Agenda

(Rumsey Room)

The thermal fish index (TFI) is a valuable tool for monitoring and assessing fish communities. The TFI is a multidisciplinary metric that can easily be applied to studies relating to: anthropogenic stress, waterbody condition, thermal effluents (316a), and global climate change. This simple, yet effective, metric can easily be incorporated in any program that uses assemblage-based methods for fish collection, or anyone working with fish assemblage data. An additional benefit includes a meaningful characterization of thermal class allowing the TFI to be easily understood and communicated across watershed, ecoregion or jurisdictional boundaries. This presentation will introduce the development of the TFI metric into an assessment method for making 303(d) and 305(b) listings in Pennsylvania and discuss real-world examples.

(Washington / Fairfax Room)

Joe Duris and Emily Woodward from USGS will be presenting on sampling PFAS, Carla Ng from University of Pittsburgh will present on bioaccumulation of PFAS, and Amy Williams will discuss PA DEP’s passive sampling of PFAS. This workshop will be a practical discussion on how to sample for PFAS and how species bioaccumulate PFAS. This workshop will be tailored towards the aquatic biologist with practical applications for freshwater sampling.

(Old Inn)

Participants will learn the basics of aquatic plant identification, best management practices for nuisance species, data collection and reporting tools in aquatic plant management. Individuals partaking in the workshop will receive hands-on identification experience with live plant samples and utilizing taxonomic appropriate keys. The workshop will explore a variety of SAV (Submersed Aquatic Vegetation) survey techniques through recent case studies and participants will be immersed in aquatic field experiences (pending suitable weather conditions and as time allows). Participants will receive (via email) a Northeast Aquatic Plant Identification Guide as part of the workshop and are welcome to bring their own magnifying glasses, tweezers, field boots and weed rakes.

(Downstairs Social Room)

A look into the ecology and life histories of freshwater mussels. We will take a look into the current state of mussels, population trends, threats faced by freshwater mussels and what is being done to alleviate those threats. While proficiency in mussel identification cannot be had during a short time, the workshop will cover the anatomy and identifiable features of mussels and have practical examples (provided) to observe and practice identification. The class and example collections will be WV-centric, however the information and many of the specimens overlap regionally.

(Panhandle)

There are more than 350 species of crayfish in North America with around ½ currently threatened with population decline or extinction. This workshop will review crayfish biology, distribution, and ecology specific to the Mid-Atlantic region. Focus will be placed on the major anatomical characteristics used to differentiate crayfish species and key concepts associated with their taxonomy. Special attention will be made to learn how to differentiate between non-native and native species and discuss the history and potential future for crayfishes in the Mid-Atlantic region. Identification keys will be provided and attendees will have the opportunity to key out live and preserved specimens of regional crayfish species.

(Morgan Room)

This workshop will commence with a short lecture on the general biology of salamanders. This will be followed by an introduction to the common salamanders families of the North/Central Appalachians with a focus on ones that utilize bodies of water such as streams and vernal pools (some woodland salamanders will be included as well). While some species of salamanders are easy to identify, members of some genera can be more challenging. The workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to learn some of the key differentiating features between some of the trickier species. In addition to examining the key characteristics for species identification in the field, this workshop will include a review of salamander ecology, distribution, natural history, and conservation issues. If weather allows, some live specimens will be provided to examine.