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To return to the Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference website, go to http://www.midwestfw.org/ The following schedule and room names are subject to change (as of February 1, 2017). Please check back for updates. 

Presenters: Presenters for technical presentations are either the primary author (the first name listed in the abstract), or are indicated with an asterisk next to their name. 

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Monday, February 6
 

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. Greater Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) Boom Chorus Propagation Along a Nebraska Sandhills Wind Energy-Grassland Gradient
AUTHORS: Edward J. Raynor, Cara E. Whalen, Mary Bomberger-Brown, Larkin A. Powell - School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

ABSTRACT: The effects of anthropogenic sounds on grassland birds can be determined using spatially- and temporally-explicit recordings of sounds along a noise gradient. This information allows us to demonstrate how sound sources, such as wind turbines, create noise footprints across relatively-intact grassland landscapes. To assess the ability of lekking male Greater Prairie-Chickens in the Nebraska Sandhills to propagate their boom vocalization across a noise gradient leading from a wind farm to 24 km away, we employed a sound propagation model that accounts for spatially-explicit abiotic and biotic properties of the grassland landscape. Results of our analysis provide information about the potential effects of wind energy development on prairie-chickens’ ability to propagate sound across grassland landscapes. We found that late season (late May-early June) boom propagation did not exceed ambient or background sound levels when leks were located within the wind farm. This result suggests that late season boom propagation is not as effective as early-to-mid season boom propagation when leks are located within wind farms. Further, our results provide insight for temporal efficacy of lek survey efforts across the Greater-Prairie-Chicken lekking season.
Monday February 6, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. Influence of Trap Modifications and Environmental Predictors on Capture Success of Southern Flying Squirrels
AUTHORS: Will T. Rechkemmer, Mary E. Scheihing, James S. Zweep, Sean E. Jenkins - Western Illinois University; Robert W. Klaver, U. S. Geological Survey; Shelli A. Dubay, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Christopher N. Jacques, Western Illinois University.


ABSTRACT: Sherman traps are the most commonly used live traps in studies of small mammals and have been successfully used in the capture of arboreal species like southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans). However, southern flying squirrels spend proportionately less time foraging on the ground, which necessitates above-ground trapping efforts and modifying capture protocols accordingly. Further, quantitative estimates of the magnitude of factors affecting capture success of flying squirrel populations has focused solely on effects of trapping methodologies. We developed and evaluated the efficacy of a portable Sherman trap design for capturing southern flying squirrels. Additionally, we used logistic regression to quantify potential effects of time-dependent (e.g., climate) and time-independent (e.g., habitat, extrinsic) factors on capture success of southern flying squirrels. We recorded a total of 165 capture events (119 females, 44 males, 2 unknown) using our modified Sherman trap design. Probability of capture success decreased 0.10 per 1 C increase in daily maximum temperature and by 0.09 per unit increase (km/hr) in wind speed. In contrast, probability of capture success increased by 1.2 per 1 C increase in daily minimum temperature. The probability of capturing flying squirrels was negatively associated with trap orientation. When the probability of capturing flying squirrels is a function of daily variation in climatologic factors, we have shown that our modified trap design is a safe, effective, and cost-effective method of capturing animals when moderate weather (temperature and wind speed) conditions prevail. Strategic placement of traps (e.g., northeast side of tree) and quantitative information on site-specific (e.g., trap locations) characteristics (e.g., topographical features, slope, aspect, climatologic factors) could increase southern flying squirrel capture success.
Monday February 6, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. Stream Fragmentation and Infrastructure Condition in the Great Plains
AUTHORS: Nathan Sleight, Dr. Thomas Neeson - University of Oklahoma Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability

ABSTRACT: Rivers and streams within the Great Plains have undergone extensive levels of fragmentation by road culverts, which has led to habitat loss, degraded water quality, and a loss of aquatic biodiversity. There is a pressing need to retrofit the most problematic structures to ensure aquatic organism passage. At the same time, a vast majority of the road crossing infrastructure within the Great Plains is beyond its projected lifespan, and significant investments will be needed to ensure that this transportation infrastructure remains safe and functional. Historically, these two problems have been addressed separately. The aim of this study is to identify road culverts that are in need of restoration based on both ecological impact and its state as infrastructure. By identifying locations that are in need of repair for both of these parameters managers can pool their funds and restore more sites than previous operations. We surveyed over 700 road-stream crossings to determine if they were fragmenting aquatic habitat, and to determine the condition of the structure. We than developed an index of ecological impact and an index of infrastructure condition based on the 20 physical variables measured at each crossing, and the spatial coordination between crossings. The survey revealed a large number of crossings that were both fragmenting the river network and in poor physical condition. These crossings are high-priority locations where culvert replacement would have both high ecosystem benefit and would eliminate a piece of transportation infrastructure with a high risk of failure. It is hoped that future river restoration practices can be collaborative efforts between conservation managers and those who are managing infrastructure.
Monday February 6, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. Stream Science to Action: A Decision-Support Tool for Salmonid Thermal Habitat Management Amidst Climate Change
AUTHORS: Andrew K. Carlson, Michigan State University, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; T. Douglas Beard, Jr., National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey; Dana M. Infante, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; William W. Taylor, Michigan State University, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

ABSTRACT: The sustainability of coldwater stream fisheries is increasingly influenced by climate change as warmer air temperatures threaten coldwater-adapted organisms and their habitats. Future climate change is predicted to increase air temperatures and water temperatures and alter the thermal habitat suitability of streams for growth, reproduction, and survival of coldwater fishes. Species such as brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), brown trout (Salmo trutta), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are predicted to be particularly sensitive to climate change in the State of Michigan, USA. Hence, there is a need for new management approaches that promote thermally resilient stream ecosystems that can sustain their temperature regimes and salmonid populations amidst climate warming. Fisheries professionals in Michigan are responding to this need by designing a statewide fisheries management plan for inland, stream-dwelling brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. At this opportune time for management-oriented research, we are developing a map-based decision-support tool to assist fisheries professionals in planning management programs that promote thermally resilient streams and salmonid populations. Because thermal habitat management necessitates consideration of the diverse factors influencing streams, the tool integrates resource availability (e.g., money, time, personnel) with information on stream-specific thermal regimes (e.g., current and projected future temperatures), hydrology (e.g., groundwater/surface water contribution), and biological conditions (e.g., riparian and watershed land cover). The decision-support tool will be delivered to fisheries professionals in Michigan via a user-friendly online map interface that synthesizes resource availability with thermal, hydrological, and biological conditions to provide recommendations for sustaining salmonid thermal habitats and recreational fisheries. Our work contributes to the nascent field of fisheries decision-support, illustrating how fisheries professionals can use collaboration and co-production to facilitate complex, multidimensional decision-making amidst climate change. 
Monday February 6, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. What Lies Beneath? Identifying the Most Efficient Method to Sample Fish and Amphibian Communities in Missouri Wetlands
AUTHORS: Julia Guyton, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences; Elisabeth Webb, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences; Craig Paukert, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences; Frank Nelson, Missouri Department of Conservation, Big Rivers/Wetlands Field Station

ABSTRACT: Providing habitat for migratory waterfowl has historically been the focus of management strategies for Missouri’s public wetlands. However, wetlands are also used by other less visible taxa, such as fish and amphibians, which reside largely below the water’s surface. Being able to identify and monitor the full suite of taxa using wetland areas would be insightful to comprehensively manage these unique habitats. Our goal was to develop a standardized rapid assessment protocol to efficiently determine fish and amphibian species presence and richness in Missouri wetlands. We evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of four sampling methods including two passive methods (mini-fyke nets and minnow traps) and two active methods (dipnets and seines). We sampled 30 wetlands in three Missouri ecoregions during spring and summer 2015 and 2016 and collected over 200,000 individual fish and amphibians comprised of 55 fish and 15 amphibian species, including 5 Missouri Species of Conservation Concern (SOCC). Our results suggest that mini-fyke nets caught the greatest number of individual fish and amphibians, and were the most efficient method for detecting fish species. Mini-fykes were the most efficient method for detecting amphibian species in some seasons, but efficiency was likely altered due to changing habitat conditions, like increased vegetation. Mini-fyke nets caught all 5 of the SOCC and unique species not caught by any other method. Our results suggest that managed Missouri wetlands contain diverse aquatic communities and that sampling with mini-fyke nets may be most suitable way to collect the majority of the fish and amphibian species in a short amount of time. This research is the first step in identifying species presence and richness of the less visible taxonomic communities using wetlands. The results of this study can aid wetland management by informing decisions and be used in future studies to evaluate other wetland community questions.
Monday February 6, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Effects of Climate and Landscape on Water Supply to Beaver Ponds
AUTHORS: Carol A Johnston, South Dakota State University

ABSTRACT: Streams are the accumulation of flow from precipitation, and beavers rely on stream flow to build their ponds. A first step toward understanding the sustainability of beaver ponds under future climate change is to determine the catchment area required to supply water to beaver ponds under current climate conditions. I investigated this question within a 300 km2 area of Voyageurs National Park for which I had previously mapped 1,065 beaver ponds using aerial imagery. I applied two approaches to determine minimum beaver pond catchment area: 1) calculating a flow accumulation threshold, and 2) computing the average area of headwater watersheds containing created beaver ponds. In the first approach, I used a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with 3 x 3 meter pixels and a vertical accuracy of < 15 cm to compute land surface flow direction, and then used the hydrology tools in ArcGIS to compute flow accumulation, which counts the number of upslope cells that flow into any given cell. Superimposing this back on the original aerial photo, I identified a flow accumulation threshold (i.e., minimum number of contributing cells) that matched the location of streams flowing out of headwater beaver ponds: 6390 cells, or about 5.75 ha. The second approach used beaver dams visible on the aerial imagery to define pour points, which were then used with ArcGIS hydrology tools to define watershed boundaries. The median area of headwater watersheds using this second approach was larger (19.1 ha) because some of the watersheds encompassed wetlands that lacked channelized flow. Both approaches identified flowing water at much higher elevations than streams depicted by the National Hydrography Dataset. Future changes in the amount, intensity, and timing of precipitation under climate change may affect beavers’ ability to create and sustain their ponds.
Monday February 6, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Home range use and survival of southern flying squirrels in fragmented landscapes
AUTHORS: Christopher N. Jacques, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University; James S. Zweep, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University; Will T. Rechkemmer, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University; Mary E. Scheihing, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University; Sean E. Jenkins, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University; Robert W. Klaver, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Iowa State University


ABSTRACT: Home range size is affected by many ecological factors, including population density, climate, distribution and abundance of resources, spacing of individuals, sex, and mating system.  During 2014–2016, we captured and radio-collared 67 adult flying squirrels for use in evaluating summer and winter home range use, spatial activity patterns, and annual survival of SFS in west-central Illinois.  We calculated seasonal and composite 95% kernel-density and 50% core use area estimates for male and female flying squirrels.  Male and female home-range and core-area size were similar among males and females across summer (April–September) and winter (October–March) seasons.  Average distance traveled between consecutive locations during a season did not vary by sex.  Similarly, total distance traveled during a season did not vary by sex or year and ranged from 1189 to 1661 m between summer and winter seasons.  Mean annual composite home ranges for male and female squirrels were 10.49 ha (SE = 1.76) and 10.28 ha (SE = 1.87), respectively; estimated female home ranges are the largest documented for this species.  We documented 8 deaths, all of which were attributed to predation; annual survival was 0.71.  Our results suggest that larger home range size may have been influenced by low availability of preferred habitat (i.e., low densities of mast-producing trees and overstory snags).  Further, seasonal differences in home range overlap provide empirical evidence that despite low habitat productivity, spatial requirements of males and females may have been reflected by the distribution of females and availability of food and nest resources, respectively.  Nevertheless, future research evaluating potential effects of landscape features (e.g., forest patch size, connectivity, distance to forest edges) and interspecific competition on seasonal home range use, movement patterns, and survival across Midwestern landscapes is warranted. 
Home range size is affected by many ecological factors, including population density, climate, distribution and abundance of resources, spacing of individuals, sex, and mating system.  During 2014–2016, we captured and radio-collared 67 adult flying squirrels for use in evaluating summer and winter home range use, spatial activity patterns, and annual survival of SFS in west-central Illinois.  We calculated seasonal and composite 95% kernel-density and 50% core use area estimates for male and female flying squirrels.  Male and female home-range and core-area size were similar among males and females across summer (April–September) and winter (October–March) seasons.  Average distance traveled between consecutive locations during a season did not vary by sex.  Similarly, total distance traveled during a season did not vary by sex or year and ranged from 1189 to 1661 m between summer and winter seasons.  Mean annual composite home ranges for male and female squirrels were 10.49 ha (SE = 1.76) and 10.28 ha (SE = 1.87), respectively; estimated female home ranges are the largest documented for this species.  We documented 8 deaths, all of which were attributed to predation; annual survival was 0.71.  Our results suggest that larger home range size may have been influenced by low availability of preferred habitat (i.e., low densities of mast-producing trees and overstory snags).  Further, seasonal differences in home range overlap provide empirical evidence that despite low habitat productivity, spatial requirements of males and females may have been reflected by the distribution of females and availability of food and nest resources, respectively.  Nevertheless, future research evaluating potential effects of landscape features (e.g., forest patch size, connectivity, distance to forest edges) and interspecific competition on seasonal home range use, movement patterns, and survival across Midwestern landscapes is warranted. 
Monday February 6, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Monitoring and Assessing Minnesota's Water Resources
AUTHORS: Benjamin Lundeen, Scott Niemela - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

ABSTRACT: In 2006, the Minnesota legislature passed into law the clean water legacy amendment then in 2008, the citizens voted to increase funding for clean water through a sales tax increase known as the Minnesota’s clean water fund.  The fund provided resources to monitor, assess, and develop strategies for restoration and protection of waterbodies in each of Minnesota’s 80 watersheds.  To date the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and its partner organizations have monitored and assessed 60 watersheds for support of aquatic life, recreation and consumption through what is known as the intensive watershed monitoring (IWM) approach.  Following the monitoring effort, the MPCA is tasked with identifying key stressors that are affecting water quality and deriving a plan known as a Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) for improving water quality throughout the watershed.  Both processes work in concert with one another to provide information about the condition of waterbodies within each watershed every 10 years.  Since the passing of the CWLA the MPCA has monitored over 4200 stations for biology (fish & macroinvertebrates), 700 stations for routine water chemistry and bacteria, and over 1000 lakes for aquatic recreation.  The monitoring results have been used to conduct 3700 stream and 4200 lake assessments.  Engaging the public and local units of government have been crucial to the success of this effort and to the sustainability of Minnesota’s water resources.  This presentation will provide an overview of the programs and challenges facing the sustainability of water resources in Minnesota.
Monday February 6, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Prairie Restoration and Translocation to Bolster Greater Prairie-Chicken Populations in Missouri Benefit Both Chickens and Other Species
AUTHORS: Dr. Andrew J. Gregory, School of Earth Environment and Society, Bowling Green State University; Dr. Thomas Thompson, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: As recent as 1970, there were >12,000 Greater Prairie-Chickens in Missouri, but by 2000, 300 birds. To accomplish this, prairie restoration began and birds were translocated to MO from KS. The results of these efforts were the reclamation of >4,000 acres of prairie, an increase in MO Greater Prairie-Chickens and genetic introgression and among MO and KS birds. Moreover, many other prairie species returning the area. Moreover, many other prairie species have benefited from the prairie restoration. 
Monday February 6, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Using an Historical Perspective to Inform Conservation Goals for Prairie Streams
AUTHORS: Jeff Kopaska, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Keith E. Schilling, Iowa Geological Survey, University of Iowa

ABSTRACT: Iowa’s current conditions in regard to water quality are influenced by Iowa’s production landscape. Iowa has one of the most altered landscapes in the world, transitioning from less than 40% of its land in row crop agriculture prior to 1940, to ~75% of acres in row crop production consistently since the 1980s. Historical records of water quality, water quantity and stream conditions exist back to the 1800s in some cases. These historical conditions provide a frame of reference regarding what was, and should inform current perspectives and discussions of what future conditions could become. Prairie restoration efforts in Iowa indicate that historic water quality conditions can be achieved today, thus the past is very insightful in this regard. Future conditions should not be solely determined by what is viewed as technologically achievable, but also what is ecologically appropriate.
Monday February 6, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. An Analysis of the Interactions Between Weather and Land Use on Gallinaceous Bird Populations Using Historical Data
AUTHORS: Mandy Lipinski, Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Tj Fontaine, USGS, Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: Concern surrounding species’ abilities to cope with a changing climate presents opportunities to look forward toward solutions while investigating historical trends to assess the interaction of land use and weather. Uncertainty surrounding population responses to increased severity and frequency of severe weather associated with climate change presents challenges for making informed management decisions for a suite of already declining wildlife populations in the Great Plains. Historical data are a rich resource for developing models predicting species’ responses to climate change and continued variation in land use. We are utilizing 30 years of historical data to model species’ responses to land use change and weather within a gradient of land use and climate in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri. Mixed models incorporating agricultural acreages, relative abundances of gallinaceous birds from the annual Breeding Bird Survey, and historical precipitation and temperature data built at the county-level will illuminate broad scale trends and enable us to draw conclusions about future population responses. We are finding expected differences in population trends between states within a climatic gradient, and varied responses to temperature and precipitation among gallinaceous species, where different annual periods are more or less crucial for different species despite similar life history characteristics. We expect that further modeling will continue to elucidate critical thresholds for birds in the Great Plains in terms of weather and habitat, allowing us to make strong recommendations to managers preparing to deal with the implications of climate change.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. Evaluating Nest Site Selection of Southern Flying Squirrels in West-Central Illinois
AUTHORS: Christopher N. Jacques, James S. Zweep, Sean E. Jenkins - Western Illinois University.

ABSTRACT: Southern flying squirrels (SFS; Glaucomys volans) nest in naturally–formed cavities in snags and hardwoods trees in mature, undisturbed forests. Intensive forest fragmentation across Midwestern landscapes may limit the availability of nesting trees relative to other regions characterized by contiguous forested habitat, though has not been extensively studied. Thus, our study objective was to evaluate nest tree use of SFS in west–central Illinois. From October 2014 to April 2016, we used radio telemetry to track flying squirrels to 109 nest tree sites (83 live trees, 26 snags). Our results indicated that diurnal nest trees were characterized by significantly more (21 = 4.41, P ≤ 0.02) live, larger diameter oak trees than random locations. We documented greater (21 ≥ 3.97, P ≤ 0.04) use of live, intact canopy trees by female squirrels whereas nest tree use by male squirrels was characterized by fewer numbers of tree species and greater use of snags in more advanced stages of decay. Selection for live trees (and thus closer proximity to hard mast) by female SFS may be attributed to increased energetic demands while rearing young. Further, SFS used a variety of forest types for nesting, including riparian and floodplain forests; use of early-successional, riparian, and floodplain forests had not been documented prior to this study. Flexibility in nest site selection by SFS may be related to variation in forest patch sizes that characterize fragmented Midwestern landscapes. Thus, future research quantifying potential effects of habitat fragmentation on SFS nesting ecology is warranted.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. Identification and Prioritization of Factors Limiting Reintroduced Plains Topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus) Populations in Nebraska Streams
AUTHORS: Joseph D. Thiessen, University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK), Keith D. Koupal, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Casey W. Schoenebeck Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Julie J. Shaffer, UNK

ABSTRACT: The Plains topminnow, Fundulus sciadicus, is an endemic Great Plains stream fish that has experienced reductions in range and abundance, resulting in regional protection and federal listing considerations. In response, the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project, Game and Parks Commission, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney have proactively begun translocation efforts to reestablish and augment populations throughout the state. The project focus is to assess the persistence of reintroduced and augmented Plains topminnow populations using PRESENCE software likelihood of occurrence >0.50. Translocation efforts of 17 stocking sites (8 long-term, 9 short- term) were revisited to determine long-term population reestablishment success. Sites that were not successful were augmented with a second stocking event and revisited a year later. Limiting factors of Plains topminnow populations were identified comparing catch rates and a suite of abiotic and biotic variables using an information theoretic approach. We found Plains topminnow abundances to have a negative relationship with predator abundance, percent of channel habitat, and stream entrenchment, and positive relationships with stream temperature, sinuosity, and percent of backwater pool habitat; with our best fit AICc model including predator abundance and stream temperature.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. Quantifying the Relationship Between Grasslands, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Enrollments and Greater Prairie-Chicken Populations (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) in Minnesota
AUTHORS: Kalysta I. Adkins, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota; Charlotte Roy, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; David E. Andersen, U.S. Geological Survey, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota; Robert G. Wright, Minnesota Information Technology Services at Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has multiple objectives, of which one is to provide habitat for wildlife, especially for species of conservation concern. Greater prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) are a target species of the CRP, but how greater prairie-chickens respond to abundance, distribution, and quality of CRP grassland is not well understood. To better understand greater prairie-chicken—CRP grassland relations, we evaluated population responses to CRP enrollments using population indices (males/lek and leks/km2) derived through annual monitoring efforts in Minnesota. We quantified land cover during the period 2004-2014 in survey blocks where systematic greater prairie-chicken surveys were conducted during the same period to evaluate the contribution of CRP enrollments to available grassland habitat and estimate changes through time. In addition, we measured vegetation and other characteristics related to establishment and management of CRP grassland categories and will use them to develop a predictive map of greater prairie-chicken habitat quality. All survey blocks experienced a decline in area enrolled in grassland CRP categories ranging from 11.6 to 72.8% during the period 2004-2014. When we combined grassland CRP data across all survey blocks, area enrolled in the CRP had declined 58.8% from peak enrollment in 2007 to 2014. The relationship between grassland CRP enrollment and greater prairie-chicken abundance suggests a negative relationship for both males/lek and lek/km2. Results are preliminary, but will aid the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and other organizations in targeting conservation programs in areas where they will be most effective for greater prairie-chickens.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. Septic Seepage in Minnesota Lakes and Its Biological Effects on Resident Sunfish
AUTHORS: Les Warren, Heiko Schoenfuss - St. Cloud State University; Chris Higgins, Meaghan Guyader - Colorado School of Mines

ABSTRACT: The potential of On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTSs) to represent non-point source of contaminants into lake systems is a growing concern. Since many lakes are down-gradient of OWTSs, the septic seepage may contact surrounding groundwater and may enter shallow waters through hydrological processes. It is also in these shallow areas that many native fish species, including sunfish, spawn. For the current study, five study lakes were established in Central Minnesota. Within each of these lakes, two septic-influenced sites and two reference sites were identified. Water sampling throughout the early spring and summer established the presence and absence of contaminants at each site. Adult male sunfish were collected off of their spawning beds between May and July to explore the effects of these contaminants on the native fish species. The fish were euthanized and sampled for blood and internal organs. Liver and gonad tissues were analyzed for cellular changes and to determine maturity. The assessment of biological endpoints in sunfish and laboratory exposed fathead minnows provides a rich data matrix to test the hypothesis that septic seepage causes adverse health effects in resident fish populations in northern lakes.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. Combining Weather Data and Climate Projections: A Case Study with Lesser Prairie-Chickens
AUTHORS: Alixandra J. Godar, U.S. Geological Survey Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University; Cody P. Griffin, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida; Blake A. Grisham, Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University; David A. Haukos, U.S. Geological Survey Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University; Sarah R. Fritts, Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University; Beth E. Ross, U.S. Geological Survey South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research, Clemson University; Clint W. Boal, U.S. Geological Survey Texas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Texas Tech University; Christian A. Hagen, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University; Michael A. Patten, University of Oklahoma; James C. Pitman, Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies


ABSTRACT: Managers and researchers face the challenge of incorporating climate change into their work. The data to inform management decisions are available but often are difficult to locate and understand for individuals without training in climate science. This difficulty is compounded by the availability of numerous techniques in the absence of a standardized method to incorporate climate projections into ecological studies. We combined weather data and climate projections to assess Lesser Prairie-Chicken (LEPC) population persistence across their range and to provide insight on our successes and failures incorporating climate projections. The LEPC range is subdivided into four ecoregions on the basis of vegetative composition of the area, and each region also varies environmentally due to latitudinal temperature and longitudinal precipitation gradients. Variable habitat, combined with the species’ sensitivity to drought, stresses the importance of understanding potential impacts of climate change on long-term population trends and subsequent management strategies. We used an Integrated Population Model (IPM) for each ecoregion and incorporated historical weather station data (1995–2016) and data from radio-tagged LEPCs to assess how weather affected hen survival, nest survival, and chicks fledged per hen. Weather station data were merged with climate projection data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project-Phase 5 (CMIP-5). For each projection, we assumed stationarity. We defined stationarity as the values from the climate projection for the grid cell containing the location of the weather station are the future equivalent of the historic weather station data at the same location. The IPM identified past relationships between weather and survival and applied the relationships to future climate projections to assess long-term population trends for LEPCs, showing declining populations in three ecoregions. Weather and climate projection data provide valuable insight for managers and researchers, but consistent techniques to efficiently deal with the data would facilitate repeatability within and among species.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. Reproductive Health of Three Catostomidae Species in a Wastewater Treatment Effluent Impacted River
AUTHORS: Bethany Hoster, Karen Gaines, Eric Bollinger, Anabela Maia, Robert Colombo — Eastern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: As a result of human activity, wastewater treatment effluent and river impoundment have the potential to alter the water quality and flow regimes of rivers. During periods when river discharge is low, wastewater can make up the majority of a river’s composition downstream of an effluent. The Sangamon River, located in central Illinois, is impounded in Decatur, IL and receives effluent from the Sanitary District of Decatur. Previous research has found water quality in the Sangamon River differs significantly downstream of the Sanitary District of Decatur effluent when river discharge is below 200 cubic feet per second. The Sanitary District of Decatur serves 100,000 people, in addition to two hospitals and several industrial users. Due to the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds in municipal wastewater and phytoestrogens in industrial wastewater, the reproductive health of male fishes was investigated in the Sangamon River in comparison to a stretch of the Embarras River not impacted by wastewater treatment effluent. River Carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio), Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum), and Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) were sampled in 2016 to determine if reproductive health varied between rivers due to the presence of wastewater treatment effluent. Gonadosomatic index and relative weight were used to determine the condition of these fishes. Shorthead Redhorse from the Embarras River had higher gonadosomatic index values and were in better reproductive condition than those from the Sangamon River, but there was no difference in relative weight. No differences in gonadosomatic index were found for River Carpsucker or Smallmouth Buffalo, but fishes from the Embarras River had significantly higher relative weights. Additional analyses to further determine reproductive health of these species and the effects of wastewater treatment effluent will include the evaluation of sex ratios, blood vitellogenin levels in male fish, and presence of testicular oocytes.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. Space, Place and Ring Necked Pheasant: Hot Spot Analysis of Distribution of Ring Necked Pheasant in Eastern South Dakota
AUTHORS: Sprih Harsh, South Dakota State University; Andrew J Gregory, Bowling Green State University and Travis Runia, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks 

ABSTRACT: Ring necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is one of the most popular upland game birds of North America. In South Dakota, the upland game hunting with pheasants as the target species has become a multimillion-dollar industry and thus these pheasants are the most sought after game birds since its introduction in the state in early 1900s. Identifying concentrations of this species along with underlying causes for their spatial distribution can help in its better management and conservation. We did a hot spot analysis of pheasant per mile (PPM) data obtained from pheasant brood surveys, annually carried out by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, for the period from 2006-2015 to identify these clusters across eastern South Dakota. We found that out of 89 locations which were part of this analysis, 34 locations were part of hot spot in one or many of those years. For finding out regions being hot spot from 1 to 22 years, we created a minimum convex polygon (MCP) for hot spot locations each year and them combined them to have an area with all the 34 points. In order to find out which part of this area were coming under hot spots for how many years, we overlaid this combined MCP with a hexagon layer with each hexagon an area of about 2.59 km² and then extracted hexagon grids which were hot spot for required number of years. We found a pattern among these grids. Grids with 1 year being hot spot started from the outer portion of MCP and kept on shifting towards the center of MCP as the number of years increased with the hexagons which were hot spot for all 22 years mostly concentrated between Brule and Aurora County. The next step would be to identify the reasons behind this pattern of hot spots which can mostly be attributed to the changes in habitat types over the years and also on the weather condition in some particular years. We found that spatial methodologies has the potential of obtaining previously undiscovered insights which can provide important information to decision-makers for planning better strategies for wildlife management and conservation.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. Status and Habitat Use of the Topeka Shiner in the Boone River Watershed, Iowa
AUTHORS: Nicholas T. Simpson, Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Clay L. Pierce, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Iowa State University; Michael J. Weber,  Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Kevin J. Roe, Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

ABSTRACT: The Topeka Shiner (Notropis topeka) is a federally listed endangered species that has been in decline in Iowa for decades. A key reason for the decline is the alteration of naturally flowing streams and associated off-channel habitats due to land use changes. One area where Topeka Shiners have declined is the Boone River Watershed in North Central Iowa. A goal of this study is to determine the status of the Topeka Shiner throughout the watershed and to identify habitat characteristics associated with the occurrence of this species. We sampled 44 in-stream reaches and off-channel oxbows throughout the watershed in summer 2016 via electrofishing and seining. We also measured width, depth, velocity, substrate type, and canopy cover in streams and length, width, depth, substrate, turbidity, and canopy cover in oxbows. Topeka Shiners were collected at 35% of off-channel oxbows compared to 30% of in-stream reaches, including many sites where they had not been detected before. These results strengthen the argument that oxbows are an important habitat for Topeka Shiners, as they access these habitats during flooding events and persist in them when stream flow is low. This study will contribute efforts aimed at restoring Topeka Shiners to the Boone River Watershed. Currently, off-channel oxbows that have filled in with sediment are being restored, which will create more habitat for this federally endangered species. Results of this study may also inform discussions about whether to reintroduce the species to other HUC-10 and HUC-12 watersheds within the Boone River Watershed where they may have been extirpated.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. Survival of Gray and Fox Squirrels in Minnesota: A Case Study of the Effects of Hunting
AUTHORS: Ryan G. Tebo, Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Group, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Hunters in Minnesota have recently voiced concerns that squirrel populations are in decline (due to overharvest and liberal hunting regulations), namely on public hunting lands within travel distance of the St. Paul-Minneapolis metropolitan area.  To address these concerns, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources began a 2-year study comparing survival rates of squirrels on a wildlife management area where hunting is permitted and at a nearby state park where hunting is prohibited.  We captured and radiocollared 49 gray and 7 fox squirrels at Whitewater Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and 49 gray squirrels at Whitewater State Park (SP) during July-September 2015.  Squirrels were monitored for survival following capture and survival rates were estimated by site and season using logistic-exposure methods.  During the first field season, we failed to find evidence that survival probabilities differed between sites prior to the hunting season  (1 July – 18 Sep 2015) and after the first 6 weeks of the hunting season (1 Nov 2015 – 12 April 2016).  However, during the first 6 weeks of the hunting season (19 Sep – 31 Oct 2015), 13 of 44 squirrels were harvested on the WMA and the estimated survival probability was 0.529 (85% CI: 0.398-0.645).  The estimated survival probability in the SP during the same period was 0.955 (85% CI: 0.929-0.971).  A second field season is being conducted in 2016; we hope to capture and radiocollar an additional 60 squirrels on each site.  We seek to improve our understanding of the survival rates of squirrels in hunted and non-hunted populations during the fall in Minnesota.  We anticipate that managers could use this information to alter season structures or access to hunters on public lands that are utilized heavily for squirrel hunting.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:40pm CST

Technical Session. Dangerous Misperceptions: Eastern Cottontail Survival in an Agroecosystem
AUTHORS: Julia A. Nawrocki, Robert L. Schooley, Michael P. Ward - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

ABSTRACT: Intensive agricultural practices often have negative impacts on local wildlife populations. In attempts to alleviate these effects, habitat restoration programs such as State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) have been established. One species that could benefit from restored grassland habitat created by these programs is the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). In Illinois, populations have undergone a substantial decline over time, especially in the most agriculturally intense regions. To understand how mortality risk and perceived predation risk for eastern cottontails varies within an agroecosystem, we examined survival rates and perceived risk in restored grassland habitats and the surrounding agricultural fields. From June 2014 through June 2016, we radio-collared 95 eastern cottontails with VHF transmitters and tracked their movements year-round until the collar failed or mortality occurred. We then constructed known-fate models in program MARK to determine how survival rates vary across habitats and seasons. To determine if habitats differed in perceived risk for cottontails, we conducted giving-up density (GUD) experiments in grassland and agricultural fields. During the summer when crops (corn and soybean) were present on the landscape, mortalities occurred disproportionately in agricultural fields relative to grassland areas. However, the GUD experiments indicated that cottontails perceived these same agricultural fields to be less risky than the grassland areas. This mismatch suggests that cottontails may be incorrectly assessing the risks of these habitats and that agricultural fields may be acting as ecological traps lowering the potential benefits of restored grassland areas. Our results can be used to inform selection of future SAFE sites, by considering landscape context, to more effectively manage eastern cottontail populations and other species that may be experiencing similar circumstances.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:40pm CST

Technical Session. Effects of Climate Change on Groundwater, Surface Water, and Ecosystem Services in the Grand Kankakee River Watershed
AUTHORS: Tamatha A. Patterson, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center; Alan F. Hamlet, Diogo Bolster, Chun-Mei Chiu, Kyuhyun Byun - Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Earth Science, University of Notre Dame; Ralph Grundel, Noel Pavlovic - U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center; Dave Lampe, USGS Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center; Jessica Hellmann, Institute on the Environment and Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota

ABSTRACT: Climate change is hypothesized to bring important hydrologic changes to the Kankakee River basin impacting agriculture, remnant wetland ecosystems, and potential wetland restoration efforts. Where to locate wetland restorations to provide sustainable ecosystem services is a challenge for land managers and planners who may lack the capacity to make a detailed assessment of alternative scenarios particularly when considering climate change. By building new planning tools to assess wetland restoration scenarios in terms of ground and surface waters and ecosystem services, we will provide land managers with detailed comparisons of ecosystem service delivery under alternate restoration scenarios in a changing climate. Using an integrated surface water/groundwater simulation model of the Kankakee basin above Wilmington, IL, simulations of streamflow in the Kankakee River, groundwater recharge, and groundwater levels for a) the historical climate, and b) projected future climate conditions for the 2050s and 2080s are compared for various wetland restoration scenarios. Ecosystem services included in the models assess surface water retention and groundwater recharge, floodwater retention, habitat for breeding and migrating birds, and recreational opportunities for the public.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:40pm CST

Technical Session. Habitat Associations of Topeka Shiners in Two Basins in Iowa and Minnesota
AUTHORS: Alexander P. Bybel, Kevin J. Roe - Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Clay L. Pierce, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Iowa State University; Michael J. Weber, Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

ABSTRACT: The Topeka shiner Notropis topeka is a federally endangered species that has experienced drastic declines in distribution and abundance as a result of land use changes. These changes have caused a reduction in off-channel habitats, such as oxbows that are important Topeka shiner habitat. The North Raccoon River Basin (NRRB) drains an agricultural region in North-central Iowa, and is one of three remaining drainages that hold Topeka shiners in the state. Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service has restored 60 oxbows in the NRRB to improve habitat for these fish.  The Rock River Basin (RRB), starts in Minnesota and flows into North-west Iowa, also drains agricultural lands. Topeka Shiner populations in Minnesota are considered stable. Eighty four sites including in-stream segments, and restored and unrestored oxbows distributed across both basins were sampled in 2016 using seines and single pass electro fishing in streams and three pass depletion with seines in oxbows. Habitat metrics recorded at each site included canopy, depth, flow, substrate, wetted width, bank angle, visual riparian and human disturbance estimates. Thirty eight sites contained Topeka shiners.  Presence and abundance of Topeka shiners in association with certain habitat could impact future oxbow restorations in these basins.   
Monday February 6, 2017 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:40pm CST

Technical Session. Multi-Generational Exposure of Fathead Minnows to a Complex Urban Mixture of Contaminants of Emerging Concern
AUTHORS: Lina Wang, Utku Hasaby, Josh Robinson, Heiko Schoenfuss - St. Cloud State Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory

ABSTRACT: In many Great Lake tributaries, complex mixtures of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs)are found. Using existing analytical data, the current study assessed how an urban derived complex mixture of CECs affected three generations of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), exposed continuously under controlled laboratory conditions. Larval and mature minnows were exposed to a mixture comprised of: Galaxolide (synthetic musk), TBEP (plasticizer), Estrone, Bisphenol-A (Plasticizer), DEET, Methyl-1H-benzotriazole (anti-icing agent), Desvenlafaxine (anti-depressant), Fexofenadine (antihistamine), Metformin (anti-diabetic), and Nonylphenol, at low (1/10th environmental), medium (environmental), and high (10x environmental) concentrations. F1 fish were exposed while sexually mature and produced F2 generation fathead minnows that were exposed throughout their entire life cycle. F3 generation fish were exposed during early development. Multiple endpoints were measured to assess the effects of the urban mixture on fish health and development. F1 male minnows exposed to the urban CEC mixture had higher plasma vitellogenin concentrations than control fish (mean: 2.73 ug/mL and 1.91 ug/mL respectively, p< 0.05). Exposure did not have a significant effect on male feeding performance, but it did reduce female feeding performance in the medium and high treatments (p= 0.01 and 0.03). F2 larvae had a greater predator avoidance escape angle when exposed to any mixture (p-values: 0.01, 0.02, 0.03). F2 larvae exposed to the high concentration were also smaller (p=0.01). The direct impact of reduced feeding efficiency and alteration in apical endpoints central to sustaining fish populations confirms that complex urban CEC mixtures can adversely affect fish populations.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:40pm CST

Technical Session. Selection and Demographic Consequences of Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands for Lesser Prairie-Chickens
AUTHORS: Daniel S. Sullins, John Kraft - Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University; David A. Haukos, U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University; Brett K. Sandercock, Division of Biology, Kansas State University

ABSTRACT: Prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus spp.) populations have been confined to areas where soils have been too poor, terrain too rough, or climate too arid for farming. The protection of large contiguous grasslands needed by prairie grouse has largely been a result of the unarable nature of the remaining grasslands. On the marginal farming lands of western Kansas and eastern Colorado, a new alternative has become apparent over the last 30 years. In this region, the conversion of cropland to Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grassland appears beneficial for lesser prairie-chickens. However, CRP may only provide habitat for certain life stages (e.g., nesting and winter) and selection of CRP as habitat may vary between wet and dry years. We captured and fitted 124 female lesser prairie-chickens with VHF and GPS transmitters during the spring lekking seasons of 2013, 2014, and 2015 to monitor vital rates and selection for CRP in northwest Kansas landscapes. Overall, population growth rate estimates for birds using CRP compared to those that used only used native working grasslands overlapped at 95% confidence intervals (95%CI; CRP λ= 0.588 - 0.938, NonCRP λ = 0.452 - 0.782). The greatest benefit of CRP became apparent when examining nest densities. Nests were twice as dense in CRP grasslands as in native working grasslands, corresponding to greater reproductive output in landscapes having CRP grasslands. However, CRP did not provide brood habitat as 85% of females with broods surviving to 7 days moved their young to other cover types. Within northwest Kansas, the planting of tall- and mixed-grass native species as CRP grasslands can increase the amount of nesting habitat in a region where nesting habitat may have previously been limiting and provide refugia to sustain populations through periods of extreme drought that can drive lesser prairie-chicken population demography.
Monday February 6, 2017 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:20pm CST

Technical Session. Application of Off-channel Mapping Methodology for Identifying and Rating Oxbow Habitats for Federally Endangered Topeka Shiners (Notropis topeka)
AUTHORS: Courtney L. Zambory, Iowa State University Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Harvest Ellis, Iowa Flood Center; Clay L. Pierce, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Kevin J. Roe, Iowa State University Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Michael J. Weber, Iowa State University Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management.


ABSTRACT: The Topeka Shiner (Notropis topeka) is a small, federally endangered minnow that occupies a range spanning six Midwestern states: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. Populations have been in decline throughout their range, and current distribution of known populations in Iowa are primarily believed to occur in the North Raccoon, Boone, and Rock River Watersheds. Habitat loss is one of the primary reasons for the decline of Topeka Shiner populations in Iowa. Once an expansive wetland and prairie ecosystem with meandering streams and countless off-channel habitats, Iowa is now dominated by row crop agriculture and channelized waterways. Off-channel habitats, such as oxbows and livestock watering ponds, play an important role in the Topeka Shiner life cycle throughout its range. Restoration of these habitats, particularly oxbows, has become the primary method of Topeka Shiner conservation in Iowa. Yet with limited resources available for conservation, it is critical to prioritize restoration efforts so they are both financially and ecologically effective. The objective of this study is to expand, refine, and apply a methodology developed by the Iowa Flood Center to map potential oxbows and their level of connectivity to the stream, which in turn can be used to detect and rate oxbows as potential restoration sites. Methods include filtering landscape depressions by depth and bounding geometric shape. Potential restoration sites are then prioritized based on landscape variables such as oxbow connectivity to the stream, neighboring stream characteristics, and proximity to detected potential source populations. This work will provide much needed guidance for future oxbow restoration projects to optimize their cost and ecological effectiveness.
Monday February 6, 2017 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:20pm CST

Technical Session. Influence of Raptor Abundance on Female Lesser Prairie-Chicken Habitat Selection
AUTHORS: Chelsea Sink, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University; David Haukos, U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: Despite intensive management practices aimed at increasing population numbers, the lesser-prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicintctus) remains a conservation concern across its range. One possible cause of decline is predation, as lesser prairie-chickens are subject to predation by many opportunistic mammalian and avian predators. Studies have documented lesser prairie-chicken reactions to avian predators at leks and avoidance of tall structures that could serve as perching sites, suggesting they are able to assess different levels of predation risk, but little is known about how birds react to a change in predator abundance over time. Using data on weekly raptor abundance and locations of satellite-tagged female lesser prairie-chickens recorded during the 2014 and 2015 breeding seasons (March 15 – September 15) throughout the species range in Kansas, we compared female lesser prairie-chicken mortality and vegetation characteristics of habitats used by females use during weeks of above- and below-average raptor abundance. While the effect of predator abundance on female lesser prairie-chicken survival rates is unknown, we found a positive correlation between weekly raptor abundance and level of female mortality. However, females do not appear to change habitat use in response to variation in raptor predation risk. After comparing habitat used by females with broods and random points 300 m away, brooding females appear to select large homogenous patches of vegetation instead of selecting habitat at the microscale within the patch. Although predation risk increases with predator abundance, we found that female lesser prairie-chickens using habitat with reduced available vegetation cover had greater mortality events than those in patches with relatively greater vegetation cover even when raptor abundance was low. Therefore, populations of lesser prairie-chickens in ecoregions with low vegetation cover, like the short-grass prairie, are at a greater risk of avian predation than populations in ecoregions with greater vegetation cover.
Monday February 6, 2017 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:20pm CST

Technical Session. Pollutants Stress in the Maumee River: Impacted Physiology and Reproduction in Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas) and Sunfish (Lepomis spp.)
AUTHORS: Nicholas Cipoletti, Heiko Schoenfuss - St. Cloud State University

ABSTRACT: Agricultural pollutants are an environmental health concern for receiving aquatic ecosystems, as precipitation events lead to runoff and subsequent pollutant stress for aquatic species. Complex mixtures of agricultural pollutants, such as pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones, and livestock pharmaceuticals, have yet to be studied in their biological impact on aquatic life. This study provided a field-based analysis of the environmental impacts of agricultural pollution on fish. As part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), fish health was assessed in the Maumee River (Toledo, OH) through a 21-day fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas-FHM) exposure, caged sunfish deployment, and resident sunfish harvest.  The objective of the study was to determine whether the previously documented presence of agricultural pollutants could impact the physiology, reproduction, and population health of these three fish species. Analysis of laboratory reared FHM included behavioral testing, reproduction, and circulating sex hormone quantification (VTG, 11-KT, & E2). Resident and caged sunfish were analyzed for histology and sex hormone quantification (VTG). FHM reproduction indicates that fecundity was reduced in fish exposed to environmental water samples from some field sites. All male caged sunfish contained VTG levels significantly higher than the wild sunfish harvested at the same sites, most likely due to energy stores being greater in hatchery reared sunfish than wild harvested fish. Glucose measurements between caged and wild sunfish at four of the seven field sites, as well as between individual treatments varied significantly, indicating differing levels of stress possibly as the result of pollutant exposure. The data indicate that varying inputs into the aquatic ecosystem have an impact on the stress, sex hormone concentrations, and physiology of fish populations. Further research is underway to determine whether the observed physiological impacts have any effect at the organismal level.
Monday February 6, 2017 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:20pm CST

Technical Session. Temporal Dynamics of Large Grazer Space Use in an Experimental Heterogeneous Landscape
AUTHORS: Edward J. Raynor, Division of Biology, Kansas State University; Anthony Joern, Division of Biology, Kansas State University; Adam Skibbe,Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, University of Iowa; Mark Sowers, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University; John M. Briggs, Division of Biology, Kansas State University; Angela N. Laws, Department of Biology, University of Houston; Douglas Goodin, Department of Geography, Kansas State University


ABSTRACT: With climate change forecasts for more frequent and extensive drought in the future, a more complete understanding of the mechanisms that determine large grazer distribution under varying climatic conditions are integral to ecosystem management. In 2012, the Central US experienced the fourth largest drought in a century, with a regional-scale 40 % reduction in growing season precipitation. Using an experimental setting with contrasting fire treatments, we describe the effects of variable burn history in years of variable resource availability on large grazer space use at Konza Prairie Biological Station. We investigated the differential use of watersheds by plains bison (Bison bison bison) at different stages of the seasonal cycle across 7 years in a mesic tallgrass prairie landscape managed with prescribed spring fire. Aided by GPS telemetry, we investigated the movement patterns of bison as they moved among experimental watersheds managed with four prescribed burn treatments (1-, 2-, 4-, and 20-year burn intervals). At foraging sites, we found that forage availability increased with the progression of the growing season but to a lesser extent in burned watersheds than watersheds not-burned that spring. At the landscape-scale, bison more strongly favored recently-burned watersheds with watersheds burned for the first time in two or four years consistently showing higher use relative to annually-burned watersheds. In particular, watersheds burned for the first time in four years were avoided to a significantly lesser extent than other burned watersheds during the dormant season and this management-type also maintained significant coupling between bison and post-fire regrowth across the post-drought growing season months of 2013, whereas watersheds on more frequent fire-return intervals significantly attracted bison in only the first month post-fire. Hence burn frequency played a role in maintaining the coupling of grazer and post-fire regrowth, the fire-grazer interaction, in response to drought-induced reduction of fuel loads. 
Monday February 6, 2017 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:20pm CST

Technical Session. Twenty Years of Furbearer Trapping Data from the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
AUTHORS: Brian Stemper, Stephen Winter - U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT: The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge consists of more than 97,125 ha along approximately 421 km of the Upper Mississippi River. The refuge encompasses lands and waters of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, with a northern boundary at Wabasha, Minnesota, and a southern boundary near Clinton, Iowa. Furbearer trapping on the refuge has occurred since the refuge was created by legislation in 1924 and is considered an important cultural activity that is highly valued by a portion of the river-using public. Additionally, trapping on the refuge is sometimes necessary to protect refuge infrastructure such as dikes and levees. Trapping on the refuge is considered a commercial activity and is regulated through the issuance of Special Use Permits to individual trappers. One requirement of a trapping Special Use Permit is that trappers must submit a fur catch report at the end of each fur harvest season. With fur catch reports, trappers self-report metrics such as the geographic area they trapped, the number of days they trapped, the average number of traps they used each day, and the number of individual animals of each species they harvested. This presentation will highlight data from 20 years of submitted fur catch reports. These data represent a unique set of information about trapping activity and furbearer harvest across a wide geographic area and provide insight to the dynamics of an important wildlife-dependent activity through time.
Monday February 6, 2017 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:40pm CST

Technical Session. Factors Influencing Ring-Necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Nest Survival in Southwest Nebraska
AUTHORS: Adela C. Annis, U.S. Geological Survey Kansas Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit; Joseph J. Fontaine, U.S. Geological Survey Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit


ABSTRACT: The USGS Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (NCFWRC) in conjunction with the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) are conducting a long-term research project on ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in the NGPC Focus on Pheasants area in Southwest Nebraska. Female pheasants were outfitted with VHF radio transmitters and tracked using telemetry techniques in order study nest ecology on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields and adjacent properties. However, factors influencing nest survival rates are still largely unknown. Nest survival estimates were calculated using Nest Survival models in Program MARK and Program R, to determine the factors driving nest survival within the Southwest Nebraska region. Subsequent results will provide the NGPC with additional information for managing nesting habitat and potentially improve nest survival within the region.
Monday February 6, 2017 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:40pm CST

Technical Session. Going Against the Flow: Modeling Coldwater Stream Temperatures from Above and Below
AUTHORS: Andrew K. Carlson, Michigan State University, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Dana M. Infante, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; William W. Taylor, Michigan State University, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

ABSTRACT: As arteries of the landscape at the aquatic-terrestrial interface, streams circulate water from land to lakes and oceans, supply clean water, control floods, and provide recreational opportunities. However, these ecosystems are vulnerable to climate change, land use alteration, groundwater withdrawal, and associated threats to biotic communities and habitats. Projected increases in stream temperatures resulting from climate change are cause for concern among scientists and managers, particularly those charged with conserving thermally sensitive stream biota such as coldwater fishes. Previous studies have generally assumed spatially uniform air-stream temperature relationships, yet states such as Michigan have many streams that are thermally influenced by system-specific groundwater and precipitation patterns. We developed temperature models that account for the effects of groundwater and precipitation on stream thermal regimes and used these models to project the effects of climate change on growth and survival of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), brown trout (Salmo trutta), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Although groundwater acted as a buffer to stream warming, precipitation often explained more variation in stream temperature such that models including both predictors or precipitation alone were generally more parsimonious than groundwater-only models. Overall, groundwater- and precipitation-corrected models are more effective than standard air-stream temperature models in explaining differences in stream thermal regimes. Our results indicate that simple alterations to traditional models can improve the accuracy of temperature projections with important implications for stream salmonid management in a changing climate.  
Monday February 6, 2017 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:40pm CST

Technical Session. Plant Diversity Affects Mammal Community Structure in Western North Dakota Grasslands
AUTHORS: Michael J. Shaughnessy Jr., Northeastern State University; Craig Whippo, Dickinson State University

ABSTRACT: To characterize the distribution and habitats of small mammals in western North Dakota, we sampled small mammals from May 2014 through August 2015. Small mammals were captured using pitfalls and museum special snap traps arranged in Y-shaped arrays. Pitfall traps were established at the center of the arrays. Snap trap stations consisting of three Museum Special snap traps radiated out from the array center at 10m intervals. At each sampling site, vegetation was characterized by measuring plant-cover properties and determining the floristic quality. A total of 1105 small mammals were captured over 1800 trap nights. Captured small mammals represented two Orders, seven Families, 14 Genera and 17 species. Four species accounted for 87.9% of all mammal captures (Peromyscus maniculatus, Microtus pennsylvanicus, Zapus hudsonius, Sorex cinereus). We used non-hierarchical clustering to partition the sites according to pre-transformed site species data. Small mammal community structure varied between these site clusters despite having consistent mammal species richness. The differences in mammal community structure appear to be associated with plant community and cover characteristics. These data suggest that small mammal community structure in western North Dakota is governed more by species niche requirements and less by larger ecosystem processes. Management strategies that prioritize plant diversity have little or no effect on mammal diversity. Management efforts, with respect to small mammal communities, should then be targeted towards desired species niche requirements.
Monday February 6, 2017 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:40pm CST

Technical Session. Quantifying Neonicotinoid Concentrations in Missouri Public Wetlands: The Relationship to Agricultural Land Use
AUTHORS: Kyle Kuechle, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri; Elisabeth B. Webb, U.S. Geological Survey Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Doreen Mengel, Missouri Department of Conservation, Resource Science Division; Anson Main, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri

ABSTRACT: Neonicotinoids are the most widely used and fastest growing class of insecticides commercially available for agricultural use in North America. Growing popularity of neonicotinoids is related to their broad range of application techniques, especially seed dressings, combined with structural abilities that target a wide variety of invertebrate pests. Ubiquitous use coupled with physico-chemical properties that enhance environmental mobility have led to neonicotinoids being detected in global surface waters including streams and wetlands of North America, representing a potential risk to beneficial aquatic organisms. Despite increased sampling efforts, little is known about neonicotinoid concentrations in intensively managed moist-soil wetlands common to Missouri and which factors influence their persistence and toxicity. To that end, we sampled water and sediment from 40 public wetlands under different common management regimes across Missouri during three sampling periods in 2016 (pre-plant, post-plant, and after autumn inundation). All samples were analyzed for the six most common neonicotinoid active ingredients. Clothianidin was the most commonly detected neonicotinoid in water samples collected pre-planting (26 of 39 wetlands) with a maximum detected concentration of 0.041 µg/L. We evaluated the relationship between watershed land-use as well as wetland management variables (e.g. crop planting) and concentration variability among wetlands, found neonicotinoid concentrations increased with the proportion of associated agricultural land use. Results of this study will be useful in determining neonicotinoid risk to aquatic invertebrates and wetland-dependent organisms reliant on these critical food resources for which Missouri wetlands are typically managed.
Monday February 6, 2017 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:40pm CST

Technical Session. The Structure of Large Mammal Communities Facing Climate Change in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, USA
AUTHORS: Michael Wheeler, Maximilian Allen, Regan Dohm, Bryn Evans, Emily Iehl, Marcus Mueller, Brittany Peterson, Timothy Van Deelen, Beth Wojcik - University of Wisconsin-Madison; Shawn Crimmins, University of Wisconsin-Stephens Point; Erik Olson, Northland College; Travis Bartnick, Kenneth Pemble, Julie Van Stappen - National Park Service

ABSTRACT: Mammals move between islands within archipelagos by swimming or crossing over ice in winter. Climate-change induced declines in ice cover on Lake Superior foreshadow changes in the population and community dynamics of species inhabiting this Great Lake’s island archipelagos. While Isle Royale presents a classic study of predator-prey and island biogeography theory, few studies examine the effects of climate change on island mammal communities in the upper Great Lakes region. We initiated a long-term camera trap study in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) in order to investigate the implications of declining ice cover on large mammal communities. We deployed camera traps in September 2014 to inventory the mammal species on Stockton Island. After detecting the presence of Wisconsin’s only state endangered mammal, the American marten (Martes americana), our focus expanded to deployment and maintenance of camera traps on additional islands throughout the APIS. This study presents preliminary data on the mammalian carnivore populations of the APIS from 2014-2016. We tested how distance from mainland, island size, island habitat, human activity, and the presence of co-occurring predator species structured mammalian carnivore communities. The resultant data show how these communities may be affected by island biogeography, as well as impending climate change. 

Monday February 6, 2017 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:00pm CST

Technical Session. Estimating the Survival of Unmarked Young from Repeated Counts: A Case Study with Ring-necked Pheasants
AUTHORS: Timothy P. Lyons, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Kirk W. Stodola, Thomas J. Benson - Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute

ABSTRACT: Estimating juvenile survival is important to the management of both game and non-game species. Among game birds, brood survival is often the most influential demographic parameter on population growth. However, accurately estimating this parameter can be difficult as limited resources or concerns about animal welfare may preclude the use of unique marks, such as leg bands or radio-transmitters, to track survival. We developed a hierarchical Bayesian model that accurately estimates period survival from two flush counts of unmarked young accompanied by a marked adult, while also accounting for imperfect detection. We used this model to estimate brood survival of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) on private and public grasslands in east-central Illinois 2015-2016. We examined the effects of landscape context, vegetation composition, and weather on survival. During our study, brood survival was generally high, and averaged 68% in 2015 and 84% in 2016. Overall, our results suggest that structured flush counts combined with appropriate statistical methods can be used to generate accurate estimates of survival for dependent young in pheasants, and this approach may be effective for other species
Monday February 6, 2017 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:00pm CST

Technical Session. Factors Correlated with Declining Antler Diameters of Yearling Deer in Michigan
AUTHORS: Gary J. Roloff, Michigan State University; Sean Sultaire, Michigan State University; Brent Rudolph, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Rebecca Cain, Michigan State University

ABSTRACT: Long-term declines in antler sizes of white-tailed deer can indicate reduced habitat quality, sub-optimal herd demographics, or inferior genetics. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources used a standardized technique to measure antler base diameters of deer brought to check stations.  Records from 127,032 yearling deer harvested in 39 southern Michigan counties from 1980 – 2015 indicated a statistically significant 35-year decline in yearling deer antler diameters (β126,992 = -0.023, t = -16.11, p < 0.001). We sought to understand habitat, climate, and herd variables correlated with the decline across this study area using linear mixed effects modeling, with County as a random effect. We looked at variables for the year of (T) and year preceding (T-1) deer harvest. We found significant negative effects for area of planted winter wheat (T-1), corn (T), soybeans (T), and number of days with snow on the ground (T). We found a significant positive effect of areas with unharvested corn and soybeans (T-1). Given our candidate models, our results indicated that yearling deer antler sizes in southern Michigan showed a significant relationship to crop dynamics. The negative effects of planted winter wheat, corn, and soybeans are likely linked to corn and soybean farming practices that result in bigger and cleaner fields, less waste grain, and loss of winter cover. Unharvested corn and soybeans during the winters when the deer are fawns appear to offset these negative impacts.  Our results also suggest that winter severity while deer are fawns negatively affects yearling antler sizes. Our study has implications for state wildlife management agency technical assistance and outreach programs to private landowners, specifically regarding how crop residuals are managed. Deer managers may also account for the influence of these variables when relying on yearling antler beam diameters as an index to condition of deer populations.
Monday February 6, 2017 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:00pm CST

Technical Session. Floodplain Inundation Mapping Under Nonstationary Hydro-climatic Conditions on the Lower Missouri River to Support Multi-objective Management of Conservation Lands
AUTHORS: Garth A. Lindner, University of Missouri; Edward A. Bulliner, US Geological Survey,Columbia Environmental Research Center ; Kristen Bouska, US Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center; Craig Paukert, US Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Robert B. Jacobson, US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center

ABSTRACT: Conservation lands within large river floodplains are difficult to manage due to both the stochastic nature of the flow regime and extensive anthropogenic modifications throughout river systems. Lack of hydro-climatic stationarity compounds these management challenges, where changing climate, land use, and water use can alter the timing, duration and magnitude of hydrologic events. Our objectives were to 1) engage land managers to identify science needs and provide tools for long-term management of floodplain conservation lands. Through a series of surveys and workshops with floodplain conservation land managers along the upper and middle Mississippi River and the lower Missouri River we evaluated management priority, management intensity, and available scientific information for management objectives and conservation targets. Metrics of inundation, including depth and extent of inundation, frequency of inundation, and duration of inundation, were considered the most useful metrics for management of floodplain conservation lands. Therefore, we developed floodplain inundation metrics for the historic period of record and under a future climate change scenario for the lower 500-miles of the Missouri River. Using modeled historic water surface elevations from 1930-2012, we developed daily 30-m grids of floodplain depth and synthesized these into composite grids that represent the expected areas inundated under discrete flood return intervals and also the average days inundated per year, during the growing season, and during the bird migratory season. These same composite grids were also generated under a climate change scenario of projected runoff changes for the Missouri River. Our results summarizing the differences between these scenarios are applicable for both managers and researchers to evaluate inundation patterns and associations to identify the optimal locations for 1) establishing vegetation communities, 2) nursery and foraging habitats for fish and birds, and 3) floodplain functions such as nutrient cycling.
Monday February 6, 2017 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:00pm CST

Technical Session. Habitat Selection of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a Lake Michigan Tributary
AUTHORS: Mitchell Nisbet, Dr. Daniel Hayes - Michigan State University

ABSTRACT: Fish respond to habitat conditions at a variety of scales, and different species often select for different conditions within a scale.  In this study, we evaluated how juvenile brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) habitat use varied in a coldwater tributary to Lake Michigan.  At the site scale (i.e., 100 meter stretch of river), brook trout were generally found at lower order, colder sites with abundant gravel. Rainbow trout were most abundant at most sites sampled, and did not show as great a preference for cold sites as brook trout.  Within a site, brook trout tended to be found at microhabitat locations (i.e., < 0.25 meter) that were close to the stream shore, and that had gravel substrate and overhead cover.  In contrast, rainbow trout appeared to orient strongly to woody debris or overhead cover, but were less selective for near shore habitat.  Further, rainbow trout were distributed across a variety of substrates as long as woody debris was present.   These habitat preferences highlight the need to consider species-specific habitat requirements when doing habitat restoration or enhancement. Parallel to the observation that fish respond to habitat in a hierarchical way, restoration needs to proceed starting at the broad scale (e.g., is the water within the temperature preference of brook trout), and then consider meso- or micro-habitat conditions (e.g., addition of overhead cover should occur only where gravel occurs if one is managing for brook trout).  
Monday February 6, 2017 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:00pm CST

Technical Session. Habitat Use and Pesticide Exposure in Northern Leopard Frogs in Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Wetlands
AUTHORS: Jennifer Swanson, Iowa State University; Clay Pierce, US Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Iowa State University; Kelly Smalling, US Geological Survey; Mark Vandever, US Geological Survey; Erin Muths, US Geological Survey, Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative

ABSTRACT: Amphibian populations are declining, with habitat alteration due to land use change consistently identified as one of the biggest contributing factors. In agricultural landscapes, habitat loss may interact with other stressors such as environmental contaminants to exacerbate declines. Much of the landscape in northern Iowa has been transformed from a mosaic of seasonal wetlands and grasslands to row crops. In 2001, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was created to help identify and restore wetlands lost through landscape modifications as a means to reduce nitrogen concentrations and loads to surface waters. These CREP wetlands may provide additional benefits, particularly as wildlife habitat. Our objective was to radio track northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) to record their movement at CREP wetlands and assess the pesticides with which they may come in contact in both the aquatic and terrestrial environment. Although these wetlands are surrounded by vegetative buffers, they are often in close proximity to agricultural fields where pesticides and fertilizers are applied. During the summers of 2015 and 2016 we radio tracked frogs (n=72) at two CREP wetlands in Iowa from May until August. Passive sampling devices (PSDs) were placed in locations frequented by frogs and analyzed for a suite of pesticides to examine exposure as the frog moves through the environment. Presence and concentrations of pesticides on PSDs will be compared to corresponding values found in a subset of frogs that were euthanized after they had been tracked. Frogs moved from their original capture points to a variety of habitats at each wetland and traveled up to 1,000m during the tracking period.
Monday February 6, 2017 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:20pm CST

Technical Session. Assessing Macroinvertebrate Assemblages: Gauging the Importance of Microhabitat in Qualitative Sampling Through the Analysis of Five Commonly Sampled Microhabitat Types in an Effluent Dominated Stream
AUTHORS: Samuel J. Gradle, Robert E. Colombo, Charles L. Pederson, and Jeffrey R. Laursen

ABSTRACT: Over the past several years, different macroinvertebrate sampling strategies were implemented in the Sangamon River above and below the effluent discharge of Decatur’s sanitary district near Decatur, IL. Although these techniques were effective at examining the overall community composition based on physical habitat they were not effective at detecting differences due to water quality. In the fall of 2015 an enhanced qualitative approach was adopted to better gauge the importance of microhabitat types to macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Sangamon River. In this approach we sampled from five different microhabitats (riffles, fine sediments, root wads, snags, and leaf packs) at six different sites (three upstream of effluent discharge, three below). Comparisons between sites and microhabitat types as well as sites above and below the effluent discharge were made using nonparametric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Most microhabitats types showed a difference between upstream and downstream reaches. Two way ANOVA was used to compare macroinvertebrate biotic indices of each microhabitat type and the two reaches (upstream and downstream). Rootwads were one of the few microhabitat types present at each site that also had, on average, the highest diversity and richness of the microhabitats sampled. In general, for most of the individual microhabitats examined Simpson’s diversity scores, MBI values, and percent EPT significantly better downstream than upstream.  Beginning in summer 2016, in addition of sampling natural microhabitats artificial substrates were used in sampling to minimize variability among sites due to differences in physical characteristics. These samples are currently being processed.                                    
Monday February 6, 2017 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:20pm CST

Technical Session. Factors Influencing Fish Mercury Concentrations Across Iowa Lakes
AUTHORS: Darcy Cashatt, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Nathan Mills, Iowa State University, Michael Weber, Iowa State University; Clay Pierce, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: Mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a global concern due to the health risks of consuming contaminated organisms, particularly fishes. Mercury concentrations in fishes are highly variable within and among systems, and factors influencing fish mercury concentrations across Iowa lake systems are unknown. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus, n=275), white and black crappie (Pomoxis annularis, n=112; P. nigromaculatus, n=203), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, n=503), walleye (Sander vitreus, n=248), muskellunge (Esox masquinongy, n=30), and northern pike (E. lucius, n=45) were collected between April and October, 2013-2015, from natural lakes (n=8), constructed lakes (n=18), and reservoirs (n=4) and tested for mercury contamination. Various land use, water chemistry, and fish characteristics were used to explain differences in mercury concentrations across and within lakes. Mercury concentrations of Iowa fishes are generally low, and contained a high percentage of undetectable concentrations (< 0.05 mg Hg/kg; 43% of observations). Thus, we first used multiple linear regression to evaluate factors related to detected mercury concentrations. Second, we used logistic regression with detected and undetected observations to predict the probability of detecting mercury. Mercury concentrations were highest in muskellunge, northern pike, walleye and largemouth bass but lowest in black and white crappie and bluegill. Fish mercury concentration was strongly positively related to length and age. Lake mean depth, watershed area, lake area, latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates were positively related to fish mercury concentrations. Alkalinity was the only water quality metric related to mercury concentrations. Together, these factors explained 71% of the variation in fish mercury concentrations. The logistic model correctly predicted the probability of detecting mercury concentrations for 85% of the 1,416 fish sampled. Our study has implications for consumption advisories in Iowa.
Monday February 6, 2017 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:20pm CST

Technical Session. Variations in Annual Ring-necked Pheasant Survival in Southwest Nebraska
AUTHORS: Jenny R. Foggia, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Joseph J. Fontaine, U.S. Geological Survey Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

ABSTRACT: Variations in annual survival rates of Ring-necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) are determined by a number of intrinsic factors, such as age and sex, and extrinsic factors, such as resource availability, climate, and management actions. Both consumptive (direct mortality) and non-consumptive (fear/stress) effects on survival are apparent among intensely harvested populations. A recurring challenge among management of harvested populations is determining whether mortality due to exploitation is additive or partially/completely compensatory. Previous studies of annual Ring-necked Pheasant survival have shown similar mortality trends among hunted and non-hunted groups exposed to hunting pressure, indicating that hunting mortality is compensatory. However, very little data exists which explores the role of hunting pressure on Ring-necked Pheasant survival when coupled with extreme climatic fluctuations, and whether or not the two interact to affect annual survival rates. In the absence of such data, it is unclear whether harvest mortality remains compensatory, or is additive to natural mortality, thus reducing overall survival rates. Using survival and climate data collected between 2011 and 2016, we will explore the relationship between hunting pressure and climate on annual Ring-necked Pheasant survival. Furthermore, using a unique study system in Southwest Nebraska, which restricts harvest to only male Ring-necked Pheasants, we are able to differentiate consumptive and non-consumptive impacts of hunting pressure on our population of interest. These data may be used to inform harvest regulations in subsequent years.   
Monday February 6, 2017 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:40pm CST

Technical Session. Fried Chicken: Identifying Areas of Thermal Refugia for Lesser Prairie-chickens in a Changing Climate
AUTHORS: Jonathan Lautenbach, Kansas State University; David Haukos, U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Blake Grisham, Department of Natural Resources, Texas Tech University

ABSTRACT: As Earth’s climate continues to change, temperatures are predicted to increase, increasing the number of days that species experience thermal stress. Thermal stress can negatively influences survival and reproduction for many wildlife species, including the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus), an imperiled prairie-grouse native to the southwestern Great Plains. The Great Plains is considered a climate change hotspot, and is expected to see an approximate 10° C increase in average temperatures during spring and fall. Understanding how the species copes with intensifying conditions will help inform managers on how to create landscapes that minimize thermal stress. We captured female lesser prairie-chickens during the spring and attached transmitters to track their movements. We sampled vegetation and microclimate conditions using Maxim Integrated Semiconductors at lesser prairie-chicken midday loafing locations and random locations across the landscape to identify what vegetation characteristics and landscape features lesser prairie-chickens use to minimize thermal stress. We found that female lesser prairie-chickens selected cooler microclimates for daytime loafing compared to random points; up to 17° ­C cooler in some instances. Midday loafing locations averaged 2 times the amount of forb cover and nearly 1.5 times greater visual obstruction compared to random locations. Additionally, at the landscape scale we found aspect was an important component to thermal cover, as north aspects had cooler microclimates and lesser prairie-chickens disproportionally used this feature for midday loafing. Currently, lesser prairie-chickens seek thermal refugia during the hottest days (>30° C); with continued warming, the frequency and intensity of these days is predicted to increase, increasing the need for thermal refugia. Identifying a management practice that increases overall vegetation cover (visual obstruction) and spatially heterogeneity with an abundance of forbs will be important to provide important thermal refugia for lesser prairie-chickens.
Monday February 6, 2017 4:40pm - 5:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation
 
