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DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
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LAST-MODIFIED:20240319T165304Z
UID:122101-1712138400-1712152800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:EDDMapS Summit 2024
DESCRIPTION:Hosted by the North American Invasive Species Management AssociationOrganized by University of Georgia – Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health  \n\n\n\nEDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System) is a web-based mapping system for reporting invasive species and pest distribution with features including data queries and downloads\, interactive maps\, and management tracking. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health\, in collaboration with partner organizations\, is providing a comprehensive EDDMapS training and update.  \n\n\n\nThis free summit is open to everyone from beginners to experienced users. Topics for the 2024 EDDMapS Summit include:  \n\n\n\n\nState of EDDMapS 2024\n\n\n\nEDDMapS Tools & Functionality\n\n\n\nEDDMapS Partners Projects\n\n\n\nEDDMapS on the Desktop\n\n\n\nUsing the EDDMapS App\n\n\n\nEDDMapS Pro\n\n\n\nIntroducing the EDDMapS Brand\n\n\n\nArcGIS Dashboards\n\n\n\n\nFor more information on EDDMapS visit www.eddmaps.org. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n\nAGENDA\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors
URL:https://naisma.org/event/eddmaps-summit-2024/
CATEGORIES:Summit
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240417T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240417T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20240124T182234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240415T224028Z
UID:121937-1713358800-1713362400@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Field mapping protocols- What to consider when mapping for invasive plant species
DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Jennifer Hillmer and Mark Daluge \n\n\n\nJoin representatives from the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Standards and Technology Committee in a webinar that will explore the NAISMA Mapping Standards and Field Mapping Protocols. Many managers understand the value of data collection and sharing. However\, guidance on data collection practices is not easily accessible. The Standards and Technology Committee has worked to aggregate existing field mapping protocols and have identified the commonalities on general structure of these protocols. In this webinar\, learn what components are commonly included in field mapping protocols\, how they vary\, and what it looks like to create a field mapping protocol for your organization. Representatives from Teton County Weed and Pest District in Jackson\, Wyoming will present field mapping protocols that were created by utilizing the results/guidance from the Standards and Technology Committee. This webinar is sure to be beneficial whether you have a Field Mapping Protocol in place for your organization\, or if you are looking to create your own. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark Daluge \n\n\n\nMark is the Assistant Supervisor for the Teton County Weed and Pest District located in Jackson\, Wyoming.  Following the receipt of a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business Management from the University of Wisconsin in 2003\, he moved to Jackson and has been working in the invasive species industry ever since.  He received the Rita Beard Visionary Leadership Award from NAISMA in 2019\, given annually in recognition of an early-career individual who has shown exceptional dedication and accomplishments regarding invasive species management or educational activities.  He is a State of Wyoming Certified Weed & Pest Control District Supervisor\, is Past-President of the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA)\, is the chair of the NAISMA Standards and Technology Committee\, and an active member on the NAISMA Weed Free Products committee.  He oversees Teton County Weed and Pest’s yearly treatment operations\, is a licensed drone pilot\, and coordinates their GIS program. Mark takes pride in having a “can do” attitude and likes a challenge.  In his free time\, he enjoys rafting\, skiing\, and camping with his wife and two children.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJennifer HillmerJennifer Hillmer has over twenty-five years of experience in natural areas stewardship and invasive plant control. Her primary areas of interest are field crew development\, building capacity for invasive plant management\, and land stewardship. As the Invasive Plant Management Coordinator at Cleveland Metroparks\, Jennifer helped establish and directs a district-wide management program to find\,evaluate\, prioritize\, and remove invasive plants from the 25\,000-acre park district. She has worked for the Ohio DNR\, The Nature Conservancy\, and The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland\, Ohio. She is a founding member of the Ohio Invasive Plants Council and the Crooked River Cooperative Weed Management Area (Ohio)\, a former board member of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network\, and a tireless advocate for good recordkeeping.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-field-mapping-protocols-what-to-consider-when-mapping-for-invasive-plant-species/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240515T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240515T150000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20240125T181001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T115559Z
UID:121947-1715778000-1715785200@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: The Trouble with Lionfish: Perspectives from across North America
DESCRIPTION:Webinar Highlight: The Trouble with Lionfish: Perspectives from across North AmericaWe hosted a very unique\, bilingual monthly webinar on May 15 with Dr. Steve Gittings from NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries Program and Mateo Sabido from the Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas of the State of Quintana Roo (IBANQROO). Here’s what we learned: \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nWe learned about the history and evolution of the lionfish invasion\, scientific approaches to managing the species\, and stories of local innovation and action to manage this species in the Western Atlantic Ocean and the Mexican Caribbean. Recordings of this webinar are available in both English and Spanish on our YouTube channel. \n\n\n\nYou can also purchase merchandise from our Know Your Invasives: Lionfish Collection from the NAISMA Shop! \n\n\n\n“If their beauty or their arsenal of venomous spines aren’t enough to get your attention\, then their ecological impact might be. Lionfish have\, in some places\, reduced native fish populations by up to 60 percent.” – Dr. Steve Gittings\, NOAA \n\n\n\n“From an environmental standpoint\, clearly the invasion has undeniably been a disaster. But it has been inspiring to watch how people from so many walks of life have joined forces in response to the invasion in the Western Atlantic\, all hoping to do their part to control the outbreak and protect the places that they love.” – Dr. Steve Gittings\, NOAA \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMixed signals: The maturation of the lionfish invasionNearly 40 years after the first lionfish was spotted in the Atlantic Ocean\, and almost 25 years after the invasion exploded across the region\, a case can be made that a fortuitous combination of science and local action has controlled the impact to native ecosystems. Some of the people\, approaches\, and successes of the response will be highlighted. But is that the whole story? What don’t we know? Should Nature be given some credit? And with ecosystems experiencing faster and more severe changes than anything any of us have ever seen\, how can we know what the impacts of lionfish have been? As the battle for control presses on\, and we look ahead to other invasions\, we should ask: Why did Indo-Pacific lionfish invade the Atlantic\, and some Atlantic fish not invade the Pacific? What will the future Atlantic tropical ocean look like? And what have lionfish taught us about ourselves\, our relationship with Nature\, and our role in conservation? Finally\, can we learn from thousands of years of human history in the Mediterranean? Why is that sea so heavily invaded? And why is there a one-way invasion of Red Sea species\, including lionfish\, through the 150 year old Suez Canal? \n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Steve Gittings is Chief Scientist for NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program. Before that\, he was manager of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and a research scientist at Texas A&M University. Dr. Gittings has worked in the field of conservation science his entire career\, characterizing and monitoring marine ecosystems\, assessing damage and recovery following ship groundings and oil spills\, and applying science to management. He led a team that developed a process for system-wide reporting on the status and trends of resources and ecosystems in national marine sanctuaries. The reports are now used as critical elements of management planning for the sanctuaries. He has been a diver for over 50 years and has worked for over 40 years as a scientific diver\, doing four saturation missions in the Aquarius habitat\, operating ROVs\, and as a submarine pilot and scientist. Recently\, Dr. Gittings has been developing traps designed to catch lionfish in waters beyond scuba depth. The traps minimize by-catch\, eliminate ghost-fishing\, and are being tested for their potential to help fishermen provide lionfish to seafood and other developing markets\, supplementing their income while also doing conservation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA 15 años del pez león: Lecciones aprendidas de la participación comunitaria para el monitoreo y control en el Caribe Mexicano. \n\n\n\nLa invasión del pez león (Pterois volitans/miles)\, es considerada como una de las principales amenazas a la biodiversidad marina; a 15 años de su primer registro en México\, el pez león ha logrado establecerse en diferentes ecosistemas y profundidades del Caribe mexicano y Golfo de México. Considerando que su erradicación\, es poco probable; el sector comunitario y pesquero en coordinación con instituciones como la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) y Organizaciones de la Sociedad Civil\, han tenido una participación importante en la estrategia de control\, aprovechamiento y monitoreo para atender la problemática del pez león. \n\n\n\nAquí abordaremos como eje central el involucramiento de las comunidades y las experiencias de mujeres y hombres que viven en las localidades costeras de Cozumel\, Banco Chichorro\, Xcalak y Mahahual\, y como de ser una amenaza se volvió en una oportunidad para la conservación de la biodiversidad y aprovechamiento del pez león. Por último\, abordaremos como éstas iniciativas contribuyen a la Estrategia Nacional de control y monitoreo del pez león en México. \n\n\n\n\n\nMiguel Mateo Sabido Itzá. Biólogo y Maestro en Manejo de Zona Costera es el jefe de departamento de Áreas Naturales Protegidas zona Sur del Instituto de Biodiversidad y Áreas Naturales Protegidas del estado de Quintana Roo (IBANQROO) en México. El Mtro. Sabido es buceador científico y lleva 14 años trabajando en la investigación\, conservación de los ecosistemas costeros y fortalecimiento comunitario en el Caribe Mexicano. Durante este tiempo\, ha colaborado en 30 proyectos enfocándose en temáticas como pez león\, pesquerías artesanales de caracol rosado\, langosta espinosa\, peces arrecifales\, restauración coralina\, manejo de Áreas Naturales Protegidas\, zonas de refugio pesquero\, monitoreo de fauna silvestre\, ciencia ciudadana y fortalecimiento de las comunidades costeras; Todo ello se traduce en más de 60 presentaciones y conferencias en congresos nacionales e internacionales. Es autor principal de 6 artículos científicos publicados en revistas internacionales\, el Mtro. Sabido\, ha tenido la oportunidad de trabajar y colaborar con las Áreas Naturales Protegidas “Reserva de la Biosfera Banco Chinchorro” y “Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak” enfocándose en el monitoreo\, control\, educación ambiental y promover opciones de aprovechamiento local del pez león siempre desde la perspectiva de involucramiento comunitario.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-invasive-lionfish/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240601T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240608T170000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20231215T134755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240301T150534Z
UID:121525-1717228800-1717866000@naisma.org
SUMMARY:PlayCleanGo Awareness Week
DESCRIPTION:Show outdoor enthusiasts how to stop spreading invasive plants and pests — while enjoying the great outdoors. The goal of the campaign is to show outdoor enthusiasts how to stop spreading invasive plants and pests — while enjoying the great outdoors. Dozens of free materials are available on this webpage to help you spread the word and Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks™! \n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE
URL:https://naisma.org/event/playcleango-awareness-week/
CATEGORIES:Summit
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240619T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240619T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20240326T121450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240703T114346Z
UID:122673-1718802000-1718805600@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Live Long and Prosper: Protecting Ash Trees and the Ash Resource from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Dr. Deborah McCullough\, Professor\, Department of Entomology and Department of Forestry\, Michigan State University \n\n\n\nThis webinar will address options for protecting valuable ash trees in landscapes from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) with systemic insecticides. Tactics to integrate systemic insecticides with other EAB management tactics in forested areas\, as well as landscapes\, will be included. We’ll cover some myths about treating ash trees that just won’t go away and talk about trunk injection and potential wounding. Factors related to the economics of treating vs removing ash trees will be included. Questions will be welcome! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeborah G. McCullough is a Professor at Michigan State University with a joint appointment in the Dept. of Entomology and Dept. of Forestry\, with research\, extension and teaching responsibilities. McCullough’s research focuses on the ecology\, impacts and management of forest insects\, particularly invasive species including emerald ash borer\, beech bark disease\, and hemlock woolly adelgid. She works with forest managers\, regulatory officials\, arborists and landowners to develop sustainable management strategies to protect forest health. McCullough also assists chestnut growers and Christmas tree producers with insect management issues. McCullough teaches a 4 credit course on Forest Insects and Diseases annually and has served as the major advisor for more than 35 graduate students\, many of whom work in forest health and related positions. McCullough has authored or co-authored more than 135 papers about forest insect ecology and management in scientific journals\, approximately 250 extension bulletins\, websites\, videos or articles in trade publications and given more than 600 presentations on forest insects.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-insecticide-options-for-emerald-ash-borer-control-and-ash-tree-protection/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240717T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240717T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20240126T134439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240701T163406Z
