The use of genetic information in the conservation and management of organisms is becoming more widespread.  This two-day Workshop will provide a basic understanding of population genetic tools and their application in the conservation of freshwater mollusks.  The Workshop curriculum will include morning lecture sessions providing a basic understanding of population genetic theory, and afternoon sessions built around case studies that will allow attendees opportunities to apply their new knowledge using actual data on freshwater mollusks.  The Workshop also will include a series of presentations from experts in conservation genetics, a poster session, and mixers with opportunities for conversation among presenters and attendees.

Meeting Registration

Formal registration is now available on the FMCS 2016 workshop Registration page - CLICK HERE -

Early registration begins on November 1, 2015, and will close on December 31, 2015. Registration costs are:

NOTE: everyone who registers gets an included bag lunch on Friday (available at breakfast on Friday). 
You can take it on your travels or hang out in the common area until noon.
Bag-lunch choices can be picked in the registration on-line form.

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Location & Travel

This Workshop will be held at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center (NCTC), located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Approximately one hour from the Washington, DC metropolitan beltway, NCTC is a self-contained community with 17 buildings located on a 533-acre campus. A dining room, social lounge, gymnasium/workout room, and overnight accommodations for guests are all located within walking distance of the instructional facilities.

Travel to NCTC is via Washington Dulles International Airport, Washington National Airport, or Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

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Lodging

Rooms at the National Conservation Training Center are located in one of several lodges. Each guest room has a double bed, reclining chair, combination desk and work space, cable TV, personal safe, Internet connection cables or wireless access, extra blanket, hair dryer, shampoo and body soap. Each lodge building has a separate lounge for group gatherings. Lodges are also equipped with a laundry facility (including soap dispensers), kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, ice machine and coffee maker.

Check-in time is 1:00 p.m.; early arrivals will be registered based on room availability. Luggage storage is available in the Entry/Auditorium Building.

Check-out time is 12 noon. If you need a late check-out, please call the Front Desk. Before departing, please leave your room key and name badge holder in your room, the commons basket located on the stairs, or return it to the Front Desk.

To register for a room please phone 877-706-NCTC (6282) or 304- 876-7900;
e-mail: hotel_reservations@fws.gov

All guests will be charged for on-site lodging and meals while attending NCTC EVENTS at a rate of $150/day. There are other accommodations in the area, but all attendees are encouraged to stay on-site since meals are included in the cost.

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Call for Abstracts

The abstract submission deadline for the February 2016 Workshop is December 31, 2015 (Yes, THIS December 31…). The Workshop committee will only accept abstracts for poster presentations. Poster size is limited to 4' by 4' feet. If you wish to bring a display unit, special arrangements can be made (Contact Curt Elderkin: elderkin@tcnj.edu).

Abstracts for posters presentations are limited to 300 words. The abstract title should appear in all caps and be followed by the author name(s) and affiliation(s). Abstracts should be written in Word utilizing Arial 11 point font. Abstracts should include clearly stated objectives, brief methods, general results, and the basic conclusion.
Submit your abstract to: fmcs2016workshop@gmail.com.

See an abstract example from a previous workshop HERE (PDF file)

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Meeting Theme and Schedule Overview

The 2016 workshop will focus on the use of genetic tools to answer a variety of questions about freshwater mollusks and overview of the different kinds of analyses that can be conducted.
You can download a PDF of the schedule HERE

Tuesday, February 16th - Arrival, Registration, Dinner, and Social.

Wednesday, February 17th – Introductory and Morning I session, break, Morning II, Lunch, Afternoon I, break, Afternoon II, Dinner, Poster Session/Social.
The morning will be devoted to providing attendees with a basic understanding of the genetic structuring of populations, gene flow and migration. The afternoon will include discussions of inbreeding, genetic drift and effective population size, and their impacts on populations.

Thursday, February 18th – Morning I, break, Morning II, Lunch, Plenary I, break, Plenary II, Dinner and Social.
On Thursday morning, attendees will be introduced to the topics of species delineation and phylogenetic analysis. The afternoon sessions will focus on the use of environmental DNA samples (eDNA) along with other emerging technologies.

Friday, February 19th - Breakfast, Departure.

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Poster Session

In conjunction with the Workshop, a poster session entitled Advances in Freshwater Mollusk Conservation will be held the night of February 17.
See the Call for Abstracts on the Workshop web page for details regarding poster and abstract formats. Abstracts should be emailed, in Word format, to fmcs2016workshop@gmail.com no later than December 31, 2015.

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Sponsorship

The FMCS is a not-for-profit society, dedicated to the advocacy and conservation science of freshwater mollusk resources. Our Workshops provide great opportunities to network and build relationships with conservation professionals from state and federal government, industry, universities, and conservation organizations. The Society has a membership of 500, of which about 150 generally attend the biennial Workshops. Instructors for the workshops are members of the Society and other leaders in conservation. These professionals are constantly working to conserve freshwater mollusks, and we need your help. We are requesting monetary sponsorships to help cover the costs of the Workshop facilities.

To become a Sponsor click here