Annual Meeting

 

At the end of October, the PSPP hosted their 2024 Annual Meeting at the Flathead Lake Biological Station to share program updates and lead discussions that will shape future initiatives. The event brought together a wonderful variety of people to discuss and advance PSPP efforts.
We are excited to share some highlights and look forward to next year. 
Day 1:
  • The conference kicked off with a warm welcome. Attendees received welcome packets and had the opportunity to connect.
  • Dr. Rachel Malison, PSPP Principal Investigator, provided opening remarks, outlining our Annual Meeting goals and agenda. Attendees introduced themselves, setting the stage for engaging conversations throughout the three days.
  • An overview of the PSPP was presented, highlighting current status and progress. PSPP subaward recipients shared their work, including the City of Missoula, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana State University Extension, and Montana Watershed Coordination Council.
 

Day 2:
  • Dr. Cecil Tharp, of Montana State University, led an interactive session on pesticide use, pathways, toxicity, persistence, and more, providing valuable insights to pesticide impacts and complexities.
  • Janelle Groff, PSPP Research Coordinator, reviewed the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), which is now partially approved by the EPA- a crucial step before sample collection efforts can begin.
  • Diane Whited, of Flathead Lake Biological Station, presented a detailed overview of the site selection framework for the PSPP Monitoring Plan. This session encouraged feedback and questions, leading to productive conversation as Diane shared her work with spatial data and considerations for weighing risk among various land use types.
  • A key discussion focused on identifying the audiences PSPP aims to reach, how to best engage them, and how to build relationships. These insights will guide our future outreach and education efforts.
  • Janelle Groff reviewed details for Competitive Contracts, outlining guidelines for application and support. Attendees brainstormed ideas to be supported by contracts as well as naming organizations that are likely to have interest in this opportunity.
  • Dr. Rachel Malison presented on linking research to real-world impacts. She shared about research completed by intern, Chris Hyder, at the USGS Lab in Helena. Using mesocosms, they studied the impact of fungicides on algae. This research will hopefully expand to macro invertebrates in the future.
  • Attendees contributed to interactive brainstorming boards on various topics, generating ideas and insights.
 

Day 3:
  • Tiffany Lyden, of Montana DEQ, and Amy Seaman, of MWCC, presented on education and outreach relevant to PSPP. They highlighted effective strategies, messaging, and audience engagement. Discussions focused on creating uniform messaging across all efforts.
  • The ideas posted on the brainstorm boards were reviewed and further discussed, providing a great way to conclude the Annual Meeting and revisit key takeaways.
  • A big thank you was extended to all attendees, followed by a discussion on future goals and action items.
We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this conference. Your insights and collaboration are invaluable as we continue to advance the PSPP.
Stay tuned for more updates and next year's Annual Meeting!
From 2024 Meeting
 

Montana Pesticide Stewardship Partnership (PSPP) will be hosting our annual meeting at Flathead Lake Biological Station October 28th-30th. We are very excited for this opportunity to share more about the program, develop new and grow existing partnerships, and discuss the impact we will have over the next 5 years. Please note, we are offering virtual attendance for the public! See below!

We are inviting professionals working within the Columbia River Basin of Montana to attend our annual meeting in person. Please note, the 30th is reserved for our core partner group to allow us time to plan the next steps in more detail. Please see our drafted agenda and cost estimates below! Registration will soon open. 

 

If you are interested in attending the annual meeting but are not able to cover the costs, we are offering scholarships that will fully cover the costs. To apply, please respond to the following questions in no more that 300 words and email you response to Janelle Groff (Janelle.Groff@flbs.umt.edu) 

1. Why are you interested in attend the Annual Meeting and how might your organization be involved with the PSPP?

2. Can you explain your financial need? Why do you need a scholarship to attend

3. Can you briefly decide your background/current role as it relates to the goals of the PSPP? How will attending this meeting benefit your work or organization?

4. How many individuals form your organization plan to attend?

As noted, we are excited to invite the public to join the first day to learn about this new work in the Columbia River Basin. Please join us October 28th 1:00-5:30pm via Microsoft Teams! Please click the Public Registration Button below to register. 

 

Click here for the Agenda​

Estimated Costs:

Registration Fee: $20

Lodging: Various options available at Flathead Lake Biological Station, ranging from $35-90

Meals: Provided by local Caterer, estimated at $22-35 per meal

 

 

 
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