Tuesday, February 7
 

8:00am CST

Technical Session. Larval Trematode Communities in Pulmonate Snails Collected from Northern Minnesota
AUTHORS: Scott Malotka, Robert Sorensen - Minnesota State University, Mankato

ABSTRACT: Larval trematode communities within their molluscan hosts represent excellent systems for ecological study. Community structure in free-living organisms often is influenced by competition, but past literature suggests that competition does not play a structuring role in the communities of freshwater snails due to the influence of spatial and temporal differences. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the factors that could play a role in component communities of trematodes in 3 species of freshwater snails (Lymnaea elodes, Lymnaea stagnalis, and Helisoma trivolvis) during the month of August. A total of 556 snails were collected from Lake Winnibigoshish, Minnesota on August 9, 2016. Snails were transported back to the lab on ice and then isolated in 2 mL plastic containers and examined for shed cercariae. Cercariae were isolated and observed in live mounts with neutral red stain to help facilitate identification. Preliminary identification of cercariae revealed members of the family Echinostomatidae, Schistosomatidae, and Strigeidae. Interestingly, these results show a high prevalence of infection during the month of August for trematode species that are known to infect waterfowl, where other literature reports have shown these waterfowl trematodes to display higher prevalences later in the year during fall months. Overall, these results provide possible hypotheses that could describe larval trematode community structure during the month of August at Lake Winnibigoshish, MN.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:00am CST

Technical Session. Population Dynamics and Precision of Age Structures of Black Crappie in North Cross Lake, Manitoba, CA
AUTHORS: McKenzie Hauger, University of Nebraska; Derek Kroeker, Manitoba Conservation; Kevin Pope, U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Unit, University of Nebraska; Mark Pegg, University of Nebraska

ABSTRACT: Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) is found throughout a wide range of habitats and is a common sport fish sought out by anglers throughout North America. Crappie age data provides a number of different details about a fish population, including growth, recruitment, and mortality which are necessary for fish management. We assessed the precision of ages among readers estimated using otoliths, fin rays and pectoral spines collected from North Cross Lake in Manitoba, CA. Using otoliths we also provided a population assessment for black crappie found in our study lake. We determined that the population consisted of fish ranging in ages from 2 to 9 years old, with varying total lengths between 194 to 340mm. Ages generated from pectoral spines and fin rays varied from estimates from otoliths despite precision being high among all structures. These results have important implications for managers looking to use non-lethal techniques as continued use may result in inaccurate estimates of population dynamics. 
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:00am CST

Technical Session. Spatial Covariance of Angling Pressure and Catch Among Nebraska Water Bodies and Application to Social-ecological Systems
AUTHORS: Mark A. Kaemingk, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Christopher J. Chizinski, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Keith L. Hurley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Kevin L. Pope, U.S. Geological Survey-Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

ABSTRACT: Large-scale spatial synchrony is widely observed among plant and animal populations but could also have application to social-ecological systems. To date, this phenomenon has not been tested within recreational fisheries despite its potential benefits. We examined angling pressure, catch and release, and catch and harvest rates across multiple Nebraska water bodies during 2009 to 2015. Specifically, we used monthly (April-October) estimates of these variables to evaluate spatial covariance and the scale or extent of synchrony among water bodies. Results demonstrate that angling pressure is more synchronous compared to estimates of catch across different fish species. Therefore, factors responsible for patterns in angling pressure and catch are likely different and operate at divergent spatial and temporal scales. We discuss levels of support for dispersal (travel costs), predator-prey (angler and fish), and the Moran effect (climate) to explain these patterns and their application to recreational fisheries. Understanding large-scale spatial synchrony in coupled social-ecological systems will greatly benefit our ability to identify and manage these systems across the most appropriate spatial and temporal scales.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:00am CST

Technical Session. Trophic Dynamics of Flathead Catfish in the Lower Channelized Missouri River Bordering Nebraska
AUTHORS: Dylan Turner, Mark Pegg, Martin Hamel — University of Nebraska-Lincoln

ABSTRACT: Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris are often considered apex predators where they exist and can have detrimental effects on native prey species where introduced, yet little information regarding the role of predation by native Flathead Catfish on game fish and species of concern exists. Furthermore, modifications to rivers (e.g., channelization, revetment, and construction of dams) have likely increased the amount of suitable habitat and influenced the trophic dynamics available for Flathead Catfish, ultimately leading to greater abundances of this predator.  To determine the influence Flathead Catfish have on other species within the lower channelized Missouri River, we posed three overarching research questions: 1) what is the diet composition of Flathead Catfish; 2) is there a difference in mean stomach fullness of Flathead Catfish among seasons; and 3) how much are Flathead Catfish consuming in the channelized Missouri River during each season?  We used pulsed gastric lavage to collect stomach contents (470 diet samples from 780 Flathead Catfish) across three distinct seasons; May-June (spring), July-August (summer), and September-October (fall).  The four most common diet items by weight found in catfish stomachs include: Siluriformes, Decapoda, Ephemeroptera, and unidentified fish.  The proportion of stomachs with prey items present was similar in spring (74%) and summer (72%) but lower in the fall (37%).  Mean stomach fullness did not significantly differ between season for each size class.  Continued work to develop a bioenergetics model to estimate total daily and annual prey consumption will aid in understanding the pathway of energy throughout the food web within the channelized Missouri River.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. Effect of Elevated Nutrients and Sediments on Growth of Juvenile Black and White Crappies
AUTHORS: David Bogner, University of Illinois; David H Wahl Illinois Natural History Survey

ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic influences can cause dramatic increases in turbidity through sediment and nutrient inputs to lakes and reservoirs. Increased nutrients can affect fish growth via increased productivity whereas increased sediments can decrease reactive distance and reduce feeding rates. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of increased nutrients and sediments on growth of juvenile Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis). We selected these species as they exhibit similar feeding ontogeny and co-occur in many systems but are hypothesized to respond to turbidity differently with Black Crappie being more negatively affected. We examined growth in mesocosms with nutrient and sediment additions over a four week period using species as a split-plot within a full factorial model of nutrients and sediments. Environmental variables were collected weekly and averaged over the course of the study and used as covariates. We detected a significant effect of sediment on change in weight with Black Crappie expressing greater growth than Black White except in the presence of increased turbidity. Our results highlight the importance of parsing out the drivers of increased turbidity to better understand the effects on fish growth.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. Factors Influencing Angler Fishing Behavior
AUTHORS: Brian S. Harmon, Nicholas W. Cole - Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska; Christopher J. Chizinski, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska; Kevin L. Pope, U.S. Geological Survey-Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska

ABSTRACT: Within a waterbody, fishing pressure is non-uniform, non-random, and not ideally distributed according to fish or catch rates. Thus, other factors must influence where and how anglers fish, but within a waterbody, these factors remain understudied. The outcomes of a fishing trip are a result of both angler fishing behavior and the behavior of sportfish. We attached a portable GPS and camera to anglers' fishing rods at two waterbodies located in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska. We analyzed angler movement (cumulative shoreline covered, total distance) and activity (number, location, and distance of casts) to assess angler behavior. We compared angler movement and activity to angler specialization and trip-specific objectives to elucidate angler fishing behaviors. Data on where and how anglers fish could be used for recreational fishery management.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. Trends in Larval Fish Abundance in the Missouri River, Nebraska
AUTHORS: Ryan L. Ruskamp, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Mark A. Pegg, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Gerald E. Mestl, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

ABSTRACT: The Missouri River has been highly altered by impoundments and channelization which has resulted in significant declines in many native fish species. Since the floods of 2010 and 2011 there have been notable declines in the condition of pallid sturgeon and other native species and a large increase in the number of invasive Silver and Bighead carps. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission have been studying the larval fish community at multiple sites on the Missouri river bordering Nebraska since 1983, long-term data sets such as this can provide invaluable insight as to the impacts of these types of events. The objectives of this study are to quantify the temporal and spatial variations in the larval fish community (species richness) and structure (abundance) and attempt to relate this variation to physical conditions in the river such as discharge, water management and water quality.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. True Metabolizable Energy of Submersed Aquatic Vegetation for Dabbling Ducks
AUTHORS: Sarah E. McClain, Western Illinois University, Illinois Natural History Survey; Dr. Heath M. Hagy, Illinois Natural History Survey; Dr. Christopher N. Jacques, Western Illinois University

ABSTRACT: Aquatic systems in the Midwest have been highly modified since the beginning of the 20th century, including channelization, damming, and dredging of most large rivers (e.g., Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri) and disconnection from their natural floodplains with networks of levees. While the loss of submersed aquatic vegetation from hydrologically-connected wetlands and backwater lakes along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers is well-documented, information is unavailable to determine the implications of these losses on energetic carrying capacity for waterfowl, especially dabbling ducks. The objective of this study is to estimate true metabolizable energy of six species of submersed aquatic vegetation common to the Upper Midwest for dabbling ducks. We have conducted feeding trials using wild-caught mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) during autumn 2015 and wild-caught gadwall (Anas strepera) in autumn 2016. Feeding trials consist of a 48−hour fast, precision feeding of focal submersed aquatic vegetation (e.g., Stuckenia pectinata) followed by a 48−hour period in a metabolic chamber to collect excreta. Gross energy of test foods and excreta were determined using a Parr oxygen bomb calorimeter, and were corrected for digestion efficiency to ascertain true metabolizable energy. We expect the true metabolizable energy of submersed aquatic vegetation to be less than that of seeds, tubers, and other hard mast. True metabolizable energy analysis will be completed during autumn 2016 and will be included in the presentation. Our data will be useful to conservation planners for estimating energetic carrying capacities of semi-permanently-flooded marsh habitats, which will aid in projecting impacts of wetland management alternatives (i.e. semi-permanently-flooded marsh versus moist-soil management). Understanding the true metabolizable energy of submersed aquatic vegetation will allow managers to assess the impacts on dabbling ducks of wetland habitat change over time or in response to stressors (e.g., hydrologic connectivity with rivers/lakes, climate change).
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Developing Plasma-Lipid Indices and Evaluating Triglyceride Catabolism Rates in Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
AUTHORS: Eric Smith, Western Illinois University; Chris Jacques, Western Illinois University; Mike Anteau, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center; Heath Hagy, Forbes Biological Station/Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center

ABSTRACT: The continental breeding population of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) has declined markedly over the past 30-40 years. Multiple factors have likely contributed to the long-term decline in the continental scaup population including reductions in recruitment, a decline in survival of female scaup relative to males, and decreases in forage quality and the amount of forage consumed by scaup throughout the Midwest. Decreases in aquatic vegetation and invertebrates as food sources have direct impacts on migrating lesser scaup and other wetland-obligate species. Nutrient acquisition and storage during migration are important for survival and reproduction; specifically, lipids have been identified as an important nutrient for endurance flights and egg production. Plasma-lipid metabolites (Triglyceride and β-hydroxybutyrate) have been used for estimating rates of lipid accumulation or catabolism in wild birds which can be useful in assessing the relative quality of habitat during migration. However, further development and refining of plasma-lipid indices is needed to understand the effects of wetland degradation on migratory waterfowl. Further, a paucity of information exists about the rate at which triglycerides are catabolized and what effect diet has on metabolite concentrations. Using wild birds held in short-term captivity to create such an index allows for control in the amount and type of ingesta and feeding rates that could be a potential source of bias in the plasma-lipid metabolite index. We held wild lesser scaup in short-term captivity to develop an index for examining whether individuals are accumulating or catabolizing lipids by regressing known mass changes with plasma-lipid metabolite concentrations. Triglyceride and β-hydroxybutyrate predicted 56% of the variation in one-day mass changes (F = 24.20, df = 2 and 37, P < 0.001). We are currently analyzing finer scale mass changes (< 24 hrs.) and rates of triglyceride catabolism which will be available for the presentation.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Development of a Standardized Protocol for Use of Fin Rays in Estimating Age of Muskellunge
AUTHORS: Derek P. Crane, Coastal Carolina University; Jeff L. Hansbarger, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; Michael L. Hawkins, Coastal Carolina University; Dan A. Isermann, USGS-Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Jeffrey M. Kampa, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Kevin L. Kapuscinski, Lake Superior State University; Jonathan R. Meerbeek, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Michael P. Rennicke, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Timothy D. Simonson, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

*Authors Hansbarger through Simonson contributed equally to this project and are listed alphabetically.

ABSTRACT: Accurate and precise age estimation are essential for understanding Muskellunge population characteristics such as growth and mortality. Counting annuli on cleithra is believed to provide accurate age estimates for Muskellunge, but removal of cleithra requires sacrificing fish. Previous research suggests that counting annuli on sectioned fin rays may be a reliable, non-lethal technique for estimating age of Muskellunge < age 10; however, this method has not been validated using modern annuli viewing techniques on fin rays from known-age fish and standardized methods for collecting and preparing Muskellunge fin rays have not been developed. Standardization of collection and preparation procedures will result in more consistent estimation of Muskellunge ages, and subsequently, more accurate estimates of muskellunge population characteristics. To develop standardized procedures for processing fin rays for age estimation of Muskellunge, we investigated the effects of section width (0.8, 1.0, 1.2 mm), section location (base vs. 1 cm from the base) and anal fin ray number (3 vs. 4) on accuracy and precision of age estimates using a sample of 84 known-age fish from Iowa (age range = 3-21 years). Age estimates from paired samples of pelvic and anal fin rays were also compared to determine the effects of fin location on accuracy and precision of estimates. Ongoing research is using the developed protocol to estimate the accuracy and precision of age estimates based on fin rays from a larger sample size that covers a broader geographic range.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Factors Affecting Fishing License Purchase Patterns and Angler Retention in Iowa
AUTHORS: Jeff Kopaska, Julie Tack, George Scholten - Iowa Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: The Iowa DNR Fisheries Bureau (IDNR) is funded by the sale of fishing and hunting licenses and equipment. Continued license sales are critical to provide the funding to effectively manage Iowa fisheries. After years of simply selling fishing licenses, IDNR partnered with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation in 2005 to assess fishing promotional efforts. These efforts were initiated in response to declining or fluctuating fishing license sales. Fishing promotional campaigns have varied from localized efforts to statewide and from specific target populations to all anglers. Using new strategies to sell more fishing licenses makes financial resources available to be invested in maintaining and improving fishery resources. Radio and television advertising, live events, magazines, letters, postcards and emails have been used to promote fishing to potential license buyers. An evaluation of fishing promotion efforts from 2005 to 2015 showed that lift ranged from 0.1% to 4.6%. License sales patterns indicate that weather and economic conditions strongly influence fishing license sales. Results from these assessments include: inexpensive postcard and email reminders can be effective; inconsistent anglers would fish more often if a friend or relative invited them; weather has a major influence on a person’s decision to buy a fishing license
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Macrhybopsis Species Response to a Missouri River Top-Widening Project
AUTHORS: Thad Huenemann, Gerald Mestl - Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

ABSTRACT: A river top-widening project on Lower Little Sioux Bend, named Deer Island, is located at river kilometers 1,079 to 1,083 in the upper portion of the channelized Missouri River along Nebraska’s eastern border. A major construction project began in 2012 and was completed by fall of 2014. At approximately 55 hectares, this project represents the largest channel widening project completed under the proposed restoration action to create shallow water habitat in the Missouri River. An investigation of trends associated with the Macrhybopsis species (i.e. chubs) and available habitat using a newly developed habitat preference function at the site in 2015 will be presented. A further investigation of different modeled flow regimes across the post constructed site and available habitat for Macrhybopsis species will also be discussed.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. Evaluation of the Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitats (FISH) Program
AUTHORS: Susan Steffen, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; William K. Blair, Emporia State University; David Breth, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

ABSTRACT: As part of the Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitats (FISH) program, KDWPT leases access rights of privately-owned ponds, stream, and river sites. The goal of the FISH program is to make it easier for people to go fishing by providing easily accessible, free locations close to home. We evaluated the FISH program by conducting creel surveys at nineteen FISH properties from March 1 to October 31, 2012. Our objectives were to measure angling pressure, catch and harvest, and level of importance of the program to anglers’ fishing participation. Of the nineteen properties sampled, the estimated number of anglers ranged from 3,744 at the Marmaton River site to 4 at the Delaware River site. Mean number of anglers was 616 anglers (SD = 843.83, N = 19) and mean pressure was 622.37 angler-hours (SD = 535.37, N = 19). Harvest was minimal; 54% of the total harvest was White Crappie Pomoxis annularis at the Marmaton River site. Overall, 37% of released fish were Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and 34% were Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. Anglers estimated an average of 52% (SD = 33.05, N = 121) of their fishing trips in the previous twelve months occurred at FISH properties. Eighty-four percent (84%) rated the FISH program as important or extremely important to his or her overall fishing participation. Seventy-seven percent (77%) rated the on-site property at which he or she was interviewed as important or extremely important to his or her overall fishing participation. The FISH program should continue because it is important to a segment of the Kansas angling population and provides additional fishing opportunities with minimal cost.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. Fish Community Response to a Restored Side Channel and Backwater Area on the Lower Platte River, Nebraska
AUTHORS: Caleb Uerling, Dr. Martin Hamel, Dr. Mark Pegg — University of Nebraska-Lincoln

ABSTRACT: Large river ecosystems are complex systems made up of a wide range of habitat types that support an abundance of biota. The existence of some of these habitat types (e.g., side channels, backwaters, and wetlands) is highly dependent on the rivers ability to interact with its floodplain. Many rivers around the world are being disconnected from their floodplain due to increased anthropogenic changes to the system. Restoring river connectivity to the floodplain after anthropogenic alteration is often a challenge and the success or failure of these projects can be dependent on a large number of variables ranging from habitat complexity to environmental influence. In this study, we examined the response of the fish community to a restored side channel on the lower Platte River, Nebraska. Specifically, we looked at how habitat variables such as discharge and temperature affect the fish community occupying the side channel. Following the reconnection of the side channel, the fish community assemblage shifted from few, mostly non-native species, to a diverse community of primarily native species. Despite the infancy of the reconnected side channel, an adjacent backwater area had a higher diversity of fish species than the side channel or the main stem Platte River, suggesting that different floodplain habitats may complement each other in providing benefits to large river systems. Continued monitoring will provide insight to determine the optimal type of off-channel habitats to construct for future mitigation projects.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. Growth Potential and Genetic Diversity of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) in South Dakota
AUTHORS: Alex J Rosburg, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University; Brian G Blackwell, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks; Steven R Chipps, U.S. Geological Survey, South Dakota State University Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit; Justin A VanDeHey, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point; Wesley A Larson, U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit

ABSTRACT:
Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) represent a valued sport fish throughout their range and are an important prey species for piscivorous fishes. In South Dakota, two distinct population types of Yellow Perch have been characterized that differ in growth, survival, and recruitment patterns. High quality populations exhibit fast growth, high mortality, low population densities, and inconsistent recruitment. In contrast, low quality populations are characterized by slow growth, low mortality, high population densities, and relatively consistent recruitment. The role of genetics in contributing to these population characteristics is currently unknown. To address these questions, we used a combination of laboratory and common garden growth experiments to compare relative growth and survival of age-0 yellow perch from the two population types. We then used high-throughput RAD sequencing to scan the yellow perch genome for genetic markers associated with population type. The laboratory and common garden experiments showed no significant differences between weight standardized specific growth rates of perch from the high and low quality populations. Results from the RAD sequencing revealed that population characteristics are not likely linked to genetic differences between population types. Thus, population attributes appear to be shaped more by biotic and abiotic attributes than heritable differences between populations.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. Selective Harvest: Evaluating Differences in Body Condition of Lesser Snow and Ross’s Geese by Harvest Technique During the Light Goose Conservation Order
AUTHORS: Drew N. Fowler, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Missouri; Mark P. Vrtiska, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission;Elisabeth B. Webb, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Missouri

ABSTRACT: Despite the liberalizations of hunting regulations and implementation of a conservation order in 1999, current efforts appear ineffective in reducing lesser snow goose (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) and Ross’s goose (C. rossii) populations (“light geese”). One factor potentially contributing to continued population growth may be the inadvertent harvest of poorer conditioned birds more vulnerable to decoy tactics, thereby limiting the impact of sustainable population reduction. Thus, we examined potential differences in body condition of light geese harvested over decoys and geese from the general population that might provide insight for harvest susceptibility. Light geese were opportunistically collected over decoys and jump or pass shooting by hunters and researchers at peak spring migration through Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota during the 2015 Light Goose Conservation Order. Specimens were assessed for body condition using standard lipid and protein proximate analyses and were scaled to an adjusted body size using morphological measurements. We used generalized linear models to determine if variation in total lipid and protein levels among individuals was explained by harvest method, harvest region, adjusted body size, sex and age. Competitive models explaining variation in lesser snow goose body condition indicate an effect of harvest method on lipid levels as well as an interaction between harvest region and sex, suggesting that lipid level accumulation does not occur at the same rate between males and females among the sampled regions. Interestingly, competing models to explain variation in protein levels did not include harvest type but rather age, adjusted body size and region, where protein levels progressively decreased throughout migration. Therefore, lipid content alone is likely the best explanatory factor determining light goose harvest susceptibility over decoys. Finally, these data may elucidate potential tradeoffs between acquisition and storage of lipid and protein reserves for successful migration and breeding in arctic nesting geese.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. An Evaluation of Channel Catfish X Blue Catfish Hybrids in Two Small Kansas Impoundments
AUTHORS: Ben C. Neely, Sean T. Lynott, Jeff D. Koch - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism

ABSTRACT: Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus x Blue Catfish I. furcatus hybrids (hereinafter hybrid catfish) are increasingly being used in commercial aquaculture because they grow more rapidly and uniformly than Channel Catfish. Additionally, rapid growth of hybrid catfish in aquaculture allows 5 to 7-in fish to be stocked in fall as age-0 fish. This circumvents problems associated with overwintering Channel Catfish and stocking as age-1 fish. However, their application in recreational fisheries remains largely unknown. We stocked equal numbers of hybrid catfish and Channel Catfish in two small (approximately 100 surface acres) impoundments in southeast Kansas in 2013, 2014, and 2015 to evaluate retention of freeze brands, somatic growth, and relative body condition. Freeze brands were retained by nearly 80% of fish up to 15-in TL. Hybrid catfish reached 15-in TL as age-1 fish in fall or age-2 fish in spring. This was nearly one year sooner than Channel Catfish that reached 15-in TL as age-2 fish in fall or age-3 fish in spring. Weight at length did not differ for hybrid catfish and Channel Catfish up to 21-in TL. Results presented herein demonstrate that hybrid catfish might be suitable for stocking in Kansas waters when rapid growth is desired. However, Channel Catfish remain an important sport fish to Kansas Anglers. Social components of stocking hybrid catfish in place of Channel Catfish should be thoroughly evaluated.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. Contributors to Angler Satisfaction in the Southern Lake Michigan Fishery
AUTHORS: Elizabeth Golebie, Craig A. Miller - Illinois Natural History Survey

ABSTRACT: The heavily urbanized Illinois and Indiana shoreline of Lake Michigan supports a high angling population, which provides social and economic benefits to the surrounding communities, and has a noticeable impact on the lake ecosystem. As the IDNR continues to adjust and update management strategies, studies regarding angler satisfaction may provide another measure of success of the management plan and help predict angler responses to future changes in both the fish population and IDNR regulations. Additionally, in order to reverse the trend of declining angler effort, particularly in the yellow perch fishery, the variables that contribute to angler satisfaction, which may in turn predict angler behavior, must be understood. Our objective was to understand the factors that contribute to angler satisfaction in the southern Lake Michigan fishery. Our address list was assembled from contact information collected from anglers surveyed during the 2015 creel surveys conducted by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Anglers who provided their email address were invited to participate in an internet survey run through Qualtrics, and anglers who provided their mailing address received a survey packet in the mail. Questions were identical on the mail and internet surveys and pertained to time spent fishing and species caught, perceptions of fish populations, satisfaction, management preferences, expenditures, and demographic information.  We used logistic regression models to examine the relative importance of variables that may influence satisfaction, including both activity-specific catch-related variables, and activity general components. We then compared the logistic regression models across angler subgroups. Understanding satisfaction variables in the Lake Michigan fishery can better inform management approaches that will maintain both a healthy fish population and a satisfied angler population.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. Count Bias and Disturbance of Waterfowl During Aerial Surveys
AUTHORS: Andrew D. Gilbert, Western Illinois University, Illinois Natural History Survey; Heath M. Hagy, Illinois Natural History Survey; Christopher N. Jacques, Western Illinois University; Aaron P. Yetter, Illinois Natural History Survey

ABSTRACT: Aerial waterfowl surveys have been conducted in the Illinois and Mississippi River floodplains since 1948.  These traditional surveys provide an index of waterfowl population size and are used to track migration events, set harvest regulations, and for research purposes.  New methods are being evaluated to estimate population size by randomizing survey locations and estimating count bias.  We used double sampling to determine a correction factor for waterfowl estimates during fall aerial surveys.  Immediately before an aerial survey, a ground observer surveyed waterfowl in predetermined locations from an elevated, unobstructed location where probability of detection was assumed to be 100%.  Aerial counts were divided by ground counts for all common species and foraging guilds to determine count bias.  Preliminary results indicate that mean detection rate for all waterfowl was 96.0% (SE=7%). Mean detection rate was 94.4% (SE=8%) for ducks, 105.2% (SE=11%) for dabbling ducks, 74.8% (SE=11%) for diving ducks, 53.3% (SE=8%) for mergansers, and 92.4% (SE=9%) for geese. Observers also documented disturbance to waterfowl caused by aerial surveys.  Preliminary findings indicated 18.4% (SE=2%) of waterfowl, 12.2% (SE=2%) of ducks, 11.5% (SE=2%) of dabbling ducks, 4.5% (SE=1%) of diving ducks, 13.0% (SE=3%) of mergansers, and 28.6% (SE=4%) of geese exhibited negative responses (i.e., flew short distances, swam away, changed behavior significantly) to aerial surveys.  Preliminary findings indicated that 5.5% (SE=2%) of waterfowl, 2.0% (SE=1%) of ducks, 1.2% (SE=1%) of dabbling ducks, 0.7% (SE=1%) of diving ducks, 4.3% (SE=1%) of mergansers, and 15.1% (SE=3%) of geese abandoned survey sites and did not return following aerial surveys.  With our findings, traditional aerial surveys conducted in the Mississippi and Illinois River floodplains can be adjusted for count bias and compared with population estimates from randomized surveys to compare cost and time efficiency of aerial survey techniques.  
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. Origin and Movement Patterns of Channel Catfish Within a Large-river Network: An Otolith Microchemistry Approach
AUTHORS: Jonathan Spurgeon, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Mark Pegg, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Norman Halden, University of Manitoba

ABSTRACT: Variation in movement and source of immigrants among habitats is fundamental to understanding population structure and differing life-history strategies of large-river fishes inhabiting riverine-networks. We evaluated movement and natal origin of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus between main-stem and tributary environments using otolith microchemistry. We assessed both water and otolith chemistries using univariate and multivariate statistical approaches. Water and otolith chemistries differed among river segments, and channel catfish were correctly classified to environment of capture between 75% and 96% of the time. We also assessed natal origins of channel catfish, and 92% were predicted to be of tributary origin. Movement behaviors suggested the channel catfish population consisted of a combination of non-migrants, migrants that return to natal environments, and random dispersers. Changes in the otolith microchemistry signatures of channel catfish suggests connectivity among main-stem and tributary environments, and indicate tributaries may support demographic processes at large-spatial scales. Consideration of the importance of habitats in both main-stem and tributary systems at different life-stages may, therefore, benefit conservation and management of large-river fishes. 
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. Analyzing Social Capital and Participation in Commons: A Case Study from Nanasawa Satoyama Landscape Japan
AUTHORS: Bidur Khadka, Ph.D. candidate, Yokohama National University, Japan

ABSTRACT: Commons are usually referred as resources where a large number of people have access. Those resources may be oceanic ecosystem from which fish can harvest or a forest from which timber or different forest products can harvest. Hardin purposes a theory to manage the commons, as local people doesn’t have the capacity to manage the commons so there needs to centrally force regulation or privatize the common pool resources. But Elinor Ostrom came with the completely different idea to manage the commons. She purposes “people are able to govern the commons on the sustainable way by appropriate governance and institution with no or little enforcing from government”. This research paper explores the pattern of social capital, participation, and co-management in Nanasawa satoyama area, Japan. It also explores different forms of governance model which were adopted by local people based on local people vision and criteria. The objective of this research is to analyze social capital and participation Nanasawa satoyama conservation area. This study will explore the different forms of social capital and participation in satoyama area. Nanasawa satoyama is not confined with the only biodiversity but it’s a place to conserve culture and a good example of management of governance and institution. Local people have deep emotional value with lots of inspiration and collectivity of social capital. It has also found that coordination between government, volunteer and a local action group was very strong. The trust in between the group was also high with good cooperation. It has also observed that Nanasawa satoyama has a culture of working together, bringing traditional and scientific knowledge together, encourage participation, revitalize the natural resources and use of natural resources and organic food.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. Modeling Transition Rates of Sandhill Cranes Using a Multi-state Model and Estimating Population Trends with N-mixture Models
AUTHORS: Mike Wheeler, Tim Van Deelen - University of Wisconsin, Madison; Jeb Barzen, International Crane Foundation


ABSTRACT: Long-term trends in Midwestern sandhill crane populations indicate positive growth despite much yearly variability, and continued monitoring will be required for effective management. This study is being conducted to explore relationships between life-history stage and recruitment in sandhill crane populations, as well as to estimate the size of the study population. Since 1990, the International Crane Foundation (Baraboo, Wisconsin) has collected long-term re-sightings data on territorial and non-territorial sandhill cranes in southcentral Wisconsin. We used these data in a multi-state model to estimate survival and state-transition probabilities of different demographic groups. Primary sessions were on an annual basis, with observations being recorded during the breeding and chick rearing seasons. State variables were Territorial and Non-territorial, and classifying birds in either category was based on behaviors observed during re-sightings. Results suggest high annual survival rates (~90%) and low annual rates of territory acquisition or loss (~5%). N-mixture models were used to estimate population size with visual observation data independent of the mark-resight models. With estimates of population trends through time, we calibrated our matrix model to produce more realistic estimates of recruitment. Preliminary results suggest that survival of territorial adults and their continued tenure on territory have appreciable effects on growth rate – hence availability of suitable territories may regulate growth rates. Consequently, management of crane populations in the Midwest may depend on creating habitats that support territory establishment.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. Movement of Spotted Bass and Shorthead Redhorse in the Highly Flow Regulated Lower Osage River, Missouri
AUTHORS: Elisa Baebler, Craig Paukert - Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: Streamflow on the Lower Osage River in Missouri is regulated by Bagnell Dam, a hydroelectric facility located 132 km upstream of the confluence with the Missouri River. The discharge released from the dam fluctuates daily and water depth can rise and fall 5 m, resulting in dynamic habitat conditions. This study used radio telemetry to track the daily movement of Spotted Bass and Shorthead Redhorse during high flow, low flow, and changing flow conditions. Twenty-three fish of each species were implanted with radio transmitters in March 2016 in a reach approximately 19 river km downstream of the dam. Fish movement was tracked by boat four times per month during daylight hours. Preliminary results from spring and summer 2016 show that the median movement rate of Spotted Bass was 11 m/hr in the spring and 16 m/hr in the summer. Shorthead Redhorse movement rates in the spring were 41 m/hr and were 23 m/hr in the summer. Movement rate and displacement varied between individual fish within both species and was highly variable among flow conditions. The results of this study can be used to determine the impacts of season and discharge on fish movement in the Lower Osage River and can inform managers about fish response to environmental change.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. Quantification of Daily Otolith Increments in Young of Year Asian Carp
AUTHORS: Emily A. Szott, James T. Lamer - Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University; James H. Larson, Brent Knights, Jon Vallazza - Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey; Levi Solomon, Andrew Casper - Illinois River Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey; Rich Pendleton, Hudson River Estuary Program/Cornell University, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Jun Wang, Shanghai Ocean University

ABSTRACT: Silver and bighead carp are invasive species established throughout the Mississippi River Basin. Many studies and resources have been dedicated to their management. However, information on hydrological spawning triggers and growth of young of year Asian carp is still lacking. Here, daily incremental growth annuli from otoliths are used to estimate birth and growth of young of year Asian carp. We collected young of year Asian carp from the LaGrange Reach of the Illinois River following a spawning event in August 2014. Total length of each fish was measured, and the fish separated into 5 mm length groups (15-79 mm). Otoliths were extracted, mounted to slides, polished, photographed, and aged. Otolith microstructure was validated using young of year Asian carp from Chinese aquaculture. Preliminary results show the collected Asian carp range from 32 to 103 days old, placing their birthdays between April 25 and July 5, 2014. Validation determined that 10-20 day old fish can accurately be aged within ±1.4 days, and 30-50 day old fish can accurately be aged within ±4 days. Further study of age will help determine spawning periodicity and hydrological spawning triggers. Ultimately, the ability to determine daily growth rates of young of year Asian carp will help in the management of these invasive species.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:20am CST

Technical Session. Development of a Fish-Based IBI for Lakes in Eastern South Dakota
AUTHORS: Daniel Nelson, Dr. Melissa Wuellner, Dr. Nels Troelstrup - South Dakota State University; Dr. Brian Blackwell, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

ABSTRACT: Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) was developed as a means to assess the biological impact of water quality issues in U.S. waters.  Most IBIs used today are fish-based and have been developed for lotic systems but few have been developed for lentic systems.  In South Dakota, 15% of lakes do not presently meet beneficial uses, and this number may increase due to more recent land conversion activity within watersheds on the eastern side of the state. The goal of this study is to develop a fish-based lake IBI for eastern South Dakota lakes using extant annual standardized gill and trap nets data collected by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks from 58 lakes. Fish were categorized into metric classes reflecting their tolerance to disturbance. A suite of 63 potential metrics were evaluated for how each responded to various degrees of human disturbance occurring within watersheds. Preliminary analysis indicated that six metrics (e.g., abundance of native Centrarchidae, percent insectivores, percent moderately tolerant species, percent top carnivores, and richness of Cyrpinidae)best described levels of disturbance between lakes. Future analysis will examine/confirm the use of these metrics for the rapid bioassessment of ecosystem persistence. 
Tuesday February 7, 2017 10:20am - 10:40am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:20am CST

