Christopher D. Vang, Katharine G. Rush, Rebekah A. Christianson, Ashley R. Rath, Raquel Elander, David T. Wyatt Student Paper

Does deer browsing affect Tamalia galling aphid populations on manzanita (Arctostaphylos sp.) host plants? Badri P. Ghimire, Professor Donald G. Miller Student Paper

Fire and Invasives Assessment Tool (FIAT): a collaborative, landscape-level approach to assessing threats to greater sage-grouse habitat. Peter Gower, Sean Cottle, Liza Wozniak, Morgan Trieger

Characteristics of trees and forests associated with fisher (Pekania pennanti) reproduction in the southern Sierra Nevada. Rebecca E. Green, Kathryn L. Purcell, Craig M. Thompson, Douglas A. Kelt

Blood parasites in Pacific Northwest woodpecker community. Tierra C. Groff, Teresa J. Lorenz, Ravinder Sehgal Student Paper

Investigating the influence of giant cane, Arundo donax, a major invasive plant species on southern California's native mammals. Molly R. Hardesty-Moore, Douglas J. McCauley Student Paper

Impacts of sea level rise on migratory shorebird abundance and behavior at the Arcata Marsh. Michelle L. Harris, Bayan W. Ahmed, Alexandro Rivera, Derek H. Altman, Samantha C. Ribeiro, Ana D. Davidson Student Paper

Evaluating satellite tracking GPS data to address risk to endangered California condors from powerline interactions. Andrea L. Henke

A data management system for the Toiyabe subpopulation of Columbia spotted frog. Timothy M. Herrick

Assessing variation in thermal avian microhabitat across a Sonoran Desert Region. Devin L. Jacobs, Blair Wolf, Andrew McKechnie, Barrie Chileen, Eric Waller, Thomas P. Albright Student Paper

It's chilly out here: an overview of the Nevada winter raptor survey. Mackenzie R. Jeffress, Bonnie Weller, Jane Van Gunst, Chet Van Dellen

Species of conservation concern: a new concept for managing at-risk species on National Forest System lands under the 2012 planning rule. Gretchen Jehle, Marcie Baumbach, Virginia Beres, Don Yasuda, Patti Krueger

Northern goshawks in the post-Rim Fire landscape. Ryan S. Kalinowski, Marcie L. Baumbach, Adam C. Rich, John J. Keane

Tidal restoration: all for one or one for all; an era of adaptive management. Rhiannon Klingonsmith

Proximity to roads as an indicator of red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) nesting success in Reno, Nevada. Christine Lamphear, Justin H. White

Patterns of genetic variation in populations of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in California and Nevada, USA. Eveline Larrucea, Morgan Robinson, Jennifer Rippert, Marjorie Matocq

Population size estimated using territorial spacing, a case study of Pacific martens in the coastal dunes of Oregon. Mark A. Linnell, Katie M. Moriarty

Forest loss and disturbance limit distribution of red tree voles in northern Oregon. Mark A. Linnell, Damon B. Lesmeister, Raymond J. Davis, James K. Swingle

Landing rate of the walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, on two western North American walnut species, Juglans californica and J. major. Irene D. Lona, Donald G. Miller, Colleen Hatfield, Richard C. Rosecrance, Steven J. Seybold



Genotyping-by-sequencing helps improve detection of hybridization between domestic dogs and wild Canis. Zachary T. Lounsberry, Rob Grahn, Cecilia Penedo, Steve Fain, Ben N. Sacks

Evaluating the effect of time of day on singing behavior in Anna's hummingbirds. Adrian Macedo D. Macedo, Maxine Mota Student Paper

The characteristics of aposematism and noxious spray in the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Victoria M. Mann, Theodore Stankowich Student Paper

Evaluating the effect of temperature on Pacific marten movement and rest site use. Marie E. Martin, Katie M. Moriarty

Osprey nest site selection. Elizabeth Meisman, Tyrell Styhl, Andrew Dorrell, Bryan Krouse, Marc Bechard, Robert Miller, Dusty Perkins, Matthew Johnson Student Paper

