Monday, November 28, 2016

Central Florida Lygodium Strategy Sentinel Site update 11-2016

Greetings all,

This email is coming to you inform you of the status of the Central Florida Lygodium Strategy concerning climbing fern sentinel sites across Central Florida. This email is to inform you that the Sentinel site data recently submitted has been compiled and the results are very promising. Continued cooperation with  the CFLS to monitor our sentinel sites across Central Florida for the presence of OWCF is a partnership that includes 9 agencies representing 14 conservation lands across Central Florida.
Results from the most recent sentinel observations and through Nov 2016 (see attached map).

a.       No infestations were found at a sentinel site.
b.       One new infestation was reported by Stanley Howarter. There was one small patch of OWCF located at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge on July 10, 2016. The site has been treated and subsequent visits have not detected any regrowth. The rest of the refuge remains free of OWCF.
c.       All of the sentinel sites were monitored with the exception of several sites in Ocala National Forest that were inaccessible without 4wd
d.       The two northernmost points across the line continue to be monitored and treated, according to Jessica Spencer of the Army Corps of Engineers and the First Coast Invasive Working Group.
e.       Hurricane Matthew provided the perfect opportunity to spread more spores. So now more than ever we need your alert eyes to continue to monitor for new infestations. We will be getting back in touch to remind you to revisit your sentinel sites in April of 2017.

Thank you for your continued interest in learning the results of these sentinel sites to help keep OWCF at bay.


Tony Cintron
Invasive Plant Biologist
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Invasive Plant Management Section
In coordination with The Nature Conservancy
6830 Shadowridge Dr. Suite 201
Orlando, Fl 32812
Office:407-858-6170
Fax: 407-858-6176
Work Cell: 407-269-4298


Threatened and Endangered Species Team Workshop on ESA Section 7(a)(1) Conservation Planning in the South Pacific Division

Threatened and Endangered Species Team Workshop on ESA Section 7(a)(1) Conservation Planning in the South Pacific Division

Dates:  6-7 December 2016

Location:  Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Threatened and Endangered Species Team (TEST) initiative recently began to accelerate the development of solutions to priority threatened, endangered, and at-risk species currently, or having high likelihood in the future to, affect mission sustainability (see below for more details on the TEST).

The USACE Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Environmental Laboratory will host a workshop in southern California 6-7 December to seek opportunities for implementing Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(1) conservation planning for federally listed species. This is an opportunity for USACE, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Military Services, and other federal agencies to come together to explore partnerships that could lead to win-win scenarios for agency missions, streamlining ESA Section 7(a)(2) consultation processes, and improving outcomes for listed species. The workshop format will include focused presentations by national and regional experts on ESA and listed species conservation, followed by facilitated discussions that focus on opportunities.  American Bird Conservancy has been working closely with ERDC for the past decade on listed species recovery and will assist with logistics, presentations, and facilitated discussions.

We are looking for your input on specific opportunities to use ESA Section 7(a)(1) planning as a means to reduce costs, improve mission flexibility, improve ESA Section 7(a)(2) outcomes, and of course, work toward species recovery.  If you would like to attend this workshop, or have any ideas that fall within the scope of this effort, please contact Rich Fischer by 15 November 2016 at Richard.A.Fischer@usace.army.mil.  There is NO COST to attend.

Other Information:  A detailed agenda will be forthcoming soon.  Closest accommodations to meeting location are in Carlsbad and Oceanside, CA.  

More Detail:  The TEST uses strategic collaborations internally (Headquarters, Division, District, and ERDC programs and field staff and scientists), and externally (other agencies and stakeholders) to identify issues and develop and implement cost-effective and efficient approaches and solutions for federally listed species. The TEST team currently is developing strategies to assess threatened, endangered, and at-risk species on a national scale, determine how to prioritize focus on these species, and then develop solutions that will improve operational flexibility, reduce future costs, reduce adverse impacts on missions, and improve species conservation (including in some cases, recovery). The TEST is the platform for initiating and coordinating ESA Section 7(a)(1) efforts, particularly the development of Conservation Plans, which was recently elevated as a USACE and USFWS priority by Major General Peabody and the USFWS Deputy Director, respectively. We are looking to apply ESA Section 7(a)(1) more broadly and within agency missions and authorities, since it allows for the agencies to have greater control over species/management interactions (and possibly lower costs) than outcomes that typically result solely from ESA Section 7(a)(2) consultations.







Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Faith posts 2 blogs - firewood & ALB more

Dear forest pest mavens:

So much is going on, I had to post 2 blogs!  One addresses recent developments (or roadblocks!!) on the firewood pathway ...
the second riffs on the recent realization that ALB is more widespread in Clermont County, Ohio, than previously thought ...

Please alert your contacts to these blogs!

As usual, posted at www.cisp.us



Faith

Friday, November 18, 2016

EPA has implemented stronger protections for pesticide application workers

The Environmental Protection Agency has implemented stronger protections for the nation’s two million agricultural workers and their families working on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses. These revisions to the 1992 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard will afford farmworkers similar health protections that are already afforded to workers in other industries.

A summary of the changes is available here:

The revised worker protection standard is available here.

These revisions will be discussed during our FICMNEW meeting on 30-Nov, 2:30-4PM ET.
Call in: Call toll free 855-547-8255, code 69990008#, or 703-6484848 code 69990008#, if you are at a DOI facility or there's a busy signal.
WebEx (new link): https://usgs.webex.com/usgs/j.php?MTID=m4f493c82d1efd114e4826291a1890f3d

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Firewood Outreach Professional News: November 2016

Let’s talk about Christmas trees!
Have you been inside a “big box store” lately? It is safe to say people are thinking about Christmas trees right now. Outreach points to consider: why real trees are a good idea, how to make a smart decision on which tree and decorations to buy, and finally- how to properly dispose of your Christmas tree. Wondering why you should connect firewood and Christmas trees? We’ve learned through the years that the public already connects them, so we just roll with it as an opportunity to reach more people with a timely and related topic.
Public outreach Christmas tree materials at your fingertips >> <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/ea20038f48>
USDA APHIS Information for Growers, Suppliers, and more >> <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/41b9cf2609>

First ever Firewood Awareness Month a success Many thanks to all the participants, big and small, in our first ever Firewood Awareness Month effort. We’re still tabulating all the media coverage right now- but we already can see our message traveled far and wide. As one measure- #FirewoodMonth on Twitter was mentioned 380 times by 209 separate accounts, being seen by up to 1.1M viewers. And we’ve located 23 online outlets- ranging from local newspapers to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics- that used our media kit to publish an article or blog during the month. Take a peek below, and you can look forward to a full accomplishment report in January’s newsletter.
As the Weather Cools, Your Firewood Choices Matter (USDA APHIS blog) >><http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/73c0d575c7>
Did you know it is Firewood Awareness Month? (Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics blog) >><http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/5f40ed6af1>

Use the Firewood for Home Heating infographic The informative, fun, and good looking Firewood for Home Heating infographic is ready for you to use. You can download it, refer to it, use the social media ready snippets to promote it… whatever works for you. With scientifically accurate facts and industry information, this infographic was a huge hit last fall- and it should be just what your facebook, twitter, and pinterest profile will need this year, too!
Download the infographic and supporting materials here >><http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/1dfcb7d984>

Plan Ahead! We'll be back in January 2017 The Firewood Professionals Newsletter skips December every year. Aside from our Christmas tree materials<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/baa4ad0363>, what else do you need to tide you over? Late November is when you should be reaching out to the Christmas Bird Count birdwatching volunteers<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/591c04ffee> in your area and supplying them with the Holes in Trees handout<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/8092a42b48>. The first week of December is a good time to reach out on the topic of Firewood for Home Heating.<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/a610801d16> And any time in December is good to submit your January stories<mailto:lgreenwood@tnc.org?subject=January%20FOCI%20ideas> to ensure we’ve got you on the books for our January newsletter.
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The featured image this month is a tree riddled with sapsucker foraging holes. These birds create holes in patterns easily recognized by birdwatchers- and the holes are completely unrelated to the presence of any invasive forest pests. Read the Harness the Power of Birdwatchers blog<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/abbfb9fae8> and consider reaching out to this uniquely skilled demographic as potential First Detectors.


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[Infestations and Regulations]





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Map Quiz! Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle
Canada shares a 5,525 mile long border with the United States, and many tree-killing invasive insects and diseases found in one country are indeed found in the other. One notable exception is the brown spruce longhorn beetle, which is known only in what single Canadian province at this time? Hint: it is not Nunavut.

