The Rock Island Field Office (RIFO) partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to host a Topeka shiner workshop for 37 state and federal biologist from across Iowa. The workshop lasted two days with day one consisting of field visits to completed recovery projects, natural Topeka shiner habitats and potential recovery projects. During the field visits Kraig McPeek (Private Lands Biologist ? RIFO) discussed the site requirements, permitting issues, technical issues and lessons learned dealing with Topeka shiners, while Dr. Patrick Ceas (St. Olaf College) discussed biological requirements, physiology and identification techniques. At each site Kraig McPeek and Dr. Ceas seined for native minnows and discussed identification tips with the group. The second day of the workshop consisted of group discussions on priorities of recovery, existing threats to the species, state of Iowa issues, section 7 under the Endangered Species Act, focus areas for the Landowner Incentives Program, and other large scale issues.

This workshop proved vital in helping state biologists understand the unique habitat needs of the Topeka shiner as well as giving them first hand experience in identification of the shiner. It also allowed for an open dialog between key habitat managers along critical habitat corridors and the Fish and Wildlife Service. These types of workshops are integral to maintaining open and productive information transfer between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and our state partners.

Topeka shiners were found in one of the four completed recovery projects funded by RIFO over the past three years.