Choices for Our Future
Long-term change is a normal part of the floodplain environment. Land managers are struggling with the change that the invasive species tamarisk and Russian olive are bringing to the floodplains. On the Bighorn River, and other northern drainages, these two species have increased in density to the point of causing major losses of cottonwood forests and other native vegetation. The changes these invaders bring to the landscape cause a major loss in desirable vegetation and wildlife habitat. The accumulation of fuel loads on the floodplains increases the risks of unprecedented severity of wildfires, with damage to homes, communities, and watersheds. We invite you to join a discussion with land managers, scientists, and public officials about the choices for the future of Wyoming's floodplains and rivers.
Workshop Information
The workshop will be held in Thermopolis, Wyoming beginning at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2005. The workshop will continue on Wednesday followed by an all day field trip to various locations in the Bighorn Basin on Thursday. Lunch on Wednesday and transportation and lunch for the field trip on Thursday will be provided. A picnic at Hot Springs State Park on Wednesday evening will allow participants a chance to meet everyone.
The Bighorn Basin Floodplain Restoration Workshop will be a forum for:
§ Learning more about our floodplains and rivers (including their history, ecology and possible futures)
§ Learning about recent progress in restoration research and practice
§ Meeting many of the key people interested in floodplain management, exotic species control and restoration management
§ Viewing on the ground management projects
Program Highlights
Our workshop will have four main features: a set of eight presentations on key aspects of invasive species and floodplain restoration; organized group discussions about current conditions, ongoing projects and future opportunities for Wyoming Rivers; a poster session highlighting current projects and interests; and a field trip to various locations in the Bighorn Basin. The workshop will run from 1:00 pm on Tuesday until the end of the tour on Thursday afternoon.
Keynote Presentations
Speakers, will discuss the Plains cottonwood's last stand and if it can survive invasion of Russian olive and tamarisk. Alex Ogg will discuss the current state of knowledge of tamarisk and Russian olive control and the need for further research on the restoration of native plant communities. Biological control efforts on tamarisk in the Bighorn Basin will be presented by Dave Kazmer. Tim Carlson will present information on the Tamarisk Coalition . Joe Scianna of the Bridger Plant Center will discuss salinity problems and restoration.
Sponsors:
The Bighorn Basin Exotic Plant Steering Committee
Washakie County Conservation District
Washakie, Hot Springs, Park and Big Horn County Weed and Pest Districts
Society of American Foresters, Northern Wyoming Chapter
Bureau of Land Management
Registration:
Registration is by pre-registration only. To register by mail, send completed registration form with payment. You may register by phone by calling Steve Christy at 1-307-347-5148. The Bureau of Land Management and the County Weed and Pest Offices will also have additional registrations forms available. Please feel free to make additional copies of the registration form.
Accommodations:
The Holiday Inn of the Waters at Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, WY will be the site of this meeting. A block of rooms has been reserved for this meeting. Please make your own reservations by July 6th, 2005. Be sure to mention that you are attending this meeting. Their phone number is 1-307-864-3131.