I didn't know if this would interest any Forum readers or not. Cecil always does such a good job of posting opportunities from his region, and although we don't have many active members from western SD, I still thought I might post this. I know that Norm Kopecky is already planning to be at the Dakota Chapter meeting that follows.

Fish Health Diagnostic Procedures

Dakota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
February 22, 2010
Holiday Inn, Spearfish, SD

Registration fee: $20

The Dakota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is sponsoring a Fish Health Diagnostic Procedures workshop presented by Rick Cordes, Fish Health Specialist for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. This course will cover fish health sample collection procedures, fish examination techniques, and identification of common parasite and bacteria fish pathogens.

The workshop will run from 1 to 5 pm Monday afternoon, February 22 at the Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center.

To register, please email Steve Chipps, CE Chair, at steven.chipps@sdstate.edu by February 1. Include your name and affiliation. Registration costs can be paid at the meeting. For more information contact Rick Cordes at 605-642-6920, rick.cordes@state.sd.us.

Following the workshop will be the Dakota Chapter Annual Meeting. There are two options to make your lodging reservations for the workshop and meeting:

1. Call 800-999-3541 and ask to make a reservation under the Dakota Chapter of the American Fisheries Conference.
2. http://www.holidayinn.com/spearfishsd and type DAF in the Group Booking Code

State rates for SD state employees will be honored, with valid ID of course! Otherwise, rates are $70.00 + tax.

Spearfish is a Garden Spot in late February.

The Northern Hills do get FAR more snow that any other spot in South Dakota. They measure it in feet, not inches.

Expected daily high temp - -100. Better bring cold weather gear. Tell Norm hello from all of us.