UID:121952-1721221200-1721224800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: The cryptogenic macroalgal invader Chondria tumulosa overgrows entire coral reefs in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument\, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Dr. Heather L. Spalding\, Associate Professor\, College of Charleston \n\n\n\nCo-Authors: Taylor Williams\, Brian Hauk\, Andrea Kealoha\, and Randall Kosaki. \n\n\n\nThe Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world and supports a high diversity and abundance of native marine flora and fauna. In 2019\, a new cryptogenic red alga\, Chondria tumulosa\, was observed forming dense mats that rapidly overgrew native corals and algae at Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll). By 2023\, up to 40% of sites surveyed at Manawai contained Chondria mats in the lagoon\, back reef\, and fore reef from 1 to 21 m depths. Chondria percent cover was up to 95% over a 25 x 1 m area\, with a canopy height of 21 cm. Stable isotope analyses of Chondria tissue δ15N ranged from 2.2-3.4‰\, suggesting its distribution was not influenced by anthropogenic or shore-based processes (like seabird guano). However\, the %N in algal tissue ranged from 0.95-2.75%\, suggesting enrichment by other processes is occurring. Additional studies on this alga’s ecophysiology and microbiome are needed to determine its mechanism(s) of success in oligotrophic waters with intact top down processes. This alga poses a serious threat to coral reefs in the Pacific because of its mat-forming morphology\, fragmentation\, attachment to nets and other algae\, and high abundance in nearly pristine\, nutrient-poor environments. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Heather Spalding grew up on a small cattle farm in Kentucky but was usually found underwater in the murky depths of the farm pond exploring the mud and “moss”. She received her undergraduate degree in marine science from Southampton College at Long Island University under the tutelage of Dr. Larry Liddle. This led to an internship on kelp forest ecology at Moss Landing Marine Labs (MLML) with Dr. Mike Foster\, where she discovered that being comfortable underwater in low light was a useful skill for a phycologist. After completing her master’s degree in marine science at MLML\, she was lured to the University of Hawaiʻi to study macroalgae with Dr. Isabella Abbott and Dr. Celia Smith for her doctoral degree in marine botany\, with an emphasis on ecology\, evolution\, and conservation biology. This research led to studies on mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Hawaiian Archipelago using technical diving and submersibles\, and the discovery of new macroalgal species and deep water coral reefs. After several years of post-doctoral fellowships at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument on algal biodiversity and ecophysiology\, Dr. Spalding accepted a tenure-track position in marine biology at the College of Charleston in 2019. She is now an Associate Professor at the College of Charleston and has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers and 10 book chapters on macroalgae and corals.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/chondria-tumulosa-impacts-to-coral-reefs-in-hawaii/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240821T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240821T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20240208T125957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240927T161522Z
UID:122008-1724245200-1724248800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Dutch Elm Disease and Resistance
DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Benjamin Held\, Senior Scientist\, and Ryan Murphy\, Researcher\, Department of Plant Pathology\, University of Minnesota \n\n\n\nFor nearly 10 decades\, the invasive DED pathogen Ophiostoma novo-ulmi has been decimating American elms (Ulmus americana) and other native elm species in Minnesota and across the country. The American elm once lined streets across Minnesota\, and for good reason. Its elegant form and tolerance to the harsh urban environment made it one of two premier canopy species. American\, along with red (U. rubra) and rock (U. thomasii) elm\, also provide critical benefits to ecosystem functioning\, wildlife\, and insects. Control measures so far have relied on sanitation and chemical control\, both of which are expensive methods considering the large numbers of trees affected. Varied disease resistance has been identified in a small number of elms; however\, additional genetic diversity is needed to combat a pathogen that has a changing virulence. Our elm selection program is aimed at identifying\, propagating\, and screening survivor elms for DED tolerance from across the state of Minnesota. In addition\, our reintroduction planting program will also return much needed DED resistant genotypes back into the landscape in both urban and natural forested landscapes. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRyan Murphy is a researcher and educator in the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota. In addition to working on the UMN Elm Selection Program\, he manages the Urban Forestry Outreach & Research Lab which provides education about trees to communities around the state. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBenjamin Held is a researcher in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota where his work focuses on the control and detection of various invasive forest pathogens in addition to wood microbiology and fungal diversity in extreme environments.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-dutch-elm-disease-and-resistance/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240918T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240918T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20240209T143833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240930T163850Z
UID:122020-1726664400-1726668000@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease – An Overview
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Dr. Nicholas Rosenau\, U.S. EPA Office of Wetlands\, Oceans\, and Watersheds \n\n\n\nStony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) was first reported in September 2014 off the coast of southeast Florida and has since become the most lethal coral disease ever recorded due to its swift spread\, extensive tissue necrosis\, and high mortality rates. \n\n\n\nThe etiological agent(s) and the mechanisms(s) of spread remain under investigation. Research has shown that SCTLD can be transmitted via seawater and direct contact with sick corals and sediments. Ocean currents are believed to play a role in transmitting the disease over relatively short distances (e.g.\, Florida’s Coral Reef) but cannot explain the pattern of spread across the wider Caribbean. Recent attention has focused on the roles vessels (specifically\, ballast water and biofouling) may play in transmitting SCTLD and the implications these potential modes of transport could have for SCTLD spread to coral reefs around the globe. This presentation provides an overview of SCTLD and discusses the hypothesized short- and long-range mechanisms of SCTLD transmission including ocean currents\, sediments\, ballast water and biofouling. Ongoing and planned efforts in the U.S. to understand the cause\, mechanisms of spread\, and impacts of SCTLD will also be presented. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNick Rosenau (U.S. EPA)Nick Rosenau is a Biologist at the U.S. EPA in the Office of Wetlands\, Oceans & Watersheds | Ocean & Coastal Management Branch (OCMB) in Washington\, DC. He is the staff lead for the branch’s Coral Reef Protection Program and coordinates EPA’s National Coral Reef Team. He also serves as the Biofouling lead for EPA’s rulemaking under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). \n\n\n\nNick received his Ph.D. in Earth Science from Southern Methodist University (2013) and Bachelors’ degrees in Geology and Chemistry from the University of Arkansas\, Little Rock (2007). Before moving to the DC area in 2016\, he worked as a Geologist for several energy & environmental consulting firms in Colorado\, and as a Staff Geochemist for oil and gas operators (Pioneer Natural Resources; Sklar Exploration) in Texas and Colorado. Prior to joining EPA full time in 2020\, he was an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellow in EPA’s Office of Water where he supported a number of coastal management programs and worked on coastal acidification\, coral disease\, water quality\, vessel discharges\, and vessel sewage no discharge zones projects.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-stony-coral-tissue-loss-disease/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240930T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241003T170000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20231215T135140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240228T171519Z
UID:121528-1727683200-1727974800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:The 32nd North American Invasive Species Management Association NAISMA Annual Conference
DESCRIPTION:Mark your calendars for our next NAISMA annual conference on September 30 – October 3\, 2024 in Missoula\, MT. Co-hosted with the Montana Invasive Species Council. As a member\, you get a 10% discount. \n\n\n\nThe 32nd NAISMA Annual Conference will be co-hosted with the Montana Invasive Species Council. We expect 350+ attendees from a broad range of backgrounds\, invasive species\, and natural resource professions to attend from across North America and beyond. This year’s theme will highlight the foundations needed to implement management strategies that work\, partnerships that impact diverse geographies\, and policy and funding successes that can be tailored to fit your landscape. \n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE
URL:https://naisma.org/event/north-american-invasive-species-management-association-32nd-annual-conference/
CATEGORIES:Professional Development,Summit
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241016T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241016T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20240213T194716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240814T190041Z
UID:122034-1729083600-1729087200@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: White-Nose Syndrome and Bats
DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Jonathan Reichard and Jeremy Coleman\, White-Nose Syndrome Response Team\, USFWS \n\n\n\nWhite-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease that affects hibernating bats\, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). This fungus thrives in cold\, dark\, and damp environments\, attacking the bare skin of bats during their hibernation. As it grows\, it disrupts their hibernation patterns\, causing them to burn through the fat reserves needed to survive the winter. The result is often fatal\, with millions of bats in North America already lost to this disease. WNS is especially concerning because bats play a critical role in ecosystems\, particularly in controlling insect populations. Additionally\, people can unknowingly spread the Pd fungus when they move from one location to another without properly cleaning their gear. This makes it crucial to clean and disinfect shoes\, clothing\, and equipment between trips to help prevent the spread of WNS. In this webinar\, we’ll explore the impact of White-Nose Syndrome and learn more about the efforts of the White-Nose Syndrome Response Team to combat this deadly disease. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-white-nose-syndrome-and-bats/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241120T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241120T160000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20240816T135240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241030T192627Z
UID:123990-1732113000-1732118400@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Stop the Spread: Essential Campaigns for Preventing Invasive Species
DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Jennifer Riddle (ISAN – Don’t Let It Loose)\, Laurel Downs (TNC – Don’t Move Firewood)\, Tim Campbell (Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers)\, Jeanine Neskey (MRP-APHIS\, Squeal on Pigs)\, Christie Trifone Millhouse (NAISMA\, PlayCleanGo). \n\n\n\nJoin us for an informative webinar featuring a panel of experts presenting key invasive species education campaigns. This webinar will cover four critical initiatives designed to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species across various ecosystems. \n\n\n\n\nDon’t Let It Loose: Learn about responsible pet ownership and why it’s important to prevent the release of pets into the wild.\n\n\n\nDon’t Move Firewood: Discover the importance of using local firewood to avoid spreading harmful forest pests.\n\n\n\nStop Aquatic Hitchhikers: is a national campaign that helps recreational water users be part of the solution to help prevent and slow the spread of aquatic invasive species.\n\n\n\nSqueal on Pigs: Understand the role of reporting and managing feral swine populations to protect natural habitats.\n\n\n\nPlayCleanGo: learn how to protect valuable natural resources by instilling an ethic of stewardship in recreationists as they enjoy the places they love in the great outdoors.\n\n\n\n\nThis panel will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for all taxa\, helping you to play a part in safeguarding our natural spaces. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-stop-the-spread-essential-campaigns-for-preventing-invasive-species/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241205T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241205T150000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20231215T135430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241125T140622Z
UID:121530-1733396400-1733410800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Annual Biocontrol Summit: Aquatic Weed Biocontrol – Project Progress and Innovative Tools