Migration choices and the impact of survival in the Pacific mule deer herd. Jerrod L. Merrell, Kelley M. Stewart , Shelley D. Blair Student Paper

Measuring the regional impacts of pinyon and juniper removal on insect, bat, and reptile communities. Danielle C. Miles, Kevin Shoemaker

Acoustic monitoring of bat diversity in northern California. Trevor Moore, Colleen A. Hatfield, Aithne Loeblich, Shahroukh Mistry Student Paper

At the edge: ecological and genetic interactions at species range limits. Danny Nielsen, Marjorie Matocq Student Paper

Adapting with a changing climate: plug and pond meadow restoration in Mariposa County, CA - status and preliminary monitoring results. Melissa C. Odell, Bridget Fithian, Lauren Hubert

A local partnership for western pond turtle (Emys marmorata) reintroduction to Yosemite National Park after a half-century absence. Melissa C. Odell, Ninette Daniele, Bridget Fithian

Wildlife preservation through science - biologists without borders. Sue Orloff

Going native - a comparative study of three bullfrog control strategies. Jessica Purificato, Jonathan D. Price, Bert W. Mulchaey, Hannah M. Fertel

Distribution and connectivity of Sierra Nevada red fox in the Oregon Cascades. Cate B. Quinn, Tim L. Hiller, Jaime E. McFadden-Hiller, Jocelyn Akins, Benjamin N. Sacks Student Paper

Status and distribution of montane leporids in the Lake Tahoe Basin, with emphasis on the white-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii). T. Will Richardson, Peter F. Brussard

Salt marsh harvest mice (Reithrodontomys raviventris) distribution, abundance, and population trends in the East Bay Regional Park. David L. Riensche, Nicole A. Beadle, Julian D. Geoghegan, Sarah K. Riensche , Sarah C. Gidre

Factors influencing the abundance of wintering western snowy plovers at Crown Beach State Memorial Park. David L. Riensche, Julian D. Geoghegan , Nicole A. Beadle, Sarah K. Riensche

Classifying quality of downtown vacant lots in Reno, Nevada for urban greenspace using sky view factor. Darren Roach, Justin H. White, Zac Ormsby, Joshua Bertain, Teresa Campbell, Brendan Lawrence, Jason Wurtz, Zach Henderson

Moist soil seed production in unusual places: evaluating the contribution of tidal wetlands to waterfowl habitat. Caitlin E. Roddy Student Paper



Testing the assumption of constant detection covariate effects across multiple survey methods: an example using avian point counts. Giancarlo Sadoti, Kerri T. Vierling

Linking vital rates of landbirds on a tropical island to rainfall and vegetation greenness. James F. Saracco, Paul Radley, Peter Pyle, Erin Rowan, Ron Taylor, Lauren Helton

Brood parasitism in Anas platyrhychos in agricultural nesting sites. Candice M. Sawyer, Raymond J. Bogiatto, David M. Keller, Donald G. Miller Student Paper

The effect of Helianthella quinquenervis extra floral nectaries on ant abundance and community structure. Jacob A. Schurkman, Kailen Mooney Student Paper

Using focal bird monitoring to adaptively manage oak woodlands on private rangelands in California. Corey S. Shake, Katharine Howard, Alicia Herrera, Wendell Gilgert, Geoff Geupel

Modeling genetic adaptation to sylvatic plague in black-tailed prairie dog metapopulations. Kevin T. Shoemaker, Ana Davidson, Joseph Busch, Katherine Richgels, Loren Sackett, Elizabeth Hunter

Age structure of black-backed woodpecker populations in burned forests. Rodney B. Siegel, M. W. Tingley, Robert L. Wilkerson, C. A. Howell, M. Johnson, P. Pyle

Vocalization behaviors of Rana boylii, the foothill yellow-legged frog: a comparison of isolated populations. Courtney S. Silver Student Paper

The taming of the shrew: preliminary results from testing a shrew live trapping protocol. Trinity N. Smith, Jane Van Gunst, Mackenzie R. Jeffress, Kendall Lunn, Rory E. Lamp, Mark S. Enders