Technical Session. In Pursuit of a Silver Bullet: Does Standardized Sampling Need to Accommodate Seasonal and Regional Influences on Fish Richness Across Large Rivers of Missouri?
AUTHORS: Corey Dunn, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia; Craig Paukert, US Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia

ABSTRACT: Fish richness patterns are largely unknown in Missouri’s “mid-sized” rivers interspaced between wadeable streams and the great rivers. Our objective was to develop standardized fish sampling protocols for these rivers. We conducted 35 surveys across nine sites and two regions (Ozarks, Plains). We used six active and passive gears to repeatedly sample sites in spring, summer, and fall from summer 2014 – spring 2016. We asked, 1) Does fish richness vary seasonally and between regions? 2) Were gears similarly effective across seasons and regions? and 3) Can efficiency be improved by minimizing redundancy among gears? We assessed gear effectiveness via species-accumulation curves (i.e., effort vs. percentage of detected richness). We used Monte-Carlo simulation to reduce the full protocol into the most efficient nested combinations of gear and effort that still detected high levels of richness. Average richness per site ranged from 31–49 species in the Plains and 47–71 in the Ozarks, which was approximately 200–300% of the historical average richness reported per survey within each region. While assemblage composition changed seasonally, species richness remained constant (mean richness ± 90% confidence interval: spring = 50.1 ± 7.9, summer = 50.6 ± 9.5, fall = 51.1 ± 9.4). Species-accumulation curves constructed by combining all gears were asymptotic indicating nearly all species were detected during each survey; however, the most effective single gear (boat electrofishing), on average only detected 60% of richness. Protocols emphasizing electrofishing, seining, fyke nets, and benthic trawling minimized redundancy among gears. For example, the most efficient protocols for detecting 75% and 90% of species richness with 95% confidence only required 30% and 59% of initial survey effort, respectively. Overall, findings demonstrated richness was spatially variable but seasonally consistent. Despite logistical challenges, standardized monitoring within mid-sized rivers is achievable, but will require an efficient and diversified approach.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 10:20am - 10:40am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:20am CST

Technical Session. Inland Fisheries Habitat Management: Lessons Learned from Wildlife Ecology and a Proposal for Change
AUTHORS: Greg G. Sass, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Andrew L. Rypel, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Joshua D. Stafford, U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: The habitat concept in inland fisheries has been less studied than wildlife ecology.  Since 1950, the cumulative number of publications about “freshwater or inland habitat and fisheries management” has been 60-95% less than those considering “habitat and wildlife management”.  The number of publications about “marine, river, and stream habitat and fisheries management” has also generally exceeded those for “lake habitat and fisheries management”.  We provide a perspective comparing inland fish and wildlife habitat management systems and highlight lessons from wildlife ecology that could benefit inland fisheries.  We reason that wildlife habitat management has become widespread and accepted because humans share habitats with wildlife and positive/negative responses to habitat restorations/loss are directly observable.  We recommend that inland fisheries habitat studies and restorations include opportunities for humans to directly observe the ecological benefits of such practices.  To support aquatic habitat management efforts, we suggest dedicated funding solutions be considered to mitigate aquatic habitat loss. In theory, such a system would provide benefits to inland fish populations that parallel those provided to wildlife through state and federal stamps.  Although aquatic habitat conservation and restoration may not solve management issues as rapidly, it will promote long-term sustainability and resiliency of diverse inland fish populations.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 10:20am - 10:40am CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:20am CST

Technical Session. Range Overlap Between Mid-Continent and Eastern Populations of Sandhill Cranes Revealed Through GPS Tracking
AUTHORS: David Wolfson, University of Minnesota; John Fieberg, Department of Fisheries, University of Minnesota; Tom Cooper, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Jeff Lawrence, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; David Andersen, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: Sandhill cranes are long-lived birds with relatively low recruitment rates, making accurate knowledge of abundance and distribution critical for well-informed harvest management. Minnesota is the only state to contain breeding populations of both the Eastern Population (EP) and Mid-Continent Population (MCP) of greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida). Historically, the breeding range of MCP cranes in Minnesota was restricted to the extreme northwestern portion of the state, whereas the breeding range of EP cranes was limited to the east-central part of the state with a large area of separation between the two populations. Whereas MCP cranes have exhibited stable population estimates over time, EP cranes are currently experiencing a significant increase in population size and a concurrent increase in breeding range. Our objectives were to evaluate the current range boundaries of the 2 populations and to determine the extent of overlap on their breeding, staging, and wintering grounds. We captured and attached Global Positioning System-Global System for Mobile Communications (GPS-GSM) transmitters to 50 cranes in the zone between the historical breeding range boundaries of the 2 populations during April-November of 2014 and 2015. Movements of captured cranes revealed that the EP has greatly expanded its range while the MCP has experienced more moderate range expansion. Results of this study provide the first documentation of overlap between the breeding ranges of EP and MCP sandhill cranes. Our results also suggest that staging areas in northwestern Minnesota are being used by both populations and there is overlap in migration corridors, as evidenced by a crane that used both the Mississippi and Central flyways.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 10:20am - 10:40am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:40am CST

Technical Session. Latitudinal Trends in the Age and Growth of Freshwater Drum Along the Mississippi River
AUTHORS: Joshua Abner, Tyler Ham, Edward Sterling - Southeast Missouri State University; Quinton Phelps, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: Effects of latitude are present in age and growth data for multiple groups of organisms, including fishes.  Widely distributed species are subject to broad environmental gradients with differences in temperature, light, and growing season length, which translate to variations in the dynamic rate functions of populations (i.e., recruitment, growth, mortality).  To persist under broad conditions, populations must exhibit substantial morphological, physiological, and genetic differences.  When evaluating wide geographic distributions of fishes in a large river system, one particular interest is the effect of latitude on growth and body size.  Bergmann’s Rule states that as latitude increases, body size increases.  Equally, the Converse of Bergmann’s Rule states that as latitude increases, body size decreases.  The goal of this study was to investigate effects of latitude on age and growth of Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) in the Mississippi River. 715 specimens were collected from 1992-1996 along a broad latitudinal range of the river at each of the six Long Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM) field stations. From our analyses, we determined that drum from northern locations grow slower, and are consequently smaller at each age class than their southern counterparts.  One potential hypothesis to explain these results relates to colder water temperatures and shorter growing seasons in more northern latitudes. This research has significant implications for understanding Freshwater Drum population dynamics in the Mississippi River.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 10:40am - 11:00am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:40am CST

Technical Session. Population Dynamics of Flathead Catfish in Lake Mitchell, South Dakota
AUTHORS: David Lucchesi, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks; Matthew Wagner, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks; Tanner Stevens, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Brian Graeb, South Dakota State University

ABSTRACT: The unauthorized introduction of flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) into Lake Mitchell presented a unique opportunity to study the population dynamics of this species in a South Dakota impoundment.  We collected flathead catfish using daytime low frequency electrofishing during nine sampling events from June 2013 through June 2015 to examine population characteristics including abundance, recruitment, mortality, growth, condition, and diet.  We were most effective at collecting flathead catfish in the month of June, and catch per hour (CPUE) increased with the addition of a chase boat.  The number of flathead catfish in Lake Mitchell was estimated at 1,348 individuals (95% CI = 459-1,455; density = 4.97/ha) in 2014 and 1,197 individuals (95% CI = 931-1,461; density = 4.42/ha) in 2015.  Individuals from 12 year classes ranging from 1 to 13 years old were present. The population exhibited consistent recruitment, and annual mortality was estimated at 39%.  Flathead catfish grew quickly exceeding stock length at age-3 and quality length at age-5; however, growth slowed in 2015.  Similarly, condition of substock and stock-quality length fish declined in 2014 and 2015, respectively.  The decline in growth and condition coincided with the recruitment of a large year class in 2012 and may be an early indicator of intraspecific competition.  Diets of Lake Mitchell flathead catfish primarily consisted of crayfish (Orconectes spp.) and fish, mostly Centrarchidae.  Based on our findings, we believe that the Lake Mitchell flathead catfish population is in its growth phase, possibly close to carrying capacity. Future studies are necessary to assess if this population will eventually experience a decline in growth and abundance similar to other introduced flathead catfish populations.   
Tuesday February 7, 2017 10:40am - 11:00am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:40am CST

Technical Session. The Art of Conservation Planning for Waterfowl in the Midwest – Does It Matter How We Allocate Our Resources?
AUTHORS: Heath M. Hagy, J. Conner England, Joshua M. Osborn, Aaron P. Yetter, Jeffrey M. Levengood, Margaret Kenna*; Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

ABSTRACT: State and Federal Agencies, non-profit organizations, and other entities have processes for allocating wildlife habitat resources across the landscape. For example, the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture establishes habitat objectives for non-breeding waterfowl in the Midwest using daily ration models to estimate energetic carrying capacity.  Agencies and other conservation partners use these stepped-down habitat objectives to prioritize wetland restoration, enhancement, and creation activities.  Although much progress has been made in the 30 years since the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) was implemented, agencies still struggle to allocate habitat conservation activities in locations and at scales where birds can respond to and maximally benefit from wetland conservation actions.  We conducted research on lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) to develop a predictive model to simulate their response to habitat conservation activities on the landscape.  The continental lesser scaup population declined by more than 40% from the late 1970s to the mid-2000s, and currently the breeding population is still 20% below the NAWMP goal.  Research indicates that poor condition of females resulting from inadequate food sources during spring migration may be contributing to reduced populations.  We determined food density and foraging behavior at foraging and random locations in wetlands across the Midwest during spring migration 2012–2015 to better understand the response of lesser scaup to food densities.  Using this information, we created an individual-based model to predict how lesser scaup would respond to habitat enhancement and creation along the Illinois River, an important spring migration stopover site in the Midwest. We will demonstrate how conservation planners can use this model to evaluate the habitat conservation activities before expending valuable resources to maximize benefit for lesser scaup.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 10:40am - 11:00am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:00am CST

Technical Session. Effects of Competition, Predation, and Environment on Recruitment of a Pelagic Forage Fish, Lake Herring Coregonus Artedi, in a Missouri River Reservoir
AUTHORS: Nicholas Kludt, South Dakota State University; Mark Fincel, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks; Eli Felts, South Dakota State University; Brian Graeb, South Dakota State University

ABSTRACT: Recruitment is influenced by both biotic and abiotic pressures, but questions remain about the relative magnitude of these influences. We examined how Lake Herring Coregonus artedi year class strength was affected by two predators (Walleye Sander vitreus, Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and a competitor (Rainbow Smelt Osmerus mordax). Walleye were assessed using standard gill net survey CPUE, and Lake Herring, Chinook Salmon and Rainbow Smelt were assessed using hydroacoustics. We also evaluated the effects of ice-up, ice-out, temperature, overwinter reservoir drawdown, and annual discharge on Lake Herring year class strength. The a priori AIC multi-model analysis revealed increased Lake Herring year class strength, defined using catch-curve regression residuals, was associated with decreased large Walleye (>510 mm) and Rainbow Smelt abundances, which accounted for 91% of ΣAICc(W). Environmental variables explained only 6% ΣAICc(W), with each individual environmental term contributing less weight than the intercept model. Chinook Salmon abundance was analyzed separately due to differing data range, and did not influence Lake Herring year class strength. Odds ratios from a subsequent post hoc AIC multi-model analysis ranked the large Walleye model as 10.95 more likely to explain Lake Herring year class strength than the Rainbow Smelt model, and 23.63 more likely than the intercept model. Community time series suggest an interaction between Rainbow Smelt abundance and Walleye numbers. In flood years (1997, 2009, 2011), Rainbow Smelt populations declined and >380 mm Walleye abundance decreased within 3 years. The typically low density Lake Herring population produced strong year classes in these periods. The removal and re-establishment of predatory and competitive pressures following reservoir hydrologic cycles may have contributed to the ephemeral nature of Lake Herring year class production. Although not directly impacting year class strength, large flood events may have triggered the release of biotic regulation of recruitment.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 11:00am - 11:20am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:00am CST

Technical Session. Elucidating Mechanisms Structuring Crappie Recruitment in the Middle Mississippi River
AUTHORS: Tyler Ham, Southeast Missouri State University; Dr. Quinton Phelps, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: Understanding the factors that influence fluctuations in fish populations is key to effective management. In this study, our aim was to elucidate the primary factors driving crappie (Pomoxis spp.) recruitment in the Middle Mississippi River (MMR). The highly variable recruitment patterns associated with crappie life history coupled with the ecological and recreational importance of these fish make crappie an ideal species to gauge recruitment trends over time. To do such, we utilized the Long Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM) element database to determine crappie catches from 1992-2015 and with this data generated a recruitment index using the residual method (Maceina 1997). We determined which of a set of a priori models best describe crappie recruitment trends in the MMR using Akaike’s Information Criterion corrected for small sample sizes (AICc) as a model selection means. From this, we found that both the preceding number of flood days and mean size of the year, as well as the interaction of the two factors, best described the trends seen in crappie recruitment in the MMR. From this, we developed a conceptual framework to better begin to understand the trends we were seeing with the hopes of broadening our focus to begin to understand shifts in the fish community as a whole in the MMR. The information garnered from this study is valuable to numerous stakeholders, including researchers, managers, and anglers. 
Tuesday February 7, 2017 11:00am - 11:20am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:00am CST

Technical Session. Wintering Ecology of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area
AUTHORS: Kendra Slown, Southern Illinois University Carbondale; Dr. Michael Eichholz, Southern Illinois University Carbondale; Heath Hagy, Illinois Natural History Survey

ABSTRACT: There is evidence that the wintering distributions of migratory subarctic-breeding Canada geese (Branta canadensis) have been shifting northward for decades. One such population of subarctic-breeding Canada geese is the Mississippi Valley Population (MVP) of the Mississippi Flyway. MVP geese historically wintered in Arkansas and Mississippi where winter food was relatively plentiful and the climate was mild. Terminal wintering areas of MVP geese moved to Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky and Tennessee as agricultural waste grain became available in winter during the early and mid 20th century. More recently, MVP geese have been wintering in the greater Chicago metropolitan area (GCMA) in Northeastern Illinois. This urban area may be the terminal wintering latitude for many migrating subarctic-breeding geese during mild winters.
This shift in wintering distribution has been attributed to changes in agricultural practices, global warming, northern refuges, and the decoy effect of temperate-breeding geese wintering in northern regions. An alternative hypothesis is high food availability during fall combined with safe, relatively disturbance free wintering locations has allowed geese to modify their wintering strategy from actively feeding in wintering locations that provided adequate food sources to maintain body condition throughout winter, to a strategy where they acquire large reserves prior to winter then minimize feeding activity and thus energy expenditure during winter and using the endogenous reserves previously acquired.
To test this hypothesis we compared body condition and behavior between geese wintering in the GCMA during 2014-2016 with body condition and behavior of geese wintering in Southern Illinois during 1984-1989, as reported by Dr. Robert Gates. We will present preliminary data.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 11:00am - 11:20am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:20am CST

Technical Session. Does Use of Steel Shot Result in Greater Waterfowl Crippling? Using Harvest Data to Determine Effectiveness of Non-toxic Shot
AUTHORS: Craig A. Miller, Brent D. Williams - Illinois Natural History Survey

ABSTRACT: The Illinois Waterfowl Hunter Harvest Survey has been collecting waterfowl harvest and crippling data from hunters since 1981. Lead shot was banned for waterfowl hunting in Illinois beginning with the 1994 waterfowl season. We employed time series analysis to investigate efficacy of non-toxic (“steel shot”) regulations on waterfowl crippling rates for ducks and geese among Illinois hunters across the 33 years of waterfowl harvest data. Crippling trends prior to 1994 (R2 = -0.356) suggest the same trend in decline as that from 1994 to the present (R2 =
-0.353); however, number of crippled ducks was greater prior to the lead shot ban. Crippled ducks per 100 ducks bagged showed a steady trend prior to the ban (R2 = 0.001) and declined after the ban was in place (R2 = -0.617) with number of crippled ducks greater prior to 1994. Standardizing crippled ducks per hunter per day produced differing trends: Cripples were greater and trend line showed declining rate (R2 = -0.153) prior to the ban; trend for crippled ducks (R2 = -0.540) showed greater rate of decline following the ban. Trends for geese showed crippled geese per year increasing (R2 = 0.478) prior to the ban, and declining afterwards (R2 = -0.178). Trends for crippled geese per 100 bagged were similar to ducks: R2 = 0.0003 prior to the ban and R2 = 0.-535 after it was in place. Trend for crippled geese per hunter per day was increasing prior to the ban (R2 = 0.142) and declined afterwards (R2 = 0.331). Discussion will focus on effectiveness of  lead shot ban on waterfowl crippling in Illinois and use of harvest data for trends.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 11:20am - 11:40am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:20am CST

Technical Session. Influence of Hydrologic Conditions on the Short-term Growth of Minnesota River Fishes
AUTHORS: Cameron Brock, Shannon J. Fisher - Minnesota State University, Mankato

ABSTRACT: Most lotic systems of south-central Minnesota are set in a landscape dominated by intensively drained row-crop agriculture.  The Minnesota River system has experienced a range of changing hydrologic conditions, including increased magnitude, timing, and frequency of high flows.  Flow disruptions, even on limited temporal scales, can alter energy flow and impair preferred habitats for many fishes including but not limited to, Emerald Shiners Notropis atherinoides, Spotfin Shiners Cyprinella spiloptera, and Carpiodes spp.  Correlation analyses and mixed models were used to evaluate fish growth increments as a function of various flow conditions.  Preliminary results suggest that hydrologic conditions that facilitate floodplain connections, even for brief temporal periods, may influence growth of juvenile fishes in the Minnesota River.  These influences, however as anticipated, appear to be beneficial for some species and detrimental to others.  Therefore, conservation actions will vary based on the targeted species and desired outcomes.  
Tuesday February 7, 2017 11:20am - 11:40am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:20am CST

Technical Session. Movement and Survival (initial and Short-term) of Stocked Yearling Muskellunge in Spirit Lake, Iowa
AUTHORS: Jonathan Meerbeek, DJ Vogeler - Iowa Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Muskellunge angling opportunities in Iowa are a direct result of stocking since natural reproduction is extremely limited. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maintains these fisheries via stocking yearling Muskellunge. Recently, adult populations in some lakes have decreased, despite increased stocking rates and frequencies. Current mark-recapture studies found that stocked yearling survival has decreased precipitously as well. Transportation stress and predation are thought to be partially responsible for poor yearling Muskellunge survival. For example, in an effort to prevent the spread of zebra mussels, the Iowa DNR treats all water that leaves their hatchery facilities with the Edwards Treatment procedure. This additional treatment in conjunction with extended transport time may have direct and indirect effects on stocked yearling Muskellunge survival. The objective of this project was to evaluate post-stocking survival of stocked yearling Muskellunge in Spirit Lake, Iowa and to compare cohort survival via three stocking techniques: (1) stocked directly at ramp; (2) transported to holding tanks at Spirit Lake Hatchery and allowed to recover for 36 hours prior to being stocked at boat ramp; (3) transported off-shore via boat and stocked. Twenty Muskellunge yearlings (mean TL = 12.9”) from each stocking technique were implanted with radio tags and fish were tracked periodically up to 108 days post-stocking. All yearling Muskellunge stocked from the ramp experienced low Initial mortality (2.4%). Fish stocked offshore were difficult to detect via radio telemetry and initial mortality could not be estimated. Known mortality over 100-d was 10%, 35%, and 20% for direct, hatchery holdover, and offshore stocked fish, respectively. Overall, short-term (100-d) mortality was at least 22%. A logistic regression model found that total length at time of stocking significantly influenced yearling Muskellunge survival. Based on these data, production techniques that result in larger fish size will benefit Muskellunge populations in Iowa.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 11:20am - 11:40am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:40am CST

Technical Session. Biology and Potential Community Influences of Tadpole Madtoms and Stonecats in the Minnesota River
AUTHORS: Shannon J. Fisher, Cameron Brock - Minnesota State University, Mankato

ABSTRACT: Tadpole Madtoms Noturus gyrinus and Stonecats Noturus flavus are an often overlooked and underappreciated component of the Ictaluridae species found in the Minnesota River.  With high reproductive potential, these two species can be found at high density and therefore have a potentially substantial place in riverine foodwebs.  However, insufficient data are available to evaluate the potential associations of Tadpole Madtom and Stonecat with other recreationally important species.  We assessed the biology of these two species from Minnesota River samples to obtain data regarding population dynamics and food habits.  These preliminary findings were then compared with literature and other previously secured information for other Ictaluridae species of the Minnesota River.  The populations were dominated by relatively young individuals, however this may be the result of gear bias.  Food habits were similar to those reported from other populations and were, however, very similar to those reported for other important recreational and commercial fishes.  Therefore, further consideration of the potential influence Tadpole Madtom and Stonecat may exert on the foodweb would be a worthy effort.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 11:40am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. Building Partnerships and Alignments to Advance Conservation on Private Lands
AUTHORS: Margaret O'Gorman, President, Wildlife Habitat Council

ABSTRACT: Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) partners with corporations, their employees, fellow conservation organizations, government agencies and community members to recognize and encourage wildlife habitat projects for conservation and education. WHC works almost exclusively with the private sector to advance meaningful conservation efforts on corporate lands of all types. It does this by helping meet a business need with conservation, connecting land managers into a conservation context, and recognizing the efforts through its signature Conservation Certification program. In its efforts to ensure that meaningful conservation is being implemented on corporate lands, WHC advises members to partner with local, state and national entities - both NGO and government - and create conservation programs that align with existing conservation strategies like State Wildlife Action Plans, local watershed goals and regional conservation initiatives. Through the Conservation Certification application process, WHC develops a metric of conservation success to communicate the intent, actions and outcomes of private sector conservation, which assists with community and stakeholder outreach. Margaret O'Gorman will highlight companies who have advanced biodiversity through partnerships and alignments, and will offer strategies on how to leverage collaborations for conservation.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. Creating Social Habitat for Women and Novice Adult Hunters
AUTHORS: Emily E. Iehl, Univeristy of Wisconsin-Madison; Alanna Koshollek, Aldo Leopold Foundation; Keith Warnke, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Timothy R. Van Deelen, University of Wisconsin-Madison

ABSTRACT: Traditional modes of conservation must evolve with the changing demographics and values of Americans. As the number of hunters continues to fall throughout the U.S., the Aldo Leopold Foundation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have partnered to better welcome alternative groups into the state’s hunting community, which is overwhelmingly dominated by middle-aged white men. The process of Hunter Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation has been well-researched since the 1980s, but few studies have targeted the involvement of women, novice adults, and other minority groups. By modeling attributes of over 97,500 first-time license buyers; and combining this statistical analysis with one-on-one interviews with novice women hunters; we hope to create social habitat for non-traditional hunters in food-oriented Learn to Hunt programs.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. Implementation of a 228.6 Mm Crappie Minimum Length Limit at Two Indiana Impoundments
AUTHORS: Andrew Bueltmann, Sandy Clark-Kolaks, David Kittaka, Dan Carnahan - Indiana Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Dogwood (1,414 acres) and Hardy Lake (741 acres) are two Indiana impoundments which support highly utilized Crappie fisheries. In both impoundments Black Crappie are more abundant than White Crappie and are all under a 25 bag limit regulation. From 1997 to 2015 Indiana’s Department of Natural resources (IDNR) have surveyed Crappie in both lakes on numerous occasions. All surveys used standard trap nets and Smaller Lake Michigan trap nets to sample Crappie in either the spring or fall. Every fish collected was measured to the nearest millimeter and weighed to the nearest gram. A subsample of Black Crappie were sacrificed each survey for otolith ageing for establishment of a length age key. The Fisheries Analysis and Modeling Simulator was used to model the populations yield (in kilograms) under various length limits ranging from no length limit to a 254 mm length limit using a Beverton-Holt, yield per recruit model. Results suggested under a 228.6 mm minimum length limit number harvested would decrease, but yield harvested (in kilograms) would increase by approximately 37.7%. Therefore, IDNR implemented a 228.6 mm length limit at the beginning of 2016 for both impoundments.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. Larval Fish Populations Differ Spatiotemporally on a Large Unimpounded River
AUTHORS: Jordan J. Pesik, Eastern Illinois University; V. Alex Sotola, Texas State University; Sharon Rayford, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Robert E. Colombo, Eastern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: Little is known about larval fish communities in riverine systems. Since larval fish assemblages have been shown to vary on localized spatial and temporal scales, we were interested in comparing assemblages in a large river to identify environmental influences on assemblage structure. The Wabash River is the twelfth longest river in the contiguous United States and is the longest unimpounded river East of the Mississippi River. A major tributary of the Wabash River, the White River, effectively doubles the discharge of the Wabash at their confluence. Samples were collected by boat-mounted ichthyoplankton net for five minutes at twenty-one sites along the lower 200 miles of the Wabash River. Catch per unit effort (number of fish per cubic meter, CPUE) was Log-transformed for all analysis. Preliminary results indicate the White River alters assemblage composition below its confluence throughout the year. The spatial and temporal differences in larval fish assemblages between the upper and lower reaches indicate fundamental differences in environmental characteristics are preferred for larval development on a familial scale. During the spring and summer of 2016, we will be adding tributaries of the Wabash River for sample collection.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. The Influence of Conspecific Cues and Predator Presence on Anuran Breeding Habitat Selection Decisions
AUTHORS: Valerie L. Buxton, University of Illinois; Michael P. Ward, Illinois Natural History Survey and University of Illinois; Jinelle H. Sperry, Engineer Research and Development Center and University of Illinois

ABSTRACT: Conspecific cues and predator presence may influence breeding habitat decisions made in certain species. In anurans, conspecific cues may attract individuals to breeding ponds while predators may deter them from ponds. From 2014-2016, we have conducted experimental studies in Indiana, Illinois, and Arizona on several anuran species to determine whether individuals are attracted to artificial breeding ponds containing playbacks of conspecifics. We found that Cope’s gray treefrogs and Mexican spadefoots exhibit a strong response to playbacks, while Wood frogs, American toads, and Arizonza treefrogs exhibit weak or no response. In addition, in 2016 we examined how predator presence affects breeding pond selection in Western chorus frogs in two separate experiments. In one experiment, we added mosquitofish predators to half of our experimental ponds and monitored pond colonization. In another experiment, we introduced an additional cue to complicate the decision making process and monitored colonization of ponds in response to treatments of conspecific breeding cues only (i.e. egg masses), predators only, and conspecific cues and predators. In the former predator experiment, we found that frogs laid significantly fewer eggs in ponds with fish compared to fishless ponds, while in the latter experiment we found no significant differences in number of eggs deposited among the three treatments. Collectively, our results suggest that anurans use different biotic cues in selecting breeding sites but cue use may potentially vary by species and location.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:20pm CST

Technical Session. There’s an App for That: Digital Data Entry in Fisheries
AUTHORS: Kirk D. Steffensen, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

ABSTRACT: We are in the era of instantaneous information needs; whether it is the weather forecast for tomorrow’s fishing trip, the sun rise-set schedule or latest fishing reports. Anglers are always interested in the most recent sampling or creel results. Traditionally, biologist record field data on standard paper data sheets which then needs to be key-punched, run through quality assurance queries and analyzed before reporting the annual changes or trends, generally months later. Digital data provides real-time data availability but does require a significant upfront budget and application development. Digital data entry then saves substantial time on the back end by running built-in error check queries and automatically running data assessments. For the past four years, the Missouri River Recovery Programs which includes the Pallid Sturgeon Population Assessment Project and the Habitat Assessment and Monitoring Project have been using a digital data entry format via the US Army Corps of Engineers developed SturgeonApp. The use of the SturgeonApp has greatly reduced data entry errors and have provided real-time data availability and assessment to monitor recovery concerns. This presentation will introduce our digital data entry devices and methods then show the associated benefits.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Adjacent Land Use as a Driver of Species Diversity in Ditches
AUTHORS: Ashlee Nichter, Andrew Gregory - Bowling Green State University

ABSTRACT: The greatest threats to biodiversity are habitat-fragmentation, loss and degradation resulting from intensive human land use. Conversion for agricultural development has resulted in prairie ecosystems becoming one of the most endangered ecotypes on the planet. Remnant patches of prairies are now confined to local reserves and linear landscape features such as ditches, field margins and riparian buffers. Most research and conservation efforts have focused on reserve areas as the primary target of conservation; however, due to high interconnectivity and water quality protection laws, linear landscape features may actually be viable biological reserves. However, continued deterioration and fragmentation of linear landscape features from adjacent land use negatively impacts vegetation composition and diversity in these features, resulting in highly invaded novel ecosystems. Resultantly, few have evaluated the potential of these marginal natural vegetative features to act as biological reserves. We measured both vegetation diversity and composition of 80 linear landscape features throughout northwest Ohio. We then buffered each feature at 1Km and extracted a metric of human use intensity within each buffered region. For the human use intensity data set we used the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Global Human Footprint database. We found that the Human Influence Index (HII) has a significant negative influence on species richness (r2=0.04; P=0.04), but does not have any significant impact on species diversity (Shannon Diversity Index; P=0.29). Further we found that percent shrub coverage was positively correlated to HII (r2=0.088; P=0.006) and negatively correlated with percent coverage of C3 (r2=0.077; P=0.01) and C4 grasses (r2=0.87; P=0.006). These data suggest that linear landscape features, although highly invaded, may have potential as biological reserves, which has implications for the long standing SLOSS debate. 
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Are Fish Avoiding You? Behavioral Syndromes and Fishing-induced Behavioral Change in Ambloplites Rupestris
AUTHORS: Alexis D. Fedele, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Christopher J. Chizinski, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Joseph J. Fontaine, U.S. Geological Survey—Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Kevin L. Pope, U.S. Geological Survey—Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln


ABSTRACT: Studies demonstrate that catch-and-release angling may result in reduced catchability over time, which suggests angling-induced behavioral change. Further, behavioral syndromes have also been suggested to influence a fish’s vulnerability to angling. Using Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris in laboratory experiments, we assessed the influence of behavioral syndromes on a fish’s ability to alter its behavior in response to anglers over seven consecutive days of fishing. Ration level and lure type, which consisted of a wire with a worm, a simple worm on a hook, and a roadrunner jig with a worm, were also varied across treatments to assess the role of hunger and visual cues on a fish’s propensity to be caught. Bolder indviduals exhibited a greater probability of capture across treatment types compared to shier individuals. Ration level did not appear to have an affect on an the probability of capture. The lure treatment exhibited a lower initial probablity of capture than the worm and control treatments across behavioral types, with the control treatment showing little change over fishing days. The learned avoidance of capture has strong implications for fishing-induced evolution, efficacy of management regulations and satisfaction of anglers.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Assessing Compliance with Electronic Deer Harvest Registration
AUTHORS: Ben Beardmore, Bob Holsman, Brian Dhuey, Dan Storm - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources


ABSTRACT: Wisconsin eliminated mandatory in-person deer registration stations in 2015, and moved to online or phone-in harvest registration instead. Because data from mandatory check stations has historically served as the back-bone for deer population estimates, verifying that hunters were participating in the system became critical for ensuring that deer population estimates continued to be accurate. Given the considerable change to the Wisconsin culture of registering harvested deer and the challenges of assessing registration compliance when physical tags no longer existed, social science staff were asked to devise a way to help assess the compliance rates with electronic deer registration. Drawing insights from research on socially undesirable behaviors, we developed and tested a novel questionnaire design that would allow us to measure compliance rates within the deer hunter population without individuals having to implicate themselves as having failed to register a deer. Preliminary results of the study revealed high rates of compliance in the first year of E-registration and were consistent with findings from a comparison of registration data with hunter reports of deer harvests on surveys. This approach holds promise for using surveys to capture noncompliance rates on a whole suite of behaviors in the future.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Developing Future Conservation Leaders: The GLADE Model
AUTHORS: Janice Schnake Greene, Missouri State University

ABSTRACT: The Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems (GLADE) is a week-long academy for high school students in southwest Missouri. GLADE is an immersion in the outdoors sponsored by the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, Missouri State University and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Students participate in leadership activities to learn about different types of leadership. They participate in bird banding, water quality studies, and learn about pollinators and biodiversity through interactions with agency personnel and volunteers. They work with MDC employees to restore giant river cane habitat along a creek in the Bull Shoals Lake watershed. A unique aspect is that students have an opportunity to apply for grant funds for follow-up conservation projects in their home communities. An overview of the program will be presented along with a review of community projects and a seven-year evaluation on knowledge and attitudes. Follow-up interviews with students show that many have entered college for a conservation-related career or are involved in other conservation activities and consider GLADE a “transformative” experience.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Evolution of Host-Parasite Interactions in Fragmented Landscapes
AUTHORS: Johanna Fornberg, Johannes Foufopoulos - University of Michigan

ABSTRACT: Native parasites can play an important role in wildlife communities, as population regulators and as competitors with their hosts. Understanding the dynamics and implications of native parasites and pathogens is necessary to predict effects of introduced disease in a wildlife community. Island populations are considered to be particularly susceptible to introduced disease; however the ecology and distribution of native diseases in island systems are underrepresented in current literature. We present research on host-parasite interactions in isolated populations of island-dwelling Podarcis erhardii with native malarial parasites (family Hepatozoon). Research was conducted across 23 Aegean islands in a land-bridge island system which vary in age (time of isolation) and area (km2). We analyzed the nature of host-parasite interactions by studying 1) how infection and parasitemia varies based on island characteristics; 2) how immune function varies across islands; and 3) how infection and parasitemia relate to physical condition of individuals. We study these questions using a combination of field and laboratory work; laboratory work is still ongoing through the end of the calendar year. We expect to find the following, based on our hypotheses: 1) infection and parasitemia will be lower in populations on islands which are smaller (km2) and/or have been isolated for a longer period; 2) immune function will correlate positively with infection and parasitemia (i.e. immune function will be weaker in populations on smaller islands and/or more isolated islands; 3) physical condition will be reduced (based on infection and parasitemia of individuals). This study will provide insight to the impacts of island biogeography on host-parasite evolution and interactions.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