Want a National Perspective on Emerald Ash Borer?
Stay informed by pursuing professional education via the Emerald Ash Borer University (“EAB U”). One of the upcoming webinars, National Perspective on Emerald Ash Borer on December 13th, looks pretty intriguing to me.
See all upcoming EAB U webinars >><%20http:/emeraldashborer.info/eabu.php%20>



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[Don&apos;t Move Firewood Campaign]




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Webinar Recording: Forest and Firewood National Polling Did you miss our fall FOCI webinar, “Forest and Firewood National Polling” a few weeks ago? We recorded it, so you are in luck! You’ll learn what slogans are best understood by the public, where the gaps might be in our outreach efforts, who is the most trusted messenger in the USA when it comes to forest issues, and so much more.





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[In The News]

California Today: An Invasive Beetle Threatens State’s Southern Palm Trees<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/43705b26d1>
3 Nov 2016

Moving firewood, tipi poles, and other wood products to Standing Rock<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/cc75a722d9>
18 Oct 2016

Regional assessment of emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, impacts in forests of the Eastern United States<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/389fd8930c>
18 Oct 2016

Massive yet grossly underestimated global costs of invasive insects<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?DontMoveFirewood/0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/2d05564456>
4 Oct 2016




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[Submit Your Story]

This is the Firewood Outreach Coordinating Initiative newsletter, designed to share information about firewood and invasive forest pests. Do you have a story you want us to include in a future newsletter? Submit your story of 120 words or less.

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________________________________

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe<http://cts.vresp.com/u?0e26bafd7f/4a38d79972/mlpftw>

________________________________
Don't Move Firewood
4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100
Arlington, Virginia 22203-1606

US

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

2017 UF/IFAS Aquatic Weed Control Short Course


MARK YOUR CALENDAR!


The 2017 Aquatic Weed Control Short Course will be held May 8-11, 2017 at the Coral Springs Marriott.



Aquatic Weed Short Course
Certification Exams and CEUs

Just getting started? 
Complimentary Commercial, Public, and/or Private pesticide applicator certification testing will be offered on Thursday, May 5th after the course concludes for those looking to become licensed.

Already licensed? Earn up to 22 Florida CEUs and fully re-certify your Aquatic, Natural Areas, Right-of-Way, Forestry, or Private applicator license!

The Short Course is appropriate for new and experienced applicators alike!

Registration opens in December and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon, so be on the lookout for future announcements! Visit the website for more short course information.


This meeting is organized by the University of Florida | IFAS
Office of Conferences & Institutes (OCI).
OCI is a full service conference planning division dedicated to assisting groups that support the IFAS mission "to develop knowledge in agriculture, natural resources, and the environment, and to make that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life." Check out the OCI website to learn more about other events that may interest you.


 http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aw/ | Registration Questions Call: 352-392-5930
Mandy Stage | Short Course Coordinator | mstage@ufl.edu 


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Friday, November 11, 2016

Call for Abstracts: Iowa Invasive Species Conference 2017

Call for Abstracts: Iowa Invasive Species Conference 2017<http://www.iowainvasives.org/>; March 28-29, 2017; Honey Creek Resort at Rathbun Lake, Moravia, IA

Western Aquatic Plant Management Society / Western Society of Weed Science

Western Aquatic Plant Management Society / Western Society of Weed Science:  March 13-16 in Coeur d’Alene, ID.  http://www.wsweedscience.org/annual-meeting/

4th Annual Ballast Water Management Summit

4th Annual Ballast Water Management Summit  <http://infocastinc.com/event/ballast-water-management-summit/> -- March 6-8, 2017 in Long Beach, CA


Idaho Noxious Weed Conference

Idaho Noxious Weed Conference:  January 18-19, 2017 in Boise.  Agenda TBA. http://www.idahoweedcontrol.org/weedconference.html

Proposed rule: Uniform National Discharge Standards for Vessels of the Armed Forces

Proposed rule: Uniform National Discharge Standards for Vessels of the Armed Forces— Phase II Batch Two <https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-10-07/pdf/2016-24079.pdf>



The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) propose discharge performance standards for 11 discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel of the Armed Forces into the navigable waters of the United States, the territorial seas, and the contiguous one. When implemented, the proposed discharge performance standards would reduce the adverse environmental impacts associated with the vessel discharges, stimulate the development of improved vessel pollution control devices, and advance the development of environmentally sound vessels of the Armed Forces. The 11 discharges addressed by the proposed rule are the following: catapult water brake tank and post-launch retraction exhaust, controllable pitch propeller hydraulic fluid, deck runoff, firemain systems, graywater, hull coating leachate, motor gasoline and compensating discharge, sonar dome discharge, submarine bilgewater, surface vessel bilgewater/oil- water separator effluent, and underwater ship husbandry.