The incredibly adaptable urban junco: dark-eyed junco nesting activity within active construction projects in Silicon Valley. Bridget Sousa

Wildlife resources of the California Coastal National Monument. Bill Standley, David Ledig

Habitat management through invasive species control. Katie R. Tierney, Lynnedee Althouse, Dan Meade, Jacqueline Tilligkeit

Characterization of pathogenicity genes in a pigeon blood parasite. Jasper Toscani Field, Josh Weinberg, Ravinder Sehgal Student Paper

Seventeen years of constant effort mist netting at the Stone Lakes NWR - a look at diversity and abundance in a changing environment. Beatrix E. Treiterer, Stan Wright

Do Pacific martens use different rest structures based on seasonal activity patterns? Patrick J. Tweedy, Katie M. Moriarty, John D. Bailey, Clinton W. Epps Student Paper

Distribution of the western black-headed snake in California. Christopher D. Vang, Jeff A. Alvarez Student Paper

Modeling nighttime light emittance compared to urban density characteristics. Justin White, Tim Curtis

Diet frequency of red-tailed hawk nestlings relative to urban density in Reno, Nevada. Justin H. White, Corrie M. Calderon Student Paper



Western Field Camp 2017:

Field Techniques in Wildlife Studies

4 Quarter Units Aug 14 - 25 (12 days) Swanton Pacific Ranch, Santa Cruz County

Field Techniques in Wildlife Studies is an intensive, resident field camp emphasizing wildlife identification and field techniques for vertebrates. Administered by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and Western Section of The Wildlife Society, the 4-unit course, held at Cal Poly’s scenic Swanton Pacific Ranch near Santa Cruz, includes hands-on field time, data collection and team projects. Instructors include wildlife professionals from agency, academic, private and non-profit sectors. Informal time with mentor-instructors allows students to discuss career opportunities.

Meals, lodging, and 4-units of academic credit are included in the (approximately) $1,695 course fee. Course is limited to 16 participants, with students working in groups of 4-5 to maximize hands-on experiential learning and mentoring. Contact Lead Instructor John Perrine, [email protected] with a brief (150-word) paragraph describing your interest in the camp, and a short list of previous coursework or equivalent to meet the prerequisites below. Upon instructor clearance of your pre-requisites, registration is through Cal Poly Extended Education: (805) 756-2053.

Participation open to early career professionals, college undergraduates with junior standing or above, and graduate students – anyone with completed pre-requisite course-work or equivalent in the following topics: Introduction to Organismal Form & Function (Anatomy and Physiology), or Introduction to Ecology and Evolution, or Wildlife Management, or Principles of Range Management.

Contact Cynthia Perrine, [email protected], to learn more about participating as a mentor-instructor!


TWS WESTERN SECTION COMMITTEES NEED VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE THE SECTION!

Our mission: The Wildlife Society is an international non-profit scientific and educational association dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. Our mission is to enhance the ability of wildlife professionals and wildlife students to conserve diversity, sustain productivity, and ensure responsible use of wildlife resources and their habitats.

We need your help to complete our mission! Please contact us at [email protected] for more information on becoming involved with the Western Section.

Awards and Grants Committee (Chair Richard Burg, [email protected]) This committee oversees the awards bestowed by Western Section, provides outreach to advertise and administers collection of the grant applications, and provides applications to the President for consideration by the Executive Board.

Certification Subcommittee (Chair Rhys Evans, [email protected]) This subcommittee is responsible for promotion, education, and dissemination of Certification information to wildlife professionals and the public in the Western Section area. The Subcommittee promotes certification among employing agencies and private interests.

Conservation Affairs Committee (Chair Kelly Holland, [email protected]) This committee may review legislative proposals, administrative regulations, environmental assessments and impacts statements, and other subjects or issues affecting wildlife or wildlife habitat within the Western Section, and prepares comments to be submitted on behalf of the Western Section. WS-CAC is part of The Wildlife Society's Conservation Affairs Network.