DESCRIPTION:The North American Invasive Species Management Association’s 5th Annual Weed Biocontrol Summit will be held virtually on December 5\, 2024\, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CST. The Biocontrol Summit communicates the latest in classical weed biocontrol research to North American invasive plant managers and educators and aims to connect researchers and on-the-ground practitioners. This year\, the NAISMA Classical Biocontrol Committee is highlighting the role weed biocontrol can play in managing invasive aquatic plant species throughout North America. Our invited aquatic weed management and biocontrol experts will share updates in biocontrol development and innovative tools for improving integrated weed management. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAgenda11:00 -11:05WelcomeChristie Trifone Millhouse\, NAISMA Executive Director11:05-11:30Sixty Years of Aquatic Weed Biological ControlAl Cofrancesco\, US Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center11:30-12:15Floating Aquatic Species11:30-11:45Inundative biological control is the key to successful control of water hyacinthJulie Coetzee\, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity11:45-12:00Innovations and developments for biological control of water hyacinthMelissa Smith\, USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Laboratory12:00-12:15Opportunities for improving biological control of giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) in subtropical and temperate regions Rodrigo Diaz\, Dane Shackelford\, and Victoria Ayala\, Department of Entomology\, Louisiana State University12:15-12:25Question/Answer Period12:15-1:10Rooted Aquatic Species12:25-12:40Implementation of biological control for introduced Phragmites in CanadaRob Bourchier\, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada12:40-12:55Biological control of flowering rush: a new management approach on the horizonJennifer Andreas\, Washington State University12:55-1:10It was the best of times\, it was the worst of times: an update of the USDA’s alligator weed and exotic Ludwigia biological control programs in CaliforniaPaul Pratt\, USDA-ARS Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit1:10-1:20Question/Answer Period1:20-1:35Break1:35-2:20Post release monitoring1:35-1:50Mapping Floating Aquatic Vegetation with Remote Sensing PlatformsChristiana Ade\, NASA JPL1:50-2:05Using drones to assess natural enemy impacts in aquatic systemsUsman Mohammed\, University of Florida Indian River Research & Education Center2:05-2:20eNAS: a new database for eDNA surveillance data of non-native aquatic speciesDr. Wesley M. Daniel\, USGS’s Wetland and Aquatic Research Center2:20-2:50New Targets2:20-2:30Parrots feather\, yellow floating heart\, European frogbit and water soliderPhilip Weyl\, CABINathan Harms\, Aquatic Ecology and Invasive Species Branch\, USACE2:30-2:40Update on water chestnut biocontrolWade Simmons\, Cornell University2:40-2:50Biological control of duckweeds: host specificity and impact of selected insectherbivores from Louisiana and CaliforniaDr. Flaminia Mariani\, Louisiana State University2:50-3:00Questions/Answer and Closing\n\n\n\nAgenda Details\n\n\n\nSixty Years of Aquatic Weed Biological ControlBiological control of aquatic weeds started sixty years ago and has achieved significant milestones. As new applications and approaches have emerged\, the research community has used these methods to improve results and outcomes. Moving forward\, maintaining host specificity should continue to be a primary focus of all biological control research.Alfred Cofrancesco\, Advisor To The Technical Director For Environmental Engineering and Sciences\, US Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center \n\n\n\nInundative biological control is the key to successful control of water hyacinthImplementing biological control in systems with a history of chemical and mechanical control can be challenging. We implemented inundative biological control on a nutrient-enriched impoundment by fostering a community of practice. More than half a million biological control agents were released between 2018 and 2024 through the collective efforts of professional and private stakeholders. We show that bridging the boundaries between the research and public sector can strengthen biological control efforts\, enabling successful and sustainable management of water hyacinthJulie Coetzee\, Professor\, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity. \n\n\n\nInnovations and developments for biological control of water hyacinthDespite nearly five decades (or more) of dedicated efforts to control water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes)\, it continues to expand its range and negatively impact freshwater ecosystems throughout the tropics and subtropics. While several biological control agents have been released and cause significant harm in terms of biomass reductions\, in all invaded regions\, this impact is insufficient for control. Herein we present new research on changing paradigms (e.g.\, using planthoppers inundatively)\, and development of integrated methods in Florida.Melissa Smith\, Research Ecologist\, USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Laboratory \n\n\n\nOpportunities for improving biological control of giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) in subtropical and temperate regionsThe salvinia weevil (Cyrtobagous salviniae) has been used in the United States as a management tool for several decades. Releases of weevils have led to successful control during the summer months. However\, its effectiveness varies significantly even across short distances\, limiting its overall impact. This presentation explores new strategies to enhance the management of salvinia. We will discuss new remote sensing technologies for early detection and monitoring of salvinia infestations\, as well as opportunities for using mass-rearing weevils in augmentative biocontrol. We hope to motivate a discussion on improving the consistency of giant salvinia management across diverse climatic regions.Rodrigo Diaz\, Dane Shackelford\, and Victoria Ayala\, Associate Professor\, Department of Entomology\, Louisiana State University \n\n\n\nImplementation of biological control for introduced Phragmites in CanadaTwo European stem boring moths\, Archanara neurica and Lenisa geminipuncta\, were approved for biological control of introduced Phragmites in Canada in 2019. To date the focus has been on development of operational protocols to rear\, release\, and monitor the biological control agents and more than 30\,000 insects have been released at 50 sites in Ontario. Insect damage has been detected at over 90% of the release locations with negative impacts on introduced Phragmites at release points. For sites that are two- or three-years post-release\, damage has been observed each year\, indicating initial biocontrol agent overwintering and reproduction. This talk will review the current status of the Phragmites biological control program in Canada and outline ongoing experimental work to scale up the release program.Rob Bourchier\, Research Scientist\, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada \n\n\n\nBiological control of flowering rush: a new management approach on the horizon.Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) is an aggressive freshwater invasive plant that rapidly colonizes and infests wetlands\, lakes\, rivers\, and irrigation ditches across temperate North America. Three potential biocontrol agents have been identified and are under study. The highly host-specific leaf/rhizome weevil\, Bagous nodulosus\, was petitioned for field release in Canada and the United States in 2022. It was approved for release in Canada and was approved in the U.S. in October 2024. Pre-release monitoring\, rearing\, and release strategies are underway in Ontario\, British Columbia\, Montana\, and Washington. Moving into the implementation phase of the biocontrol project offers exciting future opportunities for flowering rush management.Jennifer Andreas\, Professor\, Washington State University \n\n\n\nIt was the best of times\, it was the worst of times: an update of the USDA’s alligator weed and exotic Ludwigia biological control programs in CaliforniaAlligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeriodes) and exotic Ludwigia species invade similar habitats in California. Biological control results in complete control of alligator weed in much of the southeastern US but multiple attempts to establish agents in California have failed. A combination of new cold-adapted biotypes of existing agents and testing new agents is expected to expand control of alligator weed in the weed’s northern distribution. In contrast\, the most promising insects associated with Ludwigia species were imported and tested but none are sufficiently host specific for release in the US. Alternative options are being considered (inundation of native herbivores) but classical biological control does not appear to be well suited for the management of exotic Ludwigia species in western US.Paul Pratt\, Research Leader\, USDA-ARS Invasive Species & Pollinator Health Research Unit \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nMapping floating aquatic vegetation with remote sensing platformsRemote sensing plays a crucial role in managing aquatic invasive species by facilitating ongoing monitoring and offering valuable scientific insights into the mechanisms of invasion. These components are essential for making informed\, evidence-based management decisions\, which ultimately improve the effectiveness of control strategies. This presentation showcases studies focused mapping invasive floating aquatic vegetation and understanding invasion mechanisms using remote sensing at different scales and sensor types.Christiana Ade\, Postdoctoral Researcher\, NASA JPL \n\n\n\nUsing drones to assess natural enemy impacts in aquatic systemsAssessing the impact of biological control agents in aquatic systems is expensive\, time consuming\, and often dangerous. Drone-based remote sensing has potential to collect post-release impact data over a large area quickly\, safely\, and cost-effectively. We will demonstrate the effectiveness of this tool in the water hyacinth system.Usman Mohammed\, Master’s Student\, University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center \n\n\n\neNAS: a new database for eDNA surveillance data of non-native aquatic speciesThe US Geological Survey’s Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database is the leading resource for tracking non-native aquatic species occurrences. Integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) data with traditional sighting records will create a more comprehensive dataset\, offering a clearer understanding of invasive species spread. This presentation will cover the development of community standards for incorporating eDNA data into the database\, as well as the implementation of this innovative surveillance tool for early detection of invasive species nationwide.Dr. Wesley M. Daniel\, Supervisory Fish Biologist\, USGS’s Wetland and Aquatic Research Center \n\n\n\nNew targets: Parrots feather\, yellow floating heart\, European frogbit and water soldierAquatic weeds continue to invade water systems in North America\, having negative socio-economic impacts as well as negatively impacting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This presentation aims to raise awareness and give a brief update on the progress of the biological control programs on four new targets. These include\, parrots feather\, Myriophyllum aquaticum\, yellow floating heart\, Nymphoides peltata\, European frogbit\, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae and water soldier\, Stratiotes aloides.Philip Weyl\, Team Leader Weed Biological Control\, CABI & Nathan Harms\, Research Biologist\, Aquatic Ecology and Invasive Species Branch\, USACE \n\n\n\nUpdate on water chestnut biocontrolWe will summarize the results of pre-release studies of Galerucella birmanica\, the leaf feeding beetle being evaluated for biocontrol of water chestnut. In addition to reviewing the host-specificity of this specialist herbivore\, we will touch on broader ecological relationships that we have investigating with this species.Wade Simmons\, PhD Candidate\, Cornell University \n\n\n\nBiological control of duckweeds: host specificity and impact of selected insect herbivores from Louisiana and CaliforniaLemna minuta\, native to North America but invasive in Europe\, threatens freshwater ecosystems. Investigations in its native range identified two potential biocontrol agents: the weevil Tanysphyrus lemnae and the fly Lemnaphila scotlandae. Host-specificity tests revealed that their host range includes duckweed species native to Europe\, rendering them unsuitable as biological control agents for L. minuta.Dr. Flaminia Mariani\, Louisiana State University
URL:https://naisma.org/event/annual-biocontrol-summit-2/
CATEGORIES:Summit
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250115T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250115T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20241016T134545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T175606Z
UID:124132-1736946000-1736949600@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Progress Towards a Model Legal Package for NAISMA’s Weed Free Products Program
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Stephanie Showalter Otts\, Director of the National Sea Grant Law Center and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program at the University of Mississippi School of Law.As the North American Invasive Species Management Association’s Weed Free Products (WFP) program expands across the country\, legal and policy barriers have emerged that limit implementation. To advance the WFP standards\, the National Sea Grant Law Center (NSGLC) at the University of Mississippi School of Law is collaborating with NAISMA to create a model legal package for state noxious weed programs focused on pathway prevention through certified weed free forage\, gravel\, and mulch. The three-year project\, which launched in January 2023\, is supported by the U.S. Department of Interior with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. During the first phase of the project\, the NSGLC compiled an inventory of state invasive plant statutes\, regulations\, and policies nationwide and conducted an analysis of six priority policy attributes. In the next phase\, the NSGLC will be conducting a gap analysis to assess state authority to implement WFP programs. The inventory and findings from the gap analysis will provide the foundation for the development of the model legal package in the third phase of the project. In this special session\, the NSGLC will provide an overview of the project and present findings from the inventory and gap analysis. In addition\, the NSGLC will solicit participant input on research findings and the proposed approach to development of the model legal framework through interactive polling or similar technology. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStephanie Showalter Otts is the Director of the National Sea Grant Law Center and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program at the University of Mississippi School of Law. Stephanie graduated from Penn State University with a B.A. in History and received a joint J.D./Masters of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School in 2001. Stephanie began her career at the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2002 as the National Sea Grant Law Center’s first staff attorney (research counsel). Prior to joining the University of Mississippi\, Stephanie served as a Law Clerk for the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre\, Pennsylvania. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and Mississippi. As Director\, Stephanie oversees a variety of legal education\, research\, and outreach activities addressing ocean and coastal law issues. She conducts legal research and provides technical assistance to organizations and governmental agencies on a variety of topics\, including aquaculture\, fisheries\, invasive species\, and coastal development. Stephanie also teaches a foundational course on ocean and coastal law at the University of Mississippi School of Law and serves as the co-coach of the Pace Environmental Law Moot Court team. Her research on natural resources\, marine\, and environmental law issues has been published in a variety of publications. Stephanie has conducted extensive research on marine and freshwater invasive species. Recent relevant publications include “Confronting the Marine Invasive Species Threat: Practical and Legal Challenges” in Climate Change Impacts on Ocean and Coastal Law: U.S. and International Perspectives (2014) and “Legislative and Regulatory Efforts to Minimize Expansion of Invasive Mussels through Watercraft Movements” in the Arizona Journal of Environmental Law and Policy (Summer 2013).