1:40pm CST

Technical Session. Larval Fish Assemblages Differ Spatially and Temporally Among Tributaries of Two Large River Systems
AUTHORS: Jordan J. Pesik, Eastern Illinois University; Daniel R. Roth, Eastern Illinois University; David H. Wahl, Illinois Natural History Survey; Robert E. Colombo, Eastern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: Little is known about larval fish communities in riverine systems. Since larval fish assemblages have been shown to vary on localized spatial and temporal scales, we were interested in comparing assemblages within and among tributaries of large rivers to better understand their ecology in tributaries and importance to the larger system. Two river systems were included in this study. The Wabash River is the twelfth longest river in the contiguous United States and is the longest unimpounded river East of the Mississippi River. In comparison, the Illinois River is a large and highly impounded river. Three major tributaries of each river were selected for sampling (Mackinaw, Spoon and Sangamon Rivers from the Illinois River system; Embarras, Little Wabash and Vermilion Rivers from the Wabash River system). Fish larvae were collected biweekly at three sites from each tributary to capture upper river, middle river, and lower river conditions. Three gears were used in larvae collection. We used anchor-mounted ichthyoplankton drift nets and quatrefoil light traps at all sites, and added boat-mounted ichthyoplankton net sampling at all lower river sites due to the necessity of large boat access. Catch per unit effort (number of fish per cubic meter, CPUE) was Log-transformed for analysis. Eleven families of fishes have been identified so far, of which Catostomidae and Cyprinidae are the most abundant. Preliminary results indicate the Wabash River system is more productive than the Illinois River system. Additionally, lower river sites seem to be more productive than upper river sites. While the flow and accumulation of resources inherent to a river’s longitudinal gradient may explain the differences in productivity among reaches within tributaries, we still need to elucidate the large scale differences between these two river systems influencing larval fish abundance and structure.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. A Watershed in Motion: Understanding Changing Dynamics Across Time and Space
AUTHORS: Emma Brinley Buckley, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and NET Television; Mary Harner, Departments of Communication & Biology, University of Nebraska at Kearney; Michael Forsberg, Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Michael Forsberg Photography; Michael Farrell, Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and NET Television

ABSTRACT: Time-lapse imagery offers a passive technique for visual monitoring and recording of changing natural systems. With over forty time-lapse camera installations, the Platte Basin Time-lapse (PBT) project is a multimedia endeavor documenting a stressed watershed throughout the Great Plains to contribute to scientific research, while simultaneously supporting science communication and other forms of public engagement. We are exploring methods for streamlining visual and automated image analysis so that standard techniques may be applied across cameras to increase the spatial scale. For example, we use batch classification of images to quantify water inundation in aquatic systems lacking monitoring data to assess hydrologic fluctuations in relation to water quality. In addition, we pair time-lapse images with other data to visually illustrate changing dynamics. In this presentation we highlight on-going projects and share ways that other researchers may engage with PBT. We invite you to explore more at www.plattebasintimelapse.com.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. Age-Period-Cohort Modeling to Project Size, Composition, and License Revenue Contributions of Michigan’s Future Hunting Population
AUTHORS: Brent Rudolph, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Richelle Winkler, Michigan Technological University; Chris Henderson, Michigan State University

ABSTRACT: Michigan has a strong hunting tradition, ranking among the top states nationally for annual deer hunting participants. As is the case for most states, however, hunting participation has been declining in recent years. We developed an Age-Period-Cohort regression model utilizing 19 years of Michigan resident firearm deer hunting license sales (1995 through 2013) to assess trends and project the future hunting population. We assessed differences by gender and regionally from county to county. Results identified cohort effects across all regions, indicating strong generational influences on hunting participation. Males born between 1955 and 1970 have an increased likelihood to hunt, with these cohort effects minimizing the typical effects age has on decreasing participation. Projections indicate nearly 22% of the male firearm deer hunting population in 2035 will be ≥65 years old, compared to 13% at present. Recent female cohorts (born since 1987) show an increased likelihood to hunt in comparison to prior generations. Projections indicate females may constitute about 20% of the firearm deer hunting population in Michigan by 2035, compared to just 10% at present. Despite these effects, the reduced likelihood recent male cohorts (born since 1980) have to hunt is projected to drive a >20% decline in the overall firearm deer hunting population by 2035. The attendant projected drop in license purchases equates to a $6,500,000 reduction in revenue, or about 18% of the recent overall budget for Michigan’s Wildlife Division. Efforts to improve recruitment and retention will be challenged to counter significant generational effects, though continuing to facilitate participation of young females represents the best opportunity. We encourage agencies to also use projections such as ours to explicitly plan how to meet wildlife conservation goals and the changing needs of a demographically different hunting population in the face of declining traditional revenue sources.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. Historic Food Webs Discern Ecosystem Changes in a Large River
AUTHORS: Mark Pyron, Robert Shields, Mario Minder, Jesse Becker - Ball State University

ABSTRACT: Food webs can be studied by analyzing tissue of organisms for C and N isotope ratios. We studied food webs in the Wabash River, Indiana in an attempt to identify correlates of a shift in fish assemblages that occurred in the 1990s. We compared recent food webs to historical food webs by using our fish collections or museum specimens as tissue sources. Our first approach was a bulk tissue analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. This allowed us to examine trophic levels and potential carbon sources. Our more recent approach is compound specific amino acid isotope analysis, which allows to identify primary producers as sources for all consumers.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. How Do Nectar Quality, Pollen Quality, and Flower Abundance Influence Pollen Collection of Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) in Northern Virginia?
AUTHORS: Preston Thompson, Bowling Green State University

ABSTRACT: Abstract
Bumblebees collect pollen, which contains protein and lipids, for larvae production. Bumblebees also drink nectar, which contains sugar, to increase energy levels. We asked the questions 1) How do plants vary in pollen rewards? 2) How do plants vary in nectar rewards? and 3) How do rewards affect pollen collection? We analyzed data from a previous study on B. impatiens and B. griseocollis. For our study we collected pollen from Verbascum thapsis, Securigra varia, Carduus acanthoides and Solanum carolinense. We also collected nectar for Nepeta cataria, Carduus acanthoides and Asclepias syriaca. We analyzed the amount of pollen produced per flower and the amount of protein produced per flower for each species of interest. Verbascum, Carduus and Solanum had relatively high amounts of pollen per flower compared to Securigera. Carduus contained the highest amount of protein per flower while Solanum and Securigera contained the lowest amount of protein per flower. Our results conclude Asclepias had the most nectar volume per flower compared to Carduus and Nepeta. Asclepias had the highest sugar mass compared to Carduus and Nepeta. Asclepias had the most nectar produced per plant compared to Carduus and Nepeta. Asclepias had the most total sugar produced per plant. Our results conclude B. impatiens went to flowers with high protein but were less abundant, while B. griseocollis went to flowers with low amounts of protein but were more abundant.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. Snake Fungal Disease affects Survival and Behavior of Free-ranging Massasauga Rattlesnakes
AUTHORS: Sasha Tetzlaff, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Michael Ravesi, Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center; Evin Carter, University of Tennessee at Knoxville; Brett DeGregorio, US Army ERDC-CERL; Matthew Allender, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Bruce Kingsbury, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

ABSTRACT: Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) caused by Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola is an emerging fungal pathogen that has been detected in numerous snake species. However, the survival and behavior of free-ranging individuals with this disease has yet to be reported. Here, we radio-tracked 24 Massasauga Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus) with and without SFD in northern Michigan during 2013–15 to explore how this pathogen affects survival, movement, thermoregulation, microhabitat selection, and exposure. Five snakes were considered to have SFD, either from positive qPCR results for Ophidiomyces (n=4) or clinical signs consistent with disease yet tested negative (n=1). The annual survival rate of snakes with SFD (0.16) was less than one third of control snakes that did not have SFD (0.59). SFD snakes moved distances ≥20 m less frequently than controls and were thus fully exposed less often. Microhabitat selection appeared similar between groups, but SFD snakes were more often associated with habitats broadly characterized as early successional. Monthly body temperatures of SFD snakes differed from controls only at the end of the active season, which corroborates observations of diseased snakes basking on the surface when controls had already retreated belowground at overwintering sites. Our findings collectively suggest SFD affects individual behavior during peak activity periods and when snakes are preparing to overwinter. Massasauga Rattlesnakes with this disease ultimately have reduced survival rates compared to those which do not. This is the first study reporting the effects of SFD on free-ranging individuals, but how this translates to potentially altered population dynamics remains to be investigated.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:00pm CST

Technical Session. The Effects of Electrofishing Waveform on Immobilization Thresholds for Blue Catfish
AUTHORS: William Morris, Missouri Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit; University of Missouri;
Craig Paukert, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit; University of Missouri; Zach Ford, Missouri Department of Conservation; Andy Turner, Missouri Department of Conservation; Jan Dean, Dean Electrofishing, LLC


ABSTRACT: Electrofishing is a common sampling technique used to collect catfish. However, there is a need to standardize electrofishing protocols to better assess the status and trends of catfish populations. Applying the power transfer theory, our objective was to determine if the immobilization threshold (i.e., minimum voltage needed to immobilize fish) for Blue Catfish differed by electrofishing waveform, with the goal of determining the most efficient settings to collect Blue Catfish. We compared immobilization thresholds between 40 pulsed DC waveforms for 200 Blue Catfish ranging from 35 to 50 cm. Waveforms ranged from eight to 300 pulses per second (hz), with duty cycles ranging from 10 to 40% at each pulse frequency. Each Blue Catfish was placed in a controlled tank with steel electrodes on each end attached to a backpack electrofisher and voltage was increased from one volt until immobilization was observed. The voltage at which twitch, immobilization, and surface responses were observed were independently recorded for each trial by four observers. High frequency waveforms (80-300 hz) had the lowest immobilization thresholds, but only 24% of the fish showed a surface response under the five waveforms with the lowest average immobilization threshold. Four low frequency (8-12 hz) waveforms, which are more commonly used for Blue Catfish collection, produced a surface response in >80% of fish, but immobilization thresholds for these waveforms varied from the 10th lowest (12 hz) to the highest (8 hz) of all waveforms tested. Our results suggest that Blue Catfish may be best immobilized by high frequency waveforms, but the lack of a surfacing response under these waveforms may make them less efficient at capturing fish in a natural setting. A better capture prone response (i.e. surfacing) is produced under lower frequency waveforms where more of a threshold buffer exists between twitch and immobilization.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. Detection and Occupancy of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Across Southern Michigan
AUTHORS: Stephanie A. Shaffer, Henry Campa, III, Gary Roloff - Michigan State University; Daniel Kennedy, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus; EMR) is a species of special concern in Michigan and is currently proposed for federal listing as threatened. Additionally, EMRs are listed as threatened or endangered in every other state and province within its range hence improved techniques for reliably determining site occupancy during the active season are critical. In the summer months of 2015 and 2016 we developed and conducted 167 EMR detection surveys throughout southern Michigan at 20-ha sites within four study areas, Seven Lakes State Park (Seven Lakes), Baker Audubon Sanctuary (Baker), Ives Road Fen (Ives), and Liberty/Grand River Fen (Liberty), where EMR occupancy was confirmed with radio telemetry. We temporally replicated visual encounter surveys using randomized observers and start times (surveys of the same site were conducted at least approximately 24 hours apart). We a priori identified environmental (e.g., air temperature, ground surface temperature, solar radiation, and humidity) and surveyor (e.g., individual, level of experience) variables thought to be important to EMR detection and recorded that information for each survey. We detected 18 EMR across all surveys.  The number of EMR detected per study area were: 6, 3, 1, and 8 at Seven Lakes, Baker, Ives, and Liberty, respectively. An intercept-only detection model (i.e., no site or environmental covariates) with fixed occupancy indicated a detection probability of 0.11 (SE = 0.03). We report on our more heavily parameterized detection models and, based on our top-ranking model, estimate the minimum number of surveys needed to reliably detect EMR. We offer our models as a standardized method for determining occupancy of EMR at specific locations throughout southern Michigan. 
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. Exploring Linkages Between Hunting and Fishing Permit Sales Among Upland Game Permit Holders
AUTHORS: Alisha Grams, Nathaniel Price, Matthew Gruntorad - School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Kevin Pope, U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Christopher J. Chizinski, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Joseph J. Fontaine, U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

ABSTRACT: With the sales of licenses generating over $1 billion in economic returns for Nebraska, the value of hunters and anglers is essential to managing the states’ natural resources. However, this dependence upon licenses makes Nebraska vulnerable to declining participation in outdoor recreation. Education programs can only do so much to increase participation, but understanding how hunters and anglers use the resources, the different types of users, and movement among different groups of participants will better inform managers on what they can do to help. We determined associations among types of hunting and fishing permits sold and churn among permit purchases. In 2015, 64% of hunters (i.e. those purchasing a hunting permit or hunt / fish combo permit) are also anglers (i.e. purchased a hunt / fish combo or fish permit). However, only 28% of anglers also purchased a hunting or hunt-fish combo permit.  Understanding associations among user groups will provide managers with tools to develop strategic planning towards recruitment and retention programs.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. Freezing and Flooding: Factors Affecting Centrarchid Sportfish Populations in the Lower Illinois River
AUTHORS: Jason DeBoer, Illinois River Biological Station; Andrea Fritts, U.S. Geological Survey; Mark Fritts, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Rich Pendleton, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Levi Solomon, Illinois River Biological Station; TD VanMiddlesworth, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality; Andrew Casper, Illinois River Biological Station

ABSTRACT: The frequency and seasonality of key hydrologic events like floods and droughts can strongly regulate populations of fishes in Midwestern floodplain rivers. Geomorphology and hydrologic connectivity often play important mitigating roles by providing access to seasonal refugia. However, human-manipulated water-level fluctuations from lock and dam operations, and anthropogenically increased sedimentation, can limit connectivity and degrade refugia quality, which can strongly affect populations of nest-building fishes like centrarchids. We believe that centrarchid populations in the Lower Illinois River are limited by poor habitat quality in backwater areas plagued by anthropogenically derived sedimentation; these areas are used by centrarchids for spawning, nursery, and overwinter habitat throughout the region. In this presentation, we will explore recent dynamics in centrarchid population cycles (i.e., relative abundance and growth) that we believe are directly predicated on extreme weather events acting in opposite directions. Although moderate to severe flooding provides much-needed access to inundated terrestrial habitat for spawning and rearing, harsh winter weather can create intolerable abiotic conditions in poor-quality backwater habitats, thereby increasing overwinter mortality of centrarchid populations. As a consequence of this episodic push-pull dynamic, centrarchid populations in the Lower Illinois River exhibit pronounced boom-bust cycles that populations in the Upper Illinois River, where hydrology and connectivity are less degraded, do not. It is imperative that backwater habitats in the Lower Illinois River are improved to allow for more consistent production and increased longevity of centrarchid populations in this region.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. Murphy's Law of Aquaponics
AUTHORS: Brittney Adams, University Nebraska at Kearney; Nate Bickford, University Nebraska at Kearney

ABSTRACT: We are all to familiar with Murphy’s Law, the one that states what can go wrong, will go wrong. Murphy’s Law has help with some of the most important scientific finding (i.e. antibiotics), but often it just … hurts.
Aquaponics is the combination of hydroponics and aquaculture. It uses fish held in tanks in combination with produce. The water from the tanks is filtered through media (gravel, sand, etc.) that house bacteria. The bacteria in turn break down the fish waste to nitrate and nitrite which is then transported via water to the agricultural produce. Aquaponics is gaining in popularity worldwide, because of its many possibilities. It can grow biomass (fish and vegetables) quickly, cut down on the carbon foot print, it has chemical free qualities, allows for zero food miles, and it can use otherwise discarded materials to maintain and build the systems, as well as increase food security decreasing food deserts in urban and rural areas.
We had three different set of experiments each had 10 ten gallon tanks. Each experiment was observed for a six-month time period, nutrient readings, fish health, plants health and production weights were all recorded. Each experiment manipulated a different aspect of production factors. We began to notice that things were not working well in our systems so we made changes. The data indicated that the changes we made were beneficial for systems. This talk will show you just how bad murphy’s law can hurt.

Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. Nest Success and Species Composition of Nest Predators in Dry Evergreen Forest of Northeast Thailand
AUTHORS: Daphawan Khamcha, George A. Gale -Conservation Ecology Program, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (Thailand)



ABSTRACT: Nest survival and nest success are key parameters that can be used to estimate and predict changes in avian populations. We investigated nest success and defined nest predators in dry evergreen forest in the Sakaerat Environmental Research Station (SERS) in northeastern Thailand. During the breeding season from February to August we searched for nests along two, 1km transects starting at the edge into the forest interior. To assess the nest predator species, video cameras and camera traps were placed on active nests of selected species. During the breeding seasons of 2014 -2016 we found 307 active nests from 24 species. The overall Mayfield nest success was 7.7% and the predation rate was high (84%). From video cameras and camera traps set at 156 nests from 17 species, we detected 95 predation events and recorded 12 nest predator species. Snakes were the main predator (30%) followed by Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca leonina) (23%), Common Green Magpie (Cissa chinensis) (17%) and raptors (14%). Nest success in our study was quite low compared with other studies in tropical forests including our previous study in a nearby old-growth evergreen forest, which was typically closer to 20%. The predation rate in SERS was also higher than other studies. Species composition of nest predators was similar to other studies in the region but the top nest predator in the regional studies was the Pig-tailed macaque (~40% of predation events). It seems that the predation by Pig-tailed Macaque was compensated by snakes in SERS. The mechanisms that cause such high predation rates in SERS are still unclear, however differences in the predator community and behaviors affected by edge effects and habitat fragmentation may be significant factors.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:20pm CST

Technical Session. The Ecology of the Monarch Butterfly Relative to Density, Host Plant Occurrence and Habitat Use in the Flint Hills
AUTHORS: Caroline Skidmore, Kelsey McCullough - Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University; David Haukos, U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) were once abundant across North America, but populations have declined by 81% in the last decade. Population declines, principally within the central Great Plains (CGP), and consideration for listing under the Endangered Species Act makes research on the ecology, population trends, and habitat requirements of the Monarch especially relevant. Knowledge of the habitat use patterns of Monarchs is necessary to improve conservation efforts in the CGP. Specifically, modeling occurrence of milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) will assist in management of Monarchs throughout their range. Although much of the Monarch’s range within the CGP consists of cropland, understanding Monarch habitat requirements in native prairies should also be a focus. Documenting Monarch response to prairie management strategies will assist in conservation planning. We measured Monarch density in tall-grass prairie managed using haying, grazing, and prescribed fire at Fort Riley Military Reservation (FRMR) and Konza Prairie Biological Station (KPBS) in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Our objectives were to (1) derive temporal population density estimates of Monarchs during May-August (2) compare average population density responses among management strategies and (3) create models to predict the influence of vegetation composition on the density of adult Monarch butterflies and predict the occurrence of milkweed within FRMR and KPBS. We conducted repeated transect surveys of Monarch butterflies among 37 and 25 transects in FRMR and KPBS during 2015 and 2016, respectively. Concurrently, we recorded locations of ~100 milkweed clusters. The greatest density of Monarchs was found in transects with high fire return interval or hayed. Monarch densities greatly increased within the Flint Hills in August due to their migration south. These results provide a direction for Monarch conservation, expressing the need to manage their habitat through high fire return intervals and haying.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:40pm CST

Technical Session. Assessing Habitat Management for an Isolated Population of Aspidoscelis Sexlineata (Six-Lined Racerunner) Using Focal Animal Sampling and Visual Encounter Surveys
AUTHORS: Reine Ecker, Brionna Schrag, Melanie Schott, Teresa Yoder-Nowak, Danielle Potts -University of Michigan-Flint

ABSTRACT: The six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) is a small whiptail lizard that is common throughout most of its range, which includes the Midwest and Southeast United States as well as part of Mexico. However, only one known, isolated population exists in Michigan, estimated at 450 individuals and inhabiting 4.13 hectares of south-facing hillside in Murphy Lake State Game Area, Tuscola County, Michigan. Previous research suggests that this population is a glacial relict rather than an introduced population. Due to its limited habitat and possible native status, the six-lined racerunner was declared a Threatened species in Michigan in 2009. These lizards are known to benefit from habitat disturbance, so as part of an adaptive management project trees and brush were removed from randomly selected plots in the lizards’ habitat to improve and maintain habitat quality. During the summer of 2014, prior to habitat modification, preliminary behavioral and occupancy data were collected within the plots using focal animal sampling (FAS) and visual encounter surveys (VES). Percent canopy cover and percent brush cover for each plot were also recorded. Herbicidal treatment of woody vegetation in treatment plots was applied during the fall of 2014, followed by manual removal of dead vegetation in the spring of 2016. Post modification data were collected in the summer of 2016 using the same methods as pre modification data collection. Data were then compared between pre and post modification and between treated and untreated plots to determine the effects of woody vegetation removal on six-lined racerunner behavior and occupancy. 
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:40pm CST

Technical Session. Diet Contents and Dietary Selectivity of Fishes in the U.S. Great Basin
AUTHORS: Mario Minder, Robert Shields, Mark Pyron - Ball State University; Emily Arsenault, Mike Thai, Jim Thorp - University of Kansas; Olaf Jensen, Rutgers University

ABSTRACT: The Great Basin Rivers are home to a large variety of fishes, both native and invasive. As part of a larger macrosystems project, we analyzed stomach contents from fish collected on the Carson, Humboldt, and Bear Rivers in Nevada, Idaho, and Utah. Using the Manly-Chesson diet selectivity index we compared the contents of our stomachs to results of invertebrate surveys performed concurrently with our fish sampling. The results of this study will be used in conjunction with future sampling efforts in Mongolia and the Yellowstone River.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:40pm CST

Technical Session. New Insights into the Common Predators of Grassland Wildlife
AUTHORS: Timothy P. Lyons, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Julia A. Nawrocki, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Thomas J. Benson Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute; Robert L. Schooley, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Michael P. Ward, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

ABSTRACT: Much of the information about the identity of the primary predators of game and non-game wildlife is often inferred from indirect evidence such as landscape patterns in prey mortality, indices of potential predator activity or abundance, or are extrapolated from a select few studies which may not be representative of dynamics in different places or at different points in time. Consequently, management actions intended to reduce predation may be ineffective because the primary predators are misidentified. In grasslands, ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus foridanus) are important game species and predation of these animals is largely attributed to nocturnal predators such as mesocarnivores. The extent to which pheasants and cottontails are preyed on by diurnal predators, such as raptors, is unclear but determining the role these predators play is important to the effective management of both game species. We used automated telemetry systems deployed in three grassland landscapes in east-central Illinois to address to address several questions about the identity of the predators of pheasants and cottontails. We used activity data from our automated systems to classify predation events as nocturnal or diurnal and determined whether predator identity differed between prey species, among seasons, or among landscapes. Our study helps to clarify the identity of the primary predators of two important game species. This type of information can help address questions about predator-prey relationships and can assist wildlife managers attempting to reduce the impact of predation on species of interest.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:40pm CST

Technical Session. Pipelines to Pollination: Implications of Vegetation Management on Marcellus–Utica Natural Gas Pipeline Rights-of-way
AUTHORS: Gabriel Karns, Claire Beck - The Ohio State University, School of Environment and Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Long-term and steady declines of native bee and Lepidopteran populations are well documented.  Within highly-modified landscapes, overall pollinator habitat has deteriorated but these very environments hold at least one important opportunity for pollinator habitat conservation—rights-of-way (ROWs).  Specific to our study, pipeline ROWs are required to be clear of woody encroachment and remain some form of early successional habitat.  To gain baseline knowledge for pipeline ROWs in the Marcellus–Utica region, we sampled non-woody vegetation and Lepidopteran (butterflies and skippers) and native bee populations within 24 study plots, May−August 2016, in eastern Ohio.  Each plot was sampled 4 times in 3-week sequential intervals.  Plot locations were surrounded by pole-stage forests and buffered from adjacent land cover types to avoid potential confounding.  Surveys documented 88 flowering plant species.  Flowering bloom abundance peaked during the third sampling interval and decreased in the fourth, but flowering diversity increased throughout and peaked at summer’s end.  We documented 32 Lepidopteran species, and Lepidopteran species richness and abundance peaked during the final sampling interval.  Correlational analysis indicated positive associations between flower abundance and Lepidopteran abundance (r2=0.480), Lepidopteran abundance and ROWs width (r2=0.455), and flowering species richness and Lepidopteran species richness (r2=0.515).  Pipe zone-border zone concepts and Integrated Vegetation Management practices provide mechanisms for managers to reduce mechanical vegetation maintenance (e.g., periodic mowing) and stabilize high-quality habitat for pollinators predominantly using through conservation application of selective herbicides.  Analysis of native bee data and experimental herbicide treatments are forthcoming to examine pollinator response to vegetation management strategies for pipeline ROWs.  Pipeline ROWs already contribute important pollinator habitat to the region and the potential for greater positive change through modified vegetation management practices is promising.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

2:40pm CST

Technical Session. Tooth Replacement Rate of Carcharodon carcharias (Linneaus, 1758)
AUTHORS: John Clay Bruner, Department of Biological Sciences and Laboratory for Vertebrate Paleontology, University of Alberta


ABSTRACT: Analysis of 31 jaws of Carcharodon carcharias, from specimens ranging in total length from 143.5 to 460.9 cm, finds a range in tooth replacement rate of the Second Lateral tooth family of (Upper/Lower) 106.24/113.59 days for young individuals to 225.90/242.18 days for old individuals using the Strasburg Plot Method. The Second Lateral tooth family of the upper and lower jaws gives the best estimates of tooth replacement rate. Upper and lower jaws demonstrate fluctuating asymmetry within the number of tooth positions. The range in dental formulae of the upper/lower jaw for this sample is: 11 to 15 - 0 - 12 to 14 / 11 to 16 - 0 - 11 to 15. One male (NOAA-NMFS Tag #610, TL 149.5 cm) taken off New Jersey in the Northwest Atlantic, has a very minute parasymphysial tooth in the upper right jaw. This is the first report of a parasymphysial tooth present in a White Shark and is considered here as an atavistic character. Using the tooth replacement rate of 106.24 days/tooth, and previous reports of near term White Shark embryos with 3 to 4 full tooth sets present in their alimentary canals, an estimate of when tooth replacement begins prior to parturition and therefore a minimum estimate of gestation period for the White Shark can be calculated as 425 days.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:20pm CST

Technical Session. Impacts of Land Use on Habitat suitability and forage for honey bees in the Northern Great Plains
AUTHORS: Matthew Smart, Clint Otto (USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND)

ABSTRACT: Recent land use changes across the Northern Great Plains have resulted in declining availability of habitat suitable for supporting managed honey bee colonies. We use apiary registration records to map areas experiencing high rates of land use change near established apiaries, and provide logistic models quantifying how apiary site selection by beekeepers is influenced by land use. Finally, we highlight plant taxa that are utilized by honey bee colonies positioned in agricultural landscapes in the region.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:20pm CST

Technical Session. Isolation Not Dragon Predation Caused Unicorn Extinction in Pre-historic Sky Island: Fairy-tale Creatures Teach Spatial Ecology in Ohio
AUTHORS: Andrew J. Gregory, Ashlee N. Nichter - School of Earth Environment and Society, Bowling Green State University

ABSTRACT: Educators are finding it increasingly difficult to engage millennial learners. For the millennial, with instant access to information over the internet, nothing taught is valid until confirmed via Google. This skepticism is both a boon and a bane to student learning, as some students get hung up on idiosyncratic trivia and miss the point of lessons designed to teach know how skills. Moreover, millennial learners tend to have a difficult time synthesizing what they learn into a novel finding. Their innate instinct is to look information up on the internet to find the answer, and they will reject their own conclusions if they are not the same as what the internet tells them they should have concluded. In the spring of 2016, I was teaching graduate/undergraduate level class in spatial ecology to a room full of millennial learners. In an attempt to side-step the afore mentioned issues with teaching menials, I created a series of lessons using dragon and unicorn spatial ecology and demography to teach concepts related to measuring the effects of isolation and synchrony on local meta-population dynamics. For the final exam, students had to apply a life stage analysis of unicorns and dragons inhabiting a sky island meta-population to determine if dragon predation or isolation caused of unicorn extinction. I found the use of fairy tale creatures freed students from preconceived biases and the use of simulated data for these creatures ensured that student could not simply look information up on the web, but had to find their own solutions based on their own analysis. Students had mixed success at accomplishing this. Approximately 80% of the class utilized a valid approach to solve the problem, but only 34% of the student’s problem could accurately synthesize their findings into a coherent narrative
Tuesday February 7, 2017 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:20pm CST

Technical Session. Trends in Nebraska Deer Hunter Satisfaction
AUTHORS: Matthew Gruntorad, Christopher Chizinski - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

ABSTRACT: Deer hunting is one of the most popular types of hunting activities in Nebraska. An important expectation of wildlife managers is to provide quality deer hunting experiences for hunters. Using an online survey, completed by individuals who hunted deer in Nebraska in 2015, we utilized six characteristics to compare satisfaction among deer hunters in Nebraska with their overall deer hunting experience. Satisfaction was modelled with ordinal logistic regression against residency, weapon type, land hunted, where they were from (urban or non-urban), if they harvested a deer, and the type of deer they were targeting (antlered or antlerless). Our results suggest that, overall, Nebraska deer hunters are satisfied. The greatest influence on hunter satisfaction was whether a hunter successfully harvested a deer. Firearm hunters were likely to be more satisfied than primitive weapon hunters, and private land hunters were likely to be more satisfied than public land hunters. Hunters from an urbanized origin were likely to be more satisfied than non-urbanized hunters, and non-residents were likely to be more satisfied than Nebraska residents. However, the type of deer sought had no influence on hunter satisfaction. Over recent years the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has gone through a number of measures to meet the expectations of the hunting public, including increasing: season length, bag limit, permit types, legal weapons, public land options, and youth opportunities.  These measures have improved the quality of the hunting experience by sportspersons, and led to greater overall satisfaction.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:40pm CST

Technical Session. Evaluating Fall Harvests with Practicable Wild Turkey Management Models: Incorporating Observation Uncertainty and Regulation Cycle
AUTHORS: Sydney E. Manning, Bryan S. Stevens, David M. Williams - Michigan State University Boone and Crockett Quantitative Wildlife Center

ABSTRACT: Stabilization of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations and high demand for recreational harvest has made it desirable to understand performance of harvest management systems. Existing models assume harvests vary annually about some target level, but the precise relationship between regulations and realized harvest rates is not clear. Similarly, decisions are often made at multi-year intervals with imperfect information on abundance, yet these complexities are not incorporated into harvest models. Therefore, our objective was to assess performance of fall turkey harvest under a set of plausible management models that incorporated multi-year regulation cycles and observation uncertainty. We used stochastic simulation to assess performance of fall harvests for 5 management systems representing combinations of population assessment and regulation cycle frequencies. Because performance of harvests is sensitive to sex-specific harvest vulnerabilities, we simulated each management system under 3 levels of relative vulnerability (females less, equally, and more vulnerable than males), resulting in 15 simulation scenarios. For each scenario we conducted 1,000 replications of a 100 year population projection under each simulated harvest rate (0-15%). When hen vulnerability to harvest was high there were thresholds in performance metrics at fall harvest rates of 10–12%, where increases to harvest resulted in abrupt changes to performance. These thresholds resulted in decreased ability to maintain large populations through time and reduced annual harvest. Risk of population decline was negligible with annual decisions, but increased under multi-year cycles. We demonstrated that multi-year regulation cycles can be effective systems for sustaining turkey populations in the presence of observation uncertainty, but only when realized hen harvest is low. Existence of thresholds in responses of populations to fall harvest suggests multi-year management cycles are very risky when hen vulnerability is high. Thus, careful monitoring of hen harvest is important to ensure thresholds are not approached when implementing multi-year management cycles.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:40pm CST

Technical Session. Quantifying the Impact of Thermal Data Loggers on Nest Survival and Estimation of Daily Survival Rate
AUTHORS: Matt Stephenson, Lisa Schulte Moore - Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University; Robert Klaver, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit.

ABSTRACT: Nest survival estimates are most powerful when visits to the nest are spaced as closely as possible, but this must be balanced against the danger of frequent visits influencing the outcome of the nest as well as trading time spent checking nests against spending more time increasing the sample size.  iButton® brand thermal data-loggers provide an inexpensive method for monitoring the interior temperature of nests on a minute-to-hourly basis without frequent visits by an observer.  Several authors have investigated whether iButtons have an impact on nest survival, but studies so far have been limited in the number of species investigated, the sample size attained, or the sophistication of the analysis. 
We investigated whether iButtons impact nest survival for 249 nests including 10 species of grassland and shrub nesting birds on farms in central Iowa, whether Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) egg-accepting and egg-rejecting species were impacted differently, and whether iButtons improve the estimation of daily survival rate by modeling nest survival in Program MARK.  Preliminary results suggest insertion of iButtons into nests may cause a low level of nest abandonment for some species, but data analysis is ongoing.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:40pm CST

Technical Session. The Economic Benefits of Publicly Accessible Hunting Lands
AUTHORS: Lindsey N. Messinger, Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Group, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Michael T. Winkler, Pheasants Forever; Joseph J. Fontaine, U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska-Lincoln


ABSTRACT: Outdoor recreation is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States with significant contributions to local, state, and federal economies and job markets. Quantifying the economic contribution of outdoor recreation lands is increasingly important to justify their continued support and preservation. While the economic benefits of outdoor recreationists on large, public and private areas like National Parks and ski resorts have increasingly been quantified, there is still little known about the economic contribution of smaller-scale public and private recreation lands such as public access hunting lands. Throughout the Great Plains, small wildlife management areas, waterfowl production areas, and private lands open to public use attract thousands of hunters annually.  However, quantifying the economic contribution of these hunters is challenging given how these properties are used and managed. Through in-person interviews of hunters in Nebraska, we gathered information about regional use of publicly accessible lands including trip length, travel distance, and lodging. By assigning economic value to these variables, we take a first step as quantifying the economic contribution and potential of small, publically accessible hunting lands. We found that hunting trips vary across distinct regions within Nebraska and by hunting season. With this information, local communities (especially rural communities) and wildlife managers may be better equipped to provide hunters with continued and additional resources, maximizing the economic benefits of public access hunting lands and providing justification for persistence.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

3:40pm CST

Technical Session. The Nebraska Beneficial Insect Protection Plan, a Current Conservation Effort
AUTHORS: Judy Wu-Smart, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Entomology

ABSTRACT: Beneficial insects provide critical ecological services such as pollination (bees, butterflies, beetles), pest control (natural enemies), nutrient cycling (dung beetles, soil dwellers), bioremediation and biological indicators (aquatic insects) of the quality of our environmental surroundings. In addition, insects play a critical role in the food web and provides a food source for many amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Therefore, protecting beneficial insect communities is vitally important in the preservation of our ecosystem and sustainability of land and wildlife stewardship. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Issue Team is leading a conservation effort in collaboration with numerous organizations and industry partners to develop a protection plan that will provide research-based best management practice guidelines and educational programing to promote healthier and more balanced ecosystems.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:00pm CST

Technical Session. Evaluating the Sensitivity of Density Estimates in a Spatial Capture-Recapture Model of Black Bears in the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan
AUTHORS: Jennifer Smith, Michigan State University; David Williams, Michigan State University; Mike Wegan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Dwayne Etter, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, William Porter, Michigan State University

ABSTRACT: Accurate and precise estimates of density are fundamental to the conservation of wildlife populations. Advances in non-invasive monitoring techniques and their application to traditional capture-recapture models have benefited efforts to reliably estimate abundance. However, traditional capture-recapture models do not directly assess effective sampling area, which prevents direct estimation of density. Spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models address this issue by modeling detection as a function of distance. Because detection probability depends on the distance of detectors from individual activity centers, the layout of detectors (i.e., spacing) influences our ability to estimate density. In 2003, efforts to estimate black bear (Ursus americanus) abundance in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, were initiated by establishing an array of hair snares. This array was designed to achieve coverage of a large geographic area. Capture data for 2003 and three additional years (2005, 2009, 2013) was analyzed using non-spatial capture-recapture models. Recent management interests have resulted in a desire for spatially-explicit density estimates for bears using the existing data and snare array. We evaluated the robustness and sensitivity of the density estimate produced using SCR models across a range of plausible scenarios based on the current layout of hair snares. We summarize the results of 81 simulated scenarios that varied the parameters of density, the detection function (g0 and sigma), and number of sampling occasions. The simulations indicated estimates of density from the current trap array design are biased high. We discuss aspects of the current array that contribute to this bias and describe efforts to evaluate alternative designs. In order to effectively manage wildlife populations, it’s crucial to recognize and understand the limitations of our methodologies, particularly when we attempt to apply new tools to previously collected data.

