22–27 July, 2009

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Welcome

We cordially invite you to the Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (JMIH), taking place at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower in downtown Portland, Oregon, 22-27 July 2009. The 2009 JMIH includes the 25th annual meeting of the American Elasmobranch Society, the 52nd annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, the 67th annual meeting of the Herpetologists’ League, and the 89th annual meeting of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. This conference will also include the Early Life History Section of the American Fisheries Society, participation by the Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biologists, and the inaugural meeting of Herpetological Conservation and Biology.

Portland, gateway to the Columbia River and central Pacific Northwest, combines big city excitement with small-town charm. An historic old town, galleries, museums, Saturday Market, and theatre companies are all located within walking distance of the Hilton. The Oregon Zoo, International Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) are all found just a short taxi or “MAX” light rail ride away. We expect The Mountain to be “out,” meaning the majestic snow-capped Mount Hood will be easily viewed, and if we are lucky, Mount St. Helens will similarly be “out.” The Willamette Valley wineries to the south are among the best in the world, and Portland has more microbreweries per capita than any other North American city. The world-famous Oregon Brewers Festival occurs Thursday noon to Sunday evening during the 2009 JMIH, and it is a short walk (or crawl) back to the Hilton. Hard liquor is available but only sold in State-controlled stores.

Summers in Oregon are generally warm and dry. It may turn hot (90+°F) or, rarely, rainy. Dress is casual. Grunge clothing originated in the Pacific Northwest, so boots, blue jeans, and t-shirts are commonplace.

According to Money magazine, Portland has been touted as North America’s “Best Big City.” A major reason is the award-winning mass transit system that is one of the most extensive and advanced in the United States. The transit system includes buses, historic trollies, and the MAX light rail line. Also, a downtown transit mall and Fareless Square is located around the conference center. The MAX line can be boarded at Portland International Airport (ca. $2.05) and deliver you to the Hilton in about 20 minutes.

Transportation options are numerous and efficient, but Portland was built with walking in mind. An abundance of public art and old-fashioned statuary, fountains, bridges, and parks is available for leisure, viewing, and casual strolls. Walking tours of the downtown area focus on the best of city art, architecture, urban parks, and fountains. Chinatown, Portland State University and numerous shopping options are located within blocks of the Hilton. For the more adventuresome walker, nearby Forest Park has over 70 miles of trails through mixed Douglas fir-Big Leaf Maple forests. Old-growth forests with trees approximately 250 feet tall and magnificent waterfalls are scattered in the region. The conference will offer field trips to Mount St. Helens, the Columbia Gorge, and other sights as well as tours to ocean beaches, wineries, and microbreweries in the region; costs will be posted prior to the meeting.

Also a gateway to the Pacific Ocean basin and the Orient, Portland has a diverse, cosmopolitan citizenry and exotic fare with superb Sushi bars and excellent Vietnamese (try the Phở), Chinese, Thai, and other ethnic cuisines. Seafood specialties include Dungeness crab (a most succulent sweet), Pacific wild salmon, smoked salmon, razor clams, “Steamers” (bucket of steamed small clams), fresh halibut, and many regional types of fresh oysters. Nightlife in Portland is excellent and varied. Though there is lodging tax, Oregon lacks sales tax, so tip your server a tad more.

The Portland area offers beautiful sights and a lively atmosphere, which is reflected in its regional names: “The Rose City,” “Rip City” (for sports), “Bridgetown,” and “Beervana.” Visitors can see the Cascade Mountains 50 miles to the east, including Mount Hood at 3,290 m (11,249 ft) elevation and Mount St. Helens at 2,950 m (9,677 ft) – until 1980 when an eruption blew 400 m (1,312 ft) off the peak. The Willamette River divides east and west Portland, and the mighty Columbia forms its northern boundary. The Pacific coast, with interspersed long sandy beaches and rocky headlands, is just 70 miles west of Portland and makes for a day trip not to be missed.

Oregon is a slice of paradise. We think you will relish combining all that Portland provides with the thought-provoking science JMIH is known for. This will make an unforgettable 2009 Joint Meeting.

Your Local Host Committee

Chair

• R. Bruce Bury (United States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center)

Co-Chairs

• Stan Hillman (Portland State University)
• Carl Ferraris (Portland, Oregon)

Committee Members

• Brad Buckley, Jason Podrabsky, Tara Chestnut (Portland State University)
• David J. Germano (California State University – Bakersfield)
• Marc P. Hayes (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)
• Douglas F. Markle (Oregon State University)
• David Noakes (Oregon Hatchery Research Center)
• Deanna Olson (United States Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station)
• Carl B. Schreck, Gwendolynn W. Bury (U.S. Geological Survey)
• Peter Ritson (Washington State University, Vancouver)
• Robert Kaplan (Reed College)
• M. Rockwell Parker (Oregon State University)

Notes

Travel tips

First, pick up a map and day pass at the Tri-Met office in Pioneer Courthouse Square a block from Hilton Hotel. A day pass can be used on all Tri-Met buses and MAX lines.

Weather

Summer weather in Portland is usually superb. Warm and relatively dry. July avg. High 27° C (81° F) and Low 14° C (58° F). Note: Bring a wind breaker. Showers happen, rarely. Heat waves hit, but seldom last long.

Clothing

Local attire is Northwest “grunge.” It is cool to wear hiking boots or Doc Martins, blue jeans, flannel shirts, tank tops, shorts, or whatever pleases you. Casual.

Links

• Portland Visitor Information
• Portland
• Japanese American Heritage and Culture
• General Information
• Restaurants Galore