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-progress-towards-a-model-legal-package-for-naismas-weed-free-products-program/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250219T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250219T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20250117T141428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250212T124417Z
UID:124737-1739970000-1739973600@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Green Crab Invasion: Coastal Perspectives
DESCRIPTION:The European Green Crab is among the most successful invasive predators in coastal marine ecosystems\, with established populations on five continents. While this invasive species has long impacted the Atlantic coast\, its more recent arrival on the Pacific coast has resulted in rapid expansion\, stretching from California to Alaska. This webinar brings together expert speakers from New Hampshire Sea Grant\, Washington Sea Grant\, and the Metlakatla Indian Community in Alaska to provide a comprehensive look at the Green Crab’s ecological impacts\, monitoring\, and management efforts. Join us to explore how communities across both coasts are addressing the challenges posed by this prolific invader. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nThis webinar is being jointly hosted by NAISMA and Sea Grant. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers: \n\n\n\n\nTim Campbell\, Wisconsin Sea Grant/USFWS/Sea Grant AIS Liaison\n\n\n\nGabriela Bradt\, New Hampshire Sea Grant\n\n\n\nEmily Grason\, Washington Sea Grant\n\n\n\nIan Hudson\, Metlakatla Indian Community\n\n\n\n\nPresentations and Speaker Bios: \n\n\n\nThe New Hampshire Green Crab Project: Working on solutions to tame an invader – Presented by Dr. Gabriela BradtIn 2015\, in response to local lobstermen seeking assistance in dealing with green crabs in their traps\, NH Sea Grant and UNH Cooperative Extension initiated a multi-pronged approach to addressing the problem that included basic biological research\, market research and development\, and public engagement and education through participatory science. This long-running program has contributed significantly to how the Northeast is approaching green crab mitigation through science\, innovation\, and public engagement to tame and utilize a resource rather than seeking to eradicate a well-established invader. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGabriela Bradt\, Ph.D. – New Hampshire Sea GrantGabriela is a Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension State Specialist for New Hampshire Sea Grant and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. Her programming and research is centered around seafood marketing\, market creation\, and consumer education and awareness about New Hampshire’s fisheries\, aquaculture\, and local seafood accessibility. Her research on invasive green crabs explores market development for a potential green crab fishery\, as well as soft-shell crab production. Additionally\, she leads citizen science programs looking at green crab population and distribution in coastal New Hampshire.Gabriela received a Ph.D. in Zoology from The University of New Hampshire in 2005\, and an M.A. in Biology from Bryn Mawr College in 2000. Since 2011 she has been involved in fisheries and aquaculture research and outreach. \n\n\n\n\n\nA Wide Net and a Deep Bench: Searching and monitoring for European green crab with community members – Presented by Dr. Emily GrasonAs green crab threatened to expand their foothold in Washington State in the early 2010s\, Washington Sea Grant partnered with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to launch a citizen science program for early detection. Community involvement set the stage in Washington not only for successful early detection\, but also for extraordinarily broad engagement across partner groups\, jurisdictions\, and institutions. WSG Crab Team now hosts two participatory science efforts related to green crab monitoring\, the flagship monitoring network and a newer more expansive program called Molt Search. Integrated with other components of Crab Team’s support for regional efforts\, such as capacity building and research\, these programs advance support for\, education on\, and efficacy of statewide efforts. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Emily Grason\, Ph.D. – Washington Sea GrantEmily Grason is a marine ecologist at Washington Sea Grant. As the lead for Crab Team\, she oversees a comprehensive program focused on monitoring and control of the European green crab. Starting with a flagship citizen science early detection monitoring network ten years ago\, the program has expanded to support Washington’s technical needs related to green crab management\, including research and capacity building among managers and trappers. \n\n\n\nEmily holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Washington\, completed her master’s work at Western Washington University\, and her undergraduate work at Bowdoin College. She really enjoys walking in\, on\, and through Washington’s muddy\, salty places\, and sometimes remembers to look up for birds. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nManaging the First European Green Crab Invasion in Alaska – Presented by Ian HudsonIn 2020\, the Metlakatla Department of Fish and Wildlife began monitoring for the invasive European Green Crab. In 2022 the first live EGC specimen was confirmed on Annette Islands Reserve in southern Southeast Alaska\, the first one to be discovered in the state of Alaska. Since the confirmation of the first EGC on AIR\, the MICDFW has conducted extensive trapping efforts to manage this invasive species. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Ian Hudson\, Metlakatla Department of Fish and WildlifeIan Hudson is a tribal member of the Metlakatla Indian Community and works as the Fisheries Biologist and European Green Crab Coordinator for the Metlakatla Department of Fish and Wildlife since June 2024. Prior to working for MICDFW\, Ian worked at Metlakatla High School for the last 10 years\, 6 of which he was a science teacher.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-green-crab-invasion-coastal-perspectives/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250224T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T170000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20241212T133717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T175528Z
UID:124562-1740384000-1740762000@naisma.org
SUMMARY:National Invasive Species Awareness Week
DESCRIPTION:National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species\, the threat that they pose\, and what can be done to prevent their spread. \n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE
URL:https://naisma.org/event/national-invasive-species-awareness-week/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250224T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250224T130000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20250122T124408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T133215Z
UID:124773-1740398400-1740402000@naisma.org
SUMMARY:NISAW Webinar: The role of primary and secondary introduction pathway management in effective biosecurity
DESCRIPTION:Effective biosecurity is crucial for safeguarding the United States’ ecosystems\, economy\, and public health from the growing threat of invasive species. One important component of biosecurity is identifying and managing the many ways in which non-native species are moved from one location to another. Introduction pathways include the vector that carries the non-native species (e.g.\, ship hulls\, horticulture\, aquaculture)\, and the geographical routes the species travels. Introductions can be classified as primary – where non-native species cross jurisdictional or biogeographic boundaries\, or as secondary – where they move within these boundaries after the initial introduction. Focusing management efforts on high-risk primary introduction pathways is an efficient approach for reducing the threat posed by multiple invasive species at once before entering the United States. However\, once a species breaches those borders\, the management focus shifts to secondary pathways to limit its spread. This presentation will cover the benefits of managing introduction pathways\, the transition between pre-border\, at-the-border\, and post-border pathway management\, and the challenges we face moving forward. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker Bio: Deah Lieurance\, Asst. Professor of Invasive Species Biology and Management\, Penn State University \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Lieurance is an Assistant Professor of Invasive Species Biology and Management in the Ecosystem Science and Management Department at Penn State University. She has worked for over 12 years in invasive species prevention and risk assessment and led the first horizon scan for invasive species threats in the United States. Currently\, Dr. Lieurance is leading horizon scans for the U.S. Virgin Islands\, Puerto Rico\, and a national horizon scan for plants in trade\, as well as a project ranking secondary spread pathways to contribute to the National Early Detection and Rapid Response Framework. She also ran the University of Florida’s risk assessment program for non-native plants and is currently building the Penn State University Invasive Species Risk Analysis Program: a cooperative extension program to determine the invasion status or invasion risk of non-native species for the Pennsylvania Governor’s Invasive Species Council. Her research spans plant-herbivore interactions\, the enemy release hypothesis\, and biocontrol development for high-priority invasive plants. She is currently developing a research program to investigate the effect of climate change on the ecophysiology and chemical ecology of invasive plants and how that might shape plant herbivore interactions.ns.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-the-role-of-primary-and-secondary-introduction-pathway-management-in-effective-biosecurity/
CATEGORIES:NISAW,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250224T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250224T153000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20250122T125021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250221T193152Z
UID:124777-1740403800-1740411000@naisma.org
SUMMARY:NISAW Webinar: NOAA's Efforts to Support Biosecurity in Marine and Great Lakes Environments
DESCRIPTION:This webinar will explore emerging threats from invasive marine species\, the latest research on coral disease\, and innovative approaches to marine biosecurity. Experts will discuss NOAA’s response to invasive soft corals\, advancements in diagnosing and mitigating stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD)\, the evolving impact of lionfish populations\, and strategies for strengthening marine biosecurity to protect ocean ecosystems. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nNOAA’s Response to an Emerging Threat of Invasive Soft Corals in the Pacific and Caribbean Basins – Presented by Dr. Joe KriegerRecently\, several marine invasive species have been identified in the Pacific and Caribbean that could impact mission critical operations for US military\, federal and state agencies\, and local communities. If these are not addressed and accounted for\, there’s a substantial risk that these species could be unintentionally spread to other US regions\, potentially causing escalating and compounded economic and ecological damage. In this presentation\, I will detail NOAA’s response to this emerging threat and ongoing efforts to prevent the spread and establishment of these marine invasive species. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoe Krieger\, Ph.D.\, NOAA Invasive Species Coordinator \n\n\n\nDr. Krieger serves as NOAA’s national invasive species coordinator and is duty stationed at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor\, MI. Joe helps to coordinate NOAA’s invasive species work across the country and to bring awareness to new and emerging threats to NOAA’s managed resources (coral reefs\, fish stocks\, coastal/ shoreline habitat\, etc.). \n\n\n\n\n\nMolecular characterization and diagnosis of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) – Presented by Dr. Michael StudivanStony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is the most destructive coral disease described to date\, and has become endemic in most parts of the Caribbean. The AOML Coral Program is conducting interdisciplinary research to mitigate further impacts of this disease on Caribbean reefs\, as well as to prevent the potential spread of SCTLD to Pacific reefs. In this talk\, Dr. Michael Studivan will present an overview of the research the AOML Coral Program is conducting to characterize\, diagnose\, and model SCTLD spread\, including implications for management. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Michael Studivan\, Associate ScientistDr. Michael Studivan is an Associate Scientist at the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) and NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML)\, as part of the AOML Coral Program. His research involves the use of advanced molecular techniques to better understand coral diseases and treatments\, genetic connectivity of coral ecosystems\, and physiology/adaptation of corals in marginal and extreme environments. \n\n\n\n\n\nNature\, Take the Wheel!: Lionfish Abundance\, Impacts\, and Control After the Invasion Peak – Presented by Dr. Steve GittingsWhere are lionfish on the timeline of their invasion cycle? In many places they probably reached peak abundance several years ago. How will the post-peak phase play out? What will determine the levels of future impacts? Will the legacy of lionfish impacts be highly destructive on a continual basis\, less disruptive at some lower level\, or just a memory? \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSteve Gittings\, Ph.D.\, Chief Scientist\, NOAA Office of National Marine SanctuariesDr. Steve Gittings is a conservation scientist\, training and working at Texas A&M University before managing the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary\, then becoming Chief Scientist for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries in 1997. His specialty is ecosystem characterization and monitoring. He has studied coral reef ecology\, invasive species\, biofouling\, and impacts from ship groundings and oil spills. His team produces reports on resource status and trends in national marine sanctuaries\, which are critical elements of management planning. He has been a diver for over 50 years\, a scientific diver for over 40 years\, has done four saturation missions in the Aquarius habitat\, operated ROVs\, and is a submarine pilot. He also developed a lionfish trap that he hopes will help control deep populations of this invasive species while supplying lionfish as seafood. \n\n\n\n\n\nImproving Marine Biosecurity – Presented by Dr. Val BrownThis talk will provide a brief overview of marine biosecurity concepts including prevention\, early detection and rapid response\, and control and the challenges of addressing invasive species in the marine environment. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVal Brown\, Research Coordinator\, NOAA National Marine Sanctuary of American SamoaVal Brown is one of the leads for the Pacific Preparedness Team of the US Coral Reef Task Force Coral Disease and Disturbance Working Group. She has worked in the Pacific Islands since 2004 on a broad array of issues including regional marine biosecurity. She was part of the teams that developed the strategic implementation plan for the Micronesia and Hawai’i Regional Biosecurity Plan and control efforts for crown of thorns starfish\, a nuisance species\, in Guam. In her current role as the Research Coordinator for the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa\, Val leads the conservation science program and efforts to better understand and protect the amazing marine resources in the sanctuary and the ecosystem services they provide to the people of American Samoa. \n\n\n\n\n\nHorizon Scanning and Risk Assessment – Presented by Rochelle Sturtevant\, Ph.D.This talk will provide an overview of NOAA work in the Great Lakes region to synthesize horizon scanning and risk assessment conducted at scales ranging from local to global\, and to scale this information for application to the Great Lakes. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRochelle Sturtevant\, Ph.D.\, AIS Specialist and Program Manager for the NOAA Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System (GLANSIS)\, Michigan Sea Grant\, Michigan University ExtensionDr. Sturtevant has worked with the GLANSIS database since its inception in 2003\, first as the Sea Grant Liaison to NOAA-GLERL and later as the GLANSIS Program Manager. This NOAA-led regional searchable database provides researchers\, natural resource managers and educators with access to distribution and impact data\, risk assessments\, and synthesis of the latest research publications. Rochelle’s position allows her to work collaboratively with Michigan Sea Grant\, Michigan State University Extension\, and the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) to address regional science information needs and support early detection and rapid response as well as regional coordination. Dr. Sturtevant serves as Sea Grant research representative to the Great Lakes Panel on ANS as well as contributing to the National Invasive Species Council’s Horizon Scanning Task Team and the ANSTF’s Early Detection and Rapid Response Subcommittee. \n\n\n\n\n\nAn overview of Chondria tumulosa in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and the development of preliminary biosecurity protocolsChondria tumulosa was first observed and collected in 2016 after it was found in small patches overgrowing coral reefs around the northeastern backreefs of Manawai (Pearl & Hermes Reef) in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM). It was not until a research expedition in 2019 that the seriousness and extent of Chondria reef overgrowth and spread came to light. At that time\, preliminary lethality experiments were conducted to inform management of the biosecurity protocols required to mitigate the risk of inadvertently spreading this cryptogenic species elsewhere in the PMNM or inhabited Hawaiian Islands. Further trials were conducted in 2022 to better expand managers’ biosecurity mitigation options after the alga was discovered at the adjacent atoll of Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) in 2021. In 2023\, the species was identified at Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll) growing cryptically and is now considered to be present at the last three atolls of the Hawaiian Archipelago. It is imperative that managers understand the options available to prevent further spread of this species through vectors associated with anthropogenic activities and natural occurrences. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian B. Hauk\, Sanctuary Resource Specialist\, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries-PapahānaumokuākeaBrian Hauk is the Resource Protection Specialist for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Part of his duties are to oversee PMNM’s marine biosecurity protocols for alien species management in the Monument. Prior to his time at NOAA\, he worked for Hawaii’s Division of Aquatic Resources utilizing mechanical removal techniques and biocontrol methods to control several invasive red algal species. This background has been very applicable to PMNM’s most recent challenge of managing Chondria tumulosa. Since its discovery\, Hauk has been heavily involved in the development of management actions related to the cryptogenic species that is overgrowing pristine coral reefs in the northern most atolls of PMNM.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-marine-biosecurity/
CATEGORIES:NISAW,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250225T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250225T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20250123T124857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250221T161543Z
UID:124793-1740484800-1740492000@naisma.org
SUMMARY:NISAW Webinar: USGS Research Partnerships Enhancing Biosecurity to Reduce Risks of Invasive Species
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an engaging webinar exploring innovative biosecurity efforts led by the United States Geological Survey. Topics include the use of airborne rapid eDNA technology in the Pacific Islands\, building effective partnerships to strengthen Pacific biosecurity\, evaluating the biosecurity benefits of boot brush stations\, and addressing the threats posed by exotic annual grasses to the western drylands. Discover how these cutting-edge initiatives are helping to protect ecosystems across diverse landscapes. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nAbstracts & Speakers \n\n\n\nCargo shipments represent one of the primary means for accidental introduction of invasive species to remote islands in the Pacific. Visual inspections can be challenging because of the complexity of different types of cargo and the small size of many invasive species of concern\, particularly insects. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a highly sensitive approach for species detection if an area can be effectively surveyed to collect eDNA\, which is challenging in terrestrial settings. Airborne eDNA represents a promising avenue to collect and isolate DNA from cargo areas\, and the enclosed nature of a cargo container may allow eDNA to accumulate\, even among small invertebrates. We will discuss preliminary work our team has been doing to assess the promise of airborne eDNA for island biosecurity and if successful\, how these protocols could be implemented in the future \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStephen Spear\, Research Biologist\, USGS Upper MidwestEnvironmental Sciences CenterStephen began his career as a conservation scientist with the Orianne Society\, a reptile and amphibian conservation organization and concurrently as a visiting scientist with the University of Idaho. During this time he worked on landscape genetics of snakes\, developed an eDNA monitoring program for eastern hellbender\, and initiated a bushmaster conservation program in Costa Rica. After six years at Orianne Society\, he worked for four years as Director of Wildlife Ecology at The Wilds\, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums institution in eastern Ohio\, where he oversaw hellbender and American burying beetle headstarting and reintroduction\, conducted site-level ecological studies\, and continued his work on eDNA and genomic projects. His USGS research portfolio includes advancing environmental DNA detection and use as an early detection and rapid response tool for management of invasive species. \n\n\n\n\n\nDeveloping strong biosecurity measures requires scientific knowledge\, standardized processes\, partnerships across disciplines\, and local leadership. In January 2025\, Guam led an on-island Biosecurity Training that served to showcase and advance years of information exchange with local\, regional\, and national agencies on best practices for managing the flow of invasive species into and off of the island. Guam is a major transportation hub for the Pacific Islands and is key to strengthening the region’s resilience to and preventing the spread of invasive species. This presentation will focus on the roles of the Department of the Interior and USGS in supporting the partnerships and science that supported Guam in hosting its recent Biosecurity Training\, and how we can advance timely followup action items and promising outcomes that benefit Guam as well as the neighboring islands in the Pacific region. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHeather Kerkering\, Assistant Regional Administrator for the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science CenterPrior to serving as Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA)\, Kerkering was the Science Coordinator for the PI CASC. As the ARA\, Kerkering facilitates collaborations with USGS scientists and partners across the State of Hawai’i and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) that focus on building resiliency of the Pacific’s fragile island ecosystems\, while acknowledging the importance of U.S. government strategic planning across the region. She was a founder of the Pacific RISCC and serves on several related committees\, including the National Invasive Species Council. Her work supports the Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs and she represents USGS to events such as the annual Territorial Workshops\, Biosecurity Trainings\, and the Pacific Ecological Security Conference. Kerkering had the privilege to join the DOI delegation for Our Oceans 2022. Kerkering also oversees dozens of PICASC projects that span a wide range of topics and geographies\, carried out by federal and University Principal Investigators and local/regional community partners. Before joining PICASC\, Kerkering served as the Director of the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) at the UH Mānoa\, She also helped launch the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CenCOOS) at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. She co-edited the first book on Coastal Ocean Observing Systems and has participated in numerous regional\, national\, and international initiatives to improve the collection\, coordination\, and application of environmental information to improve decision-making. \n\n\n\n\n\nBiological invasions represent a major threat to natural resource protection and conservation of biodiversity. With greater socioeconomic connections\, use of recreation areas\, and climate change\, the spread of invasive plants is only expected to increase. These biological pressures have led to significant investments in control measures\, with particular interest in early detection and rapid response tools. In the last decade\, boot brush stations have emerged as a promising tool for limiting introduction and spread of invasive organisms on human footwear in natural areas. In the first part of this presentation\, we review existing literature to evaluate what is known about the efficacy of these stations in different environmental\, biological\, and social contexts and their potential for biosecurity in the United States. In the second part\, we highlight efforts from the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) to promote a national network of boot brush stations as part of their PlayCleanGo program. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIan Pearse\, Ecologist\, Fort Collins Science Center Ian conducts research at the individual\, population\, community\, and ecosystem level scales. His work focuses on plant-insect interactions and involves work on endangered insects such as bumble bees\, strategies to map and control invasive plants\, the chemical ecology and behaviors that affect herbivory\, and the boom-and-bust seed production dynamics of many trees (i.e. mast seeding). His work informs management decisions made by the US Fish and Wildlife Service\, National Parks\, and a variety of other groups. \n\n\n\n\n\nCheatgrass and other exotic annual grasses have severely impacted vast expanses of semiarid uplands\, causing damaging increases in wildfire\, loss of native perennials and the habitat they provide\, and detracting from grazing\, military training\, recreation\, and other landscape uses. Management responses have ranged from acceptance of the changes; or resisting the changes through fire protection and suppression; or directing the changes to tolerable “alternative” vegetation states\, often with mixed success. Key breakthroughs have been made recently in detection\, monitoring\, and mapping of the invaders and the wildfire risks they pose\, and in the toolkits for eradication and restoration. Involvement of USGS scientists in the planning\, implementation\, and assessment of the treatments had led to substantial advances in the understanding of the fire and invasion problems\, enhancement of the tools\, and improved security of the fire and invasion threats across vast areas. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMatt Germino\, Supervisory Research Ecologist\, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science CenterMatt Germino is a supervisory research ecologist that developed and now leads the USGS FIREss team (Fire\, Invasives\, and Restoration Ecology of Shrub Steppe) of 20 researchers on the invasive-grass and wildfire problem affecting sagebrush rangelands and similar habitats in the western USA. The team provides both basic and actionable science for adaptive management of invasive grass-fire problems\, typically co-produced with managers of BLM\, FWS\, NPS\, DOE\, DOD\, state\, and private lands. His work topics such as ecology and control options for cheatgrass and other invaders\, wildfire fuels and risk modeling\, post-fire recovery. and determining the right restoration seed at the right time and place are described in nearly 200 journal articles over the last 25 years.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-biosecurity-at-usgs/
CATEGORIES:NISAW,Webinars
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250225T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250225T150000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20250203T224725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250222T180310Z
UID:125236-1740492000-1740495600@naisma.org
SUMMARY:NISAW Webinar: Natural Security is National Security - Invasive Species and their Insidious Impacts on Critical Infrastructure
