Get reliable rangeland science

Molecular tools are becoming commonly available and are frequently applied in rangeland management. These applications of molecular techniques are increasing due to the development of new technology, cross-training of professionals, and reduction in laboratory costs. Molecular tools can be very effectively applied to meet production goals, address rangeland assessment, monitor wildlife populations, develop landscape-level planning tools, and inform adaptive management. In addition, these methods can be used in rangeland assessment to identify presence of cryptic species and quantify genetic diversity within a species. Wildlife species of concern can be monitored for presence, genetic diversity, and movement within a management area. Ability of wildlife to move through a managed landscape can be difficult to assess. Genetic connectivity data can be applied on a landscape level to evaluate ability of species to move through the current landscape and evaluate potential future landscapes under alternative management plans. In our workshop, we will give a brief primer on population genetics and molecular markers, methods for establishing species presence including environmental DNA, assessing genetic diversity, quantifying gene flow and finally, landscape genetics. Throughout the workshop, we will use examples from rangeland systems and address how these data can be applied to management questions. Participants will work through hands-on examples to help understand molecular applications (no computers or previous skills required). Our goal is for workshop attendees to leave with a better understanding of relevant molecular methods, potential applications to address participant needs, and how to obtain high quality data. Overall Workshop Schedule- 8:00 What is DNA? (Basic genetics refresher, Population genetics 101, Overview of molecular tools available); 8:30 Basics of DNA data (activity) (Gel examples, Microsatellites, Sequence data); 9:00 Matching markers to questions (discussion) (There are lots of approaches, what data do I need?; Pros and cons of different data); 9:30 Establishing species presence (What is eDNA? (water, soil, other environmental samples); Does it work?; Best practices; Example applications; What questions to ask about a dataset); 10:00 BREAK (10:00-10:30); 10:30 Working with eDNA data (activity) (Designing and validating a test; Detectability example); 11:15 How can I use these methods? (Break-out groups to brainstorm ideas for applications; Time for large group discussion); 11:40 LUNCH BREAK (11:40-1:00); 1:00 Using genetic diversity (Heterozygosity, Allelic diversity, Effective population size, Example applications); 1:20 How is genetic diversity created? (activity) (Simulate different conditions; Calculate measures of allelic diversity (Heterozygosity, number of alleles, etc.)); 1:50 Measure gene flow (What is gene flow?; Measuring gene flow); 2:10 Measuring gene flow (activity part 2) (Simulate gene flow; Calculate genetic distances (Fst, Dps); Compare results from two simulations; Discuss major take-home points); 2:40 BREAK (2:40-3:10); 3:10 Relating genetic patters to landscape condition (What is landscape genetics?; How does it work?; How can it be used?); 3:40 Estimating connectivity in relation to landscape condition (activity) (Relating gene flow data to landscapes; Testing alternative hypotheses with data); 4:10 How can I use molecular methods? Time for discussion.