International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species

International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS) - ICAIS 2017 Call for Abstracts<http://www.icais.org/

TX: In the Growing Battle Against Invasive Plants, Texas Lags Behind Other States

TX: In the Growing Battle Against Invasive Plants, Texas Lags Behind Other States (10/26/16)<http://kut.org/post/growing-battle-against-invasive-plants-texas-lags-behind-other-states>



…..That illustrates another challenge with regulating invasive plants. Arundo donax is in the cross hairs of regulators, still it's used as a landscaping feature on many properties.  "In a greater sense, there’s nobody policing invasive species,” said Smith of Texas A&M-Kingsville. “I’ve heard people ask and talk about, ‘Well if you saw   a developer planting a particular state-listed invasive plant, who do you call?’” The Texas Department of Agriculture, which maintains the list of invasive plants doesn't have any enforcement powers. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department can send game wardens to stop people from selling and transporting banned plants, but that doesn’t happen often…..



Tahoe: Headway made in fight against aquatic invasive plants (10/31/16)

Tahoe: Headway made in fight against aquatic invasive plants (10/31/16) <http://tahoercd.org/2016/10/headway-made-fight-aquatic-invasive-plants/>



In 2010, the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD), in collaboration with the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program, began treatment of approximately six acres of aquatic invasive plants in the nearshore by Vikingsholm in the iconic Emerald Bay. The control methods included bottom barriers, which kill plants by eliminating light, and diver-assisted suction removal, which physically removes plants and roots. After four years of comprehensive treatment, Emerald Bay remains free of aquatic invasive plants….



University of Minnesota certifies first class of AIS Detectors

University of Minnesota certifies first class of AIS Detectors (11/3/16)<http://www.maisrc.umn.edu/news/first-detectors

Yellowstone uses dead lake trout to kill more lake trout

 …….But using lake trout carcasses to kill their spawn has been perhaps the most promising technique to date used on Yellowstone Lake to kill the picivorous exotic char before they grow into swimming organisms that take a toll on native cutthroat trout. If the method proves viable on a large scale, it could be a key tool in the fight to help cutthroat stage a comeback and rebound to their historical numbers. In turn, park managers hope to restore a multi-level trophic cascade that could, in theory, result in grizzly bears eating fewer elk calves……


Ecologists raise alarm over releases mosquito killing guppies

Ecologists raise alarm over releases mosquito killing guppies (10/25/16)<http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/10/ecologists-raise-alarm-over-releases-mosquito-killing-guppies>



The little guppy Poecilia reticulata has developed a big reputation. For decades, the fish has been championed as a mosquito fighter and dumped into ponds and ditches to eat up the insect’s larvae. But among scientists, it has a different reputation—as an invasive species with a remarkable ability to reproduce and spread. Now, as health officials in regions facing mosquito-borne viruses like Zika consider expanding use of these predatory fish, ecologists are urging them to think twice. In a paper published online today in Biology Letters<http://rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/lookup/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2016.0590>, a group of ecologists argues that the guppies—and other nonnative fish used for mosquito control—haven’t actually proven very effective mosquito fighters, but are known to pose ecological risks….

South Africa: Raising the flag on marine alien fouling species

South Africa: Raising the flag on marine alien fouling species (10/10/16)<http://www.reabic.net/journals/mbi/2016/Accepted/MBI_2016_Peters_etal_correctedproof.pdf>




Harbours are known introduction foci of marine alien species. They act as recipients of new introductions and as sources for regional spread. We report on subtidal surveys of fouling communities from 14 harbours along the coastline of South Africa that were used to identify predictors of high alien species numbers in support of prioritisation of monitoring actions by authorities. The harbours varied in nature from large, international shipping hubs to small, regional fishing harbours and recreational marinas. Fouling assemblages were assessed using visual and scrape sampling to ensure the detection of large, mobile and small inconspicuous species. In total, 29 alien species were recorded, 15 of which were detected outside of their previously known ranges. The number of species recorded per harbour varied from five [to 15]. Results revealed that high numbers of alien species were associated with the presence of yachts and low primary productivity. Harbours which had yachts and occurred in areas with mean Chl a minimum levels lower than 0.21 mg.m-3 had the highest number of alien species, while harbours without yachts that were larger than 0.1km2 supported the fewest alien species. These findings suggest that the presence of yachts can be used to identify harbours with high numbers of alien species, particularly in regions with low productivity. While the applicability of these findings to other regions remains to be tested, this work suggests that harbours that fall within this category could be prioritised for monitoring of marine alien species.

