Why Attend the Western Section Annual Conference?

The conference attracts a diverse blend of over 600 wildlife professionals, managers, students and academics who study and manage wildlife species, habitats and issues related to their conservation.  Attendees come from the Section (California, Nevada, and Hawaii) and all over the western United States.  Participants will attend concurrent technical sessions, learn about a wide variety of studies and projects during the poster session, enjoy a keynote address, engage in a plenary discussion about “Digging into the Roots of Conservation Conflict: Transforming the process of conservation to create sustainable solutions”, and take advantage of the opportunity to network with peers and experts.

There will be a symposium exploring “Sections 7 and 10 of the Endangered Species Act”.  The “Mojave Desert Listed Small Mammals Symposium” will look at the complex challenges of managing species that have some of the most restricted ranges of all mammals in North America.  And, the brand-new Wildlife Biologist Construction Monitoring Workshop will teach wildlife biologists how to keep themselves safe on a job site.

This conference is especially valuable for students and early career professionals.  There are several special workshops such as building resumes, making presentations and being effective in job interviews.   The conference is a great place for students to meet peers and create a professional network.

A very important part of the annual conference is reconnecting with friends and colleagues at the Welcome Reception, and celebrating accomplishments at our Members’ Banquet and Award Ceremony.  It is also a great chance for Chapter meetings and for the Section to hold the annual members meeting.

I hope you are thinking that you cannot wait to attend this conference.   It is a valuable opportunity to learn and connect.   I look forward to seeing you in Pomona in February!

See photos from last years meeting!  http://tws-west.org/santarosa2015/annual-meeting-photos/

Sincerely,

Don Yasuda
President, Western Section of The Wildlife Society 2015