iowa association of county conservation board employees th...

Iowa Association of County Conservation Board Employees

46th Annual I.A.C.C.B.E. Workshop

WINTERFEST

January 24- 26, 2017

Five Sullivan Brothers

Convention Center Waterloo, IA

November, 2016

Greetings Fellow IACCBE Members:

On behalf of the IACCBE Winterfest Planning Committee I would like to encourage your attendance at

WINTERFEST XLVI in Waterloo, Iowa on January 24th – 26

th, 2017! The planning committee has worked

hard to ensure that this year’s conference will offer something for everyone and continue to serve as the premier

annual training opportunity for County Conservation Staff.

We are once again able to offer two excellent keynote speakers – Patty Born and David Thoreson. These two

speakers are guaranteed to entertain and enlighten employees statewide!

Enclosed in this packet please find the conference information and registration form. The committee has once

again arranged over forty educational sessions to choose from during this three-day event! The “Collegiate

Day” returns with a break-out session dedicated to explaining the CCB System to our college attendees. On the

lower level we will have space for you to “show off” new brochures, banners, ideas, and projects! Please bring

your brochures, displays, and permanent or seasonal staff openings for others to see what your county has to

offer.

The conference and lodging will be held at the Ramada Inn and Convention Center in Waterloo. The Waterloo

Convention & Visitors Bureau has provided a grant to help provide “top-notch” presenters. Their support allows

us to provide this “first-class” training for a very reasonable cost.

Please mark your calendars for January 24th – 26

th and join your fellow friends in conservation for another

Winterfest Conference that guarantees not to disappoint! Please fill out your registration forms and return them

as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing everyone in Waterloo for another great week of training,

networking, and fun!!

Sincerely,

Joe Mayhew, President


Park Ranger, Union County Conservation Board


Joe Mayhew, President, Union County Mike Weis, Vice-President, Harrison County Robert Etzel, Secretary/Treasurer, Tama County

2283 Park Road, Toledo, IA 52342

(641) 484-2231

[email protected]

This event funded

in part with a

grant from the

Waterloo

Hotel/Motel Tax

Fund

General Workshop Information LODGING - A large block of rooms has been reserved at the Ramada

Inn & Convention Center in downtown Waterloo. Room rates are

$73.95/night, plus tax. Rooms may be reserved by calling the Ramada Inn at (319) 233-7560. The cut-off deadline for room reservations is January 2, 2017 – please book your rooms early to ensure availability.

NAME TAGS – Your nametag will be distributed with additional workshop information at the IACCBE Registration Table in the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. We request that nametags be worn at all times for admittance to meals meals and to improve workshop networking opportunities. New CCB employees and our collegiate guests will have special marked nametags – please take a moment to welcome them to Winterfest and the county conservation system!

IACCBE RAFFLE – Stash away a couple extra bucks for the always enticing IACCBE Winterfest Raffle! Each year it just gets better and better! Funds raised are used to support aspects of the workshop that are not funded from the general IACCBE budget. Unique artwork and crafts, CCB facility use packages, assorted merchandise and other products make for great workshop souvenirs. It would be extra fine if we had a donation/product from ALL parts of Iowa – so if your CCB would like to donate, or you are aware of anyone who might be interested – please contact us! (The drawing for raffle prizes will take place during the IACCBE

Reception on Wednesday evening – need not be present to win).

WHAT TO WEAR? – Winterfest is a casual business-like atmosphere – so your informal uniform or regular winter casual wear is just fine. You may wish to dress in layers as some rooms are warmer or cooler than others.

EXHIBITORS – Generally, we have several exhibitors on site sharing their expertise and products with us. Please take some time to visit with them and thank them for participating at our Winterfest event.

WORKSHOP AGENDA – Please recognize that the enclosed agenda for this conference is accurate as of the date of distribution. External factors, as well as January weather may impact the final roster of presenters. We will do our best to provide replacement sessions as necessary – your understanding and patience should this occur is appreciated.

