Public Invited to Attend Aspen Symposium

Did you know that aspen communities have declined in southeastern and eastern Idaho by an estimated 65% over the last 100 years? The Eastern Idaho Aspen Working Group is forming to learn more about the decline of this important habitat area and what might be done to reverse this alarming trend. A special symposium has been scheduled for August 10-11, 2006 as a kick-off for the Eastern Idaho Aspen Working Group's efforts. All interested members of the public are invited to attend. August 10, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Informational presentations by Dr. Dale Bartos and David Burton on aspen ecology and what the scientists know about aspen declines. Location: Upper Snake regional offices of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls, Idaho. August 11, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour of eastern Idaho to examine aspen communities. Location: Meet at the Upper Snake regional offices of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Box lunches will be available if arrangements are made in advance. Dr. Dale Bartos is an Ecologist with the Rocky Mountain Research Station's Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Logan, UT. Dr. Bartos has been noted for his accomplishments in range management and restoration of aspen forests over his career, which began in 1972. He is a recipient of the prestigious "Outstanding Achievement Award" from the Society for Range Management. Dr. Bartos holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Fort Hays State University and a Ph.D. degree in Range Science from Colorado State University. David Burton serves as the principle investigator for the Aspen Delineation Project, a collaborative effort of the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Region, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the California Office of Bureau of Land Management. The Aspen Delineation Project helps agencies identify, map, treat, and monitor aspen habitats. In recognition of his efforts as a volunteer on the Eldorado National Forest, Mr. Burton was awarded the 2002 Chief's Volunteers Program National Award. For more information or to RSVP, please call Wendy Lowe at (208) 523-6668 or send an email to wendy@p2-solution.com.