Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Vermont
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Vermont Technical Assistance Activities


Vermont Unit collage of photos including a moose, a research technician, Vermont landscapes, and bobcat.

As part of our mission, each of the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit scientists routinely provides technical assistance ranging from data analysis support, GIS mapping, workshops, and consultations on a variety of natural resource issues.

Vermont Unit scientists serve as scientific advisors to the Fisheries Subcommittee of the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative and collaborate with the National Conservation Training Center to offer courses for wildlife and fisheries professionals. The Vermont Unit also offers assistance on ecological data analysis through the Spreadsheet/R Project, which provides tutorials on occupancy modeling, capture-mark-recapture analysis, and introductory modeling in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology.

Our recent efforts are outlined below...

Description and Agency Provider(s) Date
Vermont Monitoring Cooperative Data and Web Management Review Team
Vermont Monitoring Cooperative
Donovan November 2012
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Congress Participation requested by Commissioner of the agency.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife
Parrish October 2016
Vermont Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy - Integration Team Member and Database Design
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Donovan March 2004
Undergraduate honors thesis committee. Aswini Cherukuri. Developing a Monitoring Protocol for Least Bitterns (Ixobrychus exilis) in Vermont: Detection Probability and Occupancy Modeling. University of Vermont Honors Thesis. Burlington, VT. May 2016.
University of Vermont
Donovan January 2016
Tenure review. University of Wisconsin, Madison
University of Wisconsin
Donovan March 2014
Tenure review, Michigan Tech University
Donovan March 2004
Supervised undergraduate research assistant to conduct analysis of Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Sturgeon acoustic telemetry data to assess differences in movement patterns and if there is evidence for multiples stocks within Lake Champlain.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Henderson August 2022
Structured Decision Making Workshop, Assistant Coach. Sacramento, CA.
USFWS
Donovan, Cummings October 2011
Served on search committee for two district fisheries biologists for Vermont Fish and Wildlife
Parrish February 2003
Served on district biologist search committee for Vermont Fish and Wildlife
Parrish September 2003
Served on Fish Team of Vermont 's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy.
Parrish June 2004
Search committee, deer biologist position.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Donovan March 2011
Reviewed book prospectus on computing for biologists for Sinauer Associates, Inc.
Donovan June 2008
Research Grade Evaluation Panel
Ecosystems
Parrish April 2014
RGE panel review
USGS
Donovan October 2013
Provided review of Culvert Management Plan for Vermont Fish and Wildlife
Parrish July 2007
Provide review of species accounts for the Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas.
Vermont Center for Ecostudies
Donovan May 2011
Principles of Modeling On-line Teaching Assistant
National Conservation Training Center
Donovan January 2011
Principles of Modeling On Line Course. This course introduces students to a variety of modeling techniques applicable to resouce management and conservation issues. Modeling topics include population models, decision analysis, and ecosystem models. The instructors are world-renowned modeler and professor emeritus, Dr. Anthony (Tony) M. Starfield, and spreadsheet modeler Dr. Therese (Terri) Donovan. Tony's modules introduce modeling concepts and techniques, while Terri's instruction covers how to build models with spreadsheets. Each modeling topic consists of lectures, spreadsheets exercises using Excel 2007, and a scenario to check modeling skills. This course was developed in collaboration between the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, National Training Center, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Conservation Training Center, and the Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.
Non-civilian biologists
Donovan October 2009
Population modeling of sea lamprey life history
Donovan February 2003
Participated on a team to develop automated websites for the Unit national program from data entered in the Digital Measures database. This effort involved designing the website design and content, and working with computer scientists to write java program that automates the creation of new webpages for the entire CRU program on a nightly basis.
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program
Donovan June 2009
Participated in strategic workshop for increasing NSRC communications to stakeholders.
Northeastern States Research Cooperative
Donovan June 2012
Participated in a Principles of Modeling course-planning workshop with the National Conservation Training Center.
National Conservation Training Center
Donovan September 2012
Parrish, D.L., Stritzel, J.L., Rudstam, L.G., Parker, S.L., and P.J. Sullivan. Workshop on rainbow smelt population dynamics for Lake Champlain Fisheries Technical Committee.
Parrish, Stritzel March 2003
Organized workshop for UVM and state biologists: Introduction to R.
University of Vermont
Donovan October 2010
Organized trawling workshop for primarily Vermont Fish and Wildlife. Four biologists came here from Missouri and led us in sampling three Vermont rivers using a min-trawl. A total of 21 people participated over the week long event.
Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife
Parrish July 2011
Organized Intro to R Using Fisheries Examples Workshop for Vermont and USFWS fisheries biologists and Rubenstein School faculty and graduate students. The number of participants were 24 and 15 of those were from VTFW and USFWS.
Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Resources Complex
Parrish March 2014
Organized Grant Writing for Conservation workshop.
University of Vermont
