ENTERPRISE — Winter Fishtrap will be held as an online conference this year with two sessions, Jan. 22 and Jan. 29.

Registration is now open. Cost is $50, $45 for Fishtrappers, or $20 for students. Register online at www.fishtrap.org/winter-fishtrap-drought/.

This year’s theme is “Drought.” The focus is on two questions: How did we get here? And where do we go from here?

The discussions will explore drought in relation to the environment, the economy, socioeconomic justice, cultures and the ultimate future of the West.

Guests include Oregon State Climatologist Larry O’Neil, Dr. Hannah Gosnel (rural land use and water policy expert) and Dr. Erica Fleishman, director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, as well as local and regional experts.

Saturday, Jan. 22

This session begins at 10 a.m. The theme is “Ecological Contextualization of Drought” and features a conversation with Dr. Erica Fleishman. In addition to being the director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, she is a professor in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Studies at Oregon State University.

This Winter Fishtrap discussion will examine the causes and consequences of aridification across the West, and some of the surprising ways in which natural and agricultural systems can adapt to these trends.

Fleishman moved from the East Coast to the West Coast in 1988 and began working in the Great Basin in 1993. At Oregon State, her research group examines responses of animals and plants to environmental change in the Intermountain West and California. She also contributes to research and practice on conservation of private land under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Saturday, Jan. 29

This second session also begins at 10 a.m. with the topic of “Drought: Ag, Timber, and Tourism.” Katy Nesbitt will moderate a panel discussion with rural land use and water policy expert Dr. Hannah Gosnel, OSU Research Fellow Kyle Hogrefe, and Wallowa County Rancher Dan Probert in addition to local farmers, ranchers, and regional experts.

About Winter FishtrapEach January, Winter Fishtrap takes on issues that are important to citizens of the West by gathering diverse voices to inspire a greater understanding on a timely theme. Over the years, Winter Fishtrap has explored such topics as resilience, the new agrarians, dams, fire and water, among many others.

Winter Fishtrap is sponsored by Alder Slope Nursery, Avella Orchard, The Bookloft, Diane Daggett at Ruby Peak Realty, Genuine Wallowa County, The Gold Room, Greater Hells Canyon Council, Ground and Sky Health, Sei Mee Tea, Terminal Gravity Brewing Company, Wallowa County Grain Growers, and Wallowa Resources.

Learn more about Winter Fishtrap and register at fishtrap.org.

This online conference, focusing on the topic of drought, will be held during two Saturdays: Jan. 22 and Jan. 29. Both programs start at 10 a.m.

Attendance cost is $50, $45 for Fishtrappers, or $20 for students.

Register online at www.fishtrap.org/winter-fishtrap-drought.