Pathways: Human Dimensions of Wildlife conference with a focus on salmon in the Pacific Northwest coming to Bremerton, Washington
Contact for reporters:
Emily LeBlanc
emily.leblanc@colostate.edu
The Human Dimensions of Natural Resources department, at Colorado State University, in conjunction with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will host the Pathways: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Hybrid Conference May 1-4, 2022, at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton, Washington. This conference focuses on the theme, “Life Without Salmon,” which is of critical importance for the people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.
Salmon are an icon of the Pacific landscape. However, despite conservation efforts, the future of the species – and those that depend on salmon for survival – remains in question. Michael Manfredo, Department Head of the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources at Colorado State University and conference cohost, poses the question, “what steps do we take when facing the extinction of a species cornerstone to economic stability, ecological health and regional identity – and what does life look like if conservation fails?”
“Their shape has given [salmon] the ability to survive ice ages, volcanic eruptions, even cataclysmic floods, but will it give them the ability to survive us?” said Mark Titus, the filmmaker who created The Breach and a speaker at the Pathways Conference. In addition to this pertinent question, the Pathways Conference attendees will explore other human-wildlife coexistence themes.
This conference is open to the public, but requires registration to attend. Full, student, one-day, and virtual registration is available online and at the conference for day-of registrants.
Welcoming different perspectives
In pursuit of Pathways’ mission of increasing the professionalism and effectiveness in the human dimensions of wildlife management field, we continue to address the most pressing issues facing conservation efforts today.
The conference will host plenary talks each day focused on research and governmental changes to the salmon conflict. As an academic resource, the conference intends to create conversation from different points of view in order to create regulatory change. The conference hopes to include the Indigenous perspective as well as the commercial aspect of salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest.
The plenaries will feature government officials, Indigenous perspectives and research professionals who have dedicated aspects of their lives to human-wildlife conservation. These speakers include:
- Debra Lekanoff, Washington State Representative.
- Leonard Forsman, Suquamish Tribe.
- Gretchen Greene, Greene Economics.
- Oystein Aas, Norwegian Institute of Life Sciences.
- Mark Titus, August Island Productions.
- Christine Rolfes, Washington State Senator.
- Jarred Michael-Erickson, Nespelem District Representative.
- Kelly Biedenwig, Oregon State University.
Hybrid conference setup
Due to the continuation of COVID-19 and its variants, protocols are in place for in-person attendance as well as allowing virtual attendance and virtual presentations.
In-person protocols will comply with all federal and local pandemic guidelines. During the conference, hand sanitizer will be available throughout the venue. Additionally, masks are required to be worn over the mouth and nose at all times while on venue premises, except while actively presenting, eating, or drinking.
We have provided virtual options for both attendees and presenters at a discounted rate. This will allow guests to access conference materials and network within a safe environment.
About the Pathways Conference
Beginning in 2008, the Pathways Conference has hosted a total of 10 conferences, with the average attendance around 300. With a variety of researchers, educators and practitioners, the conference has facilitated important conversations, increased collaboration, and allowed for sustainable change in human-wildlife coexistence.