KEYNOTE – TUESDAY

COLLEGIATE DAY – The full-length second day of Winterfest has quickly become a HUGE day with the addition of college students from as many as 8 college campuses from around central and eastern Iowa. Very popular with the undergraduates, this day provides a special one hour session to introduce the collegiates to Iowa’s county conservation system; a resume review session with CCB professionals critiquing resumes; a Collegiate Newsletter; AND the chance for them to interact will all conference attendees and attend concurrent sessions! If you are interested in assisting with any portion of this day – please contact Tom Hazelton at [email protected]. Nearly 1,000 college students have participated in this event since its inception – several have gone on to become seasonal and full-time staff within our CCB system, just another great day to be at Winterfest!

COUNTY BROCHURES, JOB POSTINGS, ETC. – On the lower level of the convention center (near the break areas and collegiate sessions), we have a couple of tables set up for you to put out information about your CCB program; employment information, etc. This information can be specifically for our collegiate attendees, OR information to share with all conference participants. No need to make advance arrangements – just bring your “stuff”, and set it out!

EVENING RECEPTIONS – Networking is an important part of any workshop and

Winterfest provides TWO evenings to simply relax, partake of some tasty hors-d'oeuvres, and enjoy the company of hundreds of fellow CCB employees. Following the educational and meeting component on Tuesday and Wednesday please ride the escalator to the lower level to join fellow conservationists for an enjoyable evening. Tuesday’s event is hosted by the Ramada Inn to show their appreciation for our group. On Wednesday the evening is provided by IACCBE and the Winterfest Raffle. This year, in addition to some good food and company,

we will enjoy the comedic talents of John Bush. Be sure to join in on the festivities!

Winterfest 2017 At-A-Glance *WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2017 (cont'd)* 12:15 PM LUNCH Exhibition Hall

* IAN/ICEC Awards, etc.

1:30 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

1. Wetland Restoration Room 21 2. Iowa Rivers Revival Room 22 3. No Time to SWOT Room 23 4. Why the .223/5.56? Room 24 2:45 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

1. Turtle Legis. Update Room 21 2. Hook & Hunt University Room 22 3. Hazard Tree Removal Room 23 4. When Sparks Fly Room 24

3:45 PM BREAK Jefferson Street Lobby 4:15 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

1. Tale of 400 Muskies Room 21 2. Generations/Smenerations Room 22

3. Roadside Seeding Room 23 4. REAP, IWill & More Room 24

5:20 PM IACCBE Business Mtg. Room 21

6:00 PM IACCBE Reception & Activities

Exhibition Hall- Lower Level John Bush- Comedian

**** THURSDAY, January 26, 2017 ****

7:45 AM REGISTRATION Convention Center

8:30 AM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

1. Habitat Usage- Wood Turtles Room 21 2. Chemical Free Zones Room 22 3. Prairie On Farms Room 23

9:30 AM BREAK Jefferson Street Lobby


1. Drug Awareness Room 21 2. Timberhill: Savanna Restoration Room 22 3. Iowa Blood Run/Good Earth Room 23


1. Butterfly Monitoring Room 21 2. Effects of Grazing Room 22 3. Scoring For Pope & Young Room 23

12:15 PM ADJOURNMENT

Thanks for coming - Have a safe trip home!

***** TUESDAY, January 24, 2017 *****

8:00 AM REGISTRATION - Convention Center

9:00 AM - PRE-WORKSHOP SESSIONS

11:30 AM 1. Kay Park Tour Off-site 2. How to Grow a Naturalist Off-site 3. Emerald Ash Borer Off-site 4. My County Parks 2016 Rm 24

11:30 AM LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

12:50 PM WELCOME Rooms 22 & 23 Joe Mayhew, President, IACCBE

1:00 PM KEYNOTE ADDRESS Rooms 22 & 23 Patty Born- We’re All In This Together

2:30 PM BREAK Jefferson Street Lobby 3:00 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