New invader found in Great Lakes (11/5/16)




Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Dan Egan):  In 2008, the U.S. government followed Canada's lead and began requiring overseas ships sailing up the St. Lawrence Seaway to flush their ship-steadying ballast tanks with mid-ocean saltwater to prevent new species invasions of the Great Lakes. The shipping industry has hailed the program as a remarkable success, pointing out that no new invasive species have been discovered in the lakes since that time. That can no longer be said. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said last week a new species has been discovered in the Great Lakes<https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-monitoring/thermocyclops-crassus> — the first since 2006 — bringing the tally of non-native organisms in the lakes to at least 186…..


Faith's 53rd blog

hello!  I have posed a new blog at www.cisp.us ... this one discusses recent detections of pathogens in the Phytophthora genus in European & U.S. nurseries ... and an analysis that shows that prompt, aggressive response in 2002 could have better contained the SOD epidemic in California.

Faith

A Tribute to Rita Beard

A Tribute to Rita Beard

From the website of the NPS: Exotic Plant Management Teams and the Integrated Pest Management Program, posted by Kristy Burnett

 

Rita Beard, a luminary in the federal and private sector of the invasive species world, passed away in October at her home in Fort Collins, CO. Throughout her career, Rita advanced her vision of coordinating invasive species management on a national scope. By encouraging collaboration from the field to congressional levels, she effectively changed the way invasive species are managed in this country. In addition, she worked to make sure that all invasive species management decisions were based on the latest and best available research and technology, thus ensuring that management decisions were supported by science. Towards that end, Rita spearheaded the development of the original mapping standards for the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), which unified management practices to help ensure consistent data collection.

 


​Rita’s academic background served her well: she received her bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Biosystematics from the University of California at Berkeley, followed by two Master of Science degrees; in Range and Wildlife Science from Montana State University, and in Forest and Public Policy from Oregon State University. She began her career in the late 1970s as the Range Conservationist and Invasive Plant Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service on the Townsend Ranger District in western Montana. During this time, Rita made history by preparing the first Environmental Impact Statement on invasive plants in the United States, pioneering the use of herbicides to control invasive plants in wilderness areas.

 

In April 2005, she joined the National Park Service (NPS) as the National Invasive Plant Management Program Coordinator. At NPS she supervised 18 Exotic Plant Management Teams (EPMTs) and guided the development of policies related to invasive plant management and prevention. She professionalized this program by raising the level of technical expertise through training for her staff, communicating the importance of invasive plant management to NPS leadership, and increased the amount of funding available for weed management. She guided each EPMT team in working with their partner parks to develop proposed invasive plant management strategies for the protection of park resources in accordance with federal laws. Rita was a constant advocate for the EPMT program, its staff, and its mission to assist the parks with invasive plant management.


Rita’s depth of knowledge and experience made her an invaluable partner of the NPS Integrated Pest Management Program. She provided toxicological guidance on the selection and toxicology of herbicides as part of the IPM approach and helped train IPM practitioners in site evaluation, the proper selection and consequences of herbicides and related NEPA concerns, of which she was an expert.  Rita also provided assistance to the NPS Cultural Landscape and the Facilities Management Programs in invasive plant management and restoration planning.  

 

On the national level, Rita was an effective liaison for local weed management partners, federal and nonfederal agencies, Congress, and others in Washington, D.C., ensuring that management decisions were based on science and core natural resource values.  She served on several Departmental committees, including the National Invasive Species Council and the Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds promoting the practical application of weed science principles and practices for invasive plant management.

 

Rita retired from the NPS in 2013 and continued to provide training and technical expertise to her partners.  In 2014, Rita received the Western Society of Weed Science’s Distinguished Achievement Award in the category of “Weed Manager” for her tireless efforts in advancing the cause of invasive plant management across the entire country.  

