ESD Florida Workshop - Registration Opens Monday, September 26, 2011!

The Ecological Site Applications Workshop

Lake Placid/Venus, Florida

November 15-17, 2011

Don't be late!  Registration for the upcoming Ecological Site Applications Workshop in Florida opens this MONDAY, September 26 at 8:00am MDT

The Interagency Ecological Site Applications Workshop will encompass three days (includes time in the field each day) with content tailored to take advantage of local conditions and issues.  The Workshop will focus on foundational knowledge, skills and understanding of Ecological Site Descriptions, state-and-transition models and interpretations; how to determine ecological sites and ecological states in the field; the utility of ESDs for conservation planning, assessment and monitoring; and the framework for understanding and participating in the move from first to second generation ESDs.  The agenda aims to establish a basis for collaboration among participants and introduce them to the local experts who will be able to assist them in the future when developing projects and working with ESDs.  Workshop content will illustrate the current state of ESD development and implementation in the local area as well as act as a launching pad for additional collaborative efforts. 

Workshop Objectives:

• Enhance foundational knowledge, skills and understanding of Ecological Site Descriptions, state-and-transition models and their interpretations.
• Provide the framework for moving from first to second generation Ecological Site Descriptions.
• Showcase the utility of Ecological Site Descriptions as a working and dynamic tool used to document ecological knowledge and assist in applied conservation and management.

Workshop Details:

• Workshop will be held at the Archbold Biological Station (http://www.archbold-station.org) in Venus, Florida (just outside of Lake Placid, Florida).
• Registration is open to anyone that is interested and will allow a maximum of 40 participants.
• Encompasses 3 days (includes time in the field each day) with content tailored to take advantage of local conditions and issues.
• Registration:
• $150 for employees of sponsoring agencies (ARS, BLM, NRCS)
• $150 for current Society for Range Management members
• $250 for all others
• Other sponsoring agencies/groups may be added in time, so please check the ESD website for current information prior to registering. Due to the remote location of this workshop, registration will include all training materials, field trip transportation and most meals including 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
• Features KEYNOTE speaker Dr. Hilary Swain, Director of the Archbold Biological Station, on Ecosystems of Florida’s Lake Wales Ridge
• Workshop instructors include some of the world’s leading experts on ESDs including: Dr. Brandon Bestelmeyer, Dr. Joel Brown, Greg Hendricks, Homer Sanchez, Pat Shaver, and others.

For questions about the workshop, please contact:
Aleta Rudeen
SRM Director of Outreach and Leadership Development
arudeen@rangelands.org
(303) 720-2715

 Registration and details about this workshop will be posted on the SRM ESD website: www.rangelands.org/ESD