Donovan March 2011
Member of Vermont Fish Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) which advises the Endangered Species Committee on the best available science relating to permit applications that have potential impacts to rare, threatened and endangered species.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Henderson November 2022
Member of Lake Champlain Salmonid Assessment Work group with the objective of developing self sustaining populations of Lake Trout and Atlantic Salmon and creating high quality fishing oppotunities for recreational anglers throughout the basin
New York Department of Environmental Conservation
Henderson August 2022
Lake Champlain Fisheries Strategic Planning Committee
Lake Champlain Fisheries Technical Commitee
Parrish September 2018
For the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, serve as a member of Department's "Deep Thought" Committee. The goal of this committee is to serve as a resource that fosters the use of good science to achieve the Department’s mission, by: (1) Helping with design of new projects; (2) Reviewing data for legacy projects; (3) Providing critical review of existing projects; (4) Providing training and educational opportunities.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Donovan February 2018
For the UVM Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, designed, developed, and scripted a web-driven database program to track graduate activities within the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. Data inputs include graduate student information, program information, dates of enrollment, student participation in the School, and graduate student requirements. Data outputs include automated reports.
University Cooperator - UVM Rubenstein School
Donovan January 2007
Deer Biologist Search Committee
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Donovan January 2012
Conducted statistical analysis of gill net survey data and derby recreational catch data based on observation that Lake Trout condition was lower than normal this year. Based on the results I co-authored a report to the Lake Champlain Techincal advisory committee that resulted in a reduction in stocking of Lake Trout into the Lake.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Henderson July 2024
Assisted Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department with the analysis of a data set to determine if stocking a new strain of Rainbow Trout into put and take fisheries would result in higher catchability.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Henderson February 2023
Role - Description Provider         Start Date        End Date       
University of Vermont, Mathematics Faculty Search Committee Donovan September 2014 December 2014
University of Vermont, Forestry Extension Faculty Search Committee - Participate on search committee for recruiting and interviewing candidates for a Forest Extension position. Donovan October 2012 March 2013
University of Vermont, Extension Forest Ecologist Search Committee - Participate on search committee for recruiting and interviewing candidates for a Forest Extension position. Donovan November 2011 February 2012
University of Vermont New Faculty Mentoring Committee - Provide feedback and advice for new faculty members. Donovan March 2016 March 2017
UVM Wildlife Lecturer Search Donovan October 2024 Present
UVM Math Search Committee - Member of a search committee for assistant professor of mathematics. Donovan January 2015 February 2015
UVM Graduate Executive Committee - Committee that approves graduate faculty appointments, departmental graduate level curricula, and other graduate issues as identified by the Graduate College Dean. Donovan August 2021 Present
UVM Graduate Executive Committee - Committee that approves graduate faculty appointments, departmental graduate level curricula, and other graduate issues as identified by the Graduate College Dean. Parrish September 2015 August 2018
Systems Ecology/Sustainability Science Faculty Seach Committee - Sat on a search committee to select a new tenure track faculty for the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources in Systems Ecology/Sustainability Science Henderson December 2022 May 2023
Search Committee: Parks, Recreation, and Tourism/Outdoor Education - Search committee member for new Rubenstein School faculty member. Donovan November 2022 October 2023
Search Committee: MMSSC Assistant Director of Operations - Search committee member for the Mount Mansfield Science and Stewardship Center Donovan August 2021 November 2021
Search Committee, Mammologist - Participated in solicitation, recruitment, and interviewing qualified persons for Rubenstein School's mammologist search. Donovan January 2009 June 2009
Search Committee - UVM Graduate College Assoc Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Donovan March 2023 March 2023
Rubenstein School Graduate Student Advisory Board Liaison - Work to link the GSAB to faculty in RSENR Parrish August 2014 May 2018
Rubenstein School Graduate Standards Committee - Review graduate student requirements. Donovan September 2014 June 2016
Representative, UVM Board of Trustees Board of Trustees Budget, Finance, and Investment Committee - As a member of the FPPC, I serve as the second representative for the UVM Board of Trustees Budget, Finance, and Investment committee. Donovan September 2018 May 2021
On-line learning platform task force - Participate in an ad hoc tack force to explore a new or improved pilot project for an on-line learning platform for the MSLS program. Donovan September 2015 December 2015
NSRC Panel Member - Member of a review panel for the Northeastern States Research Cooperative. Donovan January 2015 February 2015
Member, UVM Rubenstein School Search Committee—Assistant Professor for Wildlife Program - Serve on search committee for an Assistant Professor of wildlife biology. Donovan October 2018 May 2019
Member, UVM Research, Scholarship, and Graduate Education Parrish September 2007 August 2010
Member, UVM President's Commission on the Status of Women Parrish May 2008 August 2010