Diversity Committee (Chair Katie Smith, [email protected]) The goal of this committee is to provide support to groups of people who are under-represented in our organization, as well as in the field of wildlife (professionally and recreationally) at large.

Membership Services Subcommittee (Chair Don Yasuda, [email protected]) This subcommittee addresses services currently provided to Western Section members and identifies services wanted by the membership such as a member directory and outreach.

Newsletter and Outreach (Chair Susanne Marczak, [email protected]) This committee coordinates with the Executive Board, Chapters, and with members to solicit and prepare content to be included in the Section newsletter. This committee also manages the Section website and electronic communications.

Professional Affairs Committee (Chair Don Yasuda, [email protected]; Vice-Chair Rhys Evans, [email protected]) This committee encourages the maximum number of qualified persons residing or working within the Section’s organizational area to become members of The Wildlife Society and the Western Section, and it shall encourage Certification of eligible professionals.

Professional Development Committee (Chair Jessica Martini-Lamb, [email protected]) This committee coordinates development of technical workshops and symposia for the Annual Meeting; identifies workshops, training sessions, professional meetings, and course work offered by other individuals and organizations that meet the requirements of the Section's Professional Development Program; and provides professional development training where current providers are not meeting the needs of wildlife biologists in the Section.

Program Committee (Chair TBD, President-Elect 2018) This committee works closely with the President-Elect to plan the Annual Meeting, and decides general and concurrent session topics, and structures additional activities for the 2018 annual Meeting.

Student Affairs Committee (Chair-at-large Mandi McElroy, [email protected]) This committee supports wildlife students and early career professionals by engaging students and faculty in Section activities, and emphasizes career-long benefits and opportunities of active membership in The Wildlife Society.

[NEW] Board Operations Ad Hoc Committee (Chair and members needed!) Review Executive Board operational models and develop new tools and procedures as needed to ensure effective operations methods. Seeking committee members who are former Section Board members and members who have knowledge of executive board rules and regulations from service to other organizations.

[NEW] Early Career Professional Ad Hoc Committee (Chair and members needed!) Work with the Student Affairs Committee and Professional Development Committee to assess needs and opportunities to provide services for wildlife professionals entering their careers that better ensures their career success and their contributions to wildlife conservation.

[NEW] Enhance Careers Ad Hoc Committee (Chair and members needed!) Review the strategic approach to professional development available to members and develop processes such as a 5-year Professional Development Plan to guide planning for the Professional Development Committee and identify opportunities for networking and collaborating with other organizations.

[NEW] Mentoring Committee (Chair Jeff Lincer, [email protected]) The Mentoring Committee serves to create a forum for connecting students and early career professionals with members that are later in their wildlife career. A goal of the committee is to connect TWS Western Section members that are interested in mentoring and/or serving as mentors, and to facilitate opportunities for mutual growth and benefit. We invite you to attend an information session to learn more about a new mentoring program within the TWS Western Section. Friday, February 10, 2017 from 7:30-8:30am, Roma 1.

COME TO THE ANNUAL MEMBERS FORUM ON THURSDAY AT 4:00 PM IN NAPLES 6 / 7

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE WESTERN SECTION.




http://tws-west.org/professional_development.php#certprogram



http://tws-west.org/professional_development.php#certprogram



Future Meeting Dates

TWS Western Section Annual Meeting

February 6-9, 2018 – Vineyard Hyatt, Santa Rosa, California February 4-8, 2019 – Tenaya Lodge, Fish Camp, California

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TWS Annual Conference

September 23-27, 2017 – Albuquerque, New Mexico

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6th International Wildlife Management Congress

2018 South America

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Check the Western Section Events webpage, Chapter websites, and Facebook for more information.

Do you have ideas for future Western Section events?

Talk to your Chapter Representative or attend the

Professional Development Committee Meeting

Thursday, 7:30 am, Naples 5

annual meeting peppermill resort 10, 2017tws-west.org/events/2017/annual_meeting_2017_final.pdf ·...

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