Workshop Announcement

Understanding Agriculture's Effects on Amphibians and Reptiles in a Changing World

A Workshop Sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey's Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environment Canada, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Conservation International, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the St. Louis Zoo.

Dates:  February 6 � 8, 2007

Location:  Crowne Plaza St. Louis � Clayton Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri

Overview:  Amphibian and reptile populations have declined in many parts of the world. Among other factors, agricultural practices that result in reduced habitat and biodiversity; changes in hydrology, humidity, and soil structure; nutrient enrichment; and the release of toxicants into the environment potentially can cause such declines. Impacts from genetically engineered crops, increased production of crops for fuels, and changes in how and where agriculture is practiced in the future due to climate change are relatively new dimensions to consider. What do we currently know and need to know about these issues? Are conservation and mitigation measures effective at reducing impacts? How can researchers, conservation practitioners, land managers, and land users work together to reduce impacts more effectively?

Approach and focus:  We will examine the issues through oral and poster presentations and integrated discussions. The general topic areas, as they apply to all types of agriculture, will be: declines of populations, habitat loss and alteration, hydrology, nutrient enrichment, toxicants, conservation practices, and conservation partnerships. Other relevant topics will be considered as well. We are inviting research scientists, land managers, conservation practitioners, regulators, and policymakers, among others, to participate in this workshop.

Participants:  Participation will be limited to a working group of approximately 100 individuals. Presenters will be selected primarily based upon expertise and abstracts submitted in response to this announcement. Please join us for a unique and important opportunity to contribute to this effort.

Submittal of abstracts and other information:  We are no longer accepting abstracts. Abstracts submitted addressed the general topics described above or the specific questions described here (Questions for presenters). To view abstract titles please view the Workshop Program.

Registration: Registration information is available at http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/ag_effects_workshop/registration_info.html.

Workshop Program