REGISTRATION | LOCATION | LODGING | FORMAT | WORKSHOP | TRIPS | ABSTRACTS | AWARDS | SPONSORSHIP | CONTACT |
13th BIENNAL FMCS SYMPOSIUM
FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA
AND THE MOLLUSKS IN BETWEEN
Monday-Friday, April 10 to 14, 2023
Portland, OR
(Unlike past years, the Symposium will be held Monday through Friday to accommodate the Easter holiday weekend.)
Options for live and in person in Portland or virtual attendance (limited program).
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
If you have specific or urgent questions, please contact:
Emilie Blevins (Emilie.Blevins@xerces.org ) or Megan Bradley (megan_bradley@fws.gov ) REGISTRATION
The Symposium schedule will be similar to previous years except that we will begin on Monday (instead of Sunday) and have field trips on Friday (instead of Thursday).
*See Symposium Format below for more details about offerings for virtual attendees.
• Workshop: $55
• Field Trip 1: $100
• Field Trip 2: $100
• Field Trip 3: Please check the box if you would like to be added to the list for a trip to the coast. Transportation and plans for this trip will be developed based off of interest received.
• Field Trip 4: Please check the box if you would like to be added to the list for a Willamette River field trip. Transportation and plans for this trip will be developed based off of interest received.
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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (COMING SOON)
LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION
We welcome you to join us in Portland, Oregon! The goal for this Symposium is to highlight the unique natural history, mollusks, Tribal culture, and compelling river and landscape features in the Pacific Northwest, an area of the United States where one of our Symposia has not previously been held. This event will be the first opportunity in four years for FMCS members to gather at a symposium in person. We will bring together researchers, resource managers, consultants, and enthusiasts in a forum that will allow for collaboration opportunities and easy information exchange.
If you are unable to attend in person, we will be supporting virtual access and interactions for some of the symposium components.
The hotel is easily accessible via the MAX light rail system directly from the Portland airport (PDX), Amtrack/Union Station, and Portland Transit Mall, so it is not necessary to rent a vehicle.
https://www.travelportland.com/plan/
https://trimet.org/
https://www.amtrak.com/stations/pdx
There are many things to taste, see, and do in Portland.
For information on many ways to enjoy Portland’s music, art, food, beer, outdoors, and cultural opportunities during your visit, check out Travel Portland: https://www.travelportland.com/
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LODGING
The Symposium will take place at the DoubleTree hotel in Portland, Oregon. Lodging rates are based on the prevailing federal per diem rate for the area (see below). The standard room per diem rate for Portland in April 2023 is $152. The room block for the Symposium includes standard single queen, single king, or double queen guestrooms, and you can request a microwave and fridge in the room for no additional charge. All rates include complementary basic guestroom WIFI. These negotiated rates are available 3 days prior and 3 days after the event dates if you would like to arrive early or extend your stay.
To reserve your room:
CLICK HERE
If you reserve your room by phone, be sure to ask for the “Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society group rate” to ensure you receive the reduced rate.
For more information on the venue:
CLICK HERE
And HERE
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SYMPOSIUM FORMAT
Registration rates and deadlines are provided below. There will also be an option to join the Society or renew your Society membership during registration.
In-Person Attendees:
The full symposium program schedule for in-person member and non-member attendees will be available online. Stay tuned for more information.
Virtual Attendees:
Virtual attendees may register for the workshop and participate via Zoom. Plenary talks and oral presentation sessions will be made available for virtual registrants via Zoom. The oral presentations, including lightning talks, will be a mixture of live, in-person and pre-recorded talks. Virtual attendees may also provide digital versions of posters, but the poster session will be in-person only.
Registered participants will be given ZOOM meeting IDs and passwords for each available ZOOM session prior to the meeting. More information about the virtual meeting components will be updated on the Symposium webpage.
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WORKSHOP DETAILS
Monday, April 10, 2023
Underwater Photography and Filmography
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in today's visually driven world of social media. Are you interested in improving your underwater filmography or photography skills to better capture and communicate the importance of freshwater mussels and snails? Join us for a workshop led by experts in the fields of nature photography and filmography, as well as science communication. You'll receive information and training regarding equipment and technique and learn more about using digital media for conservation.
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FIELD TRIPS DETAILS
Friday, April 14, 2023
TRIP 1: WATERFALLS, STURGEONS AND DAMS
This field trip will take participants along the Columbia River corridor in Oregon, stopping at Multnomah Falls https://www.travelportland.com/region/multnomahfalls/,
then traversing on to Bonneville Dam
https:// www.travelportland.com/region/bonneville-dam/).