DESCRIPTION:Biological invasions may represent a larger threat to health\, economic\, and national security than natural disasters but are largely insidious and unappreciated threats. Recent estimates place the costs of invasive species as >$26B every year for the last decade in North America\, with significant costs coming from the food and agriculture; emergency services; and nuclear energy\, hydropower\, and other water dependent sectors – all essential components of U.S. critical infrastructure. Despite this\, collective awareness and action remains discouragingly low. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Agriculture are working together and with other partners to amplify existing efforts to address this critical threat and develop new approaches to early warning and response. Collective work includes developing case studies to strengthen messaging; conducting exploratory analyses to develop shared priorities for action and identify opportunities to harmonize funding for capacity building; and strengthening early detection and response efforts. Effectively addressing invasive species requires a fuller appreciation of their direct national security impacts and an expansive\, multidisciplinary\, One Health approach to address the threat before it is too late. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMatthew Kuhn\, DVM\, Ph.D. – Veterinary Medical Officer with the Department of Homeland SecurityMatt Kuhn is a Veterinary Medical Officer with the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Health Security. Dr. Kuhn first joined DHS in 2021 as a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow\, supporting the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office’s policy office on biodefense issues. Here\, he coordinated the Department’s input on topics such as the 2022 National Biodefense Strategy and re-writing and exercise of the BINA protocol. Matt has prior experience in the Department of Defense as a Deputy Senior Scientist providing technical and regulatory affairs support for Warfighter vaccine development. Matt graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Animal Science (BS)\, Veterinary Medicine (DVM)\, and Immunology (PhD) and currently resides in Michigan. Matt is a father of two\, an avid Michigan State fan\, and looks forward every Spring to tapping his backyard trees to make real maple syrup.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-natural-security-is-national-security-invasive-species-and-their-insidious-impacts-on-critical-infrastructure/
CATEGORIES:NISAW,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250226T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250226T150000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20250127T153738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250212T124229Z
UID:125008-1740574800-1740582000@naisma.org
SUMMARY:NISAW Webinar: Strengthening Pacific Island Biosecurity: Insights to Slow the Spread of Invasive Species
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an informative webinar exploring strategies to protect Pacific Island ecosystems from invasive species. Experts will share insights into Pacific Islands Biosecurity\, explore the unique and important roles and challenges of Pacific Islands in preventing the spread of invasive species\, discuss efforts to build resilience through regional networks\, and present cutting-edge techniques like Strawberry Guava detection using aerial imagery and LiDAR data on Hawaiʻi Island. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Elliott Parsons\, Specialist\, Pacific Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network\, Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa \n\n\n\nDr. Elliott Parsons is a specialist with the Pacific Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (Pacific RISCC) Management Network at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He has worked with Pacific RISCC since 2022\, and he has almost 15 years of experience working in conservation\, management\, and research in Hawaiʻi. Dr. Parsons holds a Ph.D. in Fish & Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana and a B.A. in Anthropology at the University of California\, Santa Cruz\, and he most recently led the Nāpuʻu Conservation Project (NCP) at Puʻuwaʻawaʻa in North Kona for 12 years for the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources. In addition to his conservation work\, Dr. Parsons taught both undergraduate and graduate wildlife science courses at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo between 2016 and 2023. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOlivia Jarvis\, Graduate Student at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo\, Research Assistant at the Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization (SDAV) LabOlivia Jarvis is currently a graduate student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo pursuing her Master’s of Science degree in Tropical Biology and Environmental Science. She recently earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science from UH Hilo in 2022. Olivia’s thesis work is focused on exploring remote sensing methods such as RGB aerial imagery and LiDAR data to detect invasive strawberry guava trees on Hawai‘i Island. She is also currently working as a research assistant for the Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization lab at UH Hilo with her advisor Dr. Ryan Perroy. She supports other remote sensing work including photogrammetry with imagery taken via small unmanned aerial systems and helicopters\, invasive species detection with object detection machine learning\, and the deployment and monitoring of biocontrol for strawberry guava trees.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-climate-change-and-invasives/
CATEGORIES:NISAW,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T153000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20250122T132800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250227T125344Z
UID:124784-1740657600-1740670200@naisma.org
SUMMARY:NISAW Webinar: Biosecurity and the US. Army Corps of Engineers
DESCRIPTION:Explore the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ innovative approaches to biosecurity in this insightful webinar. Topics include the implementation of watercraft inspection stations\, the use of alligator weed flea beetles for biocontrol\, strategies for invasive carp protection\, and biocontrol measures to enhance border protection. Join us to learn how these efforts are safeguarding ecosystems and supporting national biosecurity goals. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nPresentations and Speakers:  \n\n\n\n\nUSACE’s Invasive Species Leadership – What’s It All About – Brianna Treichler\n\n\n\nBiological Control within USACE: Short- and Long-term Environmental and Economic Benefits – Nathan Harms\n\n\n\nConnecticut River Hydrilla Control Technology – Ben SperryHydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) is a highly aggressive aquatic invasive plant that has invaded every region of the US. This plant forms dense stands that impede navigation and recreation\, alter water flow posing flood risk\, out-competes native plants\, alter water chemistry\, and degrades aquatic ecosystems. Additionally\, three distinct hydrilla genotypes have been introduced to the US since the 1950s. This presentation will discuss the past\, present\, and future R&D efforts by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s for protecting US waterways from hydrilla invasions.\n\n\n\nJacksonville District Alligator Weed Flea Beetle Program – Chelsea BohatyThe Jacksonville District manages the Alligatorweed Biological Control Program; the presentation will go through the annual process to coordinate\, capture\, and distribute Alligatorweed Flea Beetles from Florida to other locations across the US; the service is free to requesting agencies and supports significant reductions in Alligatorweed infestations across the U.S. each year.\n\n\n\nAquatic Plant Control Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Activities – Jonas Grundman\n\n\n\nRapid Response to Giant Salvinia in the St. Johns River Basin – Jessica Spencer\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChelsea Bohaty is a biologist in the Jacksonville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers with the Invasive Species Management Branch. She leads the Alligatorweed Biological Control Program to distribute alligatorweed flea beetles nationwide to help control invasive species. She and her colleagues employ integrated pest management to manage invasive plants throughout the state of Florida and beyond\, focusing on the St Johns River system and Lake Okeechobee. \n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Benjamin Sperry is a Research Biologist and Leader of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Aquatic Plant Management Team who conducts applied research to provide management solutions for aquatic plant control operations. His research focuses on aquatic and invasive plant management and he specializes in aquatic herbicide use-pattern develop for key invasive plants in the US. Dr. Sperry received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Florida in plant science and weed science\, respectively. He earned his Ph.D. in weed science from Mississippi State University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrianna Treichler is a Natural Resource Specialist at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)\, Blue Marsh Lake Project in Leesport\, PA. She is the Partnership and Volunteer Coordinator at Blue Marsh Lake working with various state\, local\, educational\, and non-profit institutions on projects related to environmental stewardship and recreation. In her role\, one of her main focuses is integrating invasive species management practices into projects while also leading the Water Quality/Harmful Algal Bloom and Invasive Species Management programs. Brianna recently became the Chairperson for the USACE Invasive Species Leadership Team (ISLT)\, where she represents the USACE North Atlantic Division. Established in 2005\, the ISLT is comprised of various individuals and researchers to provide oversight and guidance to the Invasive Species Program throughout the Corps. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJessica Spencer is an invasive species biologist working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Jacksonville District for the Invasive Species Management Branch.  She has been in this position for 16 years\, developing invasive species management plans\, overseeing invasive species control contractors and collaborating with agency partners to address invasive species issues throughout the state of Florida\, as well as other district offices throughout the nation.  She currently holds a Pesticide Applicator License from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  She is an active member of the Florida Native Plant Society\, Florida Invasive Species Council\, Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and the First Coast Invasive Working Group.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-biosecurity-and-the-us-army-corps-of-engineers/
CATEGORIES:NISAW,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T103000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20250123T125954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250227T174639Z
UID:124799-1740735000-1740738600@naisma.org
SUMMARY:NISAW Webinar: New World Screwworm 2025: Preparing for a U.S. Domestic Response
DESCRIPTION:With the movement of New World Screwworm northward through Central America since 2022 and into Mexico in November 2024\, the United States Department of Agriculture\, Veterinary Services is preparing to address domestic cases and outbreaks of NWS in animals as part of fortifying inspection processes along the United States’ southern border. Numerous preparedness activities including policy\, outreach and training for staff and stakeholders are planned and being delivered. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Denise Bonilla\, Entomologist\, USDA APHIS \n\n\n\nFor the past 8 years\, Denise Bonilla has served as the USDA APHIS Strategy and Policy\, National Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Coordinator and a Veterinary Services Entomologist in Fort Collins\, Colorado. She holds a M.S. In Environmental Science and Policy Management from University of California\, Berkeley\, a M.S. in Biology from Georgia Southern University\, and a B.S. in Entomology from the University of Florida. Her background is in Medical and Veterinary Entomology. She has worked with lice\, mosquitoes\, bed bugs\, and specializes in ticks and tick-borne disease ecology. She is also a Veterinary Services subject matter expert for Cattle Fever Ticks\, New World Screwworm\, and the Asian longhorned tick.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-new-world-screwworm-2025-preparing-for-a-u-s-domestic-response/
CATEGORIES:NISAW,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/swork1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T113000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040335
CREATED:20250203T230609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250203T231143Z
UID:125259-1740738600-1740742200@naisma.org
SUMMARY:NISAW Webinar: Operationalizing Collective Action for Pandemics\, Ecosystems\, and Community Resilience in 45 Countries: One Health\, Sustainable Development Goals and the OH-SMART tool
DESCRIPTION:Invasive species threaten our ecosystems\, our economy\, and our community’s health and well-being. Yet\, mitigating this threat is highly complex. Introduction and invasion of these species touch many agencies\, constituencies\, and sectors from the very local municipal and community level all the way to global governmental\, non-profit\, and private sector organizations. In addition\, each species that is introduced comes with a completely new array of stakeholders that must be engaged and coordinated to prevent or control invasion. This talk will discuss several models and tools that have successfully fostered collaborative action in 45 countries for addressing complex threats to communities and ecosystems including invasive species. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Dr. Katey Pelican\, Director\, Strategic Partnership and Research Collaborative and Co-Lead Systemwide University of Minnesota Sustainable Development Goals InitiativeDr. Pelican has worked in 45 countries to strengthen the multi sectoral systems needed to address the world’s most complex challenges in the integrative fields of One Health and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She founded and directs the SPARC office (sparc.umn.edu) at U. Minnesota charged with establishing and growing large-scale\, interdisciplinary programs and projects. She founded and co-leads the system-wide SDG Initiative (sdg.umn.edu) to mobilize UMN to meet these 17 UN goals from the local to the global level. She also created the OH-SMART toolkit (oh-smart.umn.edu) that has improved multi-sectoral cooperation around complex challenges in the US and 29 countries globally.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-operationalizing-collective-action-for-pandemics-ecosystems-and-community-resilience-in-45-countries-one-health-sustainable-development-goals-and-the-oh-smart-tool/
CATEGORIES:NISAW,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iStock-2181897384-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250228T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040336
CREATED:20250122T133223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250224T192858Z
UID:124786-1740744000-1740751200@naisma.org
SUMMARY:NISAW Webinar: Strategic Prevention Initiatives - Having Impact at Multiple Scales
