Presenters needed for April 2016 Salmonid Restoration Federation beaver sessions (abstracts due Nov. 4)

[Eli Asarian]

Hello California Beaver Working Group -

I'm organizing two beaver-related sessions at the Salmonid Restoration Federation (SRF) conference in April 6-9 2016 in Fortuna, CA. Please read the descriptions below and if you would like to present, please contact me as well as submit an abstract to SRF.

Abstracts are due November 4.  Instructions for submitting abstracts are attached here, or accessible online at: http://www.calsalmon.org/sites/default/files/2016_Penultimate_Call_for_Abstracts.pdf

We're anticipating more people will want to present than there is space for. Priority will be given to presentations that have not previously been made at the SRF Conference, and which are most directly related to the workshop/session topic.

Here's the workshop/session descriptions from the SRF website (http://www.calsalmon.org/conferences/34th-annual-salmonid-restoration-conference):

A Dam Fine Workshop/Tour: How Do We Actualize Beaver-Inspired Habitat Restoration?
http://www.calsalmon.org/programs/events/dam-fine-workshoptour-how-do-we-actualize-beaver-inspired-habitat-restoration
"This workshop will focus on opportunities for implementing beaver-inspired restoration techniques such as Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) including Post-Assisted Woody Structures (PAWS). Pilot-scale PAWS structures were constructed in 2014 in the Scott Valley, with additional pilot-scale structures to be added nearby in 2015. There is a high level of interest in implementing such structures elsewhere in California, but permitting requirements (including fish passage issues) are currently a significant impediment to constructing and maintaining these structures. It is anticipated that the workshop will begin with introductory presentations which may include topics such as lessons learned from implementation of BDAs/PAWS in the Scott River and elsewhere, current science about fish passage at beaver dams/analogs, and permitting requirements for BDAs/PAWS. Following the presentations there will be in-depth group discussions about how to address permitting concerns and move forward with BDAs/PAWS in California.
Time permitting, tours on the field tour component will visit existing beaver-influenced habitats, because there are currently no BDAs within accessible driving distance. Potential sites include Clam Beach and/or lower Mad River/estuary. Due to the dynamic nature of beaver-influenced habitats (i.e., scouring/removal of old dams during high flows and creation of new dams during low flows), final site selection will not occur until February or March 2016."

Shelter in the Slow Lane: Off Channel Ponds and Beaver Influenced Habitats http://www.calsalmon.org/programs/events/shelter-slow-lane-channel-ponds-and-beaver-influenced-habitats
"Overview:  Off-channel wetlands, ponds, and side channels provide slow water habitat where juvenile salmonids can find refuge during high winter flows. These refugia are particularly important to coho salmon. These slow water habitats can also offer rich invertebrate food resources, which in combination with reduced metabolic demand can result in high fish growth rates. Channelization, diking, and filling have caused widespread loss of such habitats. Restoring these critically important habitats is a currently a major focus of fisheries restoration, with techniques including reconnection of existing (but disconnected) ponds/wetlands, excavation of new ponds, and construction of channel-spanning structures such as large wood and beaver-dam analogs. Natural forces contributing to formation, maintenance, and complexity of slow water habitats include large wood, beavers, and channel migration. In addition to building dams, beavers can also promote cover and habitat complexity by digging tunnels into streambanks and bringing wood into the water including in side channels and backwaters. This session will feature presentations focusing on the lessons learned from experiences creating off-channel ponds/wetlands but will also include research on the ecology of slow water habitats.
Types of presentations:
- Design principals and lessons learned regarding off-channel pond design, construction, and maintenance. For example: what are optimal depths and morphology? What are the best ways to promote habitat complexity and cover? Where are the best locations? How to maximize connectivity/access for fish? What type of maintenance is required and how often? How to determine if water quality will be an issue?
- Food webs in off-channel ponds and slow water habitats
- Effect of beaver activity (i.e., dam-building, digging, and vegetation management) on salmonid habitat."

- Eli

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Eli Asarian
Riverbend Sciences
P.O. Box 2874
Weaverville, CA 96093
(707)832-4206
e...@riverbendsci.com
www.riverbendsci.com