The North Carolina and Virginia Chapters of the AFS co-hosted a very successful annual meeting in Danville, VA on February 26-28. A total of 109 members attended with an almost equal split between the North Carolina and Virginia Chapters. Student turnout from Virginia and North Carolina was excellent.

The meeting kicked off on the 26th with the VA Chapter business meeting where new officers were installed. Dan Michaelson (VDGIF) from President to Past President, Scott Smith (VDGIF) from President Elect to President, Steve Owens (VDGIF) was elected Treasurer taking over duties from George Devlin (VDEQ), and Robert Humston (VMI) was re-elected to another term as Secretary. Awards were presented to Tom Gunter, VDGIF (Professional Service Award) and to Trace Noel (Outstanding Conservationist). Best Virginia student presentation was awarded to Ryan McManamay (Virginia Tech) for "The effects of stream resources on fish and macroinvertebrate nutrient composition and nutrient excretion." One $500 scholarship was awarded to Jeremy Shiflet.

The North Carolina Chapter business meeting was held on February 27th. Newly initiated officers were Kent Nelson (NCWRC) President and Christian Waters (NCWRC) President Elect. Lawrence Dorsey (NCWRC) became Past President, Duane Harrell (Duke Power) ended his term as Past President, and Brian McRae (NCWRC) continues as Secretary Treasurer. Richard Mode was presented the Fisheries Conservation Award recognizing his efforts for conserving trout habitat and resources. The Richard L. Noble Best Student Presentation Award was presented to Brad Garner (NCSU) for "Intensive grass carp stocking effects on reservoir invasive plants and native fish populations." The W. Don Baker Best Professional Presentation Award was presented to Robert Barwick (NCWRC) for "Evaluating property owner willingness to implement shoreline habitat improvement techniques." The chapter paid a portion of student lodging expenses to assist travel to the meeting. Dr. Tom Kwak presented Aja Tajiri, the Hutton scholar whose internship was funded by the chapter and also mentored by chapter members.

Professional presentations began on the morning of the 27th. The overall meeting theme was management of shared North Carolina/Virginia resources. The program consisted of 25 (11 of which were student presentations) excellent talks and two posters, including one student poster. In addition to scientific presentations, Bob Curry (NCWRC) talked about the Southern Division AFS disaster relief efforts to assist Hurricane Katrina recovery in Gulf states and Dr. Brian Murphy (Virginia Tech) gave an eye opening presentation on the preliminary impacts of the Three Gorges Dam construction on Yangtze River fisheries in China.

Socials were held both evenings with two separate raffles (VA Chapter emceed by George Palmer and North Carolina State Student sub-unit emceed by Marybeth Brey) on the 27th. Both raffles were very successful and very fun for all involved. Part of the proceeds from the VA Chapter raffle will be used for Hurricane Katrina relief.

Dan Michaelson & Kent Nelson: Photos

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