1. Fish Kill Investigations: An Evaluation of Cause and Assessment Facilitators: Jim Hedrick ([email protected]) and Janet Clayton ([email protected]), WV Dept. of Natural Resources This workshop is intended to equip field personnel with the knowledge and tools to accurately respond and evaluate fish and mussel kills. Participants will be addressing specific agency responsibility and chain of command required to accurately and appropriately report and evaluate a fish or mussel kill. We will be looking at key characteristics that will assist in determining cause, extent, monetary value, and recovery of a fishery impacted by a kill. Participants will also learn readiness preparation and the essential field tools that may be needed. (Limit: 25 Participants)
2. Fish Identification Workshop: Module 7 Taxonomy and Identification of the Minnows (Cyprinidae) Facilitators: Aaron Henning ([email protected]), Penn State University; Dan Cincotta ([email protected]), WV Dept. of Natural Resources; Rick Spear ([email protected]), PA Dept. of Environmental Protection; and Frank Borsuk ([email protected]), US Environmental Protection Agency-Wheeling. This is the seventh workshop of a series that will focus on the identification of the freshwater fishes of the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Module 7 workshop will focus on the identification of the fishes in the Family Cyprinidae (focused on Notropis). We will break participants out into major drainages within the Mid-Atlantic. The workshop will be a hands-on identification exercise with supplemental PowerPoint presentations. (Limit: 30 Participants)
3. CRAYFISH IDENTIFICATION Facilitators: Tom Jones ([email protected]), Marshall University; Casey Swecker ([email protected]), Environmental Solutions & Innovations, Inc. 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. Focus will be placed on the major anatomical characteristics used to differentiate crayfish species in the Mid-Atlantic region. Special attention will be made to learn how to differentiate between non-native species and native fauna and discuss the history and potential future for crayfishes in the 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. (Limit: 20 Participants)
4. Introduction to R Language and Environment for Statistical Computing in the Aquatic Sciences Facilitator: George T. Merovich ([email protected]), WV University R is an open-source programming language and environment for statistical computing. It is available for download from ). R is becoming very popular in the ecological fields due to its power and flexibility for data analysis, modeling, and graphics. R uses an object-oriented environment from a command line interface. Built-in functions for statistical analysis are supported by documentation and help features. Numerous customized packages submitted by statistical gurus make R extremely extendable to specialized tasks. In this workshop, we will introduce the beginner to R and the wealth of help resources available for R users. After becoming familiar with the R environment, we will demonstrate the flexibility of R for classical and more modern statistical procedures and modeling ecological data. We will demonstrate basic statistical techniques and graphics using base and special-purpose packages. If time allows, we may also demonstrate more advanced data modeling procedures such as model selection using AIC, and ordination and classification techniques for ecological datasets. A basic understanding of statistical analysis is assumed, but no prior knowledge of R is required. Participants should bring a laptop with wireless capabilities to actively participate in installing and using R, and acquiring customized packages. (Limit: 40 Participants)
5. Stream Sedimentation: Measuring and Calculating Relative Bed Stability for TMDLs and State Surveys Facilitator: Larry Willis [email protected]), Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality This workshop will introduce participants to the measurement of a variety of measures of sedimentation with a focus on relative Bed Stability. The introduction will focus on uses of the data and how it has been used in Virginia. An abbreviated field method will be presented with a trip outside to demonstrate the abbreviated field method, if weather permits. The remainder of the session will focus on the calculation of Relative Bed Stability and using a variety of spreadsheets and an Access database. Participants will receive a CD with all of the calculators and databases used in the class. Participants should bring apparel suitable for the outdoor component of the course. (Limit: To be determined)
6. Identification and Taxonomy of Larval Caddisflies (Trichoptera) Facilitator: Mike Floyd [email protected]) The workshop will consist primarily of a Powerpoint presentation summarizing general biological and taxonomic information on the order, concentrating on those families/genera/species that occur in the Mid-Atlantic region. After the presentation (1-2 hours), time will be provided for examination of specimens. Voucher specimens will be provided for examination and participants are encouraged to bring their problem specimens. Each participant will receive a notebook or CD which will include the Powerpoint presentation and a list of important taxonomic references, distributional information, etc. Participants should bring their own scopes, lighting system, extension cords and power strips. (Limit 20 Participants)
