Japanese stiltgrass found in Iowa

Last fall, an infestation of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) was found in Johnson County Iowa.  This represents that first time this species has been found in that state and the furthest Northwest it has been found.

Even though stiltgrass is an annual plant that ‘comes on’ primarily in the summer, it can still be identified this time of year by the thatch.  New germinates will start in late spring / early summer.

Below is a link to a document on the identification of stiltgrass that you might find useful –

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1457/ANR-1457.pdf

Lastly, if you do know of or find infestations of stiltgrass in areas that are not indicated on this map, please enter the record into EDDMapS at www.eddmaps.org.   Just from looking at the map, I would think the Mississippi River corridor between Illinois and Missouri is a prime spot to find new infestations.

Job Announcement - Invasive Species Project Coordinator - River to River CWMA

The Shawnee Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc.

River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area

Job Description

Position Title:                   River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area Project Coordinator

Salary:                               $3,700 - $5,800 per month

Location:                           Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Marion, IL

Closing Date:                    4/17/2015

Essential Functions

The River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area Project Coordinator (PC) is a full-time contract position.   As this is a contract position, benefits are not included.  Contract work is secured through June 2017.  The PC serves as the coordinator of the River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area, a joint project of 13 Steering Committee members (see table below).  The PC’s office is based at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters in Marion, IL but work will be conducted throughout the entire CWMA area.  This position takes lead responsibility for the CWMA, providing oversight and support for the implementation of CWMA projects and further development to achieve the mission of the CWMA.  The CWMA’s mission is to establish a framework for cooperatively addressing the effects of non-native invasive plants across jurisdictional boundaries within the 11 southern counties (Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Williamson, and Union) in Illinois.    To learn more about the CWMA, visit www.rtrcwma.org.

River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area Steering Committee Members
Illinois Department of Natural Resources	USDA Forest Service - Shawnee National Forest
USFWS-Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge	USFWS-Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
USFWS-Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge	USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service	Illinois Department of Transportation
Illinois Department of Agriculture	Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
University of Illinois Extension	The Nature Conservancy
Shawnee Resource Conservation and Development Area, INC.

The coordinator will work as part of the CWMA Steering Committee to provide oversight and support for the planning and implementation of projects to achieve the mission of the CWMA.  The coordinator has primary responsibility for completed project deliverables on existing grant-funded projects.  The coordinator also works with public agencies, conservation groups, and private landowners to advance the CWMA and ensure abatement of invasive plant species threats to the Cooperative Weed Management Area.  The CWMA Project Coordinator does not currently supervise other employees but does help direct the contractual work of others.

Specific Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or related area and 1 to 2 years related experience or equivalent combination.  Additional education may be substituted for experience.
• Proven effectiveness in working with public agencies and other land managers.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the CWMA mission to diverse groups including elected officials, donors, agencies, the public and others.  Working knowledge of invasive species prevention, early detection, containment and control techniques.
• An in-depth understanding of the ecological impacts of invasive species.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding.

Specific Duties

1. Coordinate CWMA steering committee meetings and other meetings as needed.
2. Provide strategic financial and technical assistance to landowners for invasive plant control within the CWMA.
3. Implement the invasive species control portion of a forest health project that incorporates prescribed fire (in collaboration with the Southern Illinois Prescribed Burn Association) to promote forest health.  Work with Master Naturalists, volunteers and the volunteer coordinator to establish the Forest Restoration Support Team (FRST).  Conduct workdays and education and outreach events.
4. Facilitate the implementation of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan’s Invasive Species Campaign within the CWMA.
5. Provide invasive plant workshops and training sessions for volunteers, landowners, businesses, and agencies.   Serve as the point person for collection and dissemination of information on invasive plant species in the CWMA.  Disseminate educational material focused on regional invasive species.  Prepare new educational materials. 
6. Consult with land management agencies, the Southern Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team, and private landowners on up-to-date control information, regional invasive plant priorities, and application methods.
7. Develop annual CWMA reports and management plans for priority species. 
8. Identify and seek out available funding opportunities.
9. Compile, collect, and enter invasive plant distribution data into the EDDMapS mapping system.
10. Work with CWMA members to continue Early Detection and Rapid Response for new invasive species.
11.  Administer and initiate CWMA initiatives coordinated with local, state, and federal government agencies and other organizations.
12.  Effectively represent the CWMA to the general public, elected and other governmental officials, industry, donors, media and other individuals and organizations.
13. Facilitate Invasive Species Awareness Month activities and events within the CWMA.
14. Continue the development of the CWMA website, Facebook page and news blog.
15. Other duties as assigned by the Steering Committee.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

1. Knowledge of current trends in invasive species policy, management and planning at the local, state, and national scale.
2. Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic project goals.
3. Management and administration experience, including ability to motivate, lead, meet objectives and manage performance of a large partnership.
4. Demonstrated experience in MS Office software, database/website development and GIS.

Complexity/Problem Solving

1. Cultivate the creative ideas of others to identify potential solutions.  Experiment to find creative solutions – think outside the box.
2. Resolve complex issues independently within the project area. 
3. Design, implement, and direct multiple projects within the local area, setting deadlines and ensuring project accountability.

Discretion/Latitude/Decision-making

1. Make sound decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
2. Act independently within broad program goals.
3. Decisions will affect other partners within project area and may have project-wide impact.

Responsibility/Oversight – Financial & Supervisory

1. Serve as project coordinator for CWMA and for some projects; coordinate the work of others.
2. Financial responsibility includes setting and meeting fundraising goals, i.e. grant preparation, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies as needed.  Responsibility and accountability for meeting CWMA strategic goals and objectives.
3. Will need to gain cooperation from individuals or groups over whom there is no direct authority in order to accomplish project goals.

Communications/Interpersonal Contacts

1. Communication and presentations skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of CWMA to diverse groups including elected officials, donors, steering committee, the public and others.  Communicate strategic project goals and objectives.
2. Work in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative or advisory role.
3. Prepare and present project proposals, including negotiating with federal, state and local agencies and other organizations to achieve project goals.

Working conditions/Physical effort

1. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
2. Ability to work an irregular schedule including weekends and unpredicted schedule change, travel on short notice.

To apply, send Cover Letter, Resume (including 3 references), and Narrative addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to:

Chris Evans

11731 State Highway 37

Benton, IL 62812

email: Chris.Evans@illinois.gov

fax: 618-439-7376

Note:  Electronic submittals are accepted and encouraged.  All materials must be received on or before Close of Business on 4/17/2015

For questions, contact Chris Evans at 618.435.8138 X 131 or Chris.Evans@illinois.gov

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.