The Association Gears Up for 2006 Annual Meeting in Colorado

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' Annual Meeting is built on the idea that the meeting's many exchanges of ideas and philosophies between administrators and the professional fish and wildlife biologists, managers, and technical workers allow for better management of our natural resources.

Hosted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Association invites you to the 2006 Annual Meeting in Snowmass , Colorado at the Silvertree Hotel/Resort and Conference Center . With the beautiful backdrop of the Colorado Rocky Mountains as an extra incentive, this year, the Association expects more than more than 600 attendees representing more than 45 states and 5 provinces of Canada. Throughout the week there are more than 70 meetings and events taking place - a record number for the Association!

"This is a special meeting for the Association, as it marks the end of a successful year of change for the organization," said John Baughman, Executive Vice President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. "We've had a few changes this year with the new name and logo. Now the Association will also have a new leader as Matt Hogan starts as Executive Director in September."

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' Annual Meeting, too, has a few new highlights to talk about. For instance, this year's meeting features the first-ever National Board meeting of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. This initial board meeting will include 20 leaders from some of the nation's premier conservation organizations. These individuals represent the many partners who have come together around the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, including state and federal agencies, private conservation organizations, fisheries professionals and fishing related industries. During the meeting, the board will establish and manage guidelines for action plan implementation, endorse Fish Habitat Partnerships, manage national science and communication efforts, and recommend approaches for funding Fish Habitat Partnerships.

In addition, the Association is holding its first-ever all-day Director's Retreat on Sunday, Sept. 17. An event that originated as a dinner, it has evolved this year to allow state and federal fish and wildlife agency directors the chance to spend an entire day together discussing wildlife management challenges, and help guide the future of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. This invitation only event will be held at Frying Pan Ranch, owned by Johnny Morris, President of Bass Pro Shops' and sponsored lunch and dinner by Safari Club International and Ducks Unlimited.

Meanwhile, and also for the first time, the 2006 Annual Meeting has added four special workshops:

"Planning an Outdoor Expo"
Sunday, Sept. 17, 1-5pm - $25
If you are considering use of the Outdoor Expo concept, planning your first large Expo, or seeking to improve an existing Expo you should plan to attend. The workshop will cover benefits, planning stages, marketing and advertising the event, and participant surveys. We will also address your questions relative to the role of Outdoor Expos in your outdoor skills and conservation education programs, recruitment and retention efforts, and public relations. Learn how the concept has been successfully employed in other states, and about the Expo planning and grant services offered by the Weatherby Foundation. Refreshments, an Expo Planning Guide, and other handouts will be provided participants. Pre-register in the meeting announcement and registration form. For more information contact Dave Lockman, wyodave@worldnet.att.net . Don't forget to register for this event by checking off the box on the conference registration.

"How to Fund Your State Wildlife Action Plan!"
Monday, Sept. 18, 1-5pm - Free
As implementation of the State Wildlife Action Plans begins, the key to their success will be to find funding to support them. Join experts from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, The Nature Conservancy, the National Wildlife Federation, and other organizations for a workshop designed to help give you the skills your agency and Teaming with Wildlife Coalition need to organize a successful state-level wildlife funding initiative. Through lectures and group exercises, you'll learn how to win in the legislature or at the ballot box. For more information, contact Naomi Edelson at nedelson@fishwildlife.org.

"Immunocontraception in Deer"
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1-3pm - Free
Overabundant wildlife species have the potential to adversely affect wildlife habitats and pose risks to human health and safety.  In locations or situations where traditional methods such as hunting and trapping are not feasible, immunocontraception technology might play an important role.  A new single shot, multi year technology developed by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services will likely be available in late 2007 or early 2008.  This forum will provide an opportunity to disseminate information and create awareness of the new technology.  An opportunity exists for State Agencies to work in collaboration with Wildlife Services to develop suggested labeling restrictions that insure the product is regulated, permitted, and used in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of state deer management programs.  The forum will include a presentation from representatives of USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services, a summary of a survey of all 50 State agencies on potential use of this product and regulatory authority, as well as an open facilitated discussion on the issues. For more information, contact Amber Pairis at apairis@fishwildlife.org.

"Human and Wildlife Conflict and the Media"
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 8am-12pm - Free
Are you a public affairs professional who has experience working with the media regarding an animal attack, conflict, or crisis situation? Has your agency ever been portrayed negatively in the media when responding to wildlife encounter? Ever wish you could better educate the public about these issues ahead of time? From aligators to bears and everything in between, there's been no shortage of wildlife incidents in the news this year. If you answered yes to any of these questions above, this is a good workshop for you. The primary goal of the workshop is to focus on key messages (sharing of information) concerning wildlife encounters; working with the media; educating the public on how to live with wildlife (bears, lions, coyotes, gators, etc.); and why it's important to keep them wild. This workshop will provide participants with clear guidelines on how to disseminate information to the public and media on all aspects of large predators, and to emphasize the opportunities that media coverage provides (based on real experiences) and the pitfalls should they be mishandled. For more information, contact us at info@fishwildlife.org.

This year's Annual Meeting will also feature a two-part Plenary Session. First, hear from some of the nation’s leading experts on “conservation design” and how the tools it provides can improve our ability to implement more proactive conservation action. Hear how science-based landscape-scale planning, using bird conservation data, can help managers make sound conservation decisions and help implement planning efforts such as the state wildlife action plans.

Second, hear from the nation’s leading experts in fish and wildlife law enforcement. When hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated Gulf Coast states last year, state agency officers were among the very first to respond. Hear how they were able to utilize their skills, brave the elements, and save thousands of lives. Also, learn about the Wildlife Violator Compact and how it’s putting a stop to the illegal use of wildlife, and hear how state and federal law enforcement personnel are working together on investigations addressing illegal take of wildlife. Finally, get a glimpse of international efforts between Canada and the United States to construct a game warden museum, recognizing the history and contributions of the best in wildlife law enforcement. Attending officers are encouraged to wear field uniforms for this event.

The 2006 Annual Meeting also has a few special events planned, including the Welcome to Colorado Reception on Monday night and the infamous Canada Night Reception on Tuesday.

For more information about the Annual Meeting and its related activities, visit our website.