Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Remnant prairies offer glimpse into region’s history and also seeds for the future

Remnant prairies offer glimpse into region’s history and also seeds for the future

https://reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/big-features/pockets-of-the-past-remnant-prairies/

Native Prairie Protected, Lancaster, County, Nebraska

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/nebraska/news/native-prairie-protected-lancaster-county

Looking for information on the status of Frangula alnus (glossy buckthorn)

Hi, I am conducting a national weed status assessment for glossy buckthorn [Frangula alnus]. One of my goals is to characterize its status in each U.S. state where it is known to occur, which includes the mid-Atlantic region. If you have seen this species, I would appreciate if you can provide any information on the following. It doesn’t have to be much…just a few sentences…but it does need to be specific to your state.

* What kinds of ecological or socio-economic impacts is this species having in your state in natural, agricultural, or anthropogenic areas?

* Who in your state (if anyone) is specifically targeting this species for control/eradication (i.e., which agencies, NGOs, homeowners) and what kinds of actions are they taking?

* Is there anything else about this species’ status in your state that you think would be helpful?

Thank you,

Tony

Anthony L. Koop (Plant Ecologist)

Plant Pest Risk Analysis (PPRA <https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/ppq-program-overview/science-technology/plant-pra> )

Science and Technology

USDA - APHIS - PPQ

North Carolina State University

920 Main Campus Dr., Suite #400

Raleigh, NC 27606-5202

Phone: (919) 855-7429

Fax: (919) 855-7599

Email: anthony.l.koop@aphis.usda.gov <mailto:anthony.l.koop@aphis.usda.gov>

Monday, October 14, 2024

Cal-IPC bill signed into law

On September 27, Governor Newsom signed AB 2509 into law, a bill sponsored by Cal-IPC sponsored. The bill was authored by Assembly Member Ash Kalra of San Jose, and Cal-IPC organized a coalition of thirty land stewardship groups to sign on as supporters.

The bill defines “invasive species” and requires the state’s Invasive Species Council to prioritize exclusion and prevention practices to keep invasive species from entering the state; early detection and rapid response to keep invasive species of limited distribution from spreading in the state; and integrated pest management for controlling invasive species already established in the state. Originally, the bill also defined “integrated pest management” using the University of California definition, but a prior bill accomplished this goal earlier in this year's legislative session.

These definitions and commitments build a foundation for ever stronger state programs addressing invasive species. If Prop. 4 passes, the state's Invasive Species Council will receive $20 million to enhance programs. That $20 million is directly attributable to Cal-IPC’s advocacy ― we were able to include the funding in the bond bill that put the proposition on the ballot.

We have a lot more work to do in Sacramento, supporting strong policy and funding for invasive plant management. Thank you for your support! It makes our advocacy possible.

2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference

Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth, Minnesota
Tuesday, November 12th - Thursday, November 14th, 2024

This is the last week to register for UMISC.
Registration closes at 6pm Central on October 21st.

Visit our program and schedule page to find a schedule of presentations and events, then head to our registration page. Join us in Duluth or attend the conference virtually.

REGISTER TODAY!

Don't Forget to Add a Field or Workshop

Choose from six unique field trips taking place on the afternoon of Tuesday November 12th. We are also offering seven different workshops throughout the conference including the now FREE Applying Principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility workshop.

For those arriving on Monday, we also have a fun, unique opportunity to Learn to Curl! The DECC is home to the Duluth Curling Club, one of the oldest, largest, and most accomplished curling clubs in the United States, so join us and learn from the best!

Field trip and workshop spaces are limited, so sign up early.

Thank you to our Sponsors & Exhibitors!

UMISC is made possible through the generous support of many businesses, agencies, and organizations. Organizational links to all of our UMISC supporters can be found HERE.

2025 FISC Annual Symposium

Hello FISC members,

I hope everyone is doing well after the last several weeks! We are so excited to announce that registration is officially live for the 2025 FISC Annual Symposium. Click here to Register!

We are testing out using google forms this year for this process, so please click here to submit your abstract. Abstracts will be accepted from now till November 8, 2024. Announcement of abstract acceptance will take place December 6, 2024. We have a slightly earlier schedule this year due to FISC taking place March 19-21, 2025, in Gainesville, FL. Registration information be live in October, so look forward to that as we welcome you to Gainesville!

Additional link IF needed: https://forms.gle/PKpMrBw8S5XBR766A

Please reach out if you have any questions about the abstract or additional information.

Have a great week,

The FISC 2025 Planning Team

Webinar: White-Nose Syndrome and Bats

NAISMA

Webinar: White-Nose Syndrome and Bats

October 16, 2024 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm CST

Speaker: Jonathan Reichard and Jeremy Coleman, White-Nose Syndrome Response Team, USFWS

White-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.