[Image] The Manitoba Chapter Wildlife Society Newsletter [Image] THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY Winter 2000 Excellence in Wildlife Stewardship Through January 2000 Science and Education Inside This Issue: President's 1999/2000 Corner Chapter News Announcements Executive [Image]Presidents Corner Happy New Year! I hope everyone has returned safely (if not happily) back to work. The Chapter has been hard at work organizing the upcoming events for 2000. It looks like the Chapter will be very busy in 2000 and the Executive encourages everyone to take advantage of all the upcoming activities. A highlight of the upcoming year is definitely the Central Mountains and Plains Section (CMPS) 2000 conference to be held at Falcon Lake August 9-12. The CMPS conference is an annual conference with approximately 50 participants. It is an opportunity for wildlife professionals and students to network and to present their research. I would encourage all our members to participate as the last time the conference was held in Manitoba was back in the early 1990’s. I think the conference theme "Advancing Wildlife Management into the New Millennium" is broad enough to appeal to a wide range of wildlife professionals. The next few months will provide a number of opportunities for chapter members to get together. So far, the Executive has organized an evening speaker in January, sponsored the Lubinsky Lecture in mid March, booked the University Field Station at Delta for our annual retreat in late February and planned the Annual General Meeting for mid-March. Information on all of these events has been included in this newsletter. I encourage everyone to attend as many events as they can. If any of you have suggestions for other events or activities please contact myself of any of the executive. Finally I would like to thanks Chris Kochanny and Larry Kuechle from Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS). They did a fantastic job on the Telemetry workshop that was held in early November. Over 55 chapter members participated in the workshop, and everyone who attended enjoyed themselves. Chris and Larry not only drove from Isanti, Minnesota to put on the workshop, but they also did not charge the Chapter for their time or their expenses!!! The Chapter would also like to thank Bruce Pollard and Bob Emery who put almost two years of phone calls and correspondence into making the weekend happen. The Chapter hopes to continue to be able to provide its members with other hands-on learning opportunities on an annual basis. I hope to see you all out on January 20 at Fort Whyte to take advantage of Dr. Michael Anderson’s talk!!! All the best in the new year! - Rhian Christie Back to Top... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER NEWS 55 Attend Telemetry Workshop There was strong interest in the Chapter’s Telemetry Workshop held November 5-6, 1999 at the University of Manitoba’s Delta Marsh Field Station. Fifty-five individuals, both Chapter members and non-members, students and professionals, attended the Friday evening and all-day Saturday course. Workshop leaders were Chris Kochanny and Larry Kuechle from Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS), Isanti, MN. The workshop started with a brief history of radio-telemetry, followed by an introduction to the basics of radio-telemetry. The use of receivers and antennas, signal propagation, transmitter attachment methods, telemetry error, and maps and compasses were some of the other topics covered. Field exercises were conducted on Saturday afternoon and allowed attendees ‘hands-on’ experience with various telemetry equipment and techniques. Comments about the workshop were mostly favorable with those individuals with little or no telemetry experience finding the workshop most valuable. A strong cup of java was needed to get through some of the more technical sessions. A Chapter sponsored social was held after the Friday evening lecture and several hats and T-shirts were awarded as door prizes. Ken Sandilands was the first person to find a hidden transmitter during Saturday afternoon’s field exercises and won an ATS sweatshirt. Thirty new Chapter members were signed-up at the workshop. The Chapter wishes to thank Chris, Larry and ATS for conducting the workshop. Many thanks also to Dale Wrubleski and Lisette Ross, both with IWWR, Ducks Unlimited for donation of the ‘Walleye Tracker’ and ‘Mallard Tracker’ hats and T-shirts used for door prizes. CMPS2000 Update This is an update on how preparations are coming for the 45th Central Mountains and Plains Section of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, or CMPS2000 as we’ve dubbed it, that the Manitoba Chapter is hosting next August. If you haven’t yet heard about CMPS2000 it’s a 3-day conference being held at the Falcon Lake Resort Hotel in Falcon Lake, Manitoba from August 9-12, 2000. The meeting will feature technical papers, a poster session, and a field trip. This year’s meeting theme is "Advancing Wildlife Management into the New Millennium". For information on CMPS2000 check out the Manitoba Chapter’s website. Preparations