Contact: Melissa Maggio, Montana Biocontrol Project Coordinator, , (406) 258-4223

Elizabeth Brown, North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Director of Government Relations and Professional Development, , (414) 215-0281

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Milwaukee, WI (Nov. 15, 2021)—Natural resource managers, educators, and researchers across North America have an opportunity to learn about the latest research involving classical biological control of nearly 50 invasive plants in a Classical Weed Biocontrol Summit on December 2, 2021, on Zoom (register here) 11 a.m.-3 p.m CT. Classical biological control of weeds, often referred to as biocontrol, reunites a pest species with its co-evolved natural enemies (e.g. insects, pathogens, nematodes, mites) to restore the balance found in the native range thereby reducing pest populations below economically or ecologically damaging thresholds. This is the second annual summit hosted by the Classical Weed Biocontrol Committee of the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA).

In 2021, the summit focuses on international collaborations, which are a critical component in developing weed biocontrol opportunities for our most troublesome weeds. Without foreign exploration and research and development through international collaborations, weed biocontrol simply would not exist. This year we will hear from international partners who help make biocontrol a readily available weed management tool for North America. Speakers for the summit include leaders in the biocontrol field and hail from Switzerland, Italy, France, US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and Australia.

“NAISMA supports biological control as an integral part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM),” says Belle Bergner, NAISMA executive director. “Biological control practitioners from across the globe provide technical advice, guidance, and training on IPM, specifically targeting biological control of invasive weeds that threaten the biodiversity of North America.”

The Classical Weed Biocontrol Summit is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-United States Forest Service.

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The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) is a network of individuals and professionals challenged by invasive species: land managers, water resource managers, state, regional, and federal agency directors and staff, researchers, and nonprofit organizations. The mission of NAISMA is to support, promote, and empower invasive species prevention and management in North America. NAISMA’s members are a diverse group of individuals and organizations who are involved in implementing invasive species management programs at all scales. Its programs aim to provide the support, training, and standards needed by the professional invasive species management community.