Riparian Buffers: How wide and why?
A Joint Meeting of the Pennsylvania Chapters of
March 30 � April 1, 2001
Holiday Inn � Milesburg, PA
Conference Theme
The conference theme was chosen to provide a link between societies regarding a topic of concern to both wildlife and fisheries professionals. With this in mind, the planning committee recruited speakers for the plenary session to address the conference theme. Dr. Andy Dolloff addressed fisheries issues related to riparian habitats and Dr. Don Weller discussed the potential for riparian buffers to process and remove nutrients. Leading a project aimed at restoring riparian habitats, Mr. Russ Johnson described the Heritage Conservancy's efforts to identify and restore riparian buffers along streams and rivers in southeastern Pennsylvania, and Dr. Jim Finley provided some insight into the knowledge and attitudes of landowners regarding the protection of riparian habitats. In the concluding talk of the plenary session, Dr. Rob Brooks discussed his efforts towards integrating research of both aquatic and terrestrial natural sciences as it relates to riparian habitats. Conference registration included 97 professionals and 34 students.
Workshop
The workshop focused on sampling and surveying techniques for aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals, birds and also included techniques for habitat evaluation. The workshop was filled with 50 attendees: 39 professional and 11 students.
Special Invitation for Students
All conference and workshop fees were substantially reduced. We especially encouraged students to attend the evening banquet where recognition awards were presented for the best student poster and best student paper.
Conference Agenda
Friday, March 30, 2001
8am - 4pm Workshop: Riparian Habitat and Species Sampling Techniques
5:00pm � 6:30pm Conference Registration (Holiday Inn)
6:30pm � 8:00pm Business Meeting � TWS
6:30pm � 8:00pm Business Meeting � AFS
8:00pm � ?? Informal Welcome Social with Raffle
Saturday, March 31, 2001
Breakfast on your own
7:00am � 12:00pm Registration
8:00am � 8:15am Introductory Remarks from AFS and TWS Presidents
8:00am � 12:00pm Plenary Session � Research and Management of Riparian Habitats
12:00pm � 1:00pm Luncheon Buffet
1:00pm � 5:00pm Technical Paper Presentations
5:30pm � 6:30pm Poster Session & Banquet Social
6:30pm � ?? Grand Banquet and Raffles and Silent Auction!
Sunday, April 1, 2001
Breakfast on your own
8:30am Field Trips - to be announced
Conference Workshop
Riparian Habitat and Species Sampling Techniques
This workshop focused on sampling and surveying techniques for aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles, fish, mammals, birds and also included techniques for habitat evaluation. The workshop was held in the field along Bald Eagle Creek near the conference location in Milesburg, PA. The wetlands and riparian zones in this area provided an excellent site for studying methods to determine species presence, abundance and richness. The goal of this workshop was to familiarize attendees with a variety of sampling methods to characterize the biotic and physical components of a stream or waterway. We were fortunate to attract a diverse group of instructors and expertise.
Date: Friday, March 30, 2001
Time: 8:00am � 4:00pm
Fee: Regular $50, Student $20 (see registration form)
Location: Within walking distance of the Holiday Inn.
Lunch: Bring a bag lunch.
Clothing: Be prepared for cool, wet weather (rain gear) and hip boots or waders will be required for some sessions.
Workshop Topics and Instructors:
Stream fish sampling and identification
Rob Criswell, Aquatic Biologist and Tim Stecko, Pennsylvania State University
Aquatic invertebrate sampling
William Ettinger, Principal Aquatic Ecologist, Normandeau Associates
Stream salamanders sampling
Gian L. Rocco, Cooperative Wetlands Center, Penn State University
Terrestrial amphibians and reptiles
Chris Urban, Herpetologist, The Nature Conservancy
Small mammal sampling
Dr. Carolyn Mahan, Assistant Professor, Penn State Altoona
Lisa Williams, Wildlife Biologist, PA Game Commission
Merlin Benner, Wildlife Biologist, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Bird sampling
Dr. Margaret Brittingham, Associate Professor, Penn State University
Habitat assessment techniques
Karl Lutz, Area Habitat Manager, PA Fish and Boat Commission