Monday, December 20, 2010

Southern Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team 2010 Annual Report available online

The 2010 annual report for the Southern Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team is now available online at: http://www.rtrcwma.org/striketeamreport2010.pdf

The report has great information on the great work the strike team is doing.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Distribution maps now available on www.rtrcwma.org

Thanks to a partnership with the University of Georgia's Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, the River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area now has invasive species distribution maps available on our website.

http://www.rtrcwma.org/distribution/index.html

Maps are displayed through the popular EDDMapS system developed by UGA. Both county-level and point maps are up for many invasive species in the region.

You can also help fill out any gaps in the data by submitting invasive species reports on our website: http://www.rtrcwma.org/report/

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Stiltgrass Summit presentation recordings available online

All of the presentations and panel discussions from the 2010 Stiltgrass Summit are now available online at www.rtrcwma.org/stiltgrass. The Summit had a great series of presentations, ranging from ecology and spread to control and management of Japanese stiltgrass. They are definitely worth reviewing if you manage this plant.

Presentations
● Microstegium vimineum: George Ainslie’s Discovery and What It Means to Us
Les Mehrhoff – UCONN and IPANE

● No Silver Bullet: Setting the Stage for the Stiltgrass Symposium
Chris Evans, River to River CWMA

● Strategic, Cooperative, and Coordinated Management of Japanese Stiltgrass
Mike Ielmini, USDA Forest Service

● Predictive Spatial Model of Japanese Stiltgrass Spread
Angie Shelton, Indiana University

● Establishment, Spread, and Seed Viability of Microstegium vimineum in Eastern Forests
Cynthia Huebner, USDA Forest Service

● Long-term dynamics and impacts of Microstegium invasion in the Piedmont of New Jersey
Scott Meiners, Eastern Illinois University

● Niche limitations of a vigorous exotic invader, Microstegium vimineum, across temperate forest ecotones
Robert Warren, Yale University

● Understanding the ecosystem-level effects of stiltgrass: does it set the stage for its own success?
Justin Wright, Duke University

● Nitrogen dynamics in a forest understory following invasion by Microstegium vimineum
Jennifer Fraterrigo, University of Illinois

● Positive feedbacks on M. vimineum growth through alteration of nitrogen cycling
Marissa Lee, Duke University

● Impacts and management of Microstegium vimineum invasions
Luke Flory, Indiana University

● Keeping the wolves at bay: Techniques used to slow the spread of Microstegium and other small-seeded invasive plants
Chris Evans, River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area

● Panel Discussion - mp3 (40 megabytes) / wma (40 megabytes) / ogg (122 megabytes)

Friday, August 27, 2010

Southern Indiana CWMA Project Director Position

Neat job opportunity over in Southern Indiana:

Job Announcement - Project Director for the Southern Indiana CWMA


To apply: http://www.in.gov/spd/2334.htm
, select "Apply Now", click on "Advanced Search" and enter Job Opening ID = 569597

Application closing date: 9/16/2010

Salary: $15-$20 per hour based upon qualifications and experience

Job Description:

The Southern Indiana Cooperative Weed Management Area (SICWMA) is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, restore, and enhance southern Indiana’s landscapes by coordinating efforts to identify, prevent, and control invasive species. SICWMA entered into a cooperative agreementcontract with the DNR Division of Forestry to initiate an Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) program for invasive species in the 37 southern Indiana counties. Funding for this position is through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Responsibilities:

The primary responsibility of the Project Director (PD) is to implement and operate an invasive species early detection and rapid response program for Southern Indiana. This project will include:
• Creating awareness of the program among key target constituencies such as county extension and Soil and Water Conservation District staff, district foresters and wildlife specialists, park and highway department personnel, and the general public.
• Receiving reports of possible invasive species infestations and taking the appropriate action to follow-up.
• Organizing the training of response teams that will do verification and mapping of reported infestations.
• Developing and finding funding for appropriate control options of certain infestations based on species, severity, sensitivity of location, and funding eligibility.
• Tracking, reporting and follow-up on all aspects of the project including preparation of project reports to the SICWMA steering committee and its funding organizations.

Other duties and responsibilities include:
• Establishing a SICWMA office with appropriate communication capabilities.
• Pursuing additional funding sources for SICWMA and invasive species control projects.
• Strengthening involvement and relationships with SICWMA partner organizations.
• Assisting the Steering and Standing committees in spreading awareness among the general public and facilitating creation of local Invasive Species Organizations where possible.
• Developing and improving SICWMA web-based resources.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources field – or equivalent experience.
• Vehicle and valid drivers’ license – significant travel within SICWMA will be necessary.
• Working knowledge of invasive species and vegetative management practices.
• Flexibility to work irregular schedule including some evenings and weekends.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and set priorities within broad goals and objectives.
• Personal Computer skills including experience with MS Office applications, web site use, and basic knowledge of social networking options.
• Good physical condition – ability to participate in educational and work activities in natural areas with rough terrain.
Highly Preferable:
• Advanced degree or significant experience in Natural Resources field.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding.
• Project management experience.
• Experience working with state or federal agencies and institutions of higher education.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Indiana pesticide applicator’s license.
Preferable:
• Extensive knowledge of current trends in invasive species spread and control.
• GIS and Invasive Species Mapping knowledge and experience.
• Basic accounting knowledge and experience.
• Experience coordinating volunteers.
• Web site design or management experience.

Position Duration: 16 months – with potential to extend with additional funding

Location: Seymour - Brownstown, Indiana area (tentative)

Questions about the position
- contact Carl Hauser (chauser@dnr.IN.gov, (317) 232-4114), Teena Ligman (tligman@fs.fed.us, 812-276-4757), or Tom Tremain (ttinogil@bcremc.net)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Emerald Ash Borer found in Tennessee

Via the Bugwood Blog -
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The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announced yesterday (July 27, 2010) the discovery of emerald ash borer. This is the first detection of the destructive tree pest in the state. Tennessee's Agriculture Commissioner says they will be working closely with federal officials to determine the extent of the infestation and take steps to slow its spread. The emerald ash borer was found last week at a truck stop in Knox County near the Loudon County line. Click here to read the full article.
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For more information on Emerald Ash Borer in Illinois, go to http://www.agr.state.il.us/eab/ or http://illinoiscapsprogram.blogspot.com/