Tuesday February 7, 2017 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:00pm CST

Technical Session. How We Hunt: Modeling the Future of Pheasant Behavior
AUTHORS: Lyndsie S. Wszola, Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Joseph J. Fontaine, U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

ABSTRACT: Human harvest of wild populations can cause rapid morphological, behavioral, and life history evolution. Such rapid evolution is often accompanied by dramatic population declines, yet the connections between harvest, evolution, and demography are poorly understood. Intensive harvest significantly decreases genetic diversity, reducing both effective population size and individual fitness. Such a reduction in genetic and phenotypic diversity could reduce populations’ ability to cope with natural environmental stochasticity. We are using a novel combination of empirical observation and evolutionary simulation to investigate whether harvest-induced evolution drives population decline by inhibiting evolutionary responses to environmental stochasticity. From 2014 to 2016, we deployed GPS loggers on wild pheasants and pheasant hunters in Southwest Nebraska. We used the resulting location datasets in conjunction with fine-scale habitat data to assess how hunters and pheasants choose habitat at fine spatial and temporal scales. We found that hunters and pheasants both choose habitat near crop fields, and that hunters additionally choose habitat near roads and trails. We are now using these mechanistic models of hunter and pheasant movement to build agent-based models in which we investigate how strong directional selection pressure from hunters influences prey phenotypic diversity and population trends.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:00pm CST

Technical Session. Promoting Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Partnerships Through State-Funded Grant Programs
AUTHORS: Clay Buchanan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: During the last hunting license restructure, the Michigan DNR promised to provide greater benefits to stakeholders. One of the tools used to fulfill this promise was the implementation of grant opportunities for a wide range of citizens, non-governmental organizations, and agencies.  Grants leverage the resources and interests of conservation partners and range from a few thousand dollars to more than $150,000 which can be used to restore a one acre forest opening or a 600 acre grassland complex. The process of receiving a grant includes a competitive application and scoring process that assesses and balances the merit of the proposed project with the habitat goals of the MDNR and the benefits of long-term partnership building. Grants are awarded annually and well distributed across the state. Over the last 4 years, the Wildlife Division of the MDNR had awarded over $4 million to partners resulting in habitat restoration on thousands of acres. Congruently, the program has fostered and strengthened conservation partnerships that we believe will bring about long-term regulative, policy, habitat, and wildlife population benefits. Feedback from partners suggests higher satisfaction and trust pertaining to Michigan DNR activities and continued future cooperation. While the outputs of this program appear wholly beneficial, there are a number of accompanying issues. Administration, on both ends is rather burdensome, although we have made dramatic attempts to reduce the administrative workload. An unsuccessful applicant annually offers negative feedback to legislators after review of their project score, rank, and funding decision. As a program, it is relatively easy to measure and express success in meeting acreage goals as proposed in grant applications, however, defining partnership success is more difficult or abstract. This presentation will discuss the grant program framework and the mix of qualitative and quantitative benefits and costs of a state administered habitat grant program.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:00pm CST

Technical Session. Using Plant-pollinator Interaction Data to Make a National Impact
AUTHORS: Katie Lamke, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Entomology; Clint Otto, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND; Judy Wu-Smart, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Entomology

ABSTRACT: Wild bees provide important ecological services and can be indicators of well-functioning ecosystems. As the agricultural landscape continues to increase, so does the demand for pollination services and in many areas we are seeing a decline in the diversity and abundance of wild bees. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the Pollinator Library which is user-friendly tool that displays plant-pollinator interactions from various small and large scale studies. Over time as more data is combined, we will be able to make better informed decisions when creating effective pollinator seed mixes and identifying land management techniques that promote healthy pollinator communities.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:20pm CST

Technical Session. A Descriptive Analysis of Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia) Habitat Utilizing Biological Monitoring Data along the Big Bend of the Platte River, NE
AUTHORS: Andrew J. Caven, Kelsey C. King, Joshua D. Wiese, and Emma M. Brinley Buckley

ABSTRACT:  Speyeria idalia populations have declined as much as 95 percent over the last 3decades. Here we critically evaluate prairie habitat components along the Platte Riverin central Nebraska that S. idalia populations require in an effort to better instructconservation efforts. We utilized S. idalia count data from long-term monitoringtransects where vegetation, soils, land management, and flooding frequency data arealso collected to describe the habitat constituents associated with S. idalia presence.We utilize comparative statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis, and Random ForestAnalysis to model S. idalia habitat on land owned and managed by a smallconservation NGO. Our findings suggest that S. idalia occupies specific habitat nicheswith a preference for well-drained soils (Inavale series) dominated by facultative uplandplants, most prominently Andropogon gerardii. S. idalia is positively associated withlarge connected tracts of relict prairie containing Viola sororia and very moderatemanagement regimes that remove shrubby cover (negatively associated) and promoteforb cover (positively associated), while providing ample recovery time on burned andgrazed patches for litter development (positively associated). Random Forest Analysisdescribes the presence of Viola sororia, percent forb cover, and habitat connectivity asthe top 3 habitat variables of importance in predicting the presence of S. idalia. Ourfinding that habitat connectivity is a major predictor of S. idalia presence suggestsmany populations may be both spatially and genetically isolated. S. idalia's futuredemands the preservation of tallgrass prairie fragments under management regimesthat promote healthy populations.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:20pm CST

Technical Session. Characterizing Individual Variation in Resource Selection of Elk in Missouri
AUTHORS: Kyle Redilla, Michigan State University; Trenton Smith, Missouri Department of Conservation; Barbara Keller, Cervid Program Supervisor, Missouri Department of Conservation; Joshua Millspaugh, University of Montana; Robert Montgomery, Michigan State University

ABSTRACT: Resource selection functions (RSF) have become one of the most popular choices among ecologists for understanding space use from animal telemetry data. Inference is typically desired at the population level, and a common technique is to pool data from all animals in a population and fit a model, where coefficients at the individual level are considered random effects drawn from a population-level distribution. This technique has been shown to be valuable for understanding broad scale selection, but when the focal population may be comprised of various intrinsic categories (e.g. age class) or clustered spatially (e.g. two sub-populations occupying different areas of the landscape), valuable information could be lost by pooling for RSF analyses. We investigated the individual variation in resource selection in a population of elk (Cervus elaphus) introduced into the Missouri Ozarks and monitored between 2011 and 2013. We modeled elk location data collected from Global Positioning System (GPS) collars using a Bayesian discrete choice RSF fit to each individual, and explored results in two ways: in terms of the variability among individual RSF coefficients, and in a model selection approach, comparing the importance of variables in predicting selection. Multivariate analyses revealed patterns among selection coefficients in both magnitude and inclusion in models that varied dramatically across individuals with no obvious clustering by age/sex class. Our work demonstrates that there is likely important ecological variation that can be masked when RSF analyses are aggregated at the population-level. This has implications for identifying the ecological contexts in which routine RSF analyses may flourish or fail. We discuss the implications for our work, highlight the importance of considering resource selection at the level of each individual, and present techniques and considerations for developing individual analyses.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:20pm CST

Technical Session. Ethno-Geographical Relation to Wildlife Crime in Nepal: Analysis of Case Reported in National Print Media
AUTHORS: Ganesh Puri, Department of Forest Nepal; Gangaram Regmi, Global Primate Network Nepal; Yajna Timilsina, Institute of Forestry Pokhara Nepal

ABSTRACT: The wildlife crime has escalated rapidly, which is one of the most serious threats for survival of globally threatened species. There are very few studies about illegal wildlife trade in Nepal, where media related study is virtually none. Hence, the reported cases of the wildlife crime on national print media i.e. Kantipur and Gorkhapatra of the last five years in Nepal were collated to understand coverage of wildlife crime in Nepal. The study followed the content analysis methods on analysis of information. Altogether 193 wildlife crime cases were recorded over the last five years in two national print media where 370 individuals including 30 foreigners were involved. The dominance suspected group involving in the crime are of Janajati mostly Tamang, and followed by Chhetri, Bramin, Madeshi, Dalit and Chepang. Tatopani-Sindhupalchok, Kimathanka-Sankhuwasabha, and Tinkar-Darchula boarders are frequently used as an exit point for illegal wildlife trade in North where as Chadani Dodhara-Kanchanpur border in southern belt. The coverage of wildlife related news in print media is very low; only 2 cases/month; and received less importance. The media are not in the forefront to report wildlife related crimes and does not remain in their priority reporting too. Media personnel should be sensitized to increase their attention towards conservation issues so that wildlife authorities can implement wildlife laws effectively to mitigate wildlife crime in Nepal.

Tuesday February 7, 2017 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom E
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:20pm CST

Technical Session. Using Database Driven Web Content to Improve Anglers Access to Information
AUTHORS: Jeff Kopaska, Brandon Burnett - Iowa Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Web page and technology management is a continual challenge for natural resources agencies. Staff familiar with technology are often ill-informed of natural resources issues and concepts, whereas natural resources experts are regularly disconnected from technological advances. Staff with an understanding of both realms are uncommon, and as such are usually stretched thin because of the demands placed on their time and skill sets. Beginning in 2004, agency fisheries personnel in Iowa began to record management activities regarding waterbodies in an online data system. This effort was initiated as a mechanism to catalog historical, relevant data in advance of retirements that would cause a loss of institutional knowledge. Subsequently, weekly fishing reports, fish survey data, water quality data, fishing regulations, stocking records and local amenities have also been integrated into online data systems. Online mapping software has also been integrated, allowing bathymetric data and fishing structure locations to be displayed along with other relevant fishery information. Recent developments in web page management (content management systems) have allowed static web pages to be replaced with templates that dynamically create individual web pages from data warehoused in the aforementioned data systems. Web based data storage system developments allow local natural resources staff to maintain their records, while simultaneously maintaining current contents on web pages. These improvements allow anglers to access their most frequently requested information immediately, with no additional staff time expended.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

4:40pm CST

Technical Session. Bird-Window Collisions: A Comparison of Migration Phenology and Collision Rates on a University Campus in Indiana
AUTHORS: Sarah E. Fischer, Kamal Islam - Ball State University

ABSTRACT: Windows can be problematic for birds because of their reflectivity. Birds have difficulty in detecting glass and often collide with windows. Though it is difficult to estimate exact numbers, these collisions may account for up to one billion avian mortalities in the U.S. each year. Many buildings on university campuses can be fatally harmful to a diverse array of species. We conducted research over a two-year period at twelve buildings on the Ball State University campus in Muncie, Indiana, to compare migration phenology, determine which species and families are most affected, and determine which windows are the most problematic in terms of collision rates. From August 2014 - May 2016, 158 carcasses representing 46 species from 18 families were collected. The highest mortality rates occurred in the Parulidae (n=41), Turdidae (n=38), and Emberizidae (n=27) families. Overall, collision rates were highest during fall migration, but the highest monthly rate occurred in May 2016. There were three “hotspots” on campus that caused the highest collision rates: Worthen Arena (n=39), Bracken Library (n=38), and the Architecture Building (n=38). We plan to use our results to recommend methods that can reduce collision rates at the most problematic “hotspots” on campus. Additionally, these data can provide future insight for architects to help promote bird-safe buildings and communities.
Tuesday February 7, 2017 4:40pm - 5:00pm CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation
 
Wednesday, February 8
 

8:00am CST

Technical Session. Double Observer Evaluation of Pronghorn Aerial Line Transect Surveys
AUTHORS: Timothy J. Smyser, University of Idaho; Richard J. Guenzel, Wyoming Game and Fish Department; Christopher N. Jacques, Western Illinois University; and Edward O. Garton, University of Idaho

ABSTRACT: Comparisons of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) population estimates derived from quadrat sampling from helicopters versus distance sampling (DS) from fixed-wing suggest that DS underestimates density, likely due to violations of the critical assumption of DS that all pronghorn within the innermost distance band (nearest to the aircraft) are detected. We sought to rigorously test this critical assumption by applying independent, paired observers to an established distance sampling protocol. Additionally, we evaluated effects of cluster size, landscape composition, and observer position (front versus rear seat) on the probability of detection. We used mark-recapture distance sampling (MRDS) analysis techniques to explicitly estimate detection probability for pronghorn in the innermost distance band. We compared density estimates produced by MRDS with those produced by multiple covariate distance sampling (MCDS), a method that assumes complete detection for clusters on the transect line. We identified violations of the assumption that all clusters within the innermost distance band were detected, which would contribute to proportional biases in density estimates for analyses that assume complete detection. The frequency of missed clusters within the innermost distance band was modest (4%) for observers in the front seat. In contrast, the frequency of missed clusters was more substantial (21%) for observers in the rear seat. Further, cluster size and landscape composition influenced pronghorn sightability. Paired observers allowed us to quantify and correct for the bias caused by the failure to detect all pronghorn within the innermost distance band. Monitoring programs should incorporate paired observer validation trials to quantify the frequency of missed clusters within the innermost distance band under typical survey conditions. Managers can improve the precision of pronghorn aerial line transect surveys by incorporating cluster size and landscape composition into detection models without incurring additional survey costs.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:00am CST

Technical Session. Examination of Pallid Sturgeon Life-history Characteristics Throughout the Missouri River Basin
AUTHORS: Martin Hamel, University of Nebraska; Jonathan Spurgeon, University of Nebraska; Kirk Steffensen, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Mark Pegg, University of Nebraska

ABSTRACT: Organisms develop life history strategies to maximize fitness, thereby providing the best opportunity to contribute to future generations.  These life history strategies evolve as a result of individual responses (e.g., growth) to the environment or biotic interactions that occur within their realized niche.  We examined pallid sturgeon life history characteristics between isolated sub-populations from the Missouri River basin.  Growth information from mark-recapture data indicated that pallid sturgeon in the lower basin grew quickly at young ages and matured at a smaller size, whereas the opposite occurred in the upper basin.  Predicted ages from mark-recapture indicated that the age distribution was markedly different between areas.  Pallid sturgeon from the lower basin matured around age 7, had a maximum longevity of 30 years, and a mean life expectancy of 18.  Upper basin fish matured later (age-15), had a maximum longevity of 80 years, and a mean life expectancy of 45.  Furthermore, hatchery-reared pallid sturgeon originating from the upper basin and stocked into both the upper and lower basin at age-1 exhibited traits similar to their counterparts within the area they were stocked.  These results have important implications for understanding lifetime reproductive output and highlight important linkages between anthropogenic affects and population dynamics.    
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:00am CST

Technical Session. Linking Creel Survey Data with Biotic and Abiotic Data to Identify Drivers of Fishery Change in Southern Lake Michigan
AUTHORS: Mitchell Zischke, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant; Charles Roswell, Lake Michigan Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey; Benjamin Dickinson, Lake Michigan Office, Indiana Department of Natural Resources; David Bunnell, Great Lakes Science Center, United States Geological Survey; Benjamin M. Gramig, Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University


ABSTRACT: Ongoing data collection programs have yielded a wealth of fishery-dependent and –independent data in Lake Michigan. The aim of this research was to utilize these datasets to explore the drivers of change in recreational fishing in southern Lake Michigan. We collated effort, harvest, harvest rate, expenditure, species preferences and angler satisfaction data from creel surveys conducted by the Illinois Natural History Survey (1985-2013), and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (1988-2013). From these data, we developed temporal and spatial indices of recreational fishing and included these indices as response variable in linear and non-linear models. Explanatory variables in these models included fish stocking data (1985-2013), fish prey density estimates from USGS bottom-trawl (1983-2013) and pelagic fish surveys (2004-2013), environmental data from multi-agency monitoring (1983-2013), and fishing site characteristics data relevant to both shore- and boat-based fishers. Typically, fishing indices in Illinois displayed stronger correlations with explanatory variables than indices in Indiana. Fishing effort correlated most with the previous year’s effort and harvest. Harvest and harvest rates of some species correlated with stocking numbers and prey densities; however, many species displayed no correlation with these variables. This research has provided interesting insights into the potential drivers of change in the recreational fishery in southern Lake Michigan.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:00am CST

Technical Session. The Duality of Asian Carp Monitoring: Protecting the Great Lakes While Providing Insight into Fish Species Distribution and Abundance in the Chicago Area Waterway System
AUTHORS: Tristan Widloe, Stephen Pescitelli - Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fisheries



ABSTRACT: The Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) has received much attention in recent years due to increased recreational use resulting from improvements in water quality standards. Disinfection of wastewater was has been initiated at two of the three wastewater treatment facilities in Chicago. Additional improvements in water quality are expected as the Deep Tunnel project is completed, reducing combined sewer overflow events. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has been involved in habitat restoration projects, including stocking catchable-size Channel Catfish in the CAWS in 2015. Further attention on the CAWS due to concerns of upstream migration of Asian carp towards Lake Michigan led to intensive sampling upstream of the Electric Dispersal Barrier. Since 2010, approximately 875 hours of electrofishing and 372 miles of commercial netting have been completed as part of this monitoring effort. Aside from contributing to our understanding of Asian carp distribution and density, the results of Asian carp monitoring have served to augment previous data on fish species distribution and abundance in the CAWS. The extensive effort expended during Asian carp monitoring resulted in the identification of more than 72 species and 300,000 individuals. Recent Lake Michigan basin surveys completed by IDNR identified 36 species and 2,784 individuals in similar areas of the CAWS. This highlights the importance of by-catch collected during Asian carp monitoring to supplement existing data. This information may serve to direct future management decisions as water quality and habitat continue to improve throughout the CAWS bringing further attention to these urban waterways.


Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:00am CST

Technical Session. The Importance of Scale in Evaluating the Effectiveness of Umbrella Species
AUTHORS: Erica Stuber, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit UNL; Lutz Gruber, Quantco; Joseph Fontaine USGS Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit UNL

ABSTRACT: The umbrella species concept is used as a heuristic tool to aid conservation planning when more comprehensive information is limited and pressure for expediency is great. Umbrella species are typically chosen based on ecological predictions and are expected to confer protection on other co-occurring species with similar habitat requirements. Despite its popularity and substantial history, the effectiveness of the umbrella species concept in practice has come into question. The effectiveness of an umbrella species is affected by scale: when determining a suitable umbrella species, when collecting information regarding its habitat requirements, and in evaluating the potential protection conferred on co-occurring species. Although few studies have examined the relative importance of multiple spatial scales in explaining habitat relationships and species abundance past study-specific micro- versus macro-scales, the availability of remote-sensing data, and development of methods to handle such data structure are making these investigations possible. We employ a hierarchical Bayesian model selection approach to determine the spatial scales of habitat characteristics that best predict species abundance in 10 grassland bird species breeding in Nebraska. Next, we use the selected spatial scales to explore the cost of managing for a particular umbrella species predicted to conserve grassland bird species (Northern Bobwhite, Colinus virginianus). Because not all grassland birds respond to habitat characteristics at the same spatial scales, we cannot expect the Bobwhite to protect all grassland birds. We conclude that spatial scale should be considered as an explanatory variable in considering the effectiveness of umbrella species and demonstrate our model selection approach as a tool in evaluating the potential success, or costs associated with managing for specific umbrella species.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:00am CST

Technical Session. Trap and Translocation of Red-tailed Hawks at O'Hare International Airport: Why May Some Birds Return?
AUTHORS: Craig K. Pullins, Travis Guerrant, Scott Beckerman - USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services; Brian E. Washburn Ph.D, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center

ABSTRACT: Nationally, wildlife strikes have increased over the past 25 years costing the civil aviation industry an estimated $708 million dollars annually. USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services provides technical and direct assistance to over 800 airports and airbases around the United States, including Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD). At ORD, raptors are a commonly struck bird guild and accounted for at least 25% of damaging strikes during 2010–2013. An Integrated Wildlife Damage Management program is implemented at ORD to reduce the presence of wildlife on the airfield, consequently lowering risks of wildlife strikes. Trapping and translocation is a common practice used to reduce hazards posed by raptors using airports and there is no scientifically published information available regarding the efficacy of raptor live-capture and translocation for reducing raptor-aircraft collisions at airports. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine which biological and logistical factors might influence the return of Red-tailed Hawks translocated from ORD during 2010–2013. Our findings suggest age of the bird, season (breeding or non-breeding), and number of times an individual has been translocated influences how likely the individuals were to return following a translocation event, whereas translocation distance had no influence on return. The decision matrix regarding the use of a raptor trap and translocation program involves a variety of biological, logistical, economic, and socio-political variables. This study represents an important first step in providing a scientific foundation for informing such management decisions.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. Assessing Calf Survival and Cause-specific Mortality in the Declining Moose Population in Northeastern Minnesota
AUTHORS: William J. Severud, University of Minnesota; Glenn D. DelGiudice, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Tyler R. Obermoller, University of Minnesota

ABSTRACT: Recruitment is an important driver of population dynamics.  Northeastern Minnesota’s moose population has declined ~55% from 2006 to 2016.  Our research was initiated because survival and specific causes of mortality of calves were largely unknown.  We placed GPS collars on neonates 2013–2014 to estimate survival, cause-specific mortality, and space use of calves and their dams, but due to an executive order we were precluded from collaring in 2015.  Using an alternate method involving behavioral cues from already collared moose and helicopter surveys, we continued the study. Survival of calves in 2013–2016 dropped precipitously to 60% in the first 30 days of age.  Thirty-one of 40 calves (77.5%) died by 9 months of age in 2013–2014.  Surveys indicated 56% mortality by 6 months of age in 2015, yet only an additional 4% mortality between 6 months and 11 months of age (60% mortality).  Hazard (instantaneous probability of death) for calves was initially low, but peaked at ~20 days of age, coincident with peak energetic demands on dams due to lactation.  In 2013–2014, 84% of mortalities were due to wolves or black bears, the ratio of wolf- to bear-kills at 4:1.  In 2015 and 2016, we investigated instances of cow behavior indicative of calf mortality, resulting in discovery of 16 wolf-kills, 3 bear-kills, 3 unknown predator-kills, and 1 vehicle collision, yet many calves were assigned unknown fate.  Tracking cow movements was a reliable way to estimate calving in all years and to a lesser degree calf mortality in 2015 and 2016.  Identifying causes of calf mortality and understanding their relations to various landscape factors should yield insight into mechanisms contributing to the declining population and serve as a basis for an ecologically sound management response.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. Detection of Invasive Carp in Illinois River with Standard Electrofishing and Novel Trawling Techniques
AUTHORS: Jeremy Hammen, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Columbia Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office; Jason Breeggemann, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Green Bay Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office; Pablo Oleiro, Missouri Department of Conservation; Jeena Credico, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, La Crosse Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office; Jason Goeckler, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Columbia Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office; Wyatt Doyle, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Columbia Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office

ABSTRACT: Techniques that effectively capture all sizes of invasive carp are integral to addressing management of these nuisance fish. Several researchers have noted that Asian carp, specifically Silver Carp, can be difficult to capture using standard sampling techniques.  The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office developed three trawling methods to target invasive carp: an electrified butterfly frame trawl (paupier), a surface trawl, and an electrified push frame trawl (dozer trawl).  To determine if these gears are more effective at sampling Silver Carp than standard boat electrofishing, the four sampling techniques were simultaneously deployed in Illinois River backwaters, tributaries, and side channels June through October 2016.  All techniques successfully sampled Silver Carp; however, certain gears captured some size classes more readily than other gears.  For example, standard electrofishing did not capture any Silver Carp less than 200 mm, while the trawls detected juvenile Silver Carp in 15% of paupier samples, 10% of surface trawls, and 3% of dozer trawls.  Overall, the paupier was most consistent with 60% of the samples catching Silver Carp compared to 50% of dozer trawls, 35% of standard electrofishing samples, and 10% of surface trawls.  The objectives of this study were to estimate detection probabilities for multiple size classes of Asian carp using the four sampling techniques and utilize detection probabilities to estimate effort necessary to detect each species and size class of Asian carp. This knowledge will contribute to the creation of protocols addressing detection and monitoring of Asian carp in Midwestern waters.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. Indicator Species Can Successfully Guide Restoration Efforts for Migratory Fishes in the Great Lakes
AUTHORS: Kimberly B. Fitzpatrick, Geography and Environmental Sustainability, University of Oklahoma; Allison T. Moody, Austin Milt - Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin; Matthew W. Diebel, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Matthew Herbert, Mary Khoury, Eugene Yacobson, Patrick J. Doran - The Nature Conservancy; Michael C. Ferris, Computer Science, University of Wisconsin; Peter B. McIntyre, Center for Limnology; Thomas M. Neeson, Geography and Environmental Sustainability, University of Oklahoma

ABSTRACT: Due to a lack of resources, conservation organizations often depend on a small group of species to indicate the presence of other species. Extensive research has gone into methods for selecting these “indicator” species, but few studies have directly measured the performance of indicator species in guiding conservation actions. Here, we evaluated whether a small number of indicator species could be used to select barrier removal projects to benefit the entire migratory fish community in the highly fragmented North American Great Lakes Basin. First, we compiled data on the historical distributions of 36 species of native migratory fishes as well as upstream habitat and removals costs for over 100,000 dams and road culverts. Next we used k-means clusters to identify five groups of co-occurring species and selected an indicator species for each cluster based on within-group co-occurrence. To evaluate the utility of these five indicator species, we compared 1) the habitat gain that each of the 36 native migratory species could achieve if barrier removals were prioritized specifically for the benefit of that species, versus 2) the habitat gain that the 36 species could achieve if barrier removals were prioritized specifically for the benefit of their respective indicator species. We found that under the indicator species prioritization, the majority of species retained over 80% of the habitat gain they saw under their own prioritization. However for a few species, prioritizing for indicator species resulted in very little habitat gain. These underrepresented species tended to have little biologically in common with their respective indicator species, particularly with regard to commonness and temperature preferences. Overall, our findings revealed that indicator species could be a cost-effective means for planning restoration efforts for most species of migratory fishes in the Great Lakes.  
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. Influence of Habitat and Landscape on the Occupancy of Shrubland Birds
AUTHORS: Kyle Van den Bosch, Michael P. Ward - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Thomas J. Benson, Illinois Natural History Survey, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

ABSTRACT: In the Midwest, shrublands are often ephemeral habitats resulting from succession of grasslands with infrequent disturbance regimes. Because shrublands are viewed as transitional between grasslands and forests, they are often viewed as undesirable by private landowners and agency personnel.   Nonetheless, there are many species, including numerous species of conservation concern that are dependent on shrubland habitat. To facilitate efforts to create and manage shrublands for conservation priority birds, we set out to understand relationships between habitat (e.g., shrub cover, number of shrub patches, dominance of invasive woody species) and surrounding landscape on the occupancy of shrubland-dependent bird species. We used data collected by the Illinois Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP), a monitoring program that has collected data from randomly selected sites throughout Illinois since 1997. We examined occupancy of 25 bird species found in shrublands.  Overall, most shrubland-dependent bird species responded positively to amount of forest, and negatively to amount of row-crops, in the surrounding landscape.  The dominance of invasive woody species was generally not an important predictor for occupancy.  Although most species responded positively to both the number of shrub patches and total shrub cover, some species exhibited negative or peaked responses, suggesting that management for multiple species will require maintenance of a mosaic of different successional stages even within shrublands.  Nonetheless, our findings suggest that targeted habitat management and creation may be an effective mechanism for conserving shrubland bird populations. 

Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. Migration and Spawning of Pallid Sturgeon in the Platte River, Nebraska
AUTHORS: Justin D. Haas, J. David Adams, Ryan L. Ruskamp - Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Aaron DeLonay, Kimberly A. Chojnacki - U.S. Geological Survey; Gerald E. Mestl, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission


ABSTRACT:
The U.S. Geological Survey and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission have collaborated to use telemetry and archival data tags to track spawning endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Lower Missouri River.  A total of 33 confirmed spawning events by 27 unique females was recorded from 2007–2015.  Eight of the recorded spawning events (24%) happened in the Platte River, Nebraska from 2011–2014.  The Platte River spawning events were recorded from four different females, each spawning in successive reproductive cycles.  Spawning events were confirmed by recapture and reproductive assessment of tagged pallid sturgeon prior to entry into the Platte River and following their return into the main-stem Missouri River.  Temperature and depth data retrieved from the implanted archival tags confirmed the time of entry, residence, and exit of the females in the Platte River.  Although the pallid sturgeon were not intensively tracked to their spawning location or spawning behavior documented, the preponderance of evidence indicates that pallid sturgeon spawned in the Platte River.  Use of the Platte River by multiple females during consecutive spawning cycles across varying temperature and flow conditions indicates that the use of the Platte River for spawning may not be opportunistic, but rather suggests selection or preference for the Platte River.  The distinction between selection for general environmental conditions and individual spawning site fidelity among migrating reproductive pallid sturgeon has management and recovery implications; however, resolving this distinction will require many observations over an extended time.  Our study suggests only that spawning occurred and did not document reproductive success.  Further studies are needed to determine the relative importance of the Platte River to pallid sturgeon reproduction in the Lower Missouri River Basin.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. Nightly Summer Activity Patterns of the Northern Long-eared Bat
AUTHORS: Catherine M. Berrick, University of Nebraska -Lincoln; Zachary A. Warren, Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska; Craig R. Allen, U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska

ABSTRACT: Bats, though clandestine, are important parts of many ecosystems and are particularly important to the agricultural industry. Bats save farmers billions of dollars annually by consuming agricultural pests such as moths and beetles. However, northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) populations have been in precipitous decline due to a rapidly-spreading fungus that causes White Nose Syndrome (WNS) prompting the USFWS to list the species as threatened. In previous studies, researchers have had resource constraints that did not allow for intensive simultaneous surveys. Past studies involved relocating a limited number of detectors within a study site. It is difficult to infer if activity is shifting temporally or spatially when a small number of detectors are being deployed in this manner. During the summer of 2016, we deployed acoustic bat detectors to record bat echolocations at 230 forested sites across Nebraska. The deployments occurred at 5 distinct areas where 46 detectors simultaneously recorded for a minimum five consecutive nights. A recording night was considered a single detector recording from 30 minutes prior to sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise. In total, we recorded 1554 recording nights. Recordings were classified to species using autoclassification software. By normalizing the activity for all of our recording units across all sites and combining the temporal activity levels, we were able to determine nightly bat activity periods. With this new information, biologists will be better equipped for future studies with an understanding of nightly habitat use of the Northern Long-eared bat as well as the benefits of using multiple detectors over a structurally diverse study site. This study also provides insight into the trapping duration requirements of survey protocols.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:20am CST

Technical Session. Prey Selection of Northern Goshawks in the Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana
AUTHORS: Marilyn Wright, Nate Bickford - University of Nebraska- Kearney

ABSTRACT: Prey richness and availability are often cited as one of the main driving factors of raptor nest selection and success; however, particular attributes of each forest have the potential to enhance or diminish the role that these factors can play. While researchers have traditionally focused on direct collection methods to analyze prey (pellets and prey remains), recent methods in prey analysis have included indirect analysis (video and photo) to reduce the chances of biased results. We used trail cameras to record prey items brought to northern goshawk nests in a dry western boreal forest from June to August (2016) and combined the data with studies that had examined prey remains in the same area. We also conducted point surveys for birds at both active and non-active nest locations and examined literature from previous small mammal studies throughout the range. From the data obtained, it may be possible to shed new light on how prey richness and availability factor into goshawk nest site choice in a dry western forest and what causes these raptors to alternate nest location frequently.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:20am - 8:40am CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Behavioral Responses of Female Elk to Hunting in Northwest Minnesota
AUTHORS: Ryan G. Tebo, Gino J. D'Angelo - Farmland Wildlife Research and Populations Group, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Lou Cornicelli, Wildlife Research Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources


ABSTRACT: Elk hunting in northwestern Minnesota has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity since its inception in the late 1980’s.  Hunting provides recreation and is believed to reduce agricultural damage caused by elk by altering elk use of the landscape.  The first-ever research on Minnesota’s elk herd began in February 2016 with the capture and GPS-collaring of 20 adult females to study their movements and habitat use.  As an ancillary study, we investigated the behavior of these animals relative to a 9-day hunting season for bull elk with participation by 7 hunters.  We programmed elk GPS collars to take hourly locations before and after the hunting season.  During the 9-day hunting season, locations were increased to 15-minute intervals from 1 hour prior to dawn until 1 hour after dusk, while remaining at hourly locations during the night.  Hunters aided in the research by carrying GPS loggers, which recorded their locations every 15 minutes during all hunting-related activities.  Additionally, hunters documented information about number of elk seen and known encounters with marked individuals on a daily hunt log sheet.  To evaluate whether hunting activities elicited changes in elk behavior, we will compare metrics of elk movements throughout the pre-hunt, hunt, and post-hunt periods, and describe the fine-scale movements of elk relative to the locations of hunters.  This information may aid managers in adjusting elk hunting regulations to improve the effectiveness of hunting as a tool to reduce elk-human conflicts in agricultural areas.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Bird Occupancy on Cover Crop Fields During Their Spring Migration in the Midwest Corn Belt Region
AUTHORS: Cassandra A. Wilcoxen, Michael P. Ward - University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign; Jeffery W. Walk, The Nature Conservancy