1. Tactical Communications Room 21 2. Seasonal Fires- Prairie Room 22

3. Innovative Fisheries Techniques Rm 23 4. Why/How We Rehabilitate Rm 24

4:15 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

1. Natural Areas Mgmt Room 21 2. Balance Preserv w/ Interp Room 22 3. Aerial Herb App Room 23 4. Wildlife/Outdoor Photography Room 24

5:15 PM RAMADA RECEPTION Lower Level- Jefferson Street Lobby

DINNER & EVENING - On Your Own

**** WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2017 ****

7:30 AM REGISTRATION Convention Center

9:00 AM KEYNOTE ADDRESS II Rooms 22/23 David Thoreson “Over the Horizon”

10:30 AM BREAK Jefferson Street Lobby 11:00 AM COLLEGIATE SEMINAR Rooms 10 & 11


1. Conservation Ethics Room 21 2. Save the Hunt- NWTF Room 22 3. Live & Let Die- Invasive Mgmt Room 23

4. Bound For the Barrens Room 24

Keynote- Tuesday, January 24th , 2017 “We’re All In This Together”

Patty Born We’re all in this together! Whatever your role in conservation: be it education, resource management, policy, administration, or something else, we all share a common goal and connections to one another through our work. But with so many challenging issues facing the field, it’s easy to feel isolated, overwhelmed, and underappreciated. Patty Born-Selly, author of three books on nature education, will share an overview of some of the factors impacting our work and talk about why what we do is more important than ever as we work to improve the health of our land, our need to connect with nature-and one another.

“PRE – CONFERENCE” SESSIONS – 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

MyCountyParks.com Tom Hazelton – CEO IACCB

For the beginner, the slightly immersed, or a veteran - what's not to like about a dose of website management for the award-wining MyCountyParks.com?!! Covering the essentials, some of the do's and don'ts, all the "new" as well as the IACCB Portal - all employees will benefit from this training! The website lists over 230 of you as County Administrators for the website - have you "been to class" recently? Couple of notes: #1. This class WILL NOT delve very deeply into the online reservations functionalities of the site - just an overview; #2 - To participate fully, participants may wish to bring along a wireless laptop or tablet to work along with the on-screen "live" presentations.

Kay Park Tour Chad DeBoer, Sales Mgr.

Come tour our local park site furnishing manufacturer. Manufacturing “America’s Finest” park equipment since 1954. Products ranging from grills, fire rings, picnic tables, bike racks, litter receptacles, pedal boats, and more! We also have highway towable bleachers and all kinds of other bleachers. Hope to see you there!

How to Grow A Naturalist: Saunters and Citizen Science Jack Phillips, Naturalist, and Chad Graeve, Natural Resources Specialist, Pottawattamie County Conservation The Naturalist School at Hitchcock Nature Center teaches adults to become deeply engaged citizen scientists, conservationists, educators, and wild philosophers. We combine ecology, stewardship, and the humanities in workshops taught by professors, graduate students, writers, and seasoned naturalists and conservation professionals. With field guides, poetry, and the writings of Thoreau in our rucksacks, we wade, climb, hike, slink, and stalk through Loess Hills ecosystems and habitats. This workshop will share our philosophies and rubrics and a taste of our way of wild walking. Prepare for winter weather and provocative conversation. At this time this session is planned to be held on the grounds of the Hartman Reserve Nature Center however due to the Center being under renovation the session is anticipated to be outside for its duration.

EAB detection and Tree Care Brett Morris, City of Cedar Fall Arborist The first portion of the workshop will provide information on EAB detection, treatment, and explain why the City of Cedar Falls is removing all ash trees on city property. The second portion will demonstrate the removal process with the correct safety equipment and aerial unit to remove trees in a city setting. The workshop will take place at Washington Park in Cedar Falls. NOTE: Please indicate on your registration form which of these “Pre-Conference” sessions that you plan to attend so that we can ensure adequate space is provided for each program. Also, directions to the off-site locations and further instructions will be sent to those counties that have staff sign up for the session about 7- 10 days prior to the workshop. Many thanks!

