In 2020 the Michigan Chapter’s Continuing Education Committee (CEC) hosted one workshop prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Introduction to Sampling and Identification of Freshwater Fish Eggs and Larvae was held at Central Michigan University on March 11^th 2020.  The workshop was instructed by Ed Roseman and Stacey Ireland from the U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center and Amy George from the U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center.  The course drew 23 participants including 5 students. The recipient of the $150 student travel grant was Derek Hartline from Lake Superior State University.

After organizing and cancelling courses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CEC is planning to host multiple workshops in 2022.  The first in-person workshop, Natural Resource Careers and Pointers, will take place March 16^th at our annual meeting at Lake Superior State University.  This is a professional development workshop targeting students and young professionals, held in person and lead by Sara Thomas from the Michigan DNR with other professionals in the field of fisheries and wildlife at various organizations.  You will be asked to wear a mask at all times during this workshop.

We are hopeful to host 3 additional workshops in 2022, subject to COVID-19 safety:

Freshwater Mussel Sampling and Identification with Joseph Rathburn, Jessica Pruden (FWS) and others. This in-person workshop will be held in Grand Rapids in September 2022.  Preference will be given to past registered attendees as this course was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Electrofishing with Patrick Cooney (Smithroot). This in-person workshop will be held in Gaylord in September 2022.  It will take place over 2 days and will have a classroom and field component.

Data Management, a virtual workshop with Dan Hayes (MSU).  The timing of this workshop is TBD.

Please be aware that COVID-19 protocols may be enforced during all workshops and may change at any time.  Be prepared to wear a mask during the entire workshop.

MIAFS continues to hold 25% of all workshop seats for free student registrations and awards the top applicant with a $150 travel grant.  Application instructions are included with all workshop announcements.  This program is underutilized so if you’re a student consider applying for free registration! 

We’re always looking for new workshop ideas!

If there are courses you would like to see offered or are interested in teaching a course please contact Stacey Ireland at sireland@usgs.gov or Dan Traynor at traynord@michigan.gov.  Suggestions for future courses are always appreciated and our CE surveys fail to draw numerous responses.

Workshops suggested from the last CE Survey:

R; intro or specialized package (CEC currently attempting as this workshop is always high demand)

Statistics for fisheries managers

File management

Non-game fish ID

Population Estimation/Analysis/Modeling

Human dimensions, community engagement, structured decision making

Aquatic restoration

Fluvial Geomorphology

Stock assessment modeling

 Images from Introduction to Sampling and Identification of Freshwater Fish Eggs and Larvae.  Central Michigan University March 11^th 2020