2012 NANFA Convention
Sept 13-16, 2012
Salt
Fork State Park, Eastern Ohio
The 2012 NANFA convention will be hosted by the Fish Division of the
Ohio State University Museum of Biodiversity (Brian Zimmerman, Justin
Baker, Marc Kibbey). The convention will be held at scenic Salt Fork
State Park at their lodge and conference center. This is Ohio's largest
state park and is located conveniently near the intersection of
Interstates 70 and 77 for those who will be arriving by road. For those
who fly in there are large airports in Cleveland OH (118 miles 2hr
4min), Columbus OH (94 miles 1hr 47min), or Pittsburg PA (96 miles 1hr
48min).
The convention will begin on Thursday Sept 13th 2012 and go through
Sunday the 16th. We are planning to have a group field trip on Thursday
that will not start until mid-day for those that arrive that morning.
We are hopeful we will line up demonstrations of electrofishing and
trawling on the Muskingum River (Ohio's largest inland River) below one
of the large dams on this river. We will also have large seines
available for use. Friday we will hold the talks and the banquet at the
lodge. The meal will be catered by the lodge and menu is yet to be
determined. A second group field trip on the Walhonding River with the
option to canoe a stretch of the river with stops for sampling will be
on Saturday. If you don't like the idea of being in a boat an
alternative route along the river allowing you to stop at several sites
will be available. Saturday evening after everyone returns from the
Walhonding we will hold the annual auction. If you have items you would
like to donate for the auction please let us know! We will conclude the
event on Sunday with more traditional collecting trips with group
leaders to some of the more unique and diverse localities in the state.
More details on exactly what you have a chance to catch or view on each
trip will be coming soon. For now some of my favorite Ohio species that
you should have a high probability of catching include but certainly
are not limited to... Bluebreast Darter, Variegate Darter, Rainbow
Darter, Slenderhead Darter, Gravel Chub, Streamline Chub, Bigeye Chub,
Redside Dace, Southern Redbelly Dace, Orangespotted Sunfish, Central
Longear Sunfish and many more!
For those who may be travelling with you and not so interested in
fish... There is plenty to do at this rather large state park. There is
a golf course, miniature golf, plenty of games in the basement of the
lodge, indoor pool (outdoor pool will be closed for the season at this
time of year), boat rentals, lots of hiking trails, and a beach on the
lake. For more about the park here Salt Fork Park
Lodge website.
(click to open larger picture)
Male Bluebreast Darter in aquarium
You
will need to get an Ohio Fishing License if you plan to collect fish
during the field trips. Ohio allows for the take of non-game
and non-protected species with use of an 8ft x 4ft or smaller minnow
seine. For full regulations and license go to the Ohio
Division of Wildlife webside. ODNR Division of Wildlife - Fishing
Registration
What
do you get for your registration fee!
You get access to 2 full day and 1 half day guided field trips, full
day of native fish related talks from professionals and native fish
hobbyist followed by a Friday night banquet at the lodge with the
keynote speaker(yet to be determined), and access to the annual auction
on Saturday evening. On top of this there will be a hospitality suite
open each evening for people to gather and socialize. This truly is a
one of a kind experience where professionals and hobbyist mingle and
mix allowing for good conversation and unique perspectives on the
conservation and captive care of our wonderful North American native
fish fauna!
Regular non-student
Before August 12th will be $75
After August 12th including upon arrival will be $95
Spouse registration
will be $35
Student registration
Before August 12th will be $35
After August 12th including upon arrival will be $55
Friday talks and banquet only, no field trips
$50 This option only available until August 12th
Friday talks only
$20 regardless of date or at the door
Speakers
FREE if they do not plan to stay for the banquet
If they do plan to stay for the banquet $20
For presenters of posters
regular fees apply
Click Here for Convention Scheulde
Presentations
NANFA likes to bring in speakers that can introduce the group to the regional species. Our featured speaker is (coming soon)
Food
The Banquet Friday night will be a buffet style service of:
Rolls
Cut Green Beans with Bacon
Garlic Smashed Redskin Potatoes
Pot Roast or Penne Pomodoro
Cookies
Beverage Service is lemonade, coffee and tea
Lodging
To reserve your lodging call 1-800-AT-A-PARK (282-7275). It is VERY IMPORTANT that you mention that you are with NANFA. We have to have 60 total room/night rentals (at least 20 rooms or cabins for 3 nights) to get the conference facilities at no charge. You also won't get the group rate if you don't mention you are with NANFA. Our block of rooms and cabins reserved for the conference will NO LONGER BE RESERVED AFTER AUGUST 12th 2012, so get your room or cabin early or you may have to stay elsewhere because this is a very busy time of year at this lodge.
Lodging options are as follows:
Lodge Rooms all $115 per night regardless of bed configuration
1 King Bed
2 Double Beds
2 Double Beds and set of bunk beds (2 more small beds)
Hillside Cabins are $165 a night. These are a short walk up the hill to
the lodge where the talks and banquet will be held. They are also right
next to the lake if you want to do some extra collecting (there are
orangespotted sunfish in the lake)
These have 2 bedrooms one with a single Queen sized bed and one with 2
sets of bunk beds (4 beds). There also is a living room with a couch
and a full kitchen.
You can have up to 4 people in the lodge rooms and 6 in the cabins. That works out to be $28.75 or $27.50 per night respectively if you plan to share and fill a room or cabin.
There are rooms reserved for both Wednesday evening the 12th and Sunday evening the 16th for those who want to be there the night before or stay over after that last collecting trip.
There is also camping available in another part of the park, for rates and availability go Salt Fork Park website
(click to open larger picture) Male Bluebreast Darter Wakatomika Creek 15Jun2010 (Brian Zimmerman) |
(click to open larger picture) Male Variegate Darter from Big Darby Creek 10Apr2010 (Brian Zimmerman) |
(click to open larger picture) Male Redside Dace Macochee Creek 9Jun2011 (Brian Zimmerman) |