Demonstrations

Michelle leads the Wildlife Health Program, housed within the Wildlife Research Unit, MN DNR, which is responsible for disease surveillance and management of Minnesota game species. She oversees the policy, planning, and implementation of wildlife disease surveillance efforts which include chronic wasting disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza, Newcastle disease virus, bovine tuberculosis, West Nile virus, and epizootic hemorrhagic disease. She also leads collaborative research projects related into parasites and pathogens of moose, elk, deer, wolves, and waterfowl. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, an active member of the Wildlife Disease Association and Wildlife Society, and represents the State in wildlife health issues statewide, regionally, and nationally.

Current Projects:
• Determining cause-specific mortality in moose populations
• Physiological response of moose to ambient temperature
• Resource selection and habitat suitability of moose in northeast Minnesota
• Using silviculture to improve moose habitat in a changing climate
• Serological exposure of moose and elk to P. Tenuis
• Modeling the effectiveness of culling to reduce CWD transmission dynamics
• Contaminant (e.g., PFAS and neonicotinoids) exposure in deer and waterfowl
• Effects of dispersal and landscape features on CWD spread in deer
• Utilizing genetics to inform effectiveness of CWD control strategies

Gary Drotts was born and raised in northern Minnesota where adventures led to a lifelong passion for the great outdoors and a related 39-year career working for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife biologist. While Gary’s DNR career centered around forest wildlife management issues, his personal interest in wild rice as a wildlife habitat and hand harvesting, and gathering led to his involvement in numerous efforts relating to the management of Minnesota’s official state grain (wild rice). These efforts included field-level management initiatives (i.e., shallow wild rice lake management), statewide wild rice resource assessment and survey needs (i.e., expanded wild rice lake data, harvester survey, wild rice legislative report), creation of a shallow/wild rice lake shoreline conservation easement initiative, and being appointed to a 2015 Governor’s wild rice task force. Gary’s presentation will cover the cultural significance, life cycle, habitat values, management needs, and harvest of wild rice in Minnesota.

Kyle Mendenhall is a culinary leader and esteemed chef hailing from the vibrant culinary
scene of Denver, Colorado. Formerly a professional classical musician, Kyle's profound
passion for food and its communal essence ignited a culinary journey that has left an
indelible mark on the industry.

With nearly two decades of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, Kyle has firmly
established himself as a veteran within the Colorado gastronomic landscape.
Renowned for his unique but simple approach to cooking, Kyle's culinary expertise has
also transcended the kitchen walls. He thrives in the great outdoors, crafting elevated
dining experiences in the mountains and farms of Colorado to the beaches of
California—a testament to his adventurous spirit and culinary prowess. He has starred in
the pilot cooking show on PBS, "Backcountry Gourmet,” captivating audiences with his
outdoor cooking adventures and expertise.

Throughout his career, Kyle has demonstrated exceptional leadership, playing pivotal
roles in the inception and management of multiple restaurants and hospitality ventures
across various states. His culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in fostering meaningful
relationships with farmers and producers, championing sourcing integrity, and
celebrating the bounty of nature through the incorporation of wild and foraged
ingredients. Furthermore, his philanthropic endeavors include supporting numerous
charitable food initiatives across the country, reflecting his compassionate spirit and
commitment to giving back.

Kyle's culinary creations are a balance between tradition and innovation, showcasing a
modern flair while paying homage to culinary heritage. His collaborations with
esteemed partners such as The James Beard House, The Brewers Association,
Benchmade, The North Face, Merrell, Meadowlark Farm Dinners, and Outstanding in the
Field underscore his commitment to excellent dining.
His restaurant experience includes serving as the Executive Chef for The Kitchen
Restaurant Group, Chef/Partner at the New York Times recognized Arcana Restaurant in
Boulder, CO, and most recently as the Executive Chef & Culinary Director for The
BigRedF Restaurant Group.

MTNTOUGH is more than an exercise workout program; it is a worldwide online community of tens of thousands of like-minded individuals dedicated to physical and mental strength. MTNTOUGH also believes mental toughness is just as important as physical strength and that the strongest muscle in the human body is the one between your ears.

Stream functional fitness workouts and training programs designed to optimize athleticism and increase mental toughness, all from your phone, in the gym, at your home or on the go! This is the #1 home workout and fitness training program for mountain athletes and backcountry hunters, and it's the most trusted resource for military workout training. Built by dedicated mountain athletes and elite military operators, all workouts are effective and scientifically proven.

Logan is a Wildlife Health Specialist with the Wildlife Health Program at the MN DNR. He mostly works with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) including surveillance planning, sample and data collection, staff training, targeted agency culling, CWD management, and overseeing the mail-in kit program. He also collected samples/data and reported results from the most recent highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak.

Current Projects:
• CWD mail-in kit program
• CWD surveillance planning

Past Projects:
• Highly pathogenic avian influenza surveillance and reporting
• CWD targeted agency culling
• CWD surveillance

Established in 1986 as Mid-Western Research & Supply Inc. by founder Don Walton, Walton's originated from a vision to provide on-site expertise in meat processing, particularly in the grinding phase. In 2012, the company underwent a name change to Walton's, reflecting its family ownership and commitment to serving independent meat processors. Today, with third-generation ownership by Brett's sons Austin and Dylan, Walton's remains dedicated to meeting customer needs, boasting a vast inventory of over 5200 items available for same-day shipment from its central location in Wichita, Kansas. As staunch supporters of the meat processing industry, Walton's actively participates in numerous state associations and is a longstanding member of the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP). Walton's eagerly awaits the opportunity to serve you, offering expert guidance and exceptional products to meet your every requirement.