for CMPS2000 are going well. There has been a first call for papers and the meeting has been advertised in several newsletters and through an initial distribution of posters. The fundraising committee has been hard at work applying for grants. We’ve added a poster session to the program and established a theme for the field trip (Manitoba’s Boreal Forest). The next CMPS2000 organizing committee meeting will be held in mid-January when the program and field trip schedule will be finalized. We expect to have the CMPS Annual Meeting program posted on the Chapter’s web-site by late January, along with a meeting registration form and other related information. We hope that all Chapter members will consider coming to the meeting. Technical paper and poster presentations are welcome. If you’d like to help out with CMPS2000 then please contact any of the CMPS2000 committee members listed below. CMPS2000 Organizing Committee: Conference Chair: Rhian Christie Conference Co-Chair: Bob Emery Program: Rick Baydack and Don Sexton Registration: Rich Davis Facilities: Cory Lindgren Reception/Meals: Tanys Uhmann, Shane Roersma and Dale Hutchison Media: Marc Schuster Fundraising: Cory Lindgren, Rhian Christie and Larry Bidlake Field Trip: Jim Fisher Auction: Larry Bidlake 19th Annual Lubinsky Lecture The Manitoba Chapter is once again sponsoring the University of Manitoba Department of Zoology 19th annual Lubinsky Memorial Lecture. The lecture is held each year in honour of Dr. George Lubinsky. The guest lecturer this year will be Dr. Scott Robinson, from the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University of Illinois. Dr. Robinson has a large research program, including several projects dealing with forest fragmentation and its relationship to songbird population demographics. The Graduate Students of the Department of Zoology has invited all members of the Wildlife Society, Manitoba Chapter to attend the lecture, which will be held in mid-March in the Moot Court room in Robson Hall at the University of Manitoba. A reception in the Faculty Club will follow. When the date is finalized it will be posted on the chapter website. Back to Top... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANNOUNCEMENTS Adapting Conservation in the Face of Uncertainty: Climate Change and Prairie Wetlands A presentation by Dr. Michael G. Anderson Canadian Director, Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research Ducks Unlimited Date: Thursday, January 20, 2000 Time: 7:30 pm Where: Fort Whyte Centre, 1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg Admission: Free Natural resource managers routinely make decisions with inadequate information about the likely impacts of their actions. This general problem can be reduced through time with an adaptive approach to decision making. The prospects of global climate change, however, poses especially difficult challenges for decision makers because of the time required to learn and the high degree of uncertainty associated with predictions about future climatic conditions. Historical climate data; correlations with past soil moisture, pond numbers and duck abundance; and multiple general circulation models (GCMs) were used to predict moisture conditions and wetland abundance across the northern great plains during the coming century. Although the models predict a high degree of temporal and spatial variation, a very significant decline in prairie wetland abundance during the next 100 years is projected. The immediate challenge is to judge what adaptations to future climatic conditions are prudent now, in the face of great uncertainty and, secondly, what can be done to improve our understanding of the likely impacts of climate change. These questions will be pursued in discussion with the audience and form the main part of the seminar. We encourage all TWS members, their friends and colleagues, and any other interested member of the public to attend. Refreshments will be available at a nominal charge. If you require further information please contact Rhian Christie (632-2938) or Bob Emery (467-3238). About Mike Anderson: Mike was born and raised in Fort Ransom, North Dakota but has spent most of the past 28 years in Manitoba. He completed both his M.S. and Ph.D degrees through the Delta Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Station and in 1980 joined the station first as a Research Biologist, and later as Scientific Director. Mike joined Ducks Unlimited in 1990 and is currently the Canadian Director of the Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research, Ducks Unlimited’s research group. His current research interests include climate change, and the population decline of lesser scaup ducks. He is heavily involved in planning, developing and coordinating evaluation efforts under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2000 TWS Manitoba Chapter Annual General Meeting 4th Annual Delta Getaway Weekend The Manitoba Chapter of The Wildlife The 4th Annual Delta Getaway Weekend Society Annual General Meeting will will be held February 25-27, 2000 at be held March 10th, 2000 at the Oak the