Member, UVM Faculty Senate Committee—Financial and Physical Planning - This committee shall have responsibility for matters relating to planning and use of the institution's physical resources and for matters related to the formulation of the University budget with the exception of items subject to collective bargaining. It shall assist in the formulation of the University budget so that the Bylaws reflect the instructional, intellectual, and service priorities of the institution. The committee shall assume responsibility for informing the administration of educational priorities and needs and see that these are considered in all planning. It shall seek advice from the various academic units relative to planning for physical facilities, environmental resources, and the allocation of space, and make recommendations to assure effective and responsible use of resources. It shall maintain close liaison with all appropriate subcommittees of the Board of Trustees as well as all appropriate administrative offices and committees in its areas of responsibility. Donovan September 2017 May 2021
Member, Search Committee; Associate Dean Donovan December 2007 May 2007
Member, Rubenstein School Graduate Database Committee - Design, develop, and maintain a php/mysql database to track activities of the Rubenstein School graduate program. Donovan May 2007 December 2022
Member, Rubenstein School Business Practices Parrish May 2007 October 2007
Member, RSENR Space Committee Donovan April 2002 May 2005
Member, Oregon State University-Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Parrish January 2007 January 2007
Member, Graduate Standards Committee Donovan September 2004 September 2010
Member, Faculty Retreat Committee Parrish August 2005 October 2005
Marcelle Melosira captain search committee - Search committee to select the next captain of the University of Vermont research vessel Marcelle Melosira Henderson October 2023 Present
IBB Advisory Committee - Member of an advisory committee to the Dean on UVM's Incentive Based Budgeting. Donovan February 2015 February 2015
Fisheries Biology Faculty Seach Committee - Sat on a search committee to select a new tenure track faculty member in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources with a focus on Fisheries Biology Henderson July 2023 Present
Faculty Standards Committee, Rubenstein School, UVM, Member. - Faculty Standards Committee of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources is the primary committee reviewing applications for faculty promotion and tenure. Parrish January 2021 June 2021
Faculty Standards Committee, Rubenstein School, UVM Parrish August 2012 August 2015
Faculty Senate Research, Scholarship and Graduate Education Committee Donovan September 2010 May 2013
Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow Faculty Liaison for the University of Vermont. - Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow offers 3-4 day workshops to teach up-and-coming conservation leaders about the North American Conservation Plan the funding model that supports conservation activities in the US. As the UVM liason, I recruit or nominate outstanding students who would benefit from this program, and introduce them to the program. Donovan September 2012 December 2020
Business Advisory Committee, Rubsenstein School - Provide advice to the dean regarding business matters of the School. Parrish August 2011 August 2013
Role and Organization Individual         Start Date        End Date       
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Biometrician Search Committee Donovan March 2017 April 2017
USGS Cooperative Research Units Distance Learning Consortium Donovan January 2016 Present
U.S. Geological Survey, Cooperative Research Units, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, member Parrish May 2020 June 2021
Research Grade Evaluation Panel, U.S. Geological Survey Parrish March 2018 March 2018
Member, Walleye Management Team, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Parrish January 1999 January 2010
Member, Search Committee, Wildlife Biologist, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Donovan December 2002 December 2002
Member, Search Committee, Director of Widlife, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Donovan June 2001 July 2001
Member, Sea Lamprey Chemical Alternatives Group Donovan January 2002 January 2010
Member, Research Grade Evaluation Panel, USGS Parrish February 2011 February 2011
Member, Research Grade Evaluation Panel, U.S. Geological Survey Parrish September 2003 September 2003
Member, Research Grade Evaluation Panel, U.S. Geological Survey Parrish September 1999 September 1999
Member, Research Grade Evaluation Panel, U.S. Geological Survey Parrish August 1996 August 1996
Member, Research Grade Evaluation Panel, U.S. Geological Survey Parrish April 2006 April 2006
Member, Northeast Coordinated Bird Monitoring Partnership Mountain Bird Working Group Donovan January 2007 March 2009
Member, Lake Sturgeon Committee, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Parrish January 1999 January 2010
Member, Lake Champlain Federal Partners Parrish January 2004 Present
Member, Lake Champlain Ecosystem Team Parrish January 1994 January 2010
Member, Great Lakes Fishery Commission Acoustics Working Group Parrish January 2003 December 2013
Member, Grassland Bird Recovery Team Donovan January 2002 January 2007
Member, Forestry-Wildlife Subcommittee, USDA WHIP Donovan June 2002 January 2008
Member, Fisheries Subcommittee, Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative Parrish November 1991 Present
Member, CRU Awards Committee Parrish January 2003 February 2003
Member, Alternatives Working Group, Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative Parrish February 2002 December 2014
Member, Advisory Committee, Conservation Biology Department, Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences Donovan November 2001 December 2002
Lake Champlain Fisheries Technical Committee, Strategic Plan Revision Subcommittee Parrish October 2017 Present
IJC-US/Canadian Lake Champlain Richielieu River (LRCC) Technical Work Group Parrish August 2017 September 2019
AFS Panel Discussion on preparing future scientists in fisheries Parrish September 2020 September 2020
Outreach Activity Provider(s)        Date       
Rubenstein School Board of Advisors Meeting--Presentation on lake sturgeon at the meeting. Discussed sturgeon project at dinner. Parrish, Izzo April 2018