For the City-Times

Those who share concerns about the quality of Wisconsin’s lakes may attend the annual Wisconsin Lakes Partnership convention in Stevens Point April 24-26.

Held at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center, 1001 Amber Ave., Stevens Point, the convention offers opportunities to learn more about lakes management, including workshops, educational displays and exhibits, research presentations, off-site tours and demonstrations, panels of experts in lake science and networking opportunities. It is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Extension Lakes, a part of the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Lakes, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The convention will feature concurrent workshop and session choices Thursday through Saturday, April 24-26. Thursday also offers a welcome reception and Friday’s program ends with the annual Lakes Stewardship Awards banquet.

Friday morning’s kickoff panel discussion will focus on “Back to the Point of Lake Management,” featuring research scientist Carl Watras, botanist and aquatic invasive species specialist Susan Knight and Trout Lake Station director Tim Kratz, with moderator Glen Moberg from Wisconsin Public Radio.

Saturday’s agenda is focused on those attending the lakes convention for the first time. The morning’s keynote speaker is Tyrone Hayes, an amphibian researcher from the University of California-Berkeley. Tours of UW-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve, the campus’ sustainability efforts and local breweries are also offered as part of the convention on Saturday.

Preregistration is required. Pricing options depend on days and sessions attended. Early bird pricing is good through Thursday, April 3.

To register and find a full schedule of events and descriptions, go to www.uwsp.edu/uwexlakes/conventions.