Conference & Awards
2024 ACTWS & CSTWS Joint Conference
2024 Conference Program
8-10 MARCH 2024
***SOLD OUT***
If you’re interested in being added to our conference waitlist, please sign up here. If space opens up, we’ll reach out to you.
Conference Theme: Wildlife Research in Action
Wildlife research is the cornerstone of effective wildlife management, providing essential data and insights for informed decisions on species conservation, habitat preservation, and sustainable resource use. Researchers explore animal behavior, population dynamics, and ecological interactions, equipping wildlife managers to implement action that uphold ecological balance, biodiversity, and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
Beyond understanding nature, this research actively guides policies that harmonize the demands of industries such as forestry, energy, and oil and gas, with ecological preservation. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and sound scientific evidence, it strikes a crucial balance between economic development and environmental stewardship, ensuring responsible resource management for the benefit of current and future generations, fostering coexistence between human activities and the vibrant wildlife within our ecosystems.
SPONSORS
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, March 7th:
Nerd Nite with guest speakers: Dr. Glynnis Hood, Dr. John Wilmshurst, and Eve Smeltzer. This will certainly be an event you won’t want to miss!
Friday, March 8th:
Friday promises to be action-packed with a variety of hands-on events, featuring:
- Field trip (10 am – 2 pm): Walk in the Park – Behind the Scenes with Jasper National Park. Featuring talks with ecologists from Aquatics, Wildlife Management, Ecological Integrity Monitoring, and Landscape Ecology.
- Workshops: Wildlife Analytics Lab, Wildlife Acoustics, and a session by Niki Wilson on media communications.
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion panel discussion and networking event.
- Evening events: ACTWS AGM, student conclave, and mixer.
The day will kick off with our keynote speakers, Lorne Fitch and Bill Snow, setting the tone for a day filled with presentations showcasing the latest advancements in wildlife research. The evening banquet promises a memorable experience, including the recognition of professional awards and student scholarships, silent and live auctions, and live music to end the day on a vibrant note.
Sunday, March 10th:
Conference Program
The complete conference program is available above, but here are the concurrent sessions we’ve got planned for March 18:
- Landscape disturbance
- The birds and the bears
- Methods in wildlife research and monitoring
- Ungulates
- Creatures of the night
- Grasslands
- Wildlife Disease
We’ve also got two panel discussions with pre-recorded presentations available for conference participants:
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Social science research and considerations in wildlife management
Conference Week Agenda
Although the main conference is on March 18, we’ve got events all week leading up to the big day. All of the below events are free to attend, even if you’re not attending the main conference on the 18th.
Committee Meetings
Full information and links to register.
Monday March 14 – Education and Outreach Committee (12-1pm)
Tuesday March 15 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (1145am – 115pm)
Wednesday March 16 – Conservation Affairs Committee (1145a – 115pm)
Networking Events
Tuesday March 15 – Student and Pros Happy Hour (4-5pm). This is a great time to pick the brains of your fellow wildlifers for career advice and perspective. Whether you’re a pro or a student, we can all learn from each other. Sign up by emailing our student director, Phil, at [email protected].
Wednesday March 16 – Wildlife Jeopardy (7-8pm). Show off your mad wildlife skills and have a little fun. Grab a glass of your favourite beverage and your wildlife friends for an hour of wildlife trivia designed to pick your brain, make you laugh, and help you meet new people. Register here.
Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony
March 17, 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is open to everyone with an interest in hearing what we’ve been up to in 2021 and what we have planned for 2022. This year, we’ll complete our AGM with our professional and student awards ceremony. Details here.
Public talk and live auction
March 17, 7:30pm – 9:00 pm
Each year, we host a public talk that shares cutting edge research about Alberta wildlife. This year, we are so happy to have Dr. Jason Fisher sharing decades worth of work about wolverines from around the world. We know so little about wolverines and what we need to do to conserve them – or do we? Join us to find out!
This year, we’re also featuring Matt Besko in a live auction to kick start the evening. Matt will be auctioning off a trip exploring an Alberta trapline, two day passes for the Canmore folk festival, and a surprise item that will get you gleefully opening your wallets! All funds raised from the auction go towards student awards, supporting the next generation of wildlifers in Alberta.
Details and registration link here.
NERD NITE JASPER
March 7, 7:00-9:00 PM (doors open at 6:15), Jasper Legion, 400 Geikie St.
Join us at Jasper’s first Nerd Nite, for an evening of wildlife talks from wildlife nerds. Guest speakers include:
- Dr. Glynnis Hood – Beavers, more than just a great set of teeth.
- Dr. John Wilmshurst – Humboldt’s Legacy and our disappearing grassland wilderness.
