ORAL PRESENTATION CO-AUTHORS: Ellen Voss (River Alliance); Sara Walling (Clean Wisconsin) TITLE: Impacts of neonicotinoid pesticides on wetland ecosystems ABSTRACT: Neonicotinoids (neonics) are among the most widely used pesticides around the world. An estimated 95% of all corn seeds and more than 50% of all soybean seeds planted in the state of Wisconsin are treated with neonics, and an estimated 90% of the pesticide washes off and is not taken up by the plants. Neonics were made popular by their broad-spectrum activity, simple application, and perceived low toxicity to mammals, however, there are emerging concerns of damage they cause to aquatic ecosystems. Neonics are highly soluble in water and can move through the environment, impacting organisms beyond their areas of application, including wetlands, rivers, and lakes. Aquatic invertebrates are at risk of exposure to neonics and their degradants, putting their populations at risk and potentially impacting the wider food chain. At present, work on this issue is not being shared in an integrated manner and it appears that important information gaps are preventing a comprehensive understanding and approach to this situation. I will provide an introduction to neonics, their uses, and their impacts. If you want to discuss how to get involved, there will be a neonic roundtable Thursday afternoon at which we will discuss resources for community outreach. BIO: Anya Jeninga-Nehls is the Emerging Contaminant Outreach Specialist for the UW-Madison Division of Extension, focused on connecting communities, academics, and governments regarding emerging contaminants.She began her career at UW as a Water Resources Science Policy Fellow with Sea Grant. She began her current position in 2023.