Attendees can take a tour of the dam, see the fish ladder, visit Herman the Sturgeon
https://myodfw.com/articles herman-sturgeon
and take a short self-guided hike to nearby Wahlclella Falls.
The trip is less than an hour's drive from the hotel and will allow time for participants to enjoy some of the highlights of the Oregon side of the Columbia River.
TRIP 2: CONSERVATION and RESTORATION SUCCESSES of the LOWER COLUMBIA IN WASHINGTON
This field trip will take participants along the Columbia River corridor in Washington, first heading to Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (https:// www.fws.gov/refuge/steigerwald-lake), following a 2- year closure and $31 million floodplain habitat restoration project.
The site is home to native freshwater mussels, salmon and steelhead, and a variety of bird life.
Following a tour hosted by USFWS staff, the field trip will continue on to Cape Horn for stunning views of the Columbia Gorge (hike optional, with stops at the overlook: https://gorge friends.org/hike-the-gorge/cape-orn.html).
The trip also is less than an hour's drive from the hotel and will allow time for participants to enjoy some of the highlights of the Washington side of the Columbia River.
TRIP 3: ASTORIA AND THE OREGON COAST
A trip to Oregon is never complete without a visit to the Pacific coast. This field trip will take participants to Fort Stevens State Park on the Oregon coast
(https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park. profile&parkId=129),
followed by an afternoon in Astoria
(https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/cities/ astoria/).
Attractions include a historic shipwreck, the Astoria Column (https://astoriacolumn.org/),
and the Columbia River Maritime Museum (cost is $16, to be paid by attendee; https://www.crmm.org/).
The trip is approximately 2 hours (one way from the hotel), with about a half our additional driving between the coast and Astoria.
TRIP 4: WILLAMETTE RIVER FIELD TRIP
The Willamette River and Valley are iconic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Join us on a field trip to experience the Willamette up close and personally. More information will be provided soon.
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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
CLICK HERE for information on Abstracts
Abstracts will be due by 11:59 pm Eastern time (U.S.) on Friday, January 27, 2023.
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STUDENT JUDGING AND AWARDS
Judging of student presentations will occur as in the past. Beginning students (i.e. first year students with no or limited datasets) are encouraged to present their ideas or early findings in in any of the three presentation options, but especially either a poster or in a 5-minute lightning talk video. Students will be asked to identify themselves as students during the abstract submission process for award consideration.
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SPONSORSHIP
The Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society’s (FMCS) 2023 Symposium will be held in Portland, Oregon April 10-14, 2023. The goal for this symposium is to highlight the unique natural history, mollusks, Tribal culture, and compelling river and landscape features in the Pacific Northwest.
The mixers, breaks, and meals provide opportunities for networking among members and attendees.
The FMCS is a not-for-profit, dedicated to the advocacy and conservation science of freshwater mollusk resources. The FMCS symposium provides a great opportunity to network and build relationships with conservation professionals from state and federal government, industry, and conservation organizations. The Society has a membership of 500, and 275 members generally attend the biennial symposia. These professionals are constantly working to conserve freshwater mollusks, and we need your help. We are requesting monetary sponsorship to help cover the costs of the symposia facilities and activities.
Below is a breakdown of our sponsorship levels.
To become a Sponsor click HERE
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SYMPOSIUM CONTACTS
For more information about the symposium or specific symposium planning committee contacts, please get in touch with the meeting organizers below.
Megan Bradley, FMCS Meeting Chair and President-Elect US Fish and Wildlife Service
megan_bradley@fws.gov
Emilie Blevins, Local Committee Co-Chair Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Emilie.Blevins@xerces.org
Michele Weaver, Local Committee Co-Chair Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
michele.h.weaver@odfw.oregon.gov
Patty Morrison, Program Committee Co-Chair
pearlymussel@gmail.com
Alexa Maine, Program Committee Co-Chair Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
alexamaine@ctuir.org
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13th BIENNAL FMCS SYMPOSIUM
FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA
AND THE MOLLUSKS IN BETWEEN
Monday-Friday, April 10 to 14, 2023
Portland, OR
(Unlike past years, the Symposium will be held Monday through Friday to accommodate the Easter holiday weekend.)
Options for live and in person in Portland or virtual attendance (limited program).
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
If you have specific or urgent questions, please contact:
Emilie Blevins (Emilie.Blevins@xerces.org ) or Megan Bradley (megan_bradley@fws.gov ) REGISTRATION
The Symposium schedule will be similar to previous years except that we will begin on Monday (instead of Sunday) and have field trips on Friday (instead of Thursday).
| ATTENDEE STATUS | EARLY REGISTRATION (ENDS 1/27/23) |
LATE REGISTRATION (After 1/27/23) |
VIRTUAL * |
| Member | $415 | $465 | $275 |
| Non-Member | $500 | $500 | $355 |
| Student/Retiree Member | $275 | $325 | $185 |
| Student/Retiree Non- Member | $315 | $365 | $225 |
• Workshop: $55
• Field Trip 1: $100
• Field Trip 2: $100
• Field Trip 3: Please check the box if you would like to be added to the list for a trip to the coast. Transportation and plans for this trip will be developed based off of interest received.
