THANK YOU ALL FOR A GREAT CONFERENCE!
2024 ORTWS Annual Conference
How it’s made: Understanding Process & Policy in Wildlife Decision Making
February 14-16, 2024 || Hood River, Oregon
CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE HAS REACHED CAPACITY AND REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
We look forward to seeing you at future ORTWS events.
2024 ORTWS Annual Conference
Schedule-at-a-Glance
We will have a limited number of printed copies of our schedule-at-a-glance available for conference attendees. Please print your own copy of this schedule
if you want to ensure you have a printed copy at the conference.
2024 ORTWS Annual Conference
Full Program Schedule
We will not have a printed copy of our full program schedule available for all conference attendees. Please print your own copy of this schedule if you would like one at the conference -- we will not have them available.
2024 Sponsorship Pledge and Display Space Information
The Annual Conference is a three-day conference on wildlife science and management which includes technical presentations, focused symposia, professional interaction forums, plenary sessions, and student mentoring events. These events provide opportunities for wildlife students and professionals to learn about, discuss, and potentially influence diverse aspects of wildlife conservation and management. Click here for more sponsorship details and display space information. If you have already decided to sponsor the 2024 conference in Hood River, OR, please complete this form here.
REFRESHMENTS FOR MIXER AND BANQUET EVENTS
Thank you to local breweries for supporting our conference activities:
Freebridge Brewing
Gorges Brewing Company
Hood River Brewing
Pfriem Brewing
Full Sail Brewing
Call for 2024 Abstracts, Posters and Presentations
2024 Abstract Submission Deadline: CLOSED
Click here for Google Form
View our call for abstracts here to find details on talk lengths, poster guidelines, special sessions, and more!
Interested in presenting your research at the 2024 ORTWS Annual Conference? Submit your scientific abstract today! At this conference we'll have standard length oral presentations (20 min), IGNITE talks (10 min), and a poster session. We also encourage you to share your ideas for special sessions devoted to a single topic or theme. These could include moderated panel discussions, collaborative discussions, point-counterpoint panels, or conversation starter panels.
We frequently hear the phrase “best available science” in the context of making policy decisions. But, what exactly is the process for incorporating science into wildlife management? Building upon last year’s theme of integrating research into management, this year we are exploring how research informs policy. If your research has informed past/current policy, or if your research could inform future policy, we’d love for you to share it at the annual meeting. Similarly, if policy informs how you apply wildlife management, please consider sharing your knowledge with us.
Questions regarding abstract submission? Or do you have an idea for a special session? Contact Jenniffer Bakke at jbakke@ortws.org
2024 Conference Registration
CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE HAS REACHED CAPACITY AND REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
We look forward to seeing you at future ORTWS events.
General cancellation: We will offer a full refund, less a $10 cancellation fee, for cancellations before January 7, 2024.
Early-bird Member Conference Registration Rates
*Available to ORTWS Members through January 7, 2024
Professional Member (Early-bird): $350
Early Career Professional† / Retired Member (Early-bird): $175
Grad Student (Early-bird): $150
Undergrad/Community College/High School Student (Early-bird): $55
Member Conference Registration Rates (past Early-bird deadline)
*Available to ORTWS Members from Jan 8 – Feb 14, 2024
Professional Member: $395
Early Career Professional† / Retired Member: $195
Undergrad/Community College/High School Student: $100
Grad Student: $195
Non-Member Conference Registration Rates
We encourage all conference attendees to become ORTWS members, to receive reduced registration rates! You can become a member during registration. Learn more about the different levels of membership here.
Non-member: $450
Vendor Table Only
Contact kimmccune@ortws.org for *vendor display table: $150 for 3 days
* Vendor table is 6' x 30" draped with black table cloth, 1 chair per vendor representative included
† Early Career Professionals are individuals who have graduated from a college-level wildlife (or related) program, but who are not yet in established positions within the profession (i.e., seasonal employees)
Photo Release: I hereby give the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society (ORTWS) permission to take photographs and or/video. I understand that photographs/video may be used, without charge, in ORTWS publications, presentations, website and/or other communication channels.
Accommodations
Best Western Plus - Hood River Inn
1108 E Marina Drive, Hood River, OR 97031
Best Western Plus - Hood River Inn
Toll Free Reservations: (800) 780-7234
Hotel Direct Number (541) 386-2200
For Lodging: Click HERE for a table of special rates and rooms being held for Oregon Chapter of the Wildlife Society Conference
NOTE: Best Western Plus Hood River Inn Block Expires January 20, 2024
2024 Undergraduate Student Volunteer Opportunities
The volunteer application has closed, however, we still have a few spots open should an applicant present special circumstances. If you would like to volunteer, please email osuadvisor@ortws.org.
UNDERGRATES CAN APPLY TO VOLUNTEER IN EXCHANGE FOR SHARED LODGING.
Volunteers: Undergraduates are encouraged to apply for volunteer opportunities at the 2024 annual conference! In exchange for 4 hours of volunteering at the Annual Conference, you will be provided with 2 nights housing for the Annual Conference.
