2016 Winter Meeting

Links to recorded presentations (refer to descriptions in agenda):

Ben Tanner, David Leigh, Sean Cameron
http://cloud.swivl.com/v/564e9e451895ff248f620f52312bff66

Mike Vepraskas
http://cloud.swivl.com/v/efb0e846d40486c18e52de5a601b4a5b

Grant Ginn, Jeff Wilcox
http://cloud.swivl.com/v/6f44beda972143f2a7195962149ce51d

Bob Gale
http://cloud.swivl.com/v/69a5c469c853ff963b36965aefcc37d7

Lauren Reker
http://cloud.swivl.com/v/2635780fdba22620fce59fa7b92d336b

 

Attendees to the 2016 Bog Learning Network Winter Meeting

January 6 and 7, 2016 / Sherrill Center, Mountain View Room, UNC-Asheville

Directions to UNCA          Campus map (parking in lot P9)

Roster of attendees

Beyond Plants and Turtles: Abiotic Factors Influencing Bog Development and Succession

Day 1

1-1:15pm Welcome & housekeeping
1:15-1:45pm Understanding the Past to Better Manage Today: Paleoenvironments of Southern Appalachian Bogs – Ben Tanner, Western Carolina University

Dr. Tanner’s work relates primarily to reconstructing past (back to thousands of years) wetland environments by studying peat deposits – wetland evolution through time, which can relate to the geomorphology of a site. He has results from western North Carolina and has sites with recordsthat go back as far as 12,500 years ago.  Dr. Tanner’s work can help us better understand the role of fire, herbivory, and other factors on bogs, to help inform current management.  
1:45-2:45pm Geomorphologic Conditions that Favor Beaver Dams & Geochemistry of Beaver vs. Non-beaver Influenced Wetlands – David Leigh and Sean Cameron, University of Georgia

Dr. Leigh will speak to the geomorphic conditions that favor beaver dams and his graduate student, Sean Cameron, will talk about physical/chemical signatures once beaver dams are in place.
2:45-3pm Break
3-3:45pm  Wetland Soils of the Southern Blue Ridge – Michael J. Vepraskas, North Carolina State University

Dr. Vepraskas will provide a brief overview of wetland soils, common wetland soils, and soils that generally characterize Southern Appalachian Bogs. He’ll also discuss the importance of soil profiles, soil texture, soil chemistry, and organic material content.  Dr. Vepraskas will include information about which soil properties are most important to understand when managing and restoring Southern Appalachian Bogs and discuss the clues that soil can provide to figuring out past changes in the wetland.
3:45-4pm  Jeopardy!
4-4:30pm Using Landscape Indicators to Understand Historic Conditions and Inform Wetland Restoration – Grant Ginn, Wolf Creek Engineering

Grant will share insights into conceptual planning for wetland restoration. Grant will highlight examples from three recent wetland restoration projects to discuss how interpretation of  site conditions was used to inform the restoration planning.   
4:30-5pm Research Update: Hydrology of Southern Appalachian Bogs – Jeff Wilcox, UNC-Asheville 

Dr. Wilcox will show photos and videos to update the group on his research at bog sites across Western North Carolina. Dr. Wilcox teaches courses in groundwater and surface water hydrology, water chemistry, physical geology, and introduction to environmental science. His research incorporates field studies, laboratory experiments, and theoretical concepts to investigate the
transport of anthropogenic chemicals in the environment. 
5-5:30pm Question & Answer panel with our presenters
5:30-5:45pm Jeopardy Final Round & Adjourn
7pm until – Informally reconvene at Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria, 42 Biltmore Ave. Downtown Asheville 28801

  • Public parking garage directly across street at Aloft Hotel

Day 2

8-8:15am  Reconvene and review Day 1
8:15-9:45am

 

 Latest in bog acquisition and management – panel update/Q&A

  • Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy – Sarah Fraser
  • Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Mincy Moffett, Thomas Floyd
  • NC Wildlife Resources Commission – Gabrielle Graeter
  • The Nature Conservancy – NC – Megan Sutton/Karen Vaughn with Lauren Reker
  • The Nature Conservancy – TN – Gabby Lynch
  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Asheville Field Office staff
  • NC State Parks – Marshall Ellis
9:45-10:15am

 

 Vendor showcase
10:15-10:30am Break
10:30-10:45am  Update from the Invasive Species Committee – Bob Gale
10:45-11:15am Goats and Bog Management – Lauren Reker, KD Ecological Services

Strategic applications of livestock forage consumption (applied herbivory) can be used to effectively manage non–native invasive vegetation and impede succession within a variety of natural communities including bogs. This presentation will provide an overview of applied herbivory and highlight applications of goats to McClure’s Bog in Henderson County, NC. Lauren is the Applied Herbivory Specialist for KD Ecological Services.
11:15-11:45am Use and Misuse of the National Land Cover Data Set for Wetland Monitoring  – Tina Delahunty, Bloomsburg University

State and national agencies map wetlands at various scales as they are regulated by the Clean Water Act. The use of remotely sensed imagery from satellite sensors is common in delineating wetlands, and the United States Geological Survey (consortium leader) provides a land use/landcover product, with wetland classes, for each state. This presentation reports to land–managers the spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution of the product; common uses; and most importantly, the consideration of scale and accuracy when using this product for wetland delineation, monitoring,and management.
11:45am-12:15pm Wrap-up & Adjourn

  • Parking lot items
  • Remaining comments or updates (website)
  • Feedback forms
  • Raffle prizes
12:30pm – Informally reconvene for lunch and conversation at Lexington Avenue Brewery, 39 North Lexington Ave. Downtown Asheville 28801