DESCRIPTION:This webinar will highlight examples of strategic and collaborative prevention projects supported by the Department of the Interior (DOI). Projects featured include recipients of DOI’s Notice of Funding Opportunity offered in 2022 to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species through strategic landscape-level approaches. Presenters will provide an overview of progress made. \n\n\n\nPresentations and Speakers: \n\n\n\n\nRapid deployment of watercraft cleaning stations – Zach Burnside\, Wildlife ForeverThis presentation will detail the steps taken to work with local and state partners in the Columbia River Basin to install signage\, pavement markings\, and user-led watercraft cleaning stations at public access sites in the Columbia River Basin.\n\n\n\nStrengthening the California Islands biosecurity program to leverage outcomes for biosecurity on U.S. Department of the Interior Islands – Dr. Nick Holmes (The Nature Conservancy) and Annie LIttle (National Park Service)Annie Little and Nick Holmes will be presenting efforts to Strengthen the California Islands Biosecurity program including opportunities to leverage outcomes for biosecurity on US Department of the Interior Islands broadly.\n\n\n\nAn international approach to addressing aquatic invasive species in commerce – Leah Elwell (Conservation Collaborations\, LLC) and Stephanie Otts\, J.D. (National Sea Grant Law Center)Commerce in aquatic invasive species represents a significant pathway for their introduction and spread globally. This presentation will share multiple solutions to address key areas that lead to aquatic invasive species issues associated with commerce.\n\n\n\nPreventing the introduction and spread of invasive species through NAISMA’s strategic international prevention programs – Christie Trifone Millhouse\, NAISMANAISMA and our partners steward and implement international prevention programs\, including PlayCleanGo®: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks® and Certified Weed Free Products (WFP). These well-established prevention programs are aimed at stopping the spread of invasive species through specific human-assisted pathways. With funding received from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\, NAISMA has taken significant steps to advance these campaigns.\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZach Burnside\, Invasive Species Program Manager\, Wildlife ForeverZach manages national Clean.Drain.Dry. Initiative outreach\, education\, and implementation of access-based cleaning solutions to empower the recreational boater and angler to do their part \n\n\n\nto prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Nick Holmes\, Associate Director of Oceans\, California Chapter of The Nature ConservancyNick lead’s TNC’s Island Resilience Strategy and works in thematic areas of island conservation\, invasive species management\, seabird restoration and threatened species recovery. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnnie Little\, Supervisory Natural Resource Manager\, Channel Islands National Park\, National Park ServiceAnnie leads the terrestrial program for Channel Islands National Park. Her focus is the conservation of unique island ecosystems\, including eradication and control of invasive species\, habitat restoration\, and species recovery. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeah Elwell\, President\, Conservation Collaborations\, LLCLeah leads Conservation Collaborations\, LLC.\, that works with partners to identify solutions for invasive species and conservation issues. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStephanie Otts\, J.D.\, Director\, National Sea Grant Law Center As Director\, Stephanie oversees a variety of legal education\, research\, and outreach activities and has conducted extensive research on legal issues related to invasive species management. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChristie Trifone Millhouse\, Executive Director\, North American Invasive Species Management AssociationChristie serves as the Executive Director of the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA). With over 25 years of experience in the conservation sector\, Christie brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic vision to her leadership role. As Executive Director\, she oversees the development and implementation of innovative policies and programs that address invasive species management across North America. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders\, including land and water resource managers\, agency directors\, and nonprofit organizations. Christie’s expertise and dedication ensure that NAISMA remains at the forefront of efforts to mitigate the impact of invasive species through education\, outreach\, and professional networking.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-biosecurity-at-the-department-of-the-interior/
CATEGORIES:NISAW,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250319T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250319T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040336
CREATED:20250117T140540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250222T180432Z
UID:124730-1742389200-1742392800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Canadian Biocontrol Experience: Past\, Present and Future
DESCRIPTION:Biological control efforts in Canada have a long history of success\, with the first programs targeting invasive agricultural pests in the 1930s. Canada’s first weed biocontrol program soon followed\, with herbivorous insects from Europe used to control St. John’s wort. In collaboration with British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests\, a long-time funder of biocontrol research in Canada\, we are now reevaluating Canada’s oldest weed biological programs\, to assess their contemporary efficacy (St. John’s wort\, spotted knapweed). We will discuss our findings in these old systems before turning to more recent programs that are successfully controlling invasive plants in Canada using agents that have not been available in the US (i.e. houndstongue). We will then highlight study systems that are in the earliest stages of on-the-ground biocontrol in Canada and show promise (i.e. garlic mustard)\, before discussing new options on the horizon for invasive plants of growing concern (parrot’s feather\, Tree of heaven – and its linkage to management efforts for the invasive pest insect\, spotted lanternfly). Together\, these study systems serve to outline Canada’s long\, successful and ongoing biological control programs for invasive plants that are concerns globally. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. David Ensing\, Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada \n\n\n\n Dr. David Ensing is a Research Scientist in Vegetation Ecology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Summerland\, BC\, Canada. His research interests focus on understanding the evolutionary ecology of species distributions. His research programme at AAFC includes weed biological control\, Indigenous food security and sovereignty\, rangeland ecology\, and vegetation management in managed and unmanaged agro-ecosystems. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Chandra Moffat\, Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada \n\n\n\nDr. Chandra Moffat is a Research Scientist in Entomology and Biological Control with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Her team conducts research to develop\, evaluate\, and improve classical/importation biological control programs for both invasive arthropod and invasive plant species that impact horticulture\, rangeland\, Indigenous food systems\, and natural areas. Her team uses integrative methods in field ecology\, natural history\, plant and insect taxonomy\, and molecular ecology (both DNA barcoding and population genomics) to develop new biological control solutions for invasive species management.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-canadian-biocontrol-experience-past-present-and-future/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Canadian.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250414T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250417T170000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040336
CREATED:20240725T121840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250123T141706Z
UID:123839-1744617600-1744909200@naisma.org
SUMMARY:National Forum on Biological Control Conference
DESCRIPTION:The USDA Forest Service is leading the 2nd National Forum on Biological Control Conference in partnership with the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) and National Association of State Foresters (NASF). This conference will focus on both weed and arthropod biocontrol and will be a venue for all biocontrol practitioners\, researchers\, policy makers and others from integrated disciplines to come together to address the shared challenges (e.g.\, communication\, capacity\, changing landscapes) and opportunities that exist in this area. The themes for this meeting will focus on biocontrol research\, management\, and policy and impacts across ecosystems. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAGENDA\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAgenda for the April 14 USDA ARS Northeast Area Stakeholder Engagement Meeting for Biological Control. \n\n\n\nCall for Oral Presentation and Poster Abstracts \n\n\n\nAbstracts for the conference are due November 15th\, 2024 \n\n\n\nConference sessions will be centered around the main themes of biocontrol research\, management\, and policy and impacts\, with various topics highlighted in the table below. We’d like to invite anyone who would like to present an oral presentation or poster to please submit your abstract by the November 15th deadline. To ensure a common thread exists between the presentations throughout the conference\, we’d like abstracts and presentations to include their respective topic’s applicable key strengths\, challenges\, opportunities\, needs\, and next steps forward. \n\n\n\nPlease send in your oral presentation and/or poster abstracts and biographical sketches to Vanessa Lopez (vanessa.lopez@usda.gov) by November 15th.  \n\n\n\nGuidelines for abstracts and biographical sketches \n\n\n\nSubmission Form \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024 NFBCC Proceedings\n\n\n\n\nPartners
URL:https://naisma.org/event/national-forum-on-biological-control-conference/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/biocontrol-forum-square.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250416T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250416T143000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040336
CREATED:20250124T131913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T170953Z
UID:124827-1744808400-1744813800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Spotted Lanternfly in North America: Insights\, Impacts\, and Preparing for the Future
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a dynamic webinar featuring expert insights on the spotted lanternfly invasion in North America. Learn about the insect’s biology\, cold tolerance thresholds\, and the potential for northward expansion. Discover how Washington State is preparing for its arrival with a focus on cultural resource protection\, and explore a citizen science initiative preserving lanternfly specimens for future research. \n\n\n\nSpeakers:Julie Urban\, Penn State University\, Amanda Roe\, Natural Resources Canada\, Jessica La Belle\, Washington Invasive Species Council\, Michelle Duennes\, Saint Vincent College \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nTiming of female spotted lanternfly reproductive development across its present range in the US presented by Julie UrbanAs the spotted lanternfly expands its range in North America\, it is encountering temperatures that are potentially beyond the range of those used to date to model its seasonal activity. In warmer regions\, we hypothesize that heavy feeding and reproductive maturation are likely to occur earlier than in cooler regions\, and that this could translate into greater impact on host plants due to longer\, heavier feeding. We also hypothesize that in cooler regions\, reproductive maturation is likely to occur later than in warmer regions\, and could translate into less impact on host plants due to shorter durations of cumulative feeding. To test these hypotheses\, female adult spotted lanternfly were collected from each of four sites across the northern/southern extent of its current US range at multiple time points in the 2024 field season. Results obtained concerning the body mass of collected female adults showed mixed support for our hypotheses\, and demonstrate the importance of “ground truthing” model expectations with data from wild SLF populations. \n\n\n\nSurprising lower lethal limits of the invasive spotted lanternfly presented by Amanda RoeAmanda D Roe and Anna J TurbelinSpotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is invasive in North America. This species continues to spread beyond its initial infestation site and has established in over 18 states in the eastern USA. Cold winter temperatures are predicted to limit the northern spread of this species\, however the cold tolerance and lower thermal limits of this species have not been examined in the North American invaded range. We demonstrate that the egg masses (the overwintering stage of the spotted lanternfly) are surprisingly cold tolerant. We observed hatch after short and long term exposures to temperatures below -20C\, well below previously published thermal limits for the species. These results will be critical to inform future risk assessments and distribution modeling for this high risk invasive. \n\n\n\nCultural Impacts of the Spotted Lanternfly in Washington State presented by Jessica La BelleSpotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) has not yet been detected in Washington State\, but Washington is taking a proactive approach and has recently completed the Spotted Lanternfly State Action Plan. This plan is unique in that it addresses the potential impacts of spotted lanternfly on culturally significant ethnobotanicals. \n\n\n\nThe Spotted Lanternfly Invasion Archive: a citizen science effort to track and study an invasive species presented by Michelle DuennesThis presentation will discuss the Spotted Lanternfly Invasion Archive project\, which engages students and community members across several Pennsylvania counties to collect and preserve samples of the invasive spotted lanternfly. The archive supports future research on the species’ spread\, adaptation\, and evolution. The talk will highlight current progress in building the specimen collection and outline next steps. \n\n\n\nSpeaker Bios: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Julie Urban – Dr. Julie Urban is a Research Associate Professor in the Entomology Department at Pennsylvania State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from the University at Albany. She studies planthopper evolution and their co-evolution with multiple bacterial and fungal symbionts. Her recent work involves aspects of basic and applied research on the invasive planthopper\, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). She has been a member of USDA’s Technical Working Group of scientists\, advising management and research on the Spotted Lanternfly\, since it was first detected in the US in September\, 2014. Dr. Urban is the lead PI on a $7.3M regional USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative grant studying the biology\, management\, reducing the impact of Spotted Lanternfly in specialty crops in the eastern USA. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Amanda Roe –  Dr. Amanda Roe is a Research Scientist with Natural Resources Canada at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre based in Sault Ste. Marie\, Ontario\, Canada. Her research team focuses on the evolutionary ecology of forest pests. They quantify the cold tolerance physiology and population genomics of invasive and native forest pests to characterize their history of spread and predict the risk of future establishments. This knowledge supports the management and regulation of high-risk pests\, informing risk assessments and forest management. Dr. Roe also provides scientific oversight to the Insect Production and Quarantine Laboratory\, an internationally recognized multi-species rearing facility that provides research-quality insects and insect diets to clients around the world. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJessica La Belle – Jessica is the Invasive Species Program Specialist for the Washington Invasive Species Council and facilitator for the multi-agency Spotted Lanternfly Preparedness Advisory Group. She has worked with a variety of invasive species from apple maggot to zebra mussels. Jessica was the primary public point of contact when the discoveryof northern giant hornet in Washington state became national news and a viral internet sensation. She assisted in the dissection of the first northern giant hornet nest found in the US\, and has been featured on the Discovery Channel\, RFD-TV\, and YouTube. She holdsa bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Alaska Anchorage\, and a Master’s in agricultural sciences and extension education from Colorado State University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Michelle Duennes – Dr. Michelle Duennes is an Associate Professor of Biology at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe\, Pennsylvania. She teaches General Biology II\, Ecology\, Evolution\, and Invertebrate Zoology. Her research focuses on bumble bee nutritional ecology and conservation genomics\, and now also spotted lanternfly invasion genetics. She is one of the co-founders of the Spotted Lanternfly Invasion Archive\, a citizen science project where participants are encouraged to collect spotted lanternflies yearly to track how they move and adapt over time.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-spotted-lanternfly-in-north-america-insights-impacts-and-preparing-for-the-future/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250521T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250521T143000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040336
CREATED:20250320T161505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250518T224545Z
UID:125701-1747832400-1747837800@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Beyond Buckthorn: Innovative Strategies for Invasive Control and Habitat Restoration
DESCRIPTION:Invasive buckthorn continues to threaten native ecosystems\, but new and creative management approaches are showing promising results. This webinar will explore cutting-edge strategies to control and replace buckthorn\, including the Cover It Up program\, which utilizes native plantings to suppress regrowth\, targeted goat grazing\, and the use of fungal pathogens to weaken buckthorn populations. Join experts as they share research-backed insights\, real-world applications\, and success stories from the field. Whether you’re a land manager\, conservationist\, or homeowner\, this session will equip you with practical tools to restore habitat and reclaim invaded landscapes. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nUsing plants to control buckthornPresented by Dr. Mike Schuster\, University of MinnesotaThe Cover It Up project evaluates novel approaches to controlling invasive buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and improving forest understory resilience. Since the project started in 2016\, we have found how establishing dense cover of native plants immediately following management can limit the abundance and vigor of returning buckthorn and suppress other invasive plants. In some cases\, this type of restoration planting can completely prevent buckthorn re-establishment. Our ongoing work continues to advance our understanding of which species to plant\, how to plant them\, which conditions favor their success\, and how these methods can be used in conjunction with other management strategies to fortify forests against invasion. \n\n\n\nSome things to chew on regarding goat browsing to control buckthorn Presented by Dr. Dan LarkinThe goal of invasive plant management is often to benefit native plants; however\, consequences of control actions on native vegetation are often not assessed. This is true with targeted grazing using livestock\, such as goats\, which is a rapidly expanding but little-studied method. Opinions among land managers vary widely regarding the potential effects of targeted goat browsing on native plants\, ranging from anticipating strong benefits to severe damage. To address this uncertainty\, we experimentally tested responses of deciduous-woodland understory plant communities to goat browsing for control of common buckthorn. The immediate and longer-term effects of goat browsing were quite different. Immediately after browsing\, there were striking reductions in buckthorn abundance and native plant communities. However\, one year later\, buckthorn and native plants alike had recovered. In fact\, native diversity was higher in the year following browsing\, perhaps due to reduced dominance by woody species. These results provide tentative support for goat browsing as a component of a broader woodland restoration strategy. They also caution against drawing conclusions from appearances immediately after browsing. Monitoring should continue for a minimum of one year following treatment and should address responses of both buckthorn and native plants. \n\n\n\nFungi Associated with Buckthorn as Prospects for BiocontrolRyan D. M. Franke and Robert A. Blanchette\, Department of Plant Pathology\, University of Minnesota\, Saint Paul\, MN\, USA 55108Common and glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica & Frangula alnus) are invasive species that can form dense stands that displace native species and threaten natural forest habitats. Cutting buckthorn is labor intensive and resprouting occurs. Chemical methods for control of invasive buckthorn are effective but can negatively affect sensitive ecosystems. A few recent investigations have explored the potential of fungi as inundative biological control for invasive buckthorn; however\, this research has been narrow in scope\, focusing on two species of fungi\, Puccinia coronata var. coronata and Chondrostereum purpureum\, with varying degrees of efficacy. Our project objectives are to collect and test a broad range of native fungi for their potential use as agents of biological control. During the summers of 2023 and 2024 with the collaboration of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources\, we visited 19 sites across Minnesota and Wisconsin with dead and dying invasive buckthorn. 412 fungi were isolated from samples of diseased buckthorn tissue and identified via DNA extraction and sequencing. These fungi were identified as 120 unique taxa belonging to 81 genera. Of these fungi\, 42 species belonging to 26 genera are considered canker or root-rot pathogens of woody plants\, including species in: Aplosporella\, Cadophora\, Cylindrobasidium\, Cytospora\, Diaporthe\, Didymella\, Diplodia\, Dothiorella\, Erythricium\, Eutypella\, Fusarium\, Hymenochaete\, Irpex\, Mycoleptodiscus\, Nectria\, Nectriella\, Neocosmospora\, Nothophoma\, Paraconiothyrium\, Peniophora\, Pezicula\, Phaeoacemonium\, Phaeobotryon\, Ramularia\, Thyronectria\, and Xylaria. In addition to the fungi isolated from dead and dying buckthorn\, 9 other pathogenic fungal taxa isolated from non-buckthorn hosts in Minnesota are also being evaluated for their biocontrol potential. These isolates were inoculated into healthy common buckthorn in the greenhouse to assess their pathogenicity. Results from this pathogenicity experiment will be presented. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Mike Schuster works in the Department of Forest Resources\, University of Minnesota Twin Cities studying invasive plant species\, nutrient cycling\, and climate change. His current project is Cover It Up: using native plants to control buckthorn\, which investigates impacts of forest revegetation on buckthorn re-invasion. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Dan Larkin is a Professor & Extension Specialist in the Department of Fisheries\, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He and his research team work on applied challenges in ecological restoration and invasive plant management in terrestrial\, wetland\, and aquatic habitats. Through extension\, he trains volunteers and professionals to support ecological restoration and invasive species response efforts. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRyan Franke graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. He began cultivating fungi as a hobbyist in 2017. His interest in microbial science inspired him to gain employment with the biotech company\, TerraMax\, in 2020. Thereafter\, Ryan came to the University of Minnesota to work in the Department of Ecology. Currently\, Ryan is a graduate research assistant in the Blanchette Forest Pathology lab at the University of Minnesota studying the potential of using fungi to biologically control non-local buckthorn. In his free time\, Ryan enjoys playing soccer and spending time outdoors with his wife Alicia and 2-year-old son Malachi.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-beyond-buckthorn-innovative-strategies-for-invasive-control-and-habitat-restoration/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/iStock-21832391882.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250607T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250614T170000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040336
CREATED:20250531T120359Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T164415Z
UID:133415-1749283200-1749920400@naisma.org
SUMMARY:PlayCleanGo® Awareness Week
DESCRIPTION:Join us for PlayCleanGo® Awareness Week\, taking place June 7–14\, 2025\, across North America! The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) invites outdoor enthusiasts\, land managers\, and recreation partners across the U.S.\, Canada\, and Mexico to take part in this annual campaign\, which empowers everyone who enjoys the outdoors to take simple\, effective actions to prevent the spread of invasive species—and protect the places we love. \n\n\n\nThis year’s theme\, “Partnering Together to Protect Our Favorite Places\,” underscores the importance of collaboration in safeguarding trails\, parks\, waterways\, and wildlands. Through a unified North American effort—co-hosted with our PlayCleanGo® partners in Canada and Mexico\, including Invasives Canada and CONABIO—this campaign highlights how collective action can lead to meaningful change across borders. \n\n\n\nThroughout the week\, we’ll be sharing inspiring stories\, helpful tips\, and outreach from individuals and organizations who are taking steps to “PlayCleanGo” in their everyday adventures. Our 2025 taglines—“Together we can prevent the spread of invasive species” and “All of us can protect our favorite places”—remind us that everyone has a role to play. \n\n\n\nHow to Get Involved: \n\n\n\n\nPartner with us to reach the outdoor recreation community through local events\, videos\, social media\, and media outreach.\n\n\n\nAdd your events to our PlayCleanGo® Awareness Week calendar!\n\n\n\nExplore partnership opportunities to support prevention-focused outreach.\n\n\n\nUse hashtags #PlayCleanGoWeek and #PlayCleanGo in your outreach and posts.\n\n\n\nTag PlayCleanGo® so we can help amplify your efforts:\n\n@PlayCleanGo on Facebook and Twitter\n\n\n\n@Play.Clean.Go on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\nShare your story PlayCleanGo® story with us by uploading a photo at:playcleango.org/take-action/photo-release-form\n\n\n\n\nDozens of free outreach materials are available at PlayCleanGo.org\, including graphics\, messaging templates\, and multilingual resources. Download the PlayCleanGo® Starter Kit to help promote this important campaign and encourage your community to Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks™!
URL:https://naisma.org/event/playcleango-awareness-week-2/
CATEGORIES:In-Person,PlayCleanGo®
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PCGweek.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250618T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250618T140000
DTSTAMP:20260411T040336
CREATED:20250417T121817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T122203Z
UID:125935-1750251600-1750255200@naisma.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Invasive Freshwater Jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbii) in North American lakes
DESCRIPTION:Many people have recently noticed small jellyfish floating around in summer in lakes. These are mostly a single invasive species known officially as Craspedacusta sowerbii or sometimes as the Peach-blossom jellyfish. If you have noticed them\, you may think you are seeing things\, but they are probably real. I will discuss what we know about this invasive species in North American lakes and why they are being noticed more and more often. While scientists still have a lot to learn about these organisms\, I will discuss in this webinar the knowledge we currently have\, providing some insight into their life histories and ecology\, as well as how they might be affecting food webs in our lakes. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Beatrix Beisner is Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Québec at Montréal (UQAM). Completing her PhD at the University of British Columbia in 2000\, she has over 30 years of experience in limnology. Her research interests are focused on lake ecology\, plankton community dynamics\, spatial ecology\, functional traits and biodiversity. She works with both phytoplankton and zooplankton communities in freshwater habitats using empirical\, experimental\, and modelling approaches. Dr. Beisner is currently Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Plankton Research (Oxford University Press) and she was Director/Co-Director of the Interuniversity Research Group in Limnology in Québec (GRIL) from 2015 to March 2025. She has co-edited 3 books and has published over 130 journal articles. In 2023 she was the recipient of the Frank Rigler Award\, the highest honour in her field from the Society for Canadian Aquatic Sciences. \n\n\n\nORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6972-6887
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-invasive-freshwater-jellyfish-craspedacusta-sowerbii-in-north-american-lakes/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/jelly.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR