Wild Trout XII was held September 26-29, 2017 in West Yellowstone, Montana, at the Holiday Inn. In keeping with the symposium's goal of gathering a diverse group of attendees to discuss wild trout management from around the world, Wild Trout XII welcomed nearly 150 attendees from across North American and Europe. Led by Symposium Chair Bob Gresswell of the U.S. Geological Survey, those in attendance enjoyed informative presentations and numerous opportunities to interact with those also interested in wild trout.
The theme for Wild Trout XII was Science, Politics, and Wild Trout Management: Who's Driving and Where Are We Going? Plenary speakers addressed this theme via engaging presentations to begin the symposium.
First, David Vetrano, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Retired), highlighted the uniqueness of the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. In addition to describing how distinct this area is geologically, David shared insights into historic landscape and fisheries management activities, with an overview of socioeconomic data for the Driftless Area.
Next, Edward Maillett, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provided a detailed overview regarding the demographic and economic trends of anglers. Edward focused on how anglers that fished for trout compared to other anglers within the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation and the potential implications of these data relative to future coldwater conservation funding.
Rob Van Kirk, Henry's Fork Foundation, concluded the plenary session by discussing challenges associated with the intersection of climate change, water demand, and angler expectations. Rob outlined those management challenges within the Upper Snake River Basin, and he concluded his presentation with several potential actions for conservation organizations to consider in their efforts for wild trout and the water they need: educate and unify anglers; support government agencies; and influence water management via markets.
Presentations covering a variety of topics were hosted at Wild Trout XII within one of the following eight technical sessions: Anglers, Stakeholders and the Socioeconomics of Wild Trout; Threats and Management of Stream Habitat: A Look Into the Future; Conservation Genetics and the Genomics of Coldwater Fishes: A Tribute to Dr. Tim King; Population Dynamics and the Ecology of Wild Trout; Native Trout Conservation; Nonnative Fishes and Tools for Native Trout Management; Stream Habitat Management: Traditional and New Approaches; and Disease, Parasites, and the Health of Wild Trout: Should We be Concerned.
Twenty-eight poster presentation were on display, with topics that included the use of new technologies for habitat assessment, genomics, species reintroductions, socioeconomics, and wild trout ecology to name a few.
Wild Trout XII recognized those making significant contributions to the conservation and management of wild trout during the Awards Luncheon. Hosted by Awards Committee Co-Chair Andy Dolloff, U.S. Forest Service, the following awards were presented:
Aldo Starker Leopold Wild Trout Medal:
- Professional: Joe McGurrin, Trout Unlimited
- Nonprofessional: David Sweet, Wyoming Trout Unlimited
Ron Remmick Undergraduate Scholarship Award: Ben Martin, Juniata College
Marty Seldon Graduate Scholarship Award:
- Travis Rehm, M.S. Student, South Dakota State
- Olivia Sparrow, M.S. Student, University of Minnesota
- Shannon White, Ph.D. Student, Pennsylvania State University
Wild Trout XI provided a forum for fisheries professionals, conservationists and interested anglers to share their research and ideas in a welcoming and informal environment. The breathtaking Yellowstone National Park is adjacent to the conference location and attendees took advantage to network and work the water of nearby streams and rivers. We hope you will join us for WT-XIII in West Yellowstone, MT in fall of 2020.
Wild Trout XII Photo Album
