Public invited to moose symposium

[Lee Borgersen]

 
Public invited to moose symposium

A combination of challenges are ganging up on Minnesota's sensitive moose populations - warming temperatures, changes in precipitation, increased varieties of diseases and parasites, and changes in predator populations. Are we watching the end of Minnesota's moose era?

Join notable scientists at a public symposium to learn the latest research on this iconic mammal June 24, 3-8 p.m., at the Backus Community Center in International Falls.

University of Minnesota ecologist Lee Frelich will start with an overview of how climate change can affect forests.

The presentations that follow will cover topics such as how climate change can affect moose population trends in Minnesota and Ontario, moose diseases and parasites, and moose research in Voyageurs National Park and Isle Royale National Park.

"We are excited to have this event in International Falls," said Steve Windels, terrestrial ecologist for Voyageurs National Park and symposium co-organizer. "This really presents a unique opportunity for anyone with an interest in moose or wildlife to learn about moose from experts from Minnesota, Ontario, and Michigan."

The symposium is free and open to the public. Symposium cosponsors are the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and the Voyageurs National Park Association.

Please visit www.nrri.umn.edu/moose, www.mndeerhunters.com, or www.voyageurs.org for a complete list of speakers and topics. An order form for a soup and sandwich dinner ($12) is available on the websites.

Backus Community Center is located at 900 - 5th Street, International Falls, MN 56649. for more information contact the Natural Resources Research Institute at 218-720-4294 and ask about the moose symposium.