- Eve Smeltzer – Primate politics: A story of dominance, coalitions, and coups
Secure your spot by registering HERE.
Cost: $7
FIELD TRIP
Walk in the park: Behind the scenes with Jasper National Park ecologists
March 8, 2024, 10a.m. to 2p.m., meet at the Old Fort Point parking lot near Jasper.
This field trip will include a short walking tour of some locations of note near the Jasper townsite with Jasper National Park (JNP) ecologists from Aquatics, Wildlife Management, Ecological Integrity Monitoring, and Landscape Ecology. Our tour will include informal presentations and discussions of local wildlife topics and current wildlife issues within JNP.
Total walking distance is 5km along mostly flat terrain. Participants should dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for walking in winter conditions.
Participants will meet at the Old Fort Point parking lot, and after a stop by the Athabasca River to discuss fish species in JNP, the group will walk a trail towards Jasper Park Lodge, stopping again at Lac Beauvert to discuss wildfire, mountain pine beetle, prescribed burning in JNP, changes to vegetation and wildlife habitat, and issues around human-wildlife conflict situations resulting from wildlife viewing and photographers in the park. The group will continue to Jasper Park Lodge, stopping near the golf course to discuss wildlife attractants and additional human-wildlife conflict issues.
Around noon, the group will have a buffet lunch and warm up at Jasper Park Lodge.
After lunch, the group will walk back to the trailhead at Old Fort Point, with discussions of ongoing ecological integrity monitoring projects in JNP.
Facilitated by Parks Canada, Jasper National Park
Cost: $40
** Sold Out**
If you are interested in being added to the waitlist, click HERE.
WORKSHOPS
Please click on the workshop poster to learn more.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Panelists
Please click on each panelist’s photo to read their bio.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
ACTWS Annual General Meeting
When: Friday, March 8th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm; Where: Sawridge Ballroom A
CSTWS Annual General Meeting
When: Sunday, March 10th, 1:30 – 2:30 pm; Where: Sawridge Ballroom
Join us for an engaging discussion on the ACTWS & CSTWS activities over the past year and discover exciting plans for the upcoming year. We encourage all members to attend and actively participate in shaping the future of our organizations. Your insights and contributions are essential as we reflect on our achievements and set the course for the year ahead.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Research— Does It Make a Difference for Wildlife?
Presented by Lorne Fitch
Research is the unravelling, sometimes the solving of wildlife mysteries. We undertake research to discern how many critters are there, how many were there, what’s the trend, what are the connections and associations, how do things make a living, how do our human footprints and actions affect them and how do we bring them back from the brink.
As the theme of this conference is “Wildlife Research in Action” this address will spend some time discussing the “So What?” question. Bluntly put, does the additional knowledge created by research aid in biodiversity conservation?
Addressed will be the traction of research—how it is regarded, used to facilitate and inform changes to the way we manage wildlife and their habitats. Using examples and experience from several researchers, how long does it take to institute the results of research in conservation efforts and policy. What are some of the major impediments to research efforts being accepted and acted upon.
To what extent has research made, or will make a difference in conservation efforts. What are some of the factors to consider ensuring research efforts net better traction and have a demonstrable effect on wildlife conservation. How could practitioners and users of research results better position themselves for effective conservation efforts.
Presenter Bio: Lorne has been a biologist for over 50 years, working on many issues related to use of land and water. Lorne is a professional biologist, a retired provincial Fish and Wildlife biologist, was one of the co-founders of the stewardship initiative Cows and Fish and a former Adjunct Professor with the University of Calgary. Lethbridge is home, where he pens articles and essays on issues related to Alberta’s landscape and critters. This includes a recent book, Streams of Consequence- Dispatches from the Conservation World.
The Bison Cultural Study, From Reintroduction to Reconciliation
Presented by William (Bill) Snow
The Bison Cultural Study is about returning a culturally important species to a culturally important landscape. The Plains Bison, or Tatanga, is a part of our origin stories, our ceremonies, our understanding of the world; including its past, present and future. The Bison Cultural study utilizes an Indigenous methodology, “Biculturalism” and an Indigenous process, “Cultural Monitoring” to combine Western Science and Traditional Knowledge, to bring forward knowledge that will add to our current understanding Bison history, cultural significance, and management. In this time of climate change, we hope to reconnect a keystone species to its landscape, while restoring a fractured relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups, in a process that may lead to meaningful reconciliation.
Presenter Bio: William (Bill) Snow is a member of the Goodstoney First Nation of the Stoney Nakoda Nations, and is the Acting Director of Consultation at Stoney Tribal Administration. This work involves the assessment of industrial resource projects within Stoney Nakoda Traditional Territory, of Southern Alberta, that involve consultations with government and industry.
Bill is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge – Business Administration, and since 2012, Bill has been an advisor & presenter for the University of Alberta “Thinking Mountains” Conference, the “Mountains 101” online program, and Canadian Mountain Network initiative. In 2018, Bill became a “Director at Large” with Canadian Wildlife Federation, and is currently the Chair of the Indigenous Relations Committee. In 2022, Bill helped to complete the “Bison Cultural Study” that offers Traditional Knowledge regarding the Bison Reintroduction to Banff National Park, as well as the Bison Cultural Study video that was completed in 2023.
WILDFIRE PANELISTS
Please click on each panelist’s photo to read their bio.
Call for Papers and Posters
Deadline: 12 January 2024
You are invited to submit titles and abstracts for oral presentations and posters at the 2024 joint conference of the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society and Canadian Section of The Wildlife Society. Presentations on all aspects of wildlife are welcome including ecology, management, research, monitoring, species biology, genetics, and new techniques.
The three types of presentations offered are:
- Traditional oral presentations – 12 minutes in length + 3 minutes for questions. Abstracts will be grouped into common themes and placed into concurrent sessions.
- Speed talks – 4 minutes in length.
- Poster – A poster session will be hosted on one day in the afternoon/evening for all conference participants.
The abstract submission form will ask you to specify your preferred talk format (e.g., traditional oral presentation, speed talk, or poster). While we endeavour to honour everyone’s requests, the Conference Planning Committee may ask you to deliver your presentation in a different format based on other abstracts submitted and conference organization. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
Abstracts must include:
- Lead author name, affiliation, mailing address, phone number(s), and e-mail address
- Names and affiliations of additional authors
- Title of abstract
- Distillation of the purpose, methods, results and conclusions, 250 words max.
The abstract you submit will be the final version that is printed in the program booklet.
Please note: Authors will be advised of the final decision on their abstract by 2 February 2024.
Students: Monetary awards are available for all presentation types, posters, and travel to the conference. See details at Awards.
Join Us in Shaping Our Annual Conference: Call for Volunteers!
We’re excited to invite passionate individuals like you to join our team in planning our upcoming annual conference. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a dynamic group and make a significant impact on the success of our event.
We have a range of roles available, from planning captivating plenary sessions to coordinating memorable field trips and assisting in judging student presentations. Your unique skills and expertise can help shape an unforgettable conference experience for our members.
If you’re interested in getting involved and contributing to this event, please reach out to our Executive Director at [email protected], who will provide you with more details on available positions and how you can become an essential part of our conference planning team.
Conference Registration Rates
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ACTWS/CSTWS Regular Member: $300
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ACTWS/CSTWS Student Member: $180
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Regular Non-Member: $350
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Student Non-Member: $190
Notes:
A one-year regular Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society (ACTWS) membership is $20.76, and $5.42 for students. Please login or purchase a membership to obtain member registration rates.
If you are interested in becoming a Canadian Section of The Wildlife Society (CSTWS) member, a regular one-year membership is $20, and $10 for students. You can purchase your membership here.
The primary cost associated with hosting our annual conference is catering. Your registration fee covers a package that includes five coffee/snack breaks over the weekend, as well as lunch, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner on Saturday.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Elevate Your Organization at Our Conference!
We are excited to invite your esteemed company to become a valued sponsor for our upcoming conference. Your support will not only help us deliver a successful event but also provide your organization with a unique platform for visibility and engagement with a diverse audience of industry professionals. We offer a variety of sponsorship packages to suit your needs and can tailor opportunities to align with your organization’s goals and values.
Here are some key highlights of our conference sponsorship opportunities:
Tax Receipts for Donations: Your generous donation to our conference qualifies for tax benefits as per applicable tax regulations, allowing your organization to maximize its philanthropic impact while benefiting from tax deductions.
Complimentary Memberships and Registrations: Sponsors will receive complimentary memberships to our organizations, free conference registrations, and various other benefits tailored to meet your organizational goals.
Prominent Recognition: Sponsors will receive prominent recognition on our conference marketing materials, on our official conference website (www.actws.ca/conference), and during the conference, to ensure that your organization’s commitment to wildlife conservation reaches a broad and engaged audience.
Engagement Opportunities: You will have the opportunity to host live exhibitor booths, providing direct engagement with conference attendees, including wildlife professionals, students, and researchers from across Canada.
Student Scholarships: High-level sponsors will have the honor of personally rewarding well-deserving students with scholarships during the conference banquet, fostering the next generation of wildlife leaders.
To explore sponsorship options and discuss the benefits, please contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to the opportunity to work together and make this conference an outstanding success.