• Field Trip 4: Please check the box if you would like to be added to the list for a Willamette River field trip. Transportation and plans for this trip will be developed based off of interest received.
BACK TO TOP
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (COMING SOON)
LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION
We welcome you to join us in Portland, Oregon! The goal for this Symposium is to highlight the unique natural history, mollusks, Tribal culture, and compelling river and landscape features in the Pacific Northwest, an area of the United States where one of our Symposia has not previously been held. This event will be the first opportunity in four years for FMCS members to gather at a symposium in person. We will bring together researchers, resource managers, consultants, and enthusiasts in a forum that will allow for collaboration opportunities and easy information exchange.
If you are unable to attend in person, we will be supporting virtual access and interactions for some of the symposium components.
The hotel is easily accessible via the MAX light rail system directly from the Portland airport (PDX), Amtrack/Union Station, and Portland Transit Mall, so it is not necessary to rent a vehicle.
https://www.travelportland.com/plan/
https://trimet.org/
https://www.amtrak.com/stations/pdx
There are many things to taste, see, and do in Portland.
For information on many ways to enjoy Portland’s music, art, food, beer, outdoors, and cultural opportunities during your visit, check out Travel Portland: https://www.travelportland.com/
BACK TO TOP
LODGING
The Symposium will take place at the DoubleTree hotel in Portland, Oregon. Lodging rates are based on the prevailing federal per diem rate for the area (see below). The standard room per diem rate for Portland in April 2023 is $152. The room block for the Symposium includes standard single queen, single king, or double queen guestrooms, and you can request a microwave and fridge in the room for no additional charge. All rates include complementary basic guestroom WIFI. These negotiated rates are available 3 days prior and 3 days after the event dates if you would like to arrive early or extend your stay.
To reserve your room:
CLICK HERE
If you reserve your room by phone, be sure to ask for the “Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society group rate” to ensure you receive the reduced rate.
For more information on the venue:
CLICK HERE
And HERE
| ROOM | SINGLE RATE | DOUBLE RATE | TRIPLE RATE | QUAD RATE |
| STD SINGLE QUEEN | $152 | $152 | N/A | N/A |
| PREMIUM SINGLE KING OR DOUBLE QUEEN | $172 | $172 | $87 | $202 |
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SYMPOSIUM FORMAT
Registration rates and deadlines are provided below. There will also be an option to join the Society or renew your Society membership during registration.
| MON. 4/10 | TUES. 4/11 | WED. 4/12 | THUR. 4/13 | FRI. 4/14 |
| Workshop | Plenaries and Concurrent Talks | Concurrent Talks |
Concurrent Talks |
|
| Lunch and Committee Meetings | Lunch and Committee Meetings | All Members Business Meetings and Lunch | ||
| FMCS Board Meeting | Concurrent Talks | Concurrent Talks | Concurrent Talks | Field trips |
| Student-Mentor Mixer | Poster Session and Mixer | Dinner | Dinner on your own | |
| Welcome Reception | Possible Movie | Auction |
In-Person Attendees:
The full symposium program schedule for in-person member and non-member attendees will be available online. Stay tuned for more information.
Virtual Attendees:
Virtual attendees may register for the workshop and participate via Zoom. Plenary talks and oral presentation sessions will be made available for virtual registrants via Zoom. The oral presentations, including lightning talks, will be a mixture of live, in-person and pre-recorded talks. Virtual attendees may also provide digital versions of posters, but the poster session will be in-person only.
Registered participants will be given ZOOM meeting IDs and passwords for each available ZOOM session prior to the meeting. More information about the virtual meeting components will be updated on the Symposium webpage.
BACK TO TOP
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Monday, April 10, 2023
Underwater Photography and Filmography
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in today's visually driven world of social media. Are you interested in improving your underwater filmography or photography skills to better capture and communicate the importance of freshwater mussels and snails? Join us for a workshop led by experts in the fields of nature photography and filmography, as well as science communication. You'll receive information and training regarding equipment and technique and learn more about using digital media for conservation.
