Predators in Motion: Law, Land Use, and Ecological Governance

King Hall, Room 1001

REGISTER HERE for In-Person


Join the UC Davis School of Law Environmental Law Society for its annual symposium on Friday, March 13, 2026, at King Hall. This year’s theme, “Predators in Motion: Law, Land Use, and Ecological Governance,” will explore challenges at the intersection of wildlife, land use, and climate change in California. The event will feature four panels discussing key issues shaping California's future, including invasive species, reintroduction of native species, wildlife corridors, and human-wildlife interaction. Join us as we examine how law is shaping the future of ecosystem governance.

This symposium is free and open to all students, professors, and local practitioners in the region.


Agenda
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8 a.m.

Breakfast and Registration

  • Tea, coffee, and pastries will be served

8:45 a.m.

Opening Remarks from Jessica Berg, Dean of the UC Davis School of Law. 

9 a.m.

Keynote Discussion

  • Alex Erwin, Associate Professor at University of Florida Levin College of Law, author of Litigating Predator Management, Utah Law Review

9:45 a.m.

Panel 1: Predator Return, Relocation, Recovery, and Reintroduction

  • Jennifer Fearing, President of Fearless Advocacy
  • Ishana Shukla,  Ph.D. Student, Ecology, Smith Lab at UC Davis
  • Brendan Cummings, Conservation Director, Center for Biological Diversity 

11 a.m.

Panel 2: Wildlife Corridors, Connectivity & Land Use Law

  • Tayler Peterson, Climate Resilience Planner, Environmental Science Associates
  • Tierra Groff, Senior Wildlife Ecologist and Wildlife Crossings Program Manager
  • Colin Mills, Staff Counsel at California Wildlife Conservation Board
  • Mari Galloway, California Program Director, Wildlands Network

12:15 p.m.

Lunch provided. Join us for a lunchtime talk with Bob Schneider, Co-Author of Exploring the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Region

 1:30 p.m.

Panel 3: Climate Change, Wildlife Migration & Housing 

  • Melissa Breach, Chief Executive Officer, Prosperity California
  • Megan McDaniels, Ph.D. student at the Smith Lab at UC Davis and Conservation Biologist
  • Justine Smith,  Associate Professor, UC Davis, Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology

 2:45 p.m.

Panel 4: Invasive Species and Legal Tools for Ecological Protection 

  • Dennis Zabalgo, Aquatic Resources Program Manager, Principal Environmental Specialist, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
  • Andrew W. Torrance, Distinguished Professor of Law and Associate Dean of Graduate and International Law at the University of Kansas School of Law
  • Tracy Schor, UCCE Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor  

4 p.m.

Closing Reception 

Please email Madelyn Dyer at [email protected] with any questions.

Event Category

Symposia

Tags

ELS