ABSTRACT: Once an ancient practice, cover crops fell out of use during the agricultural intensification of the past century. Water quality and nutrient management issues have brought cover crops back into use on a large scale in the last decade. Use of cover crops in the Midwest Corn Belt region during spring corresponds to the timing of bird migration. With the large scale loss of habitat on the landscape, cover crops have the potential to provide temporary habitat for birds during their spring migration. Bird surveys were conducted on corn with a cover crop, soybean with a cover crop, corn, and soybean fields in 2015 and 2016 throughout central Illinois to determine specie occupancy. Vegetation measurements were collected to explore their influence on the species present and their abundance. Preliminary results indicate more species utilize cover crop fields and in higher densities. Birds of conservation concern were detected, such as Smith’s Longspur and Grasshopper Sparrow. Preferred vegetation characteristics were species specific. As adoption of cover crops increases, we need to understand how farmers manage them and the effect on birds. An opportunity exists for farmers to use cover crops for their benefit while providing temporary habitat for birds.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Comparison of Silver Carp Environmental DNA from Live Fish and Carcasses in Outdoor Mesocosms
AUTHORS: Catherine A. Richter, Katy E. Klymus, Nathan Thompson, Duane C. Chapma - U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: Use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect rare or invasive species is complicated by the indirect nature of eDNA detections. In particular, eDNA monitoring cannot distinguish between different sources of DNA such as live and dead fish. This aspect of eDNA monitoring has caused concern in the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS), which is being actively monitored for two species of invasive Asian carp, silver carp and bighead carp. Although both eDNA and traditional monitoring have shown the CAWS to be upstream of the current invasion front, carp monitoring efforts in the CAWS are challenging because there are many invaded water bodies nearby, as well as fish markets selling silver and bighead carp in Chicago. Thus, human activity and fish-eating wildlife could potentially deposit carcasses and other traces of carp in the CAWS and create an eDNA signal. In order to quantify the contribution of eDNA from carcasses, we compared the eDNA signal from silver carp carcasses with that from live fish stocked at two different densities in outdoor mesocosms. Experimental ponds with approximate volumes of 260 m3 were stocked with no fish, 10 silver carp with a total biomass of approximately 12 kg, 100 silver carp with a total biomass of approximately 110 kg, or one previously frozen silver carp carcass of approximately 2.5 kg. The carcass was placed in a wire mesh cage to prevent uncontrolled scavenging, and one live crayfish was added to the cage at the start of the trial. This experimental setup was repeated for three trials, and eDNA was sampled before adding fish and every 24 hours after adding fish for 7-14 days. We found that the eDNA signal from the single carcass was approximately equivalent to the eDNA signal from 100 live fish, and lasted at least 9 days post-stocking.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Diel Horizontal Migration of Small-bodied Fishes in Lake Michigan
AUTHORS: Mitchell Zischke, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant; Lee Henebry, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University; Andrew Ramirez, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University; Sara Andree, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois; Tomas Höök, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

ABSTRACT: Diel horizontal migration (DHM) has been less studied than diel vertical migration, but may be equally important in structuring food webs, particularly in systems that have productivity gradients from nearshore to offshore areas. One such system is Lake Michigan, which has relatively productive nearshore areas and less productive offshore areas. This gradient has been exacerbated by reduced nutrient loading and establishment of invasive dreissenid mussels. The objective of our study was to explore whether fishes use DHM to access productive nearshore areas in Lake Michigan. We collected fish at dawn, during the day, and at night using micromesh gillnets set parallel to the shore. We noted the direction that fish entered the gillnet assuming that this was indicative of their direction of travel. Mean catch rates of Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) were highest at dawn and night, respectively; however, there was no difference between fish swimming inshore and offshore. As expected for visual feeding fishes, both Alewife and Yellow Perch had fuller stomachs during the day than at other times. Our preliminary data suggests possible DHM by some fish species in Lake Michigan and future research will investigate the timing of DHM and quantify associated food utilization.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Evaluating home range size of bobcats in an agriculturally-dominated landscape of west central Illinois
AUTHORS: Tim Swearingen, Western Illinois University; Christopher Jacques, Western Illinois University; Bob Bluett, Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Christopher DePerno, North Carolina State University; Jonathan Jenks, South Dakota State University; Chuck Anderson, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Mammals Research Division


ABSTRACT: Home range size is affected by many ecological factors, including population density, climate, distribution and abundance of resources, spacing of individuals, sex, and mating system Annual variation in home range size can be influenced by seasonality in any of these factors.  Historically, bobcats (Lynx rufus) were found throughout the Midwest, but were extirpated from many areas due to habitat loss and unregulated harvest that occurred after European settlement.  Expansion of bobcats throughout Illinois since the early 1990s lead to the implementation of a bobcat hunting during Fall 2016 that featured limited harvest for the first time since the early 1970s.  To date, previous research on bobcat demographics has been limited to southern Illinois, thus, quantitative information on bobcat population demographics (e.g., home range use patterns) in other regions of the state is timely.  During 2015, we initiated research to evaluate home range size of bobcats in relation to area-based population estimation techniques (e.g., non-invasive camera trapping) across west-central Illinois.  From January 2016 to January 2017, we monitored weekly movement status of 21 (12 males, 9 females) radio-collared bobcats.  We used Program Locate to estimate animal locations and GIS to calculate 95% home ranges and 50% core areas using ≥ 10 locations.  Preliminary results indicate that mean 95% and 50% adaptive kernel home-range size for male and female bobcats was 1407.93 and 164.02 km2 and 79.12 and 6.65 km2, respectively.  Intersexual differences in spatial use patterns between sexes should be interpreted with caution given small sample sizes used in preliminary analyses.  Future analyses will provide a more complete assessment of interrelationships between home range requirements and density estimation protocols across west-central Illinois, and in turn inform harvest decisions about management programs and approaches for monitoring abundance of bobcats throughout the state.  
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Identifying Potential Age-0 Sturgeon Interception Habitat in the Upper Channelized Missouri River
AUTHORS: Jerrod Hall, Gerald Mestl - Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic modifications to the Missouri River have resulted in the loss of over 40,000 hectares of aquatic habitat. These alterations have negatively affected native riverine fish populations with 51 of 67 native species now rare, uncommon, or decreasing in abundance, including Pallid Sturgeon that were listed as federally endangered in 1990. Subsequent research has identified several potential factors contributing to the recruit bottleneck for Pallid Sturgeon.

One hypothesized limitation is insufficient interception and rearing habitats for age-0 Pallid Sturgeon. The recent Effects Analysis (EA) labeled these types of habitats as Interception Rearing Complexes (IRCs). The EA identified physical metrics for rearing and foraging habitats, but did not provide quantifiable metrics for interception habitats. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Missouri Department of Conservation in a joint project proposed depth and velocity metrics for settling habitat, an important component of interception habitat for Age-0 sturgeon. These metrics in conjunction with hydraulic modeling would allow for identification and quantification of these important areas.

We will present some initial findings detailing settling habitat metrics and potential areas that may function as IRCs in the Nebraska reach of the Missouri River.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

8:40am CST

Technical Session. Roosting Habits of the Eastern Small-footed Bat in the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
AUTHORS: Kristi A. Confortin, Timothy C. Carter - Ball State University

ABSTRACT: The Eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii) primarily uses upland habitats. Within this habitat the bats use rocky outcrops with loose rocks as roosts. The spread of the bat disease White-Nose Syndrome has made it more crucial to understand the species distribution across the landscape. In 2005 a population of this species was discovered in in Illinois on the Shawnee National Forest. Over the last few years limited research has been done to document the presence and basic roosting habits for this population. Because of its limited distribution and perceived low numbers, the Eastern small-footed bat was added to the Illinois Threatened Species List in spring 2015. To guide future management decisions, the US Forest Service needs a better understanding of the summer roosting ecology and how it might be impacted by those decisions. During the summer of 2015 and 2016 we examined the roosting habits, 21 females and 21 males were fitted with radio transmitters and tracked to their day roosts. Seventy of the 96 roosts were located under loose rocks. Characteristics were recorded for all of these roost rocks. Our research shows bat occupancy will increase with the width of rock, a larger area of dryness under the rock and higher percentage of vegetation around the roost rock. Bat occupancy will decrease when percent area under the rock is covered with debris. Results also show that Eastern small-footed bats use a diversity of roosts beyond loose rocks. This species also made use of rock cervices, cliff bluffs, and man-made structures as their day roosts. The proportion of time each roost was used differed by roost type. We were also able to document the differences in daily travel distances between roost types and genders.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 8:40am - 9:00am CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. Comparison of Adult Urban and Rural White-tailed Deer Home Range Size in Southern Indiana
AUTHORS: Jonathan K. Trudeau, Garrett B. Clevinger, Timothy C. Carter - Ball State University

ABSTRACT: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have been extensively researched throughout their distribution and in varying habitats. Urban deer research has grown in popularity due to increasing densities of white-tailed deer in many developed areas. Though much is known about urban and rural deer populations, little is known about how these two populations differ in response to the effects of urbanization. In particular, understanding the differences between urban and rural white-tailed deer space use in adjacent areas is essential to effectively manage the two populations. We are particularly interested in home range and core area size and how they may differ between adjacent areas during the same time period. Our study took place in Morgan, Monroe, and Brown counties in southern Indiana. The City of Bloomington, IN is similar to many moderate sized cities in that it has a healthy urban white-tailed deer population. Using a drop net, dart projectors, and suspended net-gun we caught and collared 41 rural and 45 urban adult white-tailed deer between January and July of 2015/2016. Of the 85 deer collared, 51 had Global Positioning System (GPS) collars and 34 had VHF radio transmitter collars. Locations were collected every 6 hours on GPS collars and 2-4 times a week on radio transmitter collars. We expected the urban deer to have smaller home ranges than the rural deer, but preliminary results show estimated urban home range sizes to be approximately 30% larger than the adjacent rural deer population. Core area size of urban deer was also estimated to be approximately 25% larger than rural deer. As expected, differences in area use were evident between genders and urban class.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. Estimating the Summer Distribution of a Threatened Bat Species in Nebraska
AUTHORS: Zachary A. Warren, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Craig R. Allen, U.S. Geological Survey; Michael D. Whitby, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: Declines in North American bat populations due to the devastating impacts of white-nose syndrome have warranted protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In order to develop informed management strategies for these species, information is needed on their distribution and habitat use. To help fill this information gap, we conducted a state-wide acoustic survey for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis; MYSE) during the summer of 2015.  Using a Generalized Random Tesselation Stratified (GRTS) approach, we selected 101 10 km x 10 km grids throughout Nebraska to acoustically survey. Within each grid, four (4) bat detectors were deployed within suitable habitat for a minimum of six (6) recording nights. Recorded call sequences were offloaded and analyzed to the species level using autoclassification software. Presence/non-detection results were then combined with broad scale habitat variables to generate a species distribution model for MYSE summer range in Nebraska. This predictive model can be used by managers to focus conservation efforts within the state as well as to better understand the effects of management actions. In addition to a better understanding of distribution, we will present the lessons learned from implementing a species-specific statewide survey protocol.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. Estimation of Distribution and Abundance of the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana
AUTHORS: Jazmin Castillo, Dr. Andrei Snyman, Dr. John P. Carroll - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

ABSTRACT: Changes in land use and increasing human populations in southern Africa has negatively impacted the distribution and abundance of large predators (African lion Panthera leo, leopard Panthera pardus, and spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta), even in protected areas. The Northern Tuli Game Reserve (NTGR), Botswana, is a protected area within a matrix of human impacted landscapes. Adjacent land use and human populations are changing dramatically, including increasing human population, villages, modern farming, subsistence farming, and livestock grazing. We hypothesized that spotted hyena abundance would be larger within the reserve core compared to closer to boundaries and human populations. In 2008-2009 and 2015-2016, spotted hyena surveys were conducted throughout the reserve during winter months of May-June. A series of calling stations at fixed sites, covering about 75% of the 72,000 ha reserve, were used in order to attract predators using a buffalo calf in distress call projected through loud speakers. Each calling station lasted an hour where all predators and their behavior were recorded. Spotted hyenas were observed at 95% of the 19 calling stations. The 2008-2009 abundance estimate was 116 hyenas (95% CI 74-159). Our 2015 survey revealed there are currently approximately 150 hyenas (95% CI 117-182), larger density calculated than in the 2008-2009 survey. Although our numbers increased, there was no statistical increase. Mean number of hyenas seen at calling stations was 5.3 ± 4.2 SD. Distribution of hyenas was negatively related to proximity to reserve boundaries and human activity, as was behavior. In addition, snares were seen mainly on animals near boundaries. Our data suggests humans are impacting hyena distribution, and even behavior within this protected area. Although abundance estimates suggest a stable population throughout the reserve, it is important to understand possible cascade effects of this and the other dominant predators in the region.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. From Lab to Field: Comparing Estimates of Asian Carp Abundance Using eDNA, Netting and Side-scan Sonar Methods
AUTHORS: Katy Klymus, Nathan Thompson, Karl Anderson, Duane Chapman, Cathy Richter - U.S. Geological Survey; Presenter: Craig Paukert, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences

ABSTRACT: Estimating and monitoring population abundance is critical to effective species management. Such estimates can be particularly informative in managing invasive species by allowing for early detection, monitoring established populations, identifying habitat usage and testing effectiveness of management actions. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has been proposed as a tool that could be used to obtain relative abundance or biomass estimates of aquatic organisms. Biomass and eDNA shedding rates have been found to be highly correlated in lab-based studies, suggesting that eDNA may be similarly informative in the field. This study used a previously established regression to estimate bigheaded carp biomass from measured eDNA flux in the field. We then compared these eDNA-based values with biomass estimates from side-scan sonar data taken concurrently with eDNA sampling, as well as estimates from netting surveys conducted after eDNA sampling. All sampling took place February and September of 2015 in the Blackwater and Lamine Rivers which are tributaries of the Missouri River. We also compared biomass estimates from each of the three methods among river sites and sampling times. This study expands quantitative eDNA research from the lab and mesocosm arena to field assessments of Asian carp populations inhabiting the Missouri River basin. Ultimately this research will lead to better interpretation of eDNA data from the field.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. Methods for Evaluating Shallow Water Habitat Restoration in the St. Clair River
AUTHORS: Jason L. Fischer, University of Toledo; Edward F. Roseman, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center; David Mifsud, Herpetological Resource Management; Stacey Ireland, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center; Robin DeBruyne, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center; Melanie Foose, Department of Environmental Quality, Office of the Great Lakes; Rosanne Ellison, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes National Program Office; Christine M. Mayer, University of Toledo; Greg Kennedy, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center; Scott Jackson, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center

ABSTRACT: Shoreline development along the St. Clair River has reduced availability of shallow water habitat and connectivity between aquatic and terrestrial zones, contributing to the loss of fish and wildlife habitat beneficial use impairment in the system. Restoration projects carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency along the river’s U.S. bank are key to remediating critical shallow water habitat. However, restoration sites are physically distinct and deployment of many standard gears is unfeasible at some sites, necessitating the use of different suites of gears at different sites. Here we evaluate our multifaceted and adaptive sampling strategy that included egg mats targeting spawning fishes, light traps targeting larval fishes, and minnow traps, electrofishing, and gillnets targeting juvenile and adult fishes at restoration and control sites. During the ice-free period, gears were sampled weekly (egg mats and light traps) to monthly (electrofishing and gillnets). Few eggs were collected and larval fish samples were dominated by invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris) at restored and control sites. However, native species in spawning condition were collected with all other gears at restoration and control sites. Multiple life stages of native species, including valuable sportfish (e.g., yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)) and sensitive species (pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) and mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)), were observed at restoration and control sites, indicating the fish community is using these sites as nursery, refuge, and foraging areas. Therefore, we were able to demonstrate that the differing suites of gear deployed can detect sensitive species of concern and that we can detect qualitative differences between restoration and control sites with this approach.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. Obligate Grassland Bird Response to Woody Plant Configurations
AUTHORS: Stephen Winter, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Britt Smith, Texas Tech University; Sam Fuhlendorf, Oklahoma State University

ABSTRACT: The obligate grassland bird guild has experienced a decline in the Great Plains over the past 50 years. Much of this decline is due to the changes in land-use with the conversion of grassland to cropland. The encroachment and increase in woody plants on the remaining tracts of grasslands also has a negative impact. In 2010 and 2011 as part of a patch-burn grazing study we evaluated the influence of woody vegetation on eastern meadowlark, dickcissel, and grasshopper sparrow in southeast Nebraska. Grassland bird point-count surveys were conducted on 7 pastures treated with patch-burn grazing and 7 traditionally managed pastures, with each pasture receiving two bird surveys per year. Individual bird locations were recorded, entered into a GIS, and analyzed using a supervised woody landscape classification of each pasture and immediate surrounding landscape. Linear regression was used to evaluate the total percent cover, perimeter-area ratio of woody vegetation at 200m, 400m, and 800m buffers, and average individual bird distance to nearest woody plant. We saw no significant difference between grassland bird abundances in patch burn versus traditional pastures. However, our results indicate that eastern meadowlarks and dickcissels responded negatively to increased total woody cover and to decreased perimeter-area ratio, and positively as distance to nearest woody feature increased. Further, our results for grasshopper sparrows were inconclusive at all levels. This suggests that, depending on species, woody plant configuration may influence obligate grassland bird abundances.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:00am CST

Technical Session. Population Demographics of Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) in the Wabash River
AUTHORS: Jessica L. Thornton, Rob Colombo - Biological Sciences Department, Eastern Illinois University; Leslie D. Frankland, Jana Hirst - Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife; Craig Jansen, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife; Vaskar Nepal KC, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary

ABSTRACT: The shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) population in the Wabash River provides an important recreational sport and commercial caviar fishery for both Illinois and Indiana. The Wabash features 411 miles of free-flowing river, providing important habitat for shovelnose sturgeon whose life history includes an age at maturation of 5 to 7 years. Due to the international caviar trade, the population occupying the Wabash River has experienced an increase in commercial harvest over the last decade. Previous studies have shown that increased harvest pressure in this species can slow maturation and result in recruitment overfishing. Therefore, it is increasingly important to closely and continuously monitor the population in order to best manage the fishery for sport and commercial fishing. Over the past decade, shovelnose sturgeon were sampled with boat electroshocking, hoop nets, gill nets, trotlines, and driftnets. In all, fish captured between 2005 and 2015 ranged from 61 to 910mm fork length, with an overall average fork length of 666.99 ± 0.57mm, and an average weight of 1194.34 ± 3.17g. The mean relative weight was 87.6 g, falling within the target range of 80-90, but over the years, relative weight showed a linear decrease with most recent figures in the low end of the target range. Mean fork length (mm) was variable, but did not show any increasing or decreasing trends in the last decade. The overall proportional size structure indices for stock, preferred, memorable, and trophy size fish were 100, 98, 70, and 1 respectively. Despite the increase in commercial harvest of shovelnose sturgeon in the Wabash, the demographics remain relatively stable, though most recent data have shown a decline in the population’s physiological condition. Further monitoring is necessary to maintain a sustainable population and support continued sport and commercial harvest in the Wabash River.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. Assessing Movement of Adult Silver Carp and Bighead Carp in the Upper Illinois Waterway System Using GPS Satellite and Radio Telemetry
AUTHORS: Andrew T. Mathis, Western Illinois University; James T. Lamer, Western Illinois University; Brent Knights, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, United States Geological Survey; Kevin Irons, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Invasive silver carp and bighead carp have established populations throughout the Illinois River. Efforts to prevent invasion into the Great Lakes rely on a comprehensive monitoring program. Despite a wealth of information on Asian carp movement, a finer-scale approach to understand real-time movements and habitat use would strengthen management efforts. We are testing GPS tags to determine patterns of movement, identify potential feeding and spawning areas, and inform commercial removal efforts in the Upper Illinois River. To optimize and determine the feasibility of this technology, data logging tags (manually tracked with radio telemetry) were tethered to bighead and silver carp species in raceway and field experiments. Fifteen of sixteen field-deployed tags have been recovered and have returned 1,455 individual waypoints. We have demonstrated the use of this technology to monitor Asian carp and will begin testing remotely-accessed, real-time satellite-linked prototypes in 2016. Fine-scale accuracies and fast acquisition speeds make this an ideal tool, and is the first use of GPS technology to track fish in riverine systems.

Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. Comparisons of Dispersal and Excursion Events Between Localized Populations of Urban and Rural White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
AUTHORS: Garrett B. Clevinger, Jonathan K. Trudeau, Timothy C. Carter – Ball State University

ABSTRACT: In recent years, the movement patterns of urbanized populations of white-tailed deer (WTD) have become a major area of interest to wildlife professionals. Although a handful of studies have focused on the dispersal and temporary excursion events of either the urban or rural populations of this species, few if any, have ever compared these parameters between both populations on a localized scale. By understanding the extent of seasonal movement between urban and rural populations of WTD within the same general area, wildlife biologists and other stakeholders gain valuable information in which to basis management decisions for the benefit of both the herd and the impacted citizens. This study was conducted in three counties in southern Indiana: Morgan, Monroe, and Brown where the city of Bloomington has a healthy population of urban deer. WTD were captured using dropnets, suspended net guns, Clover traps, or free-darted from a distance. WTD were then equipped with GPS or VHF collars and monitored using radio or satellite telemetry to obtain location data. From January-July 2015-16 a total of 86 WTD was captured consisting of 45 urban individuals and 41 rural individuals. Preliminary observations were similar for max distance traveled from home ranges of both urban (mean = 2.02 km SE = 0.46) and rural WTD (mean = 1.47 km SE = 0.40). Our data also shows individuals traveling from both urban to rural areas and rural to urban areas. This may suggest that the localized population is operating as an open population.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. Determining the Habitat Use of Nebraska Bats: What Scale Is Best?
AUTHORS: Baxter H. Seguin, Zac A. Warren, Michael D. Whitby and Craig R. Allen

ABSTRACT: Bats are critical ecosystem service providers throughout the United States. However, their habitat use in the states of the plains is widely unknown.  The goal of our work is to determine the scale at which we can predict the habitat use of bats and hopefully, in turn, narrow the preexisting gap of knowledge.  By comparing both the scale of remote census data with site measurements within 50m of a stationary point we are able to determine if time consuming and expensive habitat sampling is required for determining the location of bat foraging habitat.  We are conducting an acoustic survey throughout of the state of Nebraska using 2-4 stationary points located in 10 km by 10 km grid cells selected using a Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) sampling method.  A total of 126 deployments of detectors were completed in 9 different habitat types and 35 grid cells. Through both on the ground site measurements and GIS layer assessments logistic regression models were produced to predict what habitats each species of bat in Nebraska is utilizing.  Our results will determine if a more cost effective method that involves less strenuous site measurements and that is less of a burden on land managers can be created.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. Grassland Bird Response to Season of Burn and Grazing Intensity
AUTHORS: Sarah Ogden, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Division of Biology, Kansas State University; David A. Haukos, U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas Cooperative Research Unit, Kansas State University; KC Olson, Jonathan Alexander, Jack Lemmon - Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University

ABSTRACT: The spread of invasive plant species is reducing quality of grassland bird nesting habitat in tall-grass prairies. Natural disturbances by fire and grazing can be harnessed to control unwanted plant species, including sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata). Summer fire and intensive grazing by a steer and sheep combination will reduce sericea lespedeza whole plant mass, seed production, and seed mass. Understanding how native wildlife communities respond to various fire and grazing strategies to control sericea is necessary for making responsible management decisions. From 2013 to 2016, two separate grasslands in the Flint Hills of Kansas were exposed to 1) various timings of fire (i.e., April, August or September) or 2) spring fire and one of two grazing regimes (i.e., steer grazing + rest or steer grazing + sheep grazing). Point-count surveys were conducted in 2015 and 2016 to estimate grassland bird densities and nests were located and monitored to estimate nest survival in each of the treatments. As a whole, the grassland bird community responded similarly to fires applied in spring, mid-summer, and late summer. Grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum), however, occurred in mid- and late summer fire treatments at densities two to three times greater than in spring fire treatments. Grasshopper sparrows were also sensitive to the lack of grazing on the study site, as evidenced by establishment of few nests. Differences in grazing intensity and types of grazers were not associated with differences in grassland bird density or daily nest survival for the grassland bird community as a whole, nor for individual species. Our results demonstrate that fires applied in spring or summer maintain grassland bird breeding habitat and that steer grazing, whether or not supplemented with sheep grazing, is additionally important in maintaining favorable characteristics, especially for grasshopper sparrows.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. Northern Madtom (Noturus stigmosus) Use of Artificial Reefs in the St. Clair – Detroit River System
AUTHORS: Jennifer L. Johnson, Justin Chiotti, Andrew Briggs, James Boase - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Ed Roseman, US Geological Survey; Jan-Michael Hessenauer, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: The Detroit and St. Clair rivers historically supported an abundant fishery; however like many river systems, these rivers have been greatly altered. The creation of navigation channels and other anthropogenic disturbances have resulted in the decline of native fish populations and loss of fish and wildlife habitat. In order to restore these beneficial use impairments, artificial fish spawning reefs have been constructed in the Detroit and St. Clair rivers. One species to potentially benefit from the construction of artificial reefs is the Northern Madtom (Noturus stigmosus). Northern Madtom are a small Ictalurid catfish endangered in the state of Michigan and Province of Ontario. Not much is known about this species as it is historically found in small, isolated populations. In the summer of 2016, we sampled artificial reefs and nearby control sites in the Detroit and St. Clair rivers to compare the relative abundance of Northern Madtom and other small benthic fishes. Minnow traps were deployed overnight at three reef and control sites in each river. A total of 429 minnow traps were deployed using four different bait types (cheese, night crawlers, dog food, no bait) to determine bait preference. Water quality data, current velocity, and substrate information was collected at each site. A total of 51 Northern Madtom were caught, 47 of which were caught in the St. Clair River. Relative abundance did not differ between reef and control sites. However, Northern Madtom statistically preferred night crawlers over any other bait types. This work provides insight regarding sampling strategies to target Northern Madtom in large river systems and future sampling will occur over a longer temporal scale to identify seasonal patterns in habitat use.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. The Effects of Temperature and Feeding Rate on the Growth of Larval Green Sturgeon: Implications for Survival and Recruitment of Early Life History Stages
AUTHORS: Jamilynn B. Poletto, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Benjamin Martin, NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center; Eric Danner, NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center; Dennis E. Cocherell, Joseph J. Cech Jr., Nann A. Fangue - University of California Davis.

ABSTRACT: Both temperature and food availability have significant effects on the growth and survival of native fishes, particularly during early developmental stages. Therefore, we reared larval green sturgeon (initial age ca. 27 days post hatch) at four different temperatures (11, 14, 17, and 20°C) and two different food rates (100% and 40% of optimal) to assess the effects of these stressors and their interactions on larval growth. We compared the overall size (fork length, total length, and mass), specific growth rate (cm/day), and condition factor of larval fish after being held in rearing conditions for up to 12 weeks. Our results can be used to develop models of the early life history requirements of green sturgeon and to inform management actions seeking to increase larval and juvenile recruitment success. 
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:20am CST

Technical Session. Using prey biomass estimates to assess habitat suitability for large African carnivores in a potential corridor region of Northwestern Botswana
AUTHORS: Emma Doden, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife; Christiaan Winterbach, Tau Consultants; Scott Hygnstrom, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife; Jason Riddle, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources; Rob Thomson, Tau Consultants; Gail Potgieter, Tau Consultants; Shanell Budleski, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources; Haylee Stangler, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources; Hanlie Winterbach, Tau Consultants

ABSTRACT: Few studies have been conducted in Western Ngamiland in Botswana, Africa, yet the mosaic of wilderness and livestock areas is important for maintaining connectivity between portions of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. If an adequate natural prey base exists in the study area persecution of large carnivores due to livestock predation likely is reduced. The objective of this study is to estimate the biomass (in Large Stock Units) of natural prey in Western Ngamiland, previously delineated into six agricultural and conservation zones, to determine habitat suitability in the study area for African lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus), spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), brown hyena (Hyaena brunnea), African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). We conducted 1,872.22 kilometers of transect counts by vehicle from June through early September 2016 to assess the biomass of 11 prey species, ranging in size from steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) to giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). All spoor (tracks) encountered on the transects were recorded. Aerial point counts were also conducted by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Botswana from 1991-2012. For all carnivores combined, XaiXai Core Conservation Zone had the most years with significantly higher prey biomass than expected (Chi Square Goodness of Fit Test), while Ngami Tsodilo Agricultural Zone had the most years with significantly lower prey biomass than expected (Chi Square Goodness of Fit Test). Differences between prey biomass available in each region for individual carnivore species depends in part on whether the carnivore preys on large or small herbivores.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:20am - 9:40am CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. A Novel Approach for Assessing Paddlefish Populations Using Mark-Recapture Information
AUTHORS: Nick Kramer, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism; Quinton Phelps, Sara Tripp, Paul Cieslewicz, Dave Herzog - Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: Historically, management of fish populations has been achieved through the use of age-derived estimates of growth and mortality. For long-lived species such as the Paddlefish validation of calcified structures is necessary to correct for presence of false annuli or absence of growth rings. Regardless, numerous studies on Paddlefish populations throughout their range have continued the use of un-validated age estimates to evaluate dynamic rate functions. The use of mark-recapture studies has been applied widely to evaluate growth of short-lived fishes and only recently on a few long-lived freshwater fishes (i.e., White Sturgeon, Shovelnose Sturgeon, and Pallid Sturgeon). This study provides the first simultaneous evaluation of both mark-recapture and age-estimate information in determining population characteristics for Paddlefish. In doing so, this study has determined that the population of Paddlefish in the Black River below Clearwater Dam, Missouri is sustainable. Additionally, mark-recapture information is sufficient to produce accurate and reliable assessments of Paddlefish populations in lieu of validated aging structures. Future management of Paddlefish populations should be centered on accurate scientific methods; which is not the case when using un-validated aging structures (e.g., scales, otoliths, fin rays, dentary bones) to determine population parameters. Mark-recapture information can provide an accurate alternative source of growth and mortality information to be used in evaluating and managing Paddlefish populations throughout their range.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Grand Ballroom D
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. Dispersal of Yearling Male White-tailed Deer in Wisconsin
AUTHORS: Brittany E. Peterson, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Dan J. Storm, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Andrew. S. Norton, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Tim R. Van Deelen, University of Wisconsin-Madison

ABSTRACT: Dispersal facilitates and influences many ecological processes, such as disease spread, range expansion, population dynamics, and gene flow. For intensively managed wildlife populations, like Wisconsin’s white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), understanding dispersal behavior is important for effective management. From 2011-2014, we investigated the effects of ecological context on dispersal in two contrasting study areas in Wisconsin, USA; one dominated by public forest and another by row-crop agriculture. We captured and radio-tracked 409 juvenile male white-tailed deer and evaluated weekly locations to assess dispersal. Dispersal increases mortality risk and carries energetic costs and trade-offs. Therefore, a condition threshold may exist, below which individuals are not able to meet these energetic demands and do not disperse. We found annual dispersal rates were negatively associated with annual winter severity, and individual yearling males with forked-antlers and larger chest girths associated with higher dispersal rates relative to yearlings with spike-antlers and smaller chest girths. Our results suggest that high phenotypic quality is part of the mechanism involved in dispersing from natal to adult range. Landscape features can alter dispersal and dispersal-mediated disease spread and gene flow. Roads, rivers, and cities were identified as semipermeable barriers to dispersal, but effects of barriers differed with respect to study area, suggesting that natural and anthropogenic features influence dispersal-mediated disease transmission and gene flow. Our results advocate that dispersal models consider movement barriers in more developed landscapes, and barriers can also be used to inform designation of biologically meaningful management units.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. Estimating the Effect of Perennial Vegetation in an Agricultural Landscape on Grassland Birds
AUTHORS: Julia Dale,Matt Stephenson, Lisa Schulte-Moore - Iowa State University; Robert Klaver, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit

ABSTRACT: Midwestern grassland birds have faced steep declines due to the expansion of row crop agriculture and the associated loss of habitat. Other concerns associated with Midwestern agriculture include reductions in water quality and soil loss. Integration of strategically placed strips of native prairie vegetation into the larger agricultural landscape has been shown to greatly reduce nutrient and soil export from fields. In addition, integration of small-scale habitat fragments may provide habitat and movement corridors for grassland birds year-round. We investigated bird use of strategically integrated patches of perennial vegetation within the agricultural landscape of Iowa. We conducted bird point counts to estimate bird density in fields with and without integrated perennial vegetation during the summers of 2015 and 2016. Throughout 2015 and 2016 we also investigated bird presence in these fields using Autonomous Recording Units. During point counts, we observed 69 species of birds, with the most common being Red-winged Blackbird (28% of total observations), Dickcissel (10%), Eastern Meadowlark (5%), American Robin (5%), Killdeer (5%), and Common Yellowthroat (4%). Estimated density for Red-winged Blackbird, Dickcissel, and Meadowlark (combined Eastern and Western) were higher in fields containing strategically integrated perennial vegetation. The results of our research will allow us to make recommendations to researchers, landowners and land managers regarding what factors should be considered in relation to grassland bird conservation when considering integration of native perennial vegetation into a farm. 
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. Floating down the River: Vertical Distribution of Larval Fishes in the St. Clair-Detroit River System
AUTHORS: Stacey Ireland, Edward F. Roseman - USGS Great Lakes Science Center; Robin L. DeBruyne, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, University of Toledo, Lake Erie Center; Dustin Bowser, Robert D. Hunter - USGS Great Lakes Science Center; Stacy Provo, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, Center for Ecosystems Studies Unit, Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Patricia A. Thompson, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, West Virginia University; Emily Bouckaert, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, Michigan Technological University


ABSTRACT: Three projects to enhance lithophilic spawning habitat in the St. Clair River, Michigan were completed in 2012 and 2014, adding a total of 6.5 acres of rock-reef habitat. To assess fish use of these reefs, larval fish monitoring occurred post-construction upstream and downstream of the reefs. We used benthic D-frame nets to sample drifting larvae during nighttime and depth-stratified conical nets to sample larvae throughout the water column during day and night. More fish were captured during nighttime than daytime. Sample depth, day/night, and reef were significant factors influencing larval fish catch composition of the stratified conical samples. Overall densities of larval fish were consistently higher at the surface compared to the other depths for depth-stratified conical samples. One key species, lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) was captured in higher numbers downstream of some of the constructed reefs in the D-frame nets. Other species captured include rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), burbot (Lota lota), Coregonus spp., catostomids (Family Catostomidae), and sculpins (Family Cottidae). These results verify the use of the restored spawning habitat by target species and provide information about the vertical distribution of larval fish in the water column to guide surveys focused on specific species and their use of the St. Clair-Detroit River System.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. Habitat Characteristics Influencing Summer Occupancy of Myotis Species in Bottomland Hardwood Forests
AUTHORS: Jacquelyn Dearborn, University of Missouri; Derek Corcoran Barrios, University of Missouri; Elisabeth Webb, USGS Missouri Cooperative Fisheries and Wildlife Research Unit; Sybill Amelon, USFS Northern Research Station; Shauna Marquardt, USFWS Missouri Ecological Services Field Office

ABSTRACT: Within the last century, approximately 96% of bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley have been lost as a result of wide-scale anthropogenic land use changes. Mingo and Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuges contain some of the last remaining tracts of this ecotype in that region. Due to the characterization of bottomland hardwoods as prime roosting habitat for Myotis species, including the federally endangered Myotis sodalis, it is important to determine which habitat types within the refuges are utilized by Myotis species. This will enable refuge managers to better manage their lands for Myotis species, in conjunction with other wildlife. During summer 2015, nine sites were randomly selected in habitats characterized as cropland, herbaceous wetland, and wooded wetland on each refuge. In each habitat type, we placed three Anabat II detectors on raised platforms constructed out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Detectors were deployed for three consecutive nights, and then moved to the next site in each habitat type. Throughout summer 2015, all nine sites per habitat type per refuge were surveyed for three detector nights. Habitat characteristics including stand density, water depth, distance to water and distance to road, were measured at each site. All calls were analyzed manually using Analook software, and Myotis calls were identified. We evaluated Myotis species detection and occupancy probabilities in relation to habitat covariates in a single-season occupancy modeling framework using program DiversityOccupancy in R. The top model included stand density, showing a positive relationship between stand density and occupancy by Myotis species. Our results indicate that wooded wetlands are more likely to provide useful foraging habitat for Myotis species, suggesting that managing for more bottomland hardwood forests would be beneficial for Indiana bats as well as the other Myotis species.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Arbor I/II
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. Monitoring Invasive Bigheaded Carp Reproduction in Large River Tributaries with Larval Sampling Gear Comparison
AUTHORS: Daniel Roth, Eastern Illinois University; Jordan Pesik, Eastern Illinois University; David Wahl, Illinois Natural History Survey; Robert E. Colombo, Eastern Illinois University.

