Derek Hartline is the Conservation Biologist for Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Derek is a dedicated wildlife and forestry enthusiast with a deep passion for the ecosystems of the Great Lakes. He earned his BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Lake Superior State University, followed by a MS in Biology from Central Michigan University, where he focused on coastal wetland ecology. With a strong commitment to conservation and sustainable practices, Derek actively engages in research to promote the health of vital habitats. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the great outdoors with his family, participating in activities like fishing, hunting, and hiking, which deepen his appreciation for nature and its preservation.

TSN Conference 2026

January 23rd, 2026 (Friday) // 11:20 am – 12:20 pm // Red Cedar Room // Setting the Straits on Fire – Part II // Through a cooperative agreement with the USFWS, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB), MNFI, & MSU Department of Forestry are reconstructing fire histories in culturally significant sites in MI’s Straits Region. Last year our team provided a broad overview of our research. This year we will prove that sequels can be as compelling as the original. After a full field season of dendrochronological sampling, we will dig into the results for forests with unique fire histories in Waganakising, LTBB’s homeland. Mae Wright, LTBB’s Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, will join us & provide an overview of the cultural context of the study area & interpretation of the results based on oral histories & archival research. Through collaborative sampling we are increasing literacy about cultural burning, fire ecology, & dendrochronology with the goal of returning Good Fire to the Straits to increase landscape resilience, ecological integrity, co-management, & cultural heritage.