 

Throughout her career Rita never lost sight of the challenges that on-the- ground managers face in controlling invasive plants.  She understood the constraints of working in the federal system, and her goal was always to garner as much support as possible for on-ground managers, hence she worked to ensure that leadership understood and supported this cause.  We honor Rita Beard, who exemplified the qualities of a rare colleague and complete person: grace, kindness, composure, intelligence, fearlessness, poise, and to be deliberate, unassuming, truthful, and loving.

 

Contacts: Carol_disalvo@partner.nps.gov, Nancy_Dagley@nps.gov, Bobbi_Simpson@nps.gov, Terri_Hogan_nps.gov 


Guide to funding authorities for cooperative Weed management work

This is an EXCELLENT, concise description of different funding authorities and mechanisms for cooperative work across ownership boundaries.  It includes Wyden Authorities, Joint Chiefs’, Good Neighbor Authority, Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, etc.  Very well done document.


Funding & Authorities: The Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition (RVCC) guide “From Ideas to Action: A Guide to Funding and Authorities for Collaborative Forestry” is a concise overview of federal programs, tools and authorities supporting all-lands collaborative approaches to land stewardship. It includes an introduction to the USDA Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service and 14 fact sheets (which include contact information for more detail).



Forest Service Shield
Shawna L. Bautista
R6 Invasive Plant and Pesticide Use Coordinator
Forest Service
Region 6, State and Private Forestry
p: 503-808-2697
cell: 971-337-5019
1220 SW Third Avenue
Portland, OR  97204
www.fs.fed.us
cid:image002.png@01CFE17D.60B5EA10cid:image003.png@01CFE17D.60B5EA10
Caring for the land and serving people

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Threatened and Endangered Species Team Workshop

Threatened and Endangered Species Team Workshop on ESA Section 7(a)(1) Conservation Planning in the South Pacific Division

Dates:  6-7 December 2016

Location:  Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Threatened and Endangered Species Team (TEST) initiative recently began to accelerate the development of solutions to priority threatened, endangered, and at-risk species currently, or having high likelihood in the future to, affect mission sustainability (see below for more details on the TEST).

The USACE Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Environmental Laboratory will host a workshop in southern California 6-7 December to seek opportunities for implementing Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(1) conservation planning for federally listed species. This is an opportunity for USACE, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Military Services, and other federal agencies to come together to explore partnerships that could lead to win-win scenarios for agency missions, streamlining ESA Section 7(a)(2) consultation processes, and improving outcomes for listed species. The workshop format will include focused presentations by national and regional experts on ESA and listed species conservation, followed by facilitated discussions that focus on opportunities.  American Bird Conservancy has been working closely with ERDC for the past decade on listed species recovery and will assist with logistics, presentations, and facilitated discussions.

We are looking for your input on specific opportunities to use ESA Section 7(a)(1) planning as a means to reduce costs, improve mission flexibility, improve ESA Section 7(a)(2) outcomes, and of course, work toward species recovery.  If you would like to attend this workshop, or have any ideas that fall within the scope of this effort, please contact Rich Fischer by 15 November 2016 at Richard.A.Fischer@usace.army.mil.  There is NO COST to attend.

Other Information:  A detailed agenda will be forthcoming soon.  Closest accommodations to meeting location are in Carlsbad and Oceanside, CA.  

More Detail:  The TEST uses strategic collaborations internally (Headquarters, Division, District, and ERDC programs and field staff and scientists), and externally (other agencies and stakeholders) to identify issues and develop and implement cost-effective and efficient approaches and solutions for federally listed species. The TEST team currently is developing strategies to assess threatened, endangered, and at-risk species on a national scale, determine how to prioritize focus on these species, and then develop solutions that will improve operational flexibility, reduce future costs, reduce adverse impacts on missions, and improve species conservation (including in some cases, recovery). The TEST is the platform for initiating and coordinating ESA Section 7(a)(1) efforts, particularly the development of Conservation Plans, which was recently elevated as a USACE and USFWS priority by Major General Peabody and the USFWS Deputy Director, respectively. We are looking to apply ESA Section 7(a)(1) more broadly and within agency missions and authorities, since it allows for the agencies to have greater control over species/management interactions (and possibly lower costs) than outcomes that typically result solely from ESA Section 7(a)(2) consultations.