Concurrent Session Descriptions Tuesday, January 24th, 2017

Tactical Communications Chris Smaby, Linn County Sheriff’s Office Tactical communication [aka "verbal judo"] is a discussion on how to diffuse a serious [possibly dangerous] situation and get compliance from that person. It is in the best interest of all to avoid a violent confrontation and still keep the situation calm and productive. This presentation will approach this subject from a law enforcement point of view so we will be discussing the art of effective listening, motivating the disagreeable, dealing with the nice, the difficult and the wimp. Learn how to interrupt people and they will like it, how to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings, strong body language, proper voice projection and some audience participation [ if we have time]. Designed for non law-enforcement personnel, although anyone may attend.

Seasonal Fires in Restored Tallgrass Prairie Dr. Tom Bragg, Univ. of Nebraska at Omaha

Research plots established in 1978 at Glacier Creek Preserve (Omaha, Nebraska) assess the long-term effects of fire frequency (i.e. annual and quadrennial prescribed burns) and fire season (i.e. spring, summer, or fall) in a restored tallgrass prairie. In 1980, a replicate site was established 40 miles to the east (Mead, Nebraska) with annual and quadrennial mulch mowing initiated at both sites in 2001. Permanent quadrats established in all research plots have been evaluated at intervals over the years using canopy cover by species and by functional group. Specific results include: (1) significant differences in plant response to the same treatment at different sites, (2) frequent burning reduces Species Richness

but mostly with annual spring fire, (3) summer and fall can maintain high diversity), (4) only annual burning limits smooth brome (Bromus inermis) dominance, but at the expense of diversity, and (5) mowing does not duplicate burning, although season of treatment can make a difference. General results emphasize both the value of long-term studies (i.e. decades long) and the need for caution when extrapolating fire effects, even over short distances.

Innovative Fisheries Techniques Andy Jansen – Iowa DNR

This presentation will review some of the new fisheries techniques utilized for fisheries management in southwest Iowa. Preliminary results from a project evaluating the use of drainable on-site rearing ponds to improve walleye populations in constructed lakes will be presented. A summary of methods used to improve panfish populations in constructed lakes will also be presented.

Why and How We Rehabilitate: For Animals, People, and the Earth Linda Nebbe, Wildlife Rehabilitator

Linda Nebbe PhD, in addition to wildlife rehabilitator, is a mental health counselor, therapist, and professor. She will share the hard science behind why humans NEED to interact with nature and animals for mental and physical health and the results when this doesn't happen. She will also share how this has been incorporated in her role as a wildlife rehabilitator and the benefit of understanding this information and its application for those in the field of conservation.

Guiding Principles for Natural Areas Management in Pottawattamie County Chad Graeve – Pottawattamie County Conservation Board Iowa is the most altered state in the country. The responsibility of managing our few remaining natural areas, falls to some extent on the shoulders of County Conservation Boards. This session will explore the development of Guiding Principles that are employed in Pottawattamie County and will examine a few issues (including fire management, herbicide application, and invasive species control) that help articulate our philosophy.

Balancing Preservation With Interpretation: Two Case Studies From Alberta, Canada Jen Bancescu, State Historic Sites Manager, State of Iowa Historical Society

Finding a balance between public use and conservation of a natural or historic site can be a delicate task. Recently in Alberta, Canada significant changes have been made to both the protection and interpretation surrounding two provincially designated paleontological sites, the Willow Creek Hoodoos and Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur Egg Site. While changes to both of these sites

followed the same legislation and guidelines, the outcomes for each were very different. This presentation will introduce you to the history of each site and the provincial and federal guidelines. It will then go into depth about the variables that influenced the access and use of each site as well as the end results of the changes made.

Aerial Herbicide Application for Control of Bush Honeysuckle John Rusk, Iowa DNR Bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) is an invasive shrub species that has invaded many woodlands in the Midwest. A unique characteristic of this shrub is that it retains its leaves and stays green much later in the fall then most native woody and herbaceous plant species. This provides a window for aerial herbicide application that will have minimal effect on native plant species. In early November of 2014 we applied glyphosate at a rate of 3 qts/acre to 50 acres of bush honeysuckle using a helicopter on the Ringgold Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in southern Ringgold County in south central Iowa. The plots will be surveyed in October of 2016 and these results would be presented at this conference. In the fall of 2016 the unit plans to spray another 411 acres of honeysuckle using this technique.

Wildlife and Outdoor Photography Kip Ladage, Photographer/Writer

This session features the wildlife and outdoor photography of Kip Ladage. Kip has been photographing the outdoors for more than 30-years. His work has been used in books, magazines, posters, and wall art. He was featured on Iowa Public Television's "Iowa Outdoors." This session will feature some of Kip's favorite images, with descriptions on how he was able to capture the shot.

KEYNOTE – WEDNESDAY

OVER THE HORIZON: Exploring the Edges of a Changing Planet

David Thoreson Photographer, Sailor

With his many extreme adventures exploring the physical boundaries of the planet, photographer and sailor David Thoreson has a unique and entertaining story. David grew up in Algona, Iowa, and learned to sail and love the waters of Lake Okoboji as a boy. Thoreson developed a career based on documentary photography, water quality advocacy and conservation issues. Thoreson then took these experiences with him to lead a life of exploration and discovery at the far reaches of the globe sailing over 65,000 nautical miles. David's presentation demonstrates the interconnectivity of people, land and water, both at the local and global levels. It combines stunning visuals and story-telling about sailing in the ice, lives of native hunters, scientists in the Arctic and ultimately discovering and meeting the issue of climate change face-to-face. Thoreson is an Explorers Club Fellow and the only American explorer in history to sail the Arctic’s Northwest Passage in both directions. For more information on Thoreson, including information on his book “Over the Horizon,” please visit www.davidthoreson.com .

A FRIENDLY REMINDER!

Be sure to dress in layers as it is impossible to have the perfect temperature in each session

room. “Some like it hot and some like it cold. Some like it in the pot nine

days old!”

Concurrent Session Descriptions Wednesday, January 25th, 2017

Conveying a conservation ethic to under-engaged audiences in your landscape Ryan Harr, Wildlife Biologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources We as natural resource professionals are in our roles because we get to do what we love - be outdoors, restore and manage habitats, provide and participate in outdoor recreation. Most would say we possess a passion about what we do; perhaps in a deeper sense one would describe it as a conservation ethic. But conveying and communicating that ethic to our neighbors, local landowners, and audiences is an often difficult task, yet it may be the among the most critical things we do. Nearly all research show vast majorities of people indicate support for natural resources and conservation, still in many instances those audiences remain under-engaged. With a focus on conservation in our local landscapes, we'll discuss barriers, misconceptions, and strategies for conveying your conservation ethic to landowners, neighbors, and communities. Understanding the who, the why, the definition, the process and the timeframe all become critical components as we seek in increase conservation of habitats and practices across the landscape.

NWTF Iowa Introducing the Outdoor Lifestyle to New Audiences Stacey Stipe Smith, NWTF Iowa Save the Hunt Coordinator

The Iowa State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently created and implemented a program called Connecting Individuals to the Outdoors AND restructured existing outreach programs like Women in the Outdoors to reverse the decline in hunting participation across the state. The programs are designed to create a community and support group where individuals, ages 18-45, can engage with and learn from experienced mentors in a low-stress environment. We teach safe handling of firearms, introduction to wildlife and habitats, scouting tips, what to do when a

participant harvests an animal and wild-game cooking. We are trying to provide participants the skills they have been asking for. The programs also provide an insight into the essential hunting gear and clothing items participants need on introductory hunts.

Live and Let Die- The Ongoing Fight Against Invasives Joe Kooiker, Vegetation Management Biologist, Story County Conservation Iowa is one of the most altered landscapes in the nation; and currently has a repu tation of coming in first place when it comes to Invasive Plants per square mile. Obviously trying to manage these noxious, "obnoxious", and invasive intruders within our natural areas, roadsides and beyond is a challenge. Fighting invasive plants takes dedicated time, staff and funding. In order to make progress it is important to keep track of what has been done whether good, bad or ugly. The Story County Vegetation Management team will go over things learned from 30 years of experience attempting to control invasive plant species. This session will cover the latest trends in vegetation management techniques. This will include species identification, current herbicides, rates, and application methods.

Bound for the Barrens Vern Fish, Executive Director, Black Hawk County Conservation

Ernest Carl Oberholtzer (Ober) is a native Iowan who was born and buried in Davenport, Iowa. Ober played a key role in creating the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park. He joined Aldo Leopold as one of the founding members of the Wilderness Society. For fifty years he was the voice of wilderness in Northern Minnesota. Oberhotzer has been described as one of America's most important environmental leaders. Yet, he is all but unknown in his native Iowa. In 1912 Ernest Oberholtzer and Billy Magee

embarked on an epic 2000 mile canoe trip across northern Manitoba to Hudson Bay and back to Lake Winnipeg. This presentation will retrace 130 miles of Ober's 1912 adventure and visit his home on Mallard Island on Rainy Lake in Northern Minnesota. Wetland restoration: stepping back-to-basics in Iowa's novel ecosystems Ryan Harr, Wildlife Biologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wetlands were once one of the most prominent features of Iowa's landscape; their loss is an oft-cited cause of water quality issues, declining wildlife populations, and increased flooding. But when given a chance to restore wetland systems, do we do so appropriately? As is the case with many things in the conservation world, wetland restoration is as much art as it is science. However, restoration programs and practices frequently give in to over-engineering, under-restoring, or restoring out-of-context. Landscape memory and landscape capability are all to often overlooked in wetland restoration planning, and typically ecologic processes are overlooked in favor over restoration practices. Iowa's novel ecosystems present new challenges and are rife with constraints. Given the limited opportunities to restore wetland systems, it's good for us all - seasoned practitioners as well as new professionals - to take a step back to the basic consderations when planning restorations. We'll take a look at those considerations, as well as resources, programs, and other factors in this discussion.

Iowa Rivers Revival Molly Hanson, Executive Director, Iowa Rivers Revival Iowa is the land between America's two greatest rivers and has over 70,000 miles of interior rivers and streams. Rivers provide water for drinking, recreation, economic development, wildlife habitat and quality of life. Rivers face many threats, included flooding, pollution, erosion and apathy for conservation priorities. IRR is working to ensure our rivers are safe, clean, and enjoyable for future generations.

No time to SWOT Alan Feirer – President, Group Dynamic We can all think of situations when we spent too much time for too few results on strategic analysis, goal-setting, and action-planning. What if we could spend a fraction of that time on processes that generate measurable short-term results? We can. This program provides proven, quick, and sticky ideas to balance the needs of strategic analysis and planning with the limited number of hours in the day. Learn how to use simple tools that keep people engaged. Tools that everyone can adopt, and find ways to implement. In the process, we can see change sooner, experience the satisfaction that our time was well-spent, and know we’re on the right track. Why the .223/5.56? John Metzger – Instructor – Iowa Law Enforcement Academy

Why the 223? Dispelling the myths behind the 223 and why it is ideally suited for today's Iowa Law Enforcement.

Turtle Legislative Update Chad Dolan, Fisheries Biologist, Iowa DNR

The session will include updates on recent governmental action in regards to regulating turtle harvest in Iowa. The presentation will also summarize the Iowa DNR's efforts aimed at monitoring turtles, both now, and over the next 5 years. Preliminary results of recent turtle research efforts will be included where pertinent.

Hook and Hunt University Chris Lee, Executive Director, Des Moines County Conservation Hook & Hunt University (HHU) is a new program designed to recruit a new generation of hunters and anglers by pairing the time and talents of local sportsmen with novice outdoorsmen and women in the community in ways that are "Fun. Social. Outdoors." CCB Director and HHU program co-founder Chris Lee will describe the successes and hurdles encountered in launching the world's first HHU program in Des Moines County, Iowa.

Hazard Tree Removal Chris Henze, Roadside Manager, Johnson County Secondary Roads

Removing a hazard tree can be a dangerous, challenging endeavor- in this presentation, learn some of the tools and techniques utilized to safely bring down a tree. Whether it's overhead utilities, traffic control problems, trees over homes/fences, etc. you need a plan that keeps you, your workers, and the public safe.

When Sparks Fly- Conflict In the Workplace Terry Whitson, TW Training Do you ever have conflict at work and you’re not sure how to handle it? Some degree of conflict is to be expected when two or more people work together. We will discuss what triggers conflict in our work place, assess how you deal with conflict one-on-one, the challenges of dealing with conflict in a group setting, and the basic principles of managing conflict in your workplace. We’ll get you to think outside your comfort zone by exploring various approaches to making decisions and solving problems when facing difficult situations.

Tale of 400 Muskies Pete Hildreth, Muskie Fishing Addict

For Pete Hildreth July 3, 1996, started an addiction and love for North America's top freshwater fish the Muskie. The biologist in Pete has meant extensive record keeping documenting his 400 plus Muskie catches throughout the last 20 years. Come hear Pete share tales of his experience catching 400 plus muskies including an in-depth look at IA's great Muskie fishing opportunities. Caution listening to this presentation may result in catching Muskie Fever!

Generations/Smenerations: A Fresh Perspective to Change the Discussion About the Generations in the Workplace Cassandra Halls, President, 2 The Top Are you tired of hearing about all the generational issues in the workplace? Boomers, Xers, Millennials. WHEW! Trying to understand all of these perspectives is exhausting! Join us for an interactive discussion on new ideas, approaches and strategies that will work to recruit, motivate and retain ALL people who are an integral part of your workforce. Objectives:

1. Learn about a new perspective to better align ALL of the different segments of your workforce.

2. Understand key strategies that will improve your work culture, prepare your organization for long-term success and a new way to invest in recruitment, retention and motivation efforts to reduce budget costs.

3. Identify the key things you need to be focused on to implement new ideas.

Roadside Seeding Chris Henze, Roadside Manager, Johnson County Secondary Roads

Seeding, erosion and sediment control, and planting work in the Right of Way presents some unique challenges. Whether you're seeding native vegetation, lawns, or a butterfly garden, this presentation will focus on what species to plant, where, and how to do it, along with discussing the various erosion control techniques such as BFM's, RECP's, sediment logs, etc. that are regularly used by IRVM Programs.

REAP, I WiLL, and more - Together we can make it happen! Matt Cosgrove, Dan Cohen, Tom Hazelton – Directors Webster & Buchanan County Conservation, ISAC Legislative Liaisons & CEO IACCB Regardless of your position in the County Conservation Board system, you can play a role in determining the future of conservation efforts in Iowa by lending a hand to the most sweeping and beneficial funding legislation ever proposed in the state of Iowa. Learn details of proposed legislation, current Iowa law, Iowa constitution, and strategic efforts that can significantly impact natural resources and outdoor recreation in Iowa - for generations to come.

Concurrent Session Descriptions Thursday, January 26th , 2017

Habitat Usage of Iowa's Endangered Wood Turtles Dr. Jeff Tamplin , Dept. of Biology, University of Northern Iowa

Wood turtles occupy rivers and streams, and adjacent woodlands, and display seasonal patterns of habitat usage that differ between males, females, and juveniles. Determining age and sex effects on habitat preferences and movement patterns, and identifying critical habitat areas (nesting, basking, and hibernation locations), is essential to developing an effective management plan for this endangered species. The natural history and basic ecology of Iowa wood turtles will be discussed using field-based photographs and graphs of ecological data.

Pesticide-free Public Spaces Kamyar Enshayan, UNI Center for Energy & Environmental Education You can save costs and create healthy public spaces while protecting local streams. Pesticide-free Public Spaces is a statewide educational campaign to highlight the accomplishments of many park and grounds managers who are significantly reducing pesticide use in their communities. Prairie on Farms: Teaching cost-effective methods for large-scale adoption of prairie contour strips Justin Meissen, Restoration and Research Program Mgr, Tallgrass Prairie Center There is growing interest in planting prairie on working farms to increase soil, water, wildlife, and pollinator conservation. By reconstructing prairies on contour buffer strips, large scale adoption of prairies on farms could improve ecological health at the landscape and regional scale. In this session, we introduce how the Tallgrass Prairie Center's Prairie on Farms Program provides the technical support and continuing prairie reconstruction research that landowners and decision-makers need to effectively begin planting prairie on farms. In particular, we will share results from field research comparing the performance of several seed mix designs used for buffer strip prairies under different first-year management regimes. Our

results show that planting a diverse seed mix with a balanced (1:1) grass to forb ratio is cost effective and most likely to provide conservation benefits long term, especially when mowed during the first growing season.

Meth Labs/BHO Labs Jake Austin, Special Agent, Division of Narcotics Enforcement At press time we have not received the “description of session” information on this class. An updated Winterfest Packet will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Timberhill: Chronicle of a Restoration Sibylla Brown, Landowner

William and Sibylla Brown have been restoring their 200 acre Decatur County oak savanna since 1993. Like many southern Iowa woodlands their land was merely degraded and still retained remants of its original habitat. Using timber stand improvement and annual prescribed fire they have successfully restored the overstocked oak and hickory woodland to fully functioning oak savanna. Restoration has increased not only the diversity of plants, but animals and fungi as well. It has also controlled erosion.

Iowa Blood Run/Good Earth Master Plan and Interpretive Plan Michelle Wilson, Todd Coffelt, Iowa DNR

The Blood Run site is a prehistoric and protohistoric Oneota cultural settlement adjacent to the Big Sioux River in Lyon County, Iowa and Lincoln County, South Dakota. Blood Run is the largest of the known Oneota cultural sites, encompassing approximately 1,400 acres and in 1970 the National Park Service designated 844 acres as a National Historic Landmark. The Governor's of South Dakota and Iowa have both declared an interest in creating a bi-state park to recognize and protect this area and have charged agencies in both states to partner and work towards this goal. In 1996 South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks developed a master plan for their half of a state park and Iowa just completed their master plan and interpretive plan the summer of 2016. Join us for a presentation on what this bi-state park could be but more importantly how partnerships are being formed to protect and educate about a very unique culture and the land they inhabited.

Butterfly Monitoring as a Conservation Tool: Iowa Butterfly Survey Network and Unified Butterfly Recorder Mobile App Nathan Brockman, Butterfly Wing Curator, Reiman Gardens, ISU

Butterflies can be great indicator species not only to track their populations but the fitness of a particular habitat, larger scale climate changes and more. The Iowa Butterfly Survey Network is a program that utilizes citizen scientists and professionals to go out in the field to do multiple transect surveys on an annual basis. Come learn about the IBSN program, the train the trainer element, the data reporting and visualization tools, the new Unified Butterfly Recorder mobile application and how you can be involved.

Effects of Grazing Scott Moats, Director of Stewardship, The Nature Conservancy

We will discuss the positive and negative effects of grazing on flora and fauna, impacts on fire return interval, and long term perspective. This will also include some data on the fire and grazing interactions on grassland birds

Scoring for Pope and Young Karen Phelps, Executive Director, Benton County Conservation

That’s a Boone and Crocket if I ever saw one!!! Whether using a firearm or bow and arrow for hunting, the scoring system is similar. Join Karen Phelps, one of 12 female official Pope and Young scorers, as we learn the methods used to score not only antlers and horns, but bear and mountain lion skulls as well. If time allows, we’ll look at aging whitetails on the hoof and by their teeth. Handouts provided.

Winterfest…. The premier training workshop planned by county conservation professionals

for county conservation professionals.

Become part of the planning team for Winterfest 2018 by e-mailing your interest to Bob at

[email protected]

Summer 2016

2006- IACCBE State Fair Booth Setup

2010- IACCBE Committee

2007- IACCBE Committee

iowa association of county conservation board employees th...

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