A natural resources presentation entitled “Waterfowl in Minnesota – a Historical Perspective” is scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. September 17 at the Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College Center for Research and Innovation Custom College, an off-campus facility located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North.
This Bemidji Area Natural Resources Continuing Education Consortium presentation is open to the public and free of charge.
Presenting will be Jeff Lawrence, Ph.D., group leader of the Wetland Wildlife Populations and Research Group, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bemidji office.
Minnesota’s wetlands provide habitat for more than 23 species of waterfowl, each with its own habitat needs, evidenced by their differing life histories. Lawrence will examine a few key species in Minnesota and how their populations have changed in response to man’s impact on the environment. He will also explain how the WWPRG gathers information in order to understand and monitor ducks and geese in state.
“Ducks and geese are fascinating to many people, both hunters and those who just enjoy seeing the birds on the wing,” said Lawrence. “We’re still blessed with many lakes and wetlands in Minnesota, but substantial wetland losses in portions of the state have resulted in changes to both waterfowl numbers and distribution. Some species have been able to adapt to these changes, while others have seen substantial declines. These patterns can provide insight into what the future holds for waterfowl populations.”
The presentation is designed to appeal to a diverse audience, providing general patterns that will be of interest to both the general public and natural resource managers.
Lawrence has worked with waterfowl for the DNR since 1988. He spent many years as the DNR’s waterfowl specialist, flying waterfowl surveys and representing the state on the Technical Section of the Mississippi Flyway. He studied Canada geese in Illinois for his doctorate and also has conducted research on the endangered Attwater’s prairie chicken in Texas.
The talk is part of an on-going series of Bemidji Area Natural Resources Continuing Education Consortium presentations, usually offered on the third Monday of each month. Groups helping organize the natural resources consortium include the BSU Center for Environmental, Earth and Space Studies; the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Norbord Minnesota; the Chippewa National Forest; Beltrami County; the Leech Lake Division of Resource Management; Ainsworth; and the Red Lake Reservation.
The CRICC is an off-campus facility operated by BSU and NTC designed to increase collaboration between the University, the College, business and industry and other sectors of the region. The newly aligned outreach resources of the organization offer greater variety and easier access to customized training and business services in addition to providing a one-stop-shop, linking external organizations to the region’s higher education knowledge base.
Individuals who wish to be added to a mailing list for the series or have questions should contact the Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College Center for Research and Innovation Custom College, Bemidji State University, 1500 Birchmont Dr. NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 (218-755-4900; toll free, 1-888-738-3224) email, cri@bemidjistate.edu.