University of Manitoba’s Delta Hammock Marsh Conservation Centre. Marsh Field Station. The Weekend Activities begin at 7:00pm. The AGM brings experts and Chapter members has traditionally been a fun together to discuss current issues evening, offering the chance to affecting Manitoba’s wildlife and catch up with old friends and to the habitats upon which they depend, meet other wildlife professionals and usually offers up lots of ‘fun’ active in the province. Keynote as well. This year’s program will Speaker will be Mr. Mike Anderson, feature an evening speaker on both Director of the Natural Resources Friday and Saturday nights, plus 4 Secretariat of Manitoba Keewatinowi speakers on Saturday morning. Mr. Okimakanak (MKO). MKO is a political Dwight Williamson, Manitoba organization representing 26 Conservation, will lead things off northern Manitoba First Nations. He Friday evening with a talk on the will be speaking on co-management Devil’s Lake diversion project. On and wildlife issues of mutual Saturday night Dr. Dale Wrubleski, interest to natives/non-natives. IWWR, Ducks Unlimited, will talk on Mr. Ryan Brook (Natural Resources ‘Delta Marsh Fisheries Studies’. Institute, University of Manitoba), Keep checking the Chapter’s web-site last year’s Richard C. Goulden for more details as additional Memorial Scholarship recipient, will speakers are announced. Bring your also present the results of his skis or snowshoes along to explore research on "Landscape Level the marsh and beach ridge, or join Vegetation Mapping of Wapusk in the ‘Great Perch Search’ on National Park, Manitoba". Other Saturday afternoon (bring your activities include a short business fishing license!). A winter beach meeting, election of the 2000/2001 bonfire and midnight fish fry will Manitoba Chapter Executive, and follow Saturday evening’s announcement of the 2000 Richard C. presentation. Cost is $35.00 for Goulden Memorial Scholarship students and $60.00 for recipient. There will be a silent professionals for the entire weekend auction to raise money for the (includes all meals and 2 nights Chapter, and an array of door prizes accommodation), or $25.00 for both will be drawn. Pizza and students and professionals for refreshments will be served. Your Saturday only (all Saturday meals; attendance will allow you free no accommodation). Consider admission to displays in the Oak coming. It’s a great winter escape! Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre. Come out and enjoy the evening. For more information contact any executive member. Back to Top... Call for Nominations Call for AGM Silent Auction and Door 2000/2001 Manitoba Chapter Executive Prize Items If you have an interest in becoming If you have a wildlife-related item involved with the Manitoba Chapter that could be used for the Annual at the executive level or know of an General Meeting silent auction, or individual who would make a good as a door prize, then please contact executive member, please contact Bob Rich Davis, Silent Auction Emery, Nominations Chair, at Coordinator, at 339-0374 or 467-3238 or b_emery@ducks.ca. It’s a rrdavis@mb.sympatico.ca. All great opportunity to contribute to proceeds from the silent auction go Manitoba’s wildlife resource. to fund Chapter activities. Thanks. Call for Applications Richard C. Goulden Memorial Scholarship Applications are now being accepted for the Richard C. Goulden Memorial Call for Nominations Scholarship. Any student enrolled Conservationist Award in a post-secondary research program pertaining to wildlife in Manitoba Nominations are now being accepted is eligible for consideration. The for the Manitoba Chapter of The award is for $200.00. Application Wildlife Society Conservationist forms and information about the Award. If you know of an individual scholarship can be obtained by who deserves recognition for their contacting Dave Howerter, Awards contributions to wildlife Chair, at 467-3292 or conservation then please take the d_howerter@ducks.ca, or Shane time to nominate them. The Roersma, Manitoba Chapter Student nomination deadline is February Representative, at 474-8152 or 21st, 2000. The Conservationist umroersm@cc.umanitoba.ca. Award will be presented at the Application forms can also be Manitoba Chapter’s Annual General downloaded from the Manitoba Chapter Meeting on March 10th. For more website. The deadline for receipt information and nomination forms, of applications is February 21st, contact Don Sexton, Conservationist 2000. Candidates should submit Award Chair at 467- 3275 or completed applications to Dave d_sexton@ducks.ca . The nomination Howerter, Awards Chair, Box 1160, form can also be downloaded from the Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0 prior to the Manitoba Chapter’s website. deadline. The successful candidate will be announced at the Manitoba Chapter’s Annual General Meeting on March 10th. Announcement and Call for Papers 11th Annual Meeting of the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society "Overlapping Landuse Practices: Challenges in Wildlife Conservation" March 10-11, 2000 Lethbridge, Alberta The Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society invites all Manitoba Chapter members to attend their 11th Annual Meeting, March 10-11, 2000 in Lethbridge. Plenary speakers include Mark Boyce (Chair, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Alberta), Brad Stelfox (leading researcher in Cumulative Effects in Alberta), Vic Adamowicz (Economics and Ecology), and Lorne Fitch (Biologist in Southern Alberta). Papers are invited on topics other than the plenary theme. Deadline is 14 Jan for abstract submission (An extension may be possible. Please contact the Program Coordinator). Other activities include a live and a silent auction. For more information visit the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society website at http://www.albertadirectory.com/actws/, or contact Elston Dzus, Program Coordinator, at (780) 525-8393 or dzusel@alpac.ca. Back to Top... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement and Call for Abstracts Central Mountains and Plains Section 45th Annual Meeting August 9–12, 2000, Falcon Lake, Manitoba "Advancing Wildlife Management into the new Millennium" The 45th Annual Meeting of the Central Mountains and Plains Section (CMPS) of The Wildlife Society will be held August 9th through August 12th, 2000, at the Falcon Lake Resort Hotel in Falcon Lake, Manitoba. Registration is $50.00 (regular) and $25.00 (students). Meeting schedule: · evening registration and reception on Wednesday, August 9. · presentation of technical papers on August 10-12. · afternoon field trip on Friday August 11. Further information and meeting updates will be posted on the Manitoba Chapter website. All contributed papers will be scheduled at 20 minute intervals. Abstracts (300 words) should include a statement of objectives, a brief description of the methods used, results and a summary/conclusion. If there are multiple authors, please underline the presenters name and include submitting author’s complete mailing address, telephone and fax number, and e-mail address. Please indicate audio-visual needs in your submission. Abstracts should be submitted electronically, either as an e-mail attachment or via 3.5" floppy disc. Abstract deadline is May 30, 2000. Send abstracts to: Dr. Rick Baydack CMPS 2000 Technical Program Chair Natural Resources Institute University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Phone: 204-474-6776 Fax: 204-261-0038 E-mail: baydack@ms.umanitoba.ca Persons submitting abstracts will be notified of their receipt. Falcon Lake Resort Hotel will hold rooms for this meeting until April 20, 2000. Meeting participants should make reservations by calling the resort directly at (204) 349-8400. Falcon Lake Resort Hotel offers rooms with double beds, queen size beds and a lodge complex with 7 rooms that have queen size beds. Within the hotel there is an indoor swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, gift shop, laundry facilities, dining room and beverage room. Also available in the Falcon Lake area is camping, swimming, biking, one of the best golf courses in Manitoba, fishing, tennis, boating, and horseback riding. There are a number of other resorts in the immediate area and further information on these can be obtained from Travel Manitoba at 1-800-665-0040 (Ext. AB9). If you need additional information please contact Rhian Christie at 204-632-2938 or rchristi@rrc.mb.ca, or Bob Emery at 204-467-3238 or b_emery@ducks.ca. Dates to Remember in 2000!! April 20, 2000 - Book Your Room May 30, 2000 - Send Your Abstracts August 9 to 12, 2000 - CMPS Meeting ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOME PAGES OF INTEREST TWS NASHVILLE 2000 7th Annual Conference of * Canada's Plan for protecting species [Image] the Wildlife Society at risk, including major elements of Nashville, Tennessee, the proposed Species at Risk Act September 12-16, 2000 (SARA). http://www.ec.gc.ca/sara/ * The Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife The Wildlife Society will hold its Society. 7th Annual Conference in Nashville, http://www.albertadirectory.com/actws/ Tennessee. Registration and Program * Advanced Telemetry Systems. Information will be available June http://www.atstrack.com/index.html 2000. To see the Preliminary * The Prairie Conservation Action Plan Program, go here. (PCAP) website. In the plans are an Further information can be found at addition of the prairie conservation TWS' website http://www.wildlife.org directory. http://www.pcap-sk.org .Back to Top.. 1999/2000 Chapter Executive President: President Elect Rhian Christie Cory Lindgren (W) 632-2938, e-mail: (W) 467-3269,e-mail: rchristi@rrc.mb.ca c_lindgren@ducks.ca Past President: Secretary/Treasurer: Bob Emery Tanys Uhmann (W) 467-3238, e-mail: (W) 474-8152, e-mail: b_emery@ducks.ca umuhmann@cc.manitoba.ca Members at Large: Student Representative: Dale Hutchison Shane Roersma (W) 983-2331, e-mail: (W) 474-8152, hutchisond@inac.gc.ca e-mail:umroersm@cc.umanitoba.ca Rich Davis (W) 738-2647, e-mail: ridavis@nr.gov.mb.ca Back to top of this document... Back to Newsletter Index... ------------------------------------------------------------------------