Migratory Birds biologist Tom Will participated in the design of and then subsequently facilitated two meetings in March 2006 in Charleston, West Virginia to bring together representatives of the Cerulean Warbler Technical Group (CWTG) and managers from the private forestry and surface coal mining industries. 

The forestry and mining meetings were held separately. Each meeting was designed to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership rather than confrontation regarding conservation actions on behalf of Cerulean Warblers.  Approximately 30 people—10 biologists and 20 industry representatives—attended each meeting. 

The CWTG presented information on the status, ecology, and habitat requirements of the warblers, while industry representatives discussed economic constraints, management opportunities, and reclamation possibilities. 

After the presentations, Tom facilitated a discussion and then moved the groups to agree on a mutual set of priority actions that would serve as the basis for future discussions and partnership at a Cerulean Warbler conservation summit to be held in February 2007.