Volunteering Details: As a volunteer you will help the ORTWS Board ensure that the conference runs smoothly. This could include helping with: running the registration desk, computer assistance in the presentation rooms, selling raffle tickets, and more. You will be asked to sign up for volunteer slots once your application has been accepted. Volunteer space is limited to 20 participants.
Lodging Incentive Details for Volunteers: Housing is provided for 3 nights (February 13, 14 & 15, 2024) at the Best Western Plus, Hood River, Oregon.
Volunteer Qualifying Criteria:
- Must be a member of ORTWS (you can become a member when registering for the conference)
- Must attend the ORTWS 2024 Annual Conference
- Students should be undergraduate students currently enrolled in a biological or natural resources programs (wildlife, forestry, conservation biology, zoology, environmental communication, etc.).
We encourage undergraduates taking advantage of this offer to participate in workshops and to attend the business meeting and networking events. These are great opportunities for you to strengthen your skills and network with mentors and colleagues.
Questions? Contact the head of our Annual Conference Volunteer Committee, Shalynn Pack (osuadvisor@ortws.org)
2024 Plenary Speakers
Samara Group
ODFW
USFWS
Univ. of Washington
2024 Workshops
Wildlife Habitat Improvement Examples; The How, Why, Struggles and Triumphs of Habitat Improvements
Friday, February 16: 8:30am - 10:30am
Leader: Daniel Somers, ODFW Wildlife Area Program Manager
In this workshop we will cover different habitat projects that have been completed or in progress or still in the planning phase. On each project we will dive into why we feel the project needs completed, planning the project, funding the project, permits required, partnerships, roadblocks that we may have hit and discussions for everyone to join in on if desired. Projects may include waterfowl habitat restoration, winter range grassland restoration and maintenance, stream and riparian restoration, Juniper removal projects, Forest thinning, Bitterbrush seed test plots, Oak Savanah restoration, water/ spring developments, post-burn planning.
Considerations:
- Bring note-taking materials, snacks, and water
Registration Fee: $10
Participant Limit: No Limit
Exploring the Bees of the PNW: Survey Methods and Tools for Study
Friday, February 16: 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Scott Mitchell (OSU)
In this workshop, we will cover the basics of native bee biology, ecology, and distribution in the Pacific Northwest, and some basic tools and resources for surveying and studying bees in Oregon. In the first part of the workshop, we will discuss the basics of native bee biology and natural history and will provide participants a general understanding of how native bees behave and function in their environment. Once we have covered the basics, we will go into a broad overview of pollinators in the Pacific Northwest and examine some examples of species and their distribution in Oregon. We will then discuss some basic methods for surveying bee communities and pollinator interactions with plants, including discussing recent developments in bee survey methods. We will close the workshop with a broad overview of bee taxonomy and will walk participants through a new tool that was recently developed for genus level bee identification in the Pacific Northwest. Participants will have an opportunity to look at native bee specimens up close and personal to get a sense of the diversity of bees in our state.
Considerations:
- Computer, pen, and paper recommended
Registration Fee: $10, FREE to undergraduate
Participant Limit: No Limit
Field and Analytical Methods for Studying Mesocarnivores
Friday, February 16: 8:30 - 11:30am
Leaders: Marie Martin, Erika Anderson, Sean Matthews (OSU)
Oregon is home to an exciting group of mesocarnivores, many of which are species of conservation interest. Join us to learn about how to survey for mesocarnivores, including both live-capture and non-invasive techniques. After reviewing field survey methods together, we’ll discuss the different types of data that result from these approaches and how those data can be incorporated into statistical models to understand mesocarnivore habitat use, ecology, and demography. While we will discuss analytical and modeling methods, no previous experience with R or modeling is expected.
Considerations:
- Lunch or snacks, warm clothing, computers could be helpful for taking notes and going through slides
Registration Fee: $10, FREE to undergraduate students
Participant Limit: 20 (FULL)
Introduction to Wildlife Trapping
Friday, February 16
Two morning sessions (8 - 10:00 & 10:30 - 12:30)
Leaders: Dave Keiter (ODFW), Terrah Owens (OSU), Nate Libal (ODFW)
Interested in learning about field techniques used to research wildlife? We will be hosting a workshop focused on live-trapping techniques, trapping ethics, and non-invasive means to collect data. This workshop will include explanations and demonstrations of best practices for use of various sampling devices used to study wildlife, followed by a question and answer session. Students and early career professionals are particularly encouraged to sign up, although wildlife professionals of all career stages are welcome!
Considerations:
- Snacks, water, warm clothing appropriate for extended periods outside
Registration Fee: $10 per session, FREE to undergraduate students
Participant Limit: 20 per session
2024 Photo Contest Winners
A big Shout Out and congratulations to the winners of the 2024 photo contest held in Hood River, Oregon this year! We had one of the largest number of entries in many years with 56 photos submitted. Thanks to all who participated and especially those of you who took the time to vote! There is even talk about including trail camera shots for next year. Keep that camera with you wherever you may go until next February and enter the photo contest!!
Mammals & Best of Show
Emily Weidner - Lynx
Birds
Emily Weidner - Hummingbird in Nest
Inverts/Other
Emily Weidner – Bug in Sand
Landscapes/Habitat
Alyson Yates - Cholla & Mountains
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsorships
