5/21/2015  |   13:30 - 13:45   |  103AB

UNDERWATER AND ON THE BEACHES: CITIZEN SCIENCE EFFORTS SUPPORTING AQUATIC SCIENCES RESEARCH AT SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE Since 2009, citizen science volunteers have provided invaluable data collection at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SLBE). Volunteers regularly monitor 11 permanent beach transects documenting sick and dead birds by date/species/location and assessing Cladophora algae and invasive mussel biomass. Dozens of volunteers have contributed over 4,500 hours to ongoing research. Collected data has been used by park managers for decision making and by research scientists, as part of a coordinated effort to better understand these die-off events. Building off the success of the beach monitoring program, a partnership was formed between the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), SLBE, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to further engage the public in coastal monitoring and explore the possibility of citizen diver involvement in Lake Michigan research. In 2014, the framework for an underwater citizen science program using divers was developed, tapping into substantial local interest in aquatic environmental issues among a pool of highly skilled divers. Seven divers went through training in underwater data collection and scientific dive skills. Next steps include technical training in scientific technique and securing long-term project funding.

Emily Tyner (Primary Presenter/Author), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, ehtyner@uwm.edu;


Dan Ray (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, National Park Service, dan_ray@nps.gov;


Sue Jennings (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, National Park Service, sue_jennings@nps.gov;


Brenda Moraska Lafrancois (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), National Park Service , Brenda_Moraska_Lafrancois@nps.gov;

5/21/2015  |   13:45 - 14:00   |  103AB

WATER ACTION VOLUNTEERS (WAV) - TOTAL PHOSPHORUS MONITORING IN WISCONSIN'S STREAMS Phosphorus is an essential nutrient responsible for plant growth, but it is also the most widespread water pollutant in Wisconsin lakes. Runoff from farm fields and other disturbed lands flow into streams, elevating phosphorus levels that can cause adverse conditions in surface water bodies. In 2010, Wisconsin developed numeric criteria for in-stream phosphorus levels and began monitoring streams across the state to collect the necessary data to develop impaired waters lists. Beginning in 2012, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX) engaged Water Action Volunteers (WAV) stream monitors to collect total phosphorus samples at monitoring sites selected by the WDNR and the volunteers. The success rate from 2012-2014 was 99.8%, with monitoring occurring at almost 200 sites statewide. In 2014 alone, WAV volunteers contributed $40,000 worth of time. Several local groups also obtained grants to support monitoring at local sites with savings amounting to over $25,000 in monitoring and shipping costs. Given the success of this program, total phosphorus monitoring by WAV volunteers will continue to help WDNR meet future monitoring and assessment needs.

Lindsey Albright (Primary Presenter/Author), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, albrightlindsey@gmail.com;


Kristine Stepenuck (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), UW-Extension, WI Department of Natural Resources, kfstepenuck@wisc.edu;

5/21/2015  |   14:00 - 14:15   |  103AB

THE VALUE OF COLLABORATION: USING PUBLIC MUSEUMS TO LINK THE COMMUNITY WITH RESEARCH In recent years, public engagement in science has been a topic of discussion for the informal science education (ISE) community. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (NMMNHS) is an example of an ISE institution that engages the general public with exhibits, lectures and science experiences. Many ISE institutions share an underlying goal of improving understanding of science and encouraging an enthusiasm for the natural world. To increase the capability of NMMNHS to support public participation in biological research, we are building collaborations with university and agency partners. These collaborations can be used as an informative model for other institutions wanting to create opportunities for the general public. ISE institutions can complement scientific researchers by providing expert staff (including educators and trained volunteers), and by making research accessible to a general audience.

Ayesha Burdett (Primary Presenter/Author), River Bend Ecology, Australia, Ayesha.Burdett@gmail.com ;

5/21/2015  |   14:15 - 14:30   |  103AB

THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN FRESHWATER RESEARCH: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES The growing field of public participation in scientific research (PPSR) includes citizen science, volunteer monitoring, and other forms of organized research in which members of the public engage in the process of scientific investigations: asking questions, collecting data, and interpreting and applying results. PPSR can help freshwater scientists deal with common challenges, including access to field sites, availability of long-term and spatially broad data sets, connecting research to societal needs, and building public and political support for research and management. The public also benefits, by gaining access to technical and scientific expertise that can support local efforts to protect and manage aquatic systems. While these benefits are substantial, PPSR is not without challenges. Recruitment, training, and retention of members of the public can require a significant investment of resources. Furthermore, the quality of data collected by non-scientists is often questioned by other scientists, funders, and decision makers. We will review how the projects highlighted in this Special Session have incorporated these benefits and challenges, followed by open discussion among participants and speakers on the future of PPSR for freshwater science.

Jo A. Latimore (Primary Presenter/Author), Michigan State University, latimor1@msu.edu;


Ayesha Burdett (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), River Bend Ecology, Australia, Ayesha.Burdett@gmail.com ;

5/21/2015  |   14:30 - 14:45   |  103AB

THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN FRESHWATER RESEARCH: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES The growing field of public participation in scientific research (PPSR) includes citizen science, volunteer monitoring, and other forms of organized research in which members of the public engage in the process of scientific investigations: asking questions, collecting data, and interpreting and applying results. PPSR can help freshwater scientists deal with common challenges, including access to field sites, availability of long-term and spatially broad data sets, connecting research to societal needs, and building public and political support for research and management. The public also benefits, by gaining access to technical and scientific expertise that can support local efforts to protect and manage aquatic systems. While these benefits are substantial, PPSR is not without challenges. Recruitment, training, and retention of members of the public can require a significant investment of resources. Furthermore, the quality of data collected by non-scientists is often questioned by other scientists, funders, and decision makers. We will review how the projects highlighted in this Special Session have incorporated these benefits and challenges, followed by open discussion among participants and speakers on the future of PPSR for freshwater science.

Jo A. Latimore (Primary Presenter/Author), Michigan State University, latimor1@msu.edu;


Ayesha Burdett (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), River Bend Ecology, Australia, Ayesha.Burdett@gmail.com ;