BACK TO TOP
FIELD TRIPS DETAILS
Friday, April 14, 2023
TRIP 1: WATERFALLS, STURGEONS AND DAMS
This field trip will take participants along the Columbia River corridor in Oregon, stopping at Multnomah Falls https://www.travelportland.com/region/multnomahfalls/,
then traversing on to Bonneville Dam
https:// www.travelportland.com/region/bonneville-dam/).
Attendees can take a tour of the dam, see the fish ladder, visit Herman the Sturgeon
https://myodfw.com/articles herman-sturgeon
and take a short self-guided hike to nearby Wahlclella Falls.
The trip is less than an hour's drive from the hotel and will allow time for participants to enjoy some of the highlights of the Oregon side of the Columbia River.
TRIP 2: CONSERVATION and RESTORATION SUCCESSES of the LOWER COLUMBIA IN WASHINGTON
This field trip will take participants along the Columbia River corridor in Washington, first heading to Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (https:// www.fws.gov/refuge/steigerwald-lake), following a 2- year closure and $31 million floodplain habitat restoration project.
The site is home to native freshwater mussels, salmon and steelhead, and a variety of bird life.
Following a tour hosted by USFWS staff, the field trip will continue on to Cape Horn for stunning views of the Columbia Gorge (hike optional, with stops at the overlook: https://gorge friends.org/hike-the-gorge/cape-orn.html).
The trip also is less than an hour's drive from the hotel and will allow time for participants to enjoy some of the highlights of the Washington side of the Columbia River.
TRIP 3: ASTORIA AND THE OREGON COAST
A trip to Oregon is never complete without a visit to the Pacific coast. This field trip will take participants to Fort Stevens State Park on the Oregon coast
(https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park. profile&parkId=129),
followed by an afternoon in Astoria
(https://traveloregon.com/places-to-go/cities/ astoria/).
Attractions include a historic shipwreck, the Astoria Column (https://astoriacolumn.org/),
and the Columbia River Maritime Museum (cost is $16, to be paid by attendee; https://www.crmm.org/).
The trip is approximately 2 hours (one way from the hotel), with about a half our additional driving between the coast and Astoria.
TRIP 4: WILLAMETTE RIVER FIELD TRIP
The Willamette River and Valley are iconic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Join us on a field trip to experience the Willamette up close and personally. More information will be provided soon.
BACK TO TOP
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
CLICK HERE for information on Abstracts
Abstracts will be due by 11:59 pm Eastern time (U.S.) on Friday, January 27, 2023.
BACK TO TOP
STUDENT JUDGING AND AWARDS
Judging of student presentations will occur as in the past. Beginning students (i.e. first year students with no or limited datasets) are encouraged to present their ideas or early findings in in any of the three presentation options, but especially either a poster or in a 5-minute lightning talk video. Students will be asked to identify themselves as students during the abstract submission process for award consideration.
BACK TO TOP
SPONSORSHIP
The Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society’s (FMCS) 2023 Symposium will be held in Portland, Oregon April 10-14, 2023. The goal for this symposium is to highlight the unique natural history, mollusks, Tribal culture, and compelling river and landscape features in the Pacific Northwest.
The mixers, breaks, and meals provide opportunities for networking among members and attendees.
The FMCS is a not-for-profit, dedicated to the advocacy and conservation science of freshwater mollusk resources. The FMCS symposium provides a great opportunity to network and build relationships with conservation professionals from state and federal government, industry, and conservation organizations. The Society has a membership of 500, and 275 members generally attend the biennial symposia. These professionals are constantly working to conserve freshwater mollusks, and we need your help. We are requesting monetary sponsorship to help cover the costs of the symposia facilities and activities.
Below is a breakdown of our sponsorship levels.
To become a Sponsor click HERE
| RIVER | >$2,000 | Two Complimentary Registrations (One Virtual and One In-Person), Logo on Website Registration Page, Recognition in the Program |
| STREAM | $1,000 - $1,999 | One Complimentary Registration (Virtual or In-Person), Logo on Website Registration Page, Recognition in the Program |
| EDDY | $500 - $999 | Logo on Website Registration Page and Recognition in the Program. |
| MUSSEL | $100 - $499 | Recognition in the Workshop Program. |
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SYMPOSIUM CONTACTS
For more information about the symposium or specific symposium planning committee contacts, please get in touch with the meeting organizers below.
Megan Bradley, FMCS Meeting Chair and President-Elect US Fish and Wildlife Service
megan_bradley@fws.gov
Emilie Blevins, Local Committee Co-Chair Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Emilie.Blevins@xerces.org
Michele Weaver, Local Committee Co-Chair Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
michele.h.weaver@odfw.oregon.gov
Patty Morrison, Program Committee Co-Chair
pearlymussel@gmail.com
Alexa Maine, Program Committee Co-Chair Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
alexamaine@ctuir.org
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