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Workshops: Sunday, December 14, 2008
Workshop full – Registration closed
Workshop full - Registration closed
Workshop Details and Agendas
Abundance Estimation and Detection Probability — State of the Art
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Nathan Stricker  , Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife
(740) 747-2525
Instructor: Dr. Paul Doherty, Colorado State University
Attendance: minimum 10 – maximum 25
Cost: $50
Location: Knox Room, Hyatt Regency
Overview: This workshop will provide an overview of state-of-the-art techniques used to determine detection probability for estimating population size or probability of occupancy. Estimation of population abundance is a primary activity used towards responsible management of both game and priority non-game wildlife species. Estimates of true population size can be influenced by the ability to repeatedly detect individuals using standardized surveys. Developments over the last decade in the methods to determine this probability of detection have influenced the ability to set statistically valid confidence intervals around population estimates, assess bias, and determine rates of occupancy where insufficient data is available to estimate actual population size. This workshop will review assumptions associated with population estimation and the concept of detection probability. Techniques will be introduced that may be used to estimate the probability of detection, like distance sampling, time removal methods, use of double observers, and application of occupancy modeling.
Agenda: to be announced
Introduction to Spatial Modeling Using ArcGIS and Geostatistical Analyst
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact: Angela C. Grier , Indiana Department of Natural Resources
(260) 244-6805
Instructor: Dr. Erik R. Venteris , Ohio Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Geological Survey
(614) 265-6459
Attendance: minimum 10 – maximum 25
Cost: $75
Location: Off Site at ODNR Central Office, 2045 Morse Road, Building I, Columbus, OH 43229
Prerequisites- Students should have a basic familiarity with Geographic Information Systems, especially ArcGIS ArcMap. A basic undergraduate course in statistics will also be helpful for understanding the material, though the amount of mathematics in the course will be minimal.
Overview: This course is an introduction to quantitative spatial modeling and geostatistics. An increasingly important task in the natural resources is to create spatially continuous models or maps from field data. Spatial models are essential to using such data in Geographic Information Systems for ecosystem modeling, risk analysis, and decision support. A wide range of statistical and geostatistical techniques are available to conduct mapping in an efficient, quantitative, and scientifically objective manner. This course gives an introduction to these techniques, with an emphasis on best practices rather than mathematical and statistical theory.
Agenda:
8:00 - 10:00 Overview:
Lecture- Introduction to spatial interpolation algorithms and overview of modeling methodology using tools in ArcGIS. Hands on- Make a basic map using ArcGIS, Spatial Analyst, and Geostatistical Analyst.
10:00 -12:00 Exploratory Data Analysis
Lecture-Matching data to the appropriate spatial modeling technique- variable types, exploratory data analysis, and variography. Hands on- Use Geostatistical Analyst to inspect the sample distribution, conduct tests for normality, look for trends in the data, and calculate model and experimental variograms.
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 Making Spatial Models
Lecture- discussion of geostatistical (simple and ordinary kriging, indicator kriging) and nongeostatistical interpolation methods (inverse distance weighting, linear and polynomial fitting, inverse distance weighting). When to use what? Hands on- Use Geostatistical Analyst to make spatial models for data sets of contrasting statistical character.
3:00 - 4:00 Evaluating Spatial Models
Lecture- External and cross validation techniques. Hands on- Conduct model validation using Geostatistical Analysist
4:00 - 5:00 Course Wrap-up
Lecture- Very brief introduction to the issue of spatial sampling, and summary of course objectives with emphasis on best practices.
Making Human Dimensions Research a Part of Your Research Agenda
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact: Jeremy T. Bruskotter , The Ohio State University School of Environment & Natural Resources
(614) 247.2118
Instructors: Jeremy T. Bruskotter, The Ohio State University
Shawn Riley, Michigan State University
Dan Decker, Cornell University
William Siemer, Cornell University
Kirsten Leong, U.S. National Park Service
Attendance: minimum 15 – maximum 40
Cost: $35
Location: Morrow Room, Hyatt Regency
Overview: This workshop will provide fish and wildlife managers and other interested researchers with an overview of human dimensions (HD) research, paying particular attention to how HD research can be integrated into agency research programs. Specifically, the workshop aims to: (1) provide agency personnel a brief overview of human dimensions research and discuss common social science methodologies that may be used to answer research questions relevant to fish and wildlife managers, (2) detail factors that may influence choice of study design, (3) discuss the measurement of latent constructs such as attitudes and values, focusing on how to design effective measures, and (4) discuss how HD research can be used in agency decision-making.
Agenda:
The workshop will be divided into four approximately 1-hour presentations that walk participants through the process of designing HD studies and incorporating information from these studies in decision-making. Each section is briefly outlined, below:
Section 1. Introduction to HD Research and Review of Methodological Considerations
We will begin by providing participants with a basic working definition of the "human dimensions of fish and wildlife." Research into the HD of fish and wildlife management is described as an applied, multi-disciplinary area of study focused on providing management with a better understanding of the human component of ecosystems. We then provide a brief overview of the evolution of HD research, and discuss which methodologies are appropriate for answering different types of research questions.
In general, this presentation will focus on addressing the following questions:
(1) What do we mean when we say
(2) What types of research methodologies are available to HD researchers; and
(3) What types of considerations are important when selecting among methodologies to be employed in an HD study?
Presenter: David Fulton, USGS Minnesota Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit
Section 2. Designing Effective Survey Questions
The second presentation details how to develop appropriate measures of attitudes, values, and other latent (i.e. unobservable), psychological constructs. We recognize that self-administered surveys are one of the primary tools used by researchers and managers to better understand the attitudes, values, and beliefs of stakeholders. Assessing the validity and reliability of these types of measures is critical to ensuring that managers have an accurate picture of what stakeholders really think. This presentation will focus on the design of effective measures, addressing the following questions:
(1) How can we write effective survey items; and
(2) How can we assess the validity and reliability of psychological measures?
Presenter: Jeremy Bruskotter, Ohio State University
Section 3. Integrating HD Research into Agency Decision-Making
The third presentation discusses how fish and wildlife managers can better incorporate information obtained in HD research into agency decision-making processes. This presentation will discuss Adaptive Impact Management, an approach designed to integrate the views of stakeholders into management decision-making. Specific questions addressed in this presentation are:
(1) What is Adaptive Impact Management;
(2) How does it compare with other group decision-making processes; and
(3) How can it be used to better integrate HD research into management decision-making?
Presenter: Shawn Riley, Michigan State University
Section 4. Panel Discussion
The fourth and final portion of the workshop will be a panel discussion where presenters field questions from the attendees.
Panel: Jeremy Bruskotter, Ohio State University
David Fulton, USGS Minnesota Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit
Shawn Riley, Michigan State University
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