ABSTRACT: Invasive bigheaded carps of the genus Hypophthalmichthys pose significant ecological risks to ecosystems throughout much of the Midwestern United States. These two species, bighead and silver carp, spread extensively throughout many large rivers including the Illinois and Wabash River basins. Monitoring reproduction and early life stages of these fishes is critical in identifying factors that promote their spread into novel ecosystems. The goals of our study were to monitor abundance of early life stages of Hypophthalmichthys carps in tributaries of the Illinois and Wabash Rivers, and to compare the efficiency of three sampling gears. From March through October of 2016 we sampled larval fish in six tributaries using both active and passive ichthyoplankton nets, as well as quatrefoil light traps. Preliminary results suggest limited spawning of Hypophthalmichthys carps within these tributaries, only occurring late in the season near confluence areas. Comparison of sampling gears showed highest catch per unit effort (CPUE) for quatrefoil light traps, followed by active ichthyoplankton nets, and lowest for passive nets. Light traps caught the widest range of life stages, from gas bladder emergent stages to adult Cyprinids. Further analysis is necessary to directly compare efficiencies of the two net types, but we expect to see a wider range of life stages and sizes present in active net samples compared to passive net samples. Although invasive carp reproduction within our study rivers was limited, continued monitoring is necessary to determine if tributary spawning varies annually or across a wider range of hydrological conditions. Results of this ongoing study have the potential to identify what habitat types and environmental factors promote the abundance of these invasive fishes. This is of upmost importance in these systems because they represent potential corridors for dispersal, and contain significant ecological and economic resources. 
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

9:40am CST

Technical Session. Spatial and Temporal Structure of Canid Community in Nebraska
AUTHORS: Lucia Corral, Claire Helmke - Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Teresa J. Frink, Department of Applied Sciences, Chadron State College; Joseph J. Fontaine, U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska–Lincoln


ABSTRACT: Native grassland alteration has resulted in a widespread loss of wildlife habitat, particularly for grassland specialists such as the swift fox (Vulpes velox). In addition to habitat loss, intraguild interactions may have an important effect on swift fox use of suitable habitat when changes in the ecosystem favor the increase in dominant habitat generalist species such as red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and coyote (Canis latrans). Listed as an endangered species in Nebraska, swift fox are estimated to occupy less than 21% of their historic range, while the distribution and density of red foxes and coyotes are believed to have increased in the state. However, the exact distribution and status of swift fox populations in Nebraska remains uncertain. Over the past three years, we have used remote camera traps to monitor carnivores in Nebraska, focusing on swift fox, by stablishing a network of more than 190 baited camera-trap sites across one third of the state. We use a community-level modeling approach to combine data from multiple species and produce information on spatial and temporal patterns in distribution of both individual species and the canid guild. We explore the extent to which the prevalence of site use (i.e., daily presence or absence) by our focal species (swift fox, red fox, coyote) is related to the presence of other canid species at the site (i.e., presence or absence of a potential competitor at some point during the same day), as well as the interaction between site attributes (e.g., land cover, distance to urban centers, type of road), time (time of the day) and date (day of the year). Spatial and temporal outputs include predictive mapping of individual species, and insights into canid spatial and community ecology.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 9:40am - 10:00am CST
Hawthorne
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:20am CST

Technical Session. Export of Pelagic Fish Larvae from the Detroit River
AUTHORS: Ed Roseman, USGS Great Lakes Science Center; Mark DuFour, University of Toledo; Jeremy Pritt, Ohio DNR; Robin DeBruyne, USGS Great Lakes Science Center; Jason Fischer, USGS Great Lakes Science Center; David Bennion, USGS Great Lakes Science Center

ABSTRACT: The St. Clair-Detroit River System is located in the heart of the North American Laurentian Great Lakes, connecting lakes Huron and Erie, contributing over 90% of the inflow to Lake Erie, and providing spawning habitat for many fishes including walleye Sander vitreus, yellow perch Perca flavescens, and lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis. Fish reproduction was measured in the Detroit River using egg and larval surveys for the past 10 years. However, quantitative estimates of contributions from spawning in the system to the Lake Erie population have not been determined. We use long-term biological sampling and physical habitat surveys to characterize egg deposition and larval drift patterns and a Bayesian approach to quantify larval export from the Detroit River. Egg deposition of walleye and lake whitefish occurred throughout the river. Larval export from the Detroit River into Lake Erie varied by species, across years, and spatially among the multiple navigational channels in the lower Detroit River. Total annual export of walleye larvae ranged from 11.9 million in 2013 to 113.4 million in 2014, yellow perch larvae ranged from 334.3 million in 2014 to 689.4 million in 2013, and lake whitefish larvae ranged from 28.8 million in 2010 to 83.4 million in 2011. Given the widespread spawning, large numbers of larvae produced, and continued system-wide water quality and aquatic habitat improvements; the Detroit River provides valuable habitat and added resilience to the Lake Erie walleye population as well as supporting a vibrant fishery within the connecting channel itself.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 10:20am - 10:40am CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:20am CST

Technical Session. Influence of Vegetation Cover on Avian Productivity and Community Ecology in Restored Grasslands of the Prairie Pothole Region
AUTHORS: Ashlee K. Minor, Doctoral Student, Southern Illinois University-Department of Zoology, Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory; Michael Eichholz, Southern Illinois University-Department of Zoology, Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Center for Ecology


ABSTRACT: Numerous conservation efforts in the Prairie Pothole Region seek to restore critical breeding habitat for grassland birds and waterfowl.  Past restoration strategies, directed primarily at waterfowl, created secure nesting habitat using a low-diversity seed mix known as Dense Nesting Cover.  However, Dense Nesting Cover may not meet the habitat requirements for other grassland dependent species, and without intensive management has demonstrated increased susceptibility to invasive vegetation species.  Recently, restoration practices have shifted toward a more ecologically-sound approach, using species-rich native plantings (16-32 species), but community-level impacts are largely unknown.  This study seeks to understand the influence of vegetation cover on grassland bird productivity and community interactions that potentially limit grassland avian populations.  Weekly ATV-chain drags and passerine rope drags were conducted during peak breeding seasons, May to July 2014-2016, to monitor waterfowl and passerine nesting density and breeding success on 26, 20-ha study plots across southeastern North Dakota and northeastern South Dakota.  Small mammal abundance was estimated using Sherman live traps and mesopredator abundance was monitored using baited motion-activated field cameras.  Invertebrate communities were also sampled using vacuum traps during July 2014 to 2016 and pan traps and sweep net methods during July 2016.  I present preliminary results from this study.  Results of this study should provide information on the responses of grassland birds and the interacting wildlife communities to different vegetation cover types and guide grassland restoration and reseeding efforts.  This information will help direct and develop restoration strategies that best facilitate avian productivity while promoting suitable habitat heterogeneity for interacting grassland wildlife communities.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 10:20am - 10:40am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:20am CST

Technical Session. Invasive Asian Carp Are a Poor Food Resource for Native Piscivores
AUTHORS: Daniel Gibson-Reinemer, Jason DeBoer, Allison Anderson, Levi Solomon, Kris Maxson, Andrew Casper - Illinois Natural History Survey

ABSTRACT: Invasive Silver Carp and Bighead Carp have spread widely throughout the Mississippi River Basin, at time reaching tremendous densities. Although these fish consume resources and alter the ecosystems they inhabit, they also serve as potential prey for native piscivores. In portions of the Illinois River, juvenile Asian carp constitute the majority of small ( < 100 mm TL) fish captured in some years. However, native piscivore populations are decreasing. We evaluated trends in Asian carp and native piscivore populations over 15 years using data from a long-term monitoring program. Fast growth and patchy spatial distributions appear to reduce the vulnerability of Asian carp to predation, although reduced growth rates in recent years may increase the length of time they spend within the gape limits of native piscivores.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 10:20am - 10:40am CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:20am CST

Technical Session. Post-mortem RNA Degradation in White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Westcentral Illinois
AUTHORS: Emma K. Trone*, Christopher N. Jacques, Paige Zick - Western Illinois University; Guoqing Lu, University of Nebraska-Omaha; Paul A. Shelton, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are an important wildlife species in Illinois and provide many social, economic, cultural, and ecological values to wildlife users throughout the state. Managing this species remains a top concern to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Potentially valuable molecular techniques (e.g., microarray analyses, next-generation sequencing) for understanding neurodegenerative diseases require use of ribonucleic acid (RNA) from post-mortem tissues. Despite ongoing research evaluating neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., chronic wasting disease) at a molecular level, there exists a paucity of information on potential effects of intrinsic (sex, tissue type, body temperature [Tb]) and extrinsic (ambient temperature [Ta]) factors on RNA quality. Thus, our objective was to evaluate post-mortem RNA degradation in hunter-harvested white-tailed deer to establish post-mortem intervals (PMIs) for RNA viability. We collected tissue (liver [LV], brain stem [BS], retropharyngeal lymph nodes [RPLN]) samples from 17 hunter-harvested deer in Hancock County, Illinois during the 2015 annual firearm season to estimate RNA stability. We collected tissues at predetermined PMIs (2, 8, 16, 24, 36, 48 hrs) and sent all samples to the University of Chicago for analysis. Results indicated RNA was stable through 24 hrs, though sample quality was low; average RNA integrity number (RIN) values ranged from 3.6–5.67. Our findings may be useful for creating a PMI for RNA quality in white-tailed deer, thereby aiding in future tissue collection for high-throughput sequencing techniques.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 10:20am - 10:40am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:40am CST

Technical Session. Asian Carp Contracted Harvest in the Upper Mississippi River
AUTHORS: James T. Lamer, Allison Lenaerts, Cortney Cox, Boone LaHood, Eli Lampo - Western Illinois University; Kevin Irons, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Asian carp are widely distributed throughout the Mississippi River Basin, but their abundance above Lock and dam 19 remains lower than the rest of the basin below this structure.  Lock and dam 19 has never been at open river conditions since its installation, which restricts all fish passage to the lock chamber.  The pinch point at Lock and dam 19 and low density populations in the pools above allow us to use and assess the effectiveness of contracted harvest to reduce pressure on other upstream pinch points (i.e., Lock and dam 14, 15) and prevent establishment throughout the entire upper Mississippi River.  We are using contracted commercial fishers to capture bighead carp, silver carp, and grass carp (i.e., Asian carp).  Initial captures were jaw-tagged (n=714) and released to obtain population estimates using recapture events, and track the exploitation rate and effectiveness of harvest through time.  The first year of harvest removed nearly 3000 fish (60,000 lbs) with a tag recovery of 8.5%.   This initial year of harvest was valuable to determine patterns of fish aggregation related to hydrograph, determine the size structure of fish and the gear needed to target them, and evaluate the use of telemetered fish to inform removal.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 10:40am - 11:00am CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:40am CST

Technical Session. Grassland Bird Productivity in Warm Season Grass Fields in Southwest Wisconsin
AUTHORS: Christine A. Ribic, US Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit; Carolyn M. Byers, Madison Audubon Society; David W. Sample, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; John D. Dadisman, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Michael R. Guttery, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

ABSTRACT: Grassland habitat established through federal set-aside programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program, provide important surrogate grassland habitat for grassland birds. Warm-season grass CRP fields as a group are vegetatively diverse and have the potential for providing a continuum of habitat for breeding birds, depending on how the fields are managed. We studied the nesting activity of obligate grassland bird species in relation to field vegetation and fire management in warm-season CRP fields in southwest Wisconsin 2009-2011. We found 174 nests of 11 grassland obligate bird species over the three field seasons. The majority of nests found were Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Henslow’s Sparrow. Nest density varied in relation to the number of years since the field was burned. Grasshopper Sparrow nest density was highest in the breeding season immediately following spring burns, Henslow’s Sparrow nest density was highest 1 year post burn and Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark nests were higher in post fire years 1-3. More Grasshopper Sparrow nests were found on sites with more diverse vegetation, specifically prairie forbs, and on sites with shorter, less dense vegetation. Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, and Henslow’s Sparrow nests were found on sites with deeper litter; litter was the vegetative component that was affected the most by spring burns. Overall probability of fledging at least one young was 0.487 for Bobolink, 0.478 for Eastern Meadowlark, 0.507 for Grasshopper Sparrow, and 0.151 for Henslow’s Sparrow. The major predators were thirteen-lined ground squirrel, striped skunk, milk snake, badger, and fox snake. Overall predation did not vary by the number of years since the site had been burned. The diversity of vegetation and management by fire on warm-season CRP fields provides a continuum of structure for obligate grassland birds to utilize for breeding and habitat for a diversity of nest predators.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 10:40am - 11:00am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:40am CST

Technical Session. RNA-Seq Based Transcriptome Analysis of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
AUTHORS: Emma K. Trone*, Christopher N. Jacques, James T. Lamer - Western Illinois University; Jun Wang, Guoqing Lu, Jun Wang - University of Nebraska-Omaha; Paul A. Shelton, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; WTD) are popular game species found throughout North America and as such, have been widely studied, however, a paucity of genetic information exists at genome and transcriptome levels. This lack of basic genetic information leads to difficulties in answering questions that require comprehensive genetic backgrounds of a species or individual (i.e., studies focused on epidemiology or differential gene expression on an organismal scale). We sequenced RNA from 10 white-tailed deer livers and retropharyngeal lymph nodes using RNA-Seq. Specifically, we used the Illumina HiSeq 2500 Sequencing System (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) with a HiSeq SBS sequencing kit version 4Transcriptomes were assembled paired-end using Trinity version 2.06. A total of 488,145,350 (243,310,654 from liver and 244,834,696 from RPLN) clean pair-end reads were generated and sequences ranged in size from 320bp to 25,965bp. When compared to protein databases, 51,647 transcripts were assigned genes in NCBI-NR and 47,292 transcripts were assigned genes in Uniprot. Gene Ontology analysis showed transcripts successfully mapped to 20 GO biological processes, 11 cellular components, and 11 molecular functions. The top 10 KEGG pathways include purine metabolism, biosynthesis of antibiotics, pyrimidine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, phosphatidylinositol signaling system, lysine degradation, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glycolysis/glucogenesis, gluthaione metabolism, and drug metabolism- cytochrome P450. To our knowledge, this is only the second study to describe a WTD transcriptome and the third publication of WTD transcriptome data. By describing WTD transcriptomes, we are facilitating future in-depth white-tailed deer genetic studies.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 10:40am - 11:00am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

10:40am CST

Technical Session. Updated Estimated Spawning and Hatch Locations of Naturally Spawned Grass Carp Eggs in a Great Lakes Tributary
AUTHORS: Holly S. Embke, University of Toledo; Patrick M. Kocovsky, U.S. Geological Survey; Catherine A. Richter, U.S. Geological Survey; Tatiana Garcia, U.S. Geological Survey; Christine M. Mayer, University of Toledo; Song S. Qian, University of Toledo

ABSTRACT: Invasive Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) have been stocked for decades in the United States for vegetation control. Adults have been found in all of the Great Lakes except Lake Superior, but no self-sustaining populations have yet been identified in Great Lakes tributaries. Previous research suggested natural reproduction has occurred in the Sandusky River; hence we sampled ichthyoplankton using paired bongo net tows June through August 2015 to determine if Grass Carp are spawning. We identified and staged eight eggs that were morphologically consistent with Grass Carp. Five eggs were confirmed as Grass Carp using quantitative PCR and DNA sequencing, while three were retained for future analysis. All eggs were collected during high flow events, either on the day of or 1-2 days following peak flow, supporting a suggestion that high flow conditions favor Grass Carp spawning. From our findings, we used an unsteady-state hydraulic modeling process to calculate the most likely spawning and hatch locations for these eggs. Preliminary model results suggest eggs were most likely released near the hypothesized spawning site near Fremont, Ohio. Hatch locations extended from approximately river km 20 out into Muddy Creek Bay. These locations will help guide future sampling efforts, inform risk assessments and aid targeted control efforts.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 10:40am - 11:00am CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:00am CST

Technical Session. Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Fish Behavior and Swimming Performance: Implications for Use as a Movement Barrier
AUTHORS: Eric Schneider, Caleb Hasler, Cory Suski - University of Illinois

ABSTRACT: Aquatic invasive fishes in the Midwest have a potential for wide-ranging impacts due to the interconnectedness of watersheds. Of particular concern is the artificial connection between the Mississippi River basin and the Great Lakes via commercial shipping waterways, specifically the Chicago Area Waterway System. Bigheaded carps have established themselves in the upper reaches of the Illinois River, and significant efforts have been made to prevent their further spread towards Lake Michigan. Currently, three electric barriers are in place and serve to prevent fish passage through this waterway. To provide redundancy and increase the likelihood of stopping the spread of carp into the Great Lakes, carbon dioxide (CO2) is being investigated as a potential nonphysical barrier. Here, we first review some of the work that has been done to define the potential of CO2 as a fish barrier. We also present findings from several recent studies related to the potential impacts of CO2 on swimming performance and fish behavior in flowing water. Together, these data help define the potential for CO2 to act as a non-physical deterrent to fish movement, and highlight work that has been done to refine and guide application.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:00am - 11:20am CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:00am CST

Technical Session. Effects of Habitat Heterogeneity on Survival and Movements of Fledgling Dickcissels
AUTHORS: Bram H.F. Verheijen, Brett K. Sandercock - Division of Biology, Kansas State University

ABSTRACT: Many species of songbirds in North America have been declining in population numbers. Ongoing declines have been linked to habitat loss and fragmentation, and increased landscape homogeneity caused by agricultural intensification. To counter ongoing declines of grassland songbirds, we tested the potential benefits of patch-burn grazing management, which creates high levels of heterogeneity in vegetative structure. Recent studies found that patch-burn grazing management increases bird diversity and nest survival in Dickcissels (Spiza americana), but the impacts on fledglings, and total reproductive output of grassland songbirds, have been largely ignored. Due to their limited initial movements, the survival of altricial young after fledging is likely influenced by local variation in habitat structure, food abundance, and predator pressure. To assess the effects of heterogeneity in vegetative structure on the survival and movements of fledgling Dickcissels, a species of conservation concern, we applied transmitters to 48 fledglings at five experimental units at Konza Prairie LTER, Kansas. We found a potential conflict between the nest and fledgling stage of Dickcissels. Although nest survival tended to be highest in treatments with low heterogeneity, fledglings showed high mortality and actively moved away from those treatments. Rangeland management could potentially affect predators of nests and fledglings in species-specific ways, potentially leading to life-stage specific responses to management in Dickcissels. Conflicts in habitat requirements among life-stages could have important implications for how we structure and evaluate conservation efforts. Moreover, a heterogeneous landscape could provide songbirds with a mosaic of habitats that could maximize both nest and fledgling survival.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:00am - 11:20am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:00am CST

Technical Session. Influence of Ecologic Factors on Prevalence of Meningeal Worm Infection in South Dakota, USA
AUTHORS: Christopher N. Jacques, South Dakota State University; Jonathan A. Jenks, South Dakota State University; Robert W. Klaver, U.S. Geological Survey; Shelli A. Dubay, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.


ABSTRACT: The meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) is a nematode parasite that commonly infects white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; WTD) throughout the deciduous forest biome and deciduous-coniferous ecotone of eastern and central North America; the species is not known to occur west of the grassland biome of central North America. We used county-specific prevalence data to evaluate potential effects of landscape and climatologic factors on the spatial distribution of meningeal worm infection in South Dakota, USA. Probability of infection increased 4-fold between eastern and western South Dakota and 1.3 fold for each 1-cm increase in summer precipitation. Sixty-three percent of WTD had only a single worm in the cranium. Expansion of meningeal worm infection across western South Dakota may be inherently low due to the combined effects of arid climate and potential attributes of the Missouri River that limit regional movements by infected WTD. Use of landscape genetic analyses to identify potential relationships between landscape features and population genetic structure of infected deer and parasites may contribute to a greater understanding of regional heterogeneity in meningeal worm infection rates across South Dakota, particularly in counties adjacent to the Missouri River. Future research evaluating heterogeneity in prevalence and intensity of infection between fawn and yearling deer, and the potential role of yearling male deer as dispersal agents of meningeal worms across the Missouri River also is warranted.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:00am - 11:20am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:00am CST

Technical Session. Reproduction of Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the Middle Mississippi River
AUTHORS: Wes Sleeper, Missouri Department of Conservation and Southeast Missouri State University; Quinton Phelps, Missouri Department of Conservation; Dave Herzog, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: Black carp, (Mylopharyngodon piceus), were first introduced into the United States during the 1970’s and 1980’s in aquaculture facilities for biological control of snails. However, black carp managed to escape these facilities and now inhabit the rivers of the Mississippi River Drainage Basin. Collections of adult black carp by commercial fishers are becoming increasingly common and widespread, but it was not until October of 2015 that the first evidence of reproduction was documented in North American waters. Two age-0 black carp were collected from a tributary of the Middle Mississippi River located just south of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Current ongoing sampling efforts of this system have yielded an additional 70 age-0 black carp in the fall of 2016 ranging from 22mm to 78mm. The length distributions of the black carp show multiple cohorts and provide evidence of multiple successful spawning events in the summer and fall of 2016. Further sampling in areas within the Middle Mississippi River flood plain have also be conducted, but age-0 black carp have yet to be captured. Continued sampling efforts, paired with environmental DNA sampling by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will take place over the course of the next several years to determine the extent of reproductive success. To date, this is the only documented reproduction of black carp in North America and locating and removing these invaders from the landscape could slow or eliminate their spread into the Upper Mississippi River and the Great Lakes.  
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:00am - 11:20am CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:20am CST

Technical Session. An Evaluation of Plankton Sampling Methods to Detect Zebra Mussel Veligers in a Newly-Infested Kansas Reservoir
AUTHORS: Jessica Edmunds, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism; Chris Steffen, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism; Ben Smith, DOI National Park Service, Lake Mead NRA; Jason Goeckler, US Fish and Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT: Zebra Mussels Dreissena polymorpha are an invasive mussel that negatively impact aquatic ecosystems outside their native range. Movement of live adults or water containing zebra mussel veligers results in the continued spread and establishment of new populations. Early detection provides an opportunity for managers to deploy rapid response strategies and to allow stakeholders to prepare for potential impacts. A common method for detecting new populations is to examine plankton samples for the presence of zebra mussel veligers using cross-polarized light microscopy, yet there is no standard procedure for plankton sample collection. The objective of this study was to evaluate which sampling techniques and locations were most likely to detect zebra mussel veligers in a newly discovered, low density population at Pomona Reservoir, Kansas. We used a Wisconsin-style plankton net to collect samples from main lake sites and 50 meters offshore from boat ramps using vertical tows, and from boat ramp docks using surface, vertical, and oblique tows. Samples taken at boat ramps using oblique and vertical tows contained the highest veliger densities. Additional results will be discussed to inform managers the best method to detect zebra mussel veligers in the most efficient, cost-effective manner.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:20am - 11:40am CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:20am CST

Technical Session. Early Invasion Dynamics of New Zealand Mudsnails
AUTHORS: Samantha Stanton, Michigan State University; William Keiper, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality; Seth Herbst, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Daniel Hayes, Michigan State University


ABSTRACT: New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) are a recent invader to the state of Michigan, and have generated considerable concern among resource managers.  New Zealand mudsnails were initially detected in non-targeted surveys in the Pere Marquette River in 2015, and have since been found in the Au Sable and Boardman Rivers.  Our first goal was to determine the spatial extent of this species in these rivers, and to determine how much the range has expanded in the Pere Marquette between 2015 and 2016 using targeted qualitative surveys.  The 2015 surveys show that the distribution in the Pere Marquette River encompassed at least 9.8 river miles. Preliminary surveys indicate that the range has expanded in 2016, but further sampling in the fall will refine estimates of the range.  The distribution in the Au Sable River shows a disjoint distribution, with patches occurring in the East Branch as well as the South Branch and mainstream of the river.  Information from a local conservation group suggests that the infestation in the Boardman River likely dates back to at least 2012. This infestation, however, went unreported until “unknown” snails in 2016 reached densities high enough to cause concern and ultimately lead the group to request confirmation of identification from taxonomic experts, which resulted in confirmation of New Zealand mudsnails.  In implementing these surveys, a natural question is how efficient are qualitative searches in detecting mudsnails when present.  As such, our second goal was to estimate the detection probability for qualitative surveys.  We implemented a split-plot type of sampling design, and found that when mudsnails were found in one sub-plot, they were also generally found in the other sub-plot, and rarely were there cases where they were found in only one sub-plot.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:20am - 11:40am CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:20am CST

Technical Session. Evaluating Gene Expression in Chronic Wasting Disease Infected White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
AUTHORS: Emma K. Trone*, Christopher N. Jacques, James T. Lamer, Paige Zick - Western Illinois University; Guoqing Lu, Jun Wang - University of Nebraska-Omaha; Paul A. Shelton, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a type of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) which affects cervid species throughout North America. The disease is both communicable and transmissible and there is no treatment currently available. This research evaluated gene-expression in CWD-infected and non-infected white-tailed deer collected by Illinois Department of Natural Resource game managers during annual population reduction (e.g., sharpshooting) and disease monitoring efforts throughout the CWD-endemic area of northcentral Illinois. We used next generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze tissue samples from CWD-infected deer euthanized by IDNR sharpshooters during winter 2015 (February – March 2015). Specifically, we used the Illumina HiSeq 2500 Sequencing System (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) to quantify and map the transcriptomes de novo, and identify novel and known genes from CWD-infected (n=5) and non-infected (n=5) deer. Preliminary results indicate 59 differentially expressed genes, of which 23 can be annotated using the Blast2GO database. Molecular functions of these genes include binding, catalytic activity and receptor activity. Specifically, we have identified ADIPOQ and CCL3 as differentially expressed. These genes are responsible for regulation of tumor necrosis factor in a typical immune response. Unidentified genes may be previously un-described cervid genes or related to CWD infection. Annotation and validation of differentially expressed genes is necessary when creating a genetic profile. Identification of differentially expressed genes involved in the pathogenesis of CWD may enable researchers and wildlife managers throughout Illinois to predict the infectious status of harvested deer using gene expression (transcriptome) profiles developed from this study.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:20am - 11:40am CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:20am CST

Technical Session. Taking Fledglings into Consideration When Assessing Management Impacts on Grassland Bird Productivity
AUTHORS: Daniel Wolcott, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Christine Ribic, US Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit; Rosalind Renfrew, Vermont Center for Ecostudies; James Herkert, Illinois Department of Natural Resources; David Sample, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: In the Midwest, the majority of nesting habitat for grassland birds is on privately owned agricultural grasslands. Conservation organizations have defined periods when grassland disturbance should be avoided to protect grassland bird nests, and thus enhance bird productivity. This period typically runs 15 April (Illinois) or 15 May (Wisconsin) to August 1 (both states). We used 20 years of grassland bird nesting data from Wisconsin and Illinois (3,350 nests) to determine the potential impact of disturbance on bird productivity. Specifically, we compared the potential losses of grassland bird nests and fledglings from early- and late-season mowing. We used a simulation approach to model survival of nests and fledglings based on nest data. Disturbance dates for mowing were the average dates when 50% of hay harvest was done in the two states (National Agricultural Statistical Service data) and July 20 for late-season mowing. The first and second mowings of hay in both states (Illinois: early June, early July; Wisconsin: mid-June, mid-July) potentially impact bird productivity more than the third mowing (Illinois: mid-August; Wisconsin: late August). More nests were potentially lost in the first mowing compared to the second for both Illinois (74% and 34%, respectively) and Wisconsin (70% and 15%, respectively). Potential fledgling loss in Illinois was higher during the second mowing (77%) than the first (47%) while fledgling loss in Wisconsin was slightly higher in the first mowing (65%) than the second (54%). For late-season mowing, few nests would be lost but potentially half of the fledglings would be.  Current recommendations for restricting disturbance on grasslands appear to limit potential nest mortality, however, if late-season disturbances (e.g., late-season fires) increase, these timelines may need to be reassessed to consider fledglings (which are dependent on parents for 2-3 weeks post-fledging) to protect overall bird productivity.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:20am - 11:40am CST
Grand Ballroom B
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:40am CST

Technical Session. Expansion and Growth of Chronic Wasting Disease in Wisconsin
AUTHORS: Trevor Hefley, Department of Statistics, Kansas State University; Mevin Hooten, U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit,
Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Department of Statistics, Colorado State University; Daniel Walsh, U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison Wisconsin; Robin Russell, U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison Wisconsin

ABSTRACT: Within the state of Wisconsin, chronic wasting disease (CWD) was first detected in white-tailed deer in 2001 as a result of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources surveillance efforts. Continued surveillance of CWD has resulted in a large spatio-temporal data set with dense spatial coverage. Motivated by this data set, we develop a hierarchical Bayesian spatio-temporal model that captures the geographic spread and growth in the prevalence of CWD. Our results show that the geographic spread in the prevalence of CWD is influenced by landscape level risk factors (e.g., river corridors). More importantly, our results indicate a modest growth rate in the prevalence of CWD across all sex and age classes of white-tailed deer. Using our spatio-temporal model, we obtain short range forecasts (2017-2020) of the expansion and growth of CWD in Wisconsin.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:40am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom C
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:40am CST

Technical Session. Introduction of New Zealand Mudsnails into the Upper Midwest; Range Expansion and Aquatic Threat
AUTHORS: Justin Wegner, Mark Luttenton - Annis Water Resources Institute

ABSTRACT: Invasion of aquatic invasive species can be described by two stages: the primary introduction to a novel environment where it establishes a reproducing population and secondary range expansion as the population spreads within a system or is introduced to new systems via natural or abiotic vectors. This pattern of invasion is exemplified in the Great Lakes Watershed by invasive species such as Sea Lampreys, Zebra Mussels, and Round Gobies. In 2015, the New Zealand Mudsnail (NZMS), was discovered in Michigan’s Pere Marquette River indicating that NZMS have begun secondary range expansion. In 2016, during annual macroinvertebrate surveys we discovered a population of NZMS in the East Branch Au Sable River. Macroinvertebrate surveys indicate that NZMS density in the East Branch Au Sable River has increased relatively rapidly in a short period of time. Increases in NZMS density was observed at the apparent introduction site and sites downstream from that location. Additionally there is evidence that NZMS have spread to the Main Branch of the Au Sable below its confluence with the East Branch.  These preliminary findings provide the first estimates of NZMS population growth in a Midwestern stream, and highlights the challenges managers face in controlling the spread of aquatic invasive species once they have become established. 
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:40am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom A
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation

11:40am CST

Technical Session. Invasive Fishes of the U.S. Great Basin
AUTHORS: Robert Shields, Mario Minder, Mark Pyron - Ball State University; Emily Arsenault, Michael Thai, James Thorp - University of Kansas

ABSTRACT: US Great Basin rivers were historically dominated by native fishes. However invasive species and severe drought challenge the stability of Great Basin fish assemblages. We surveyed fishes of the Carson, Humboldt, and Bear Rivers in Nevada, Idaho, and Utah. Our approach was to combine univariate and multivariate analyses to test for effects of invasive species on native fish assemblages among functional process zones. Understanding how the surrounding landscape influences invasive river fauna is useful in predicting invasion potential and mitigating the effects of established invasives.
Wednesday February 8, 2017 11:40am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom F
  Technical Session, Oral Presentation
 
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  • Main Agenda Item
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  • Acipencidae
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  • S1: Midwestern Reservoir Management and Assessment Strategies
  • S2: Midwestern Agroecology and the Conservation of Grassland Birds
  • S3: Ecology of the Missouri National Recreational River
  • S4: Sustaining America's Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources
  • S5: Playa Wetland Ecology
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