WRP Executive Committee Meeting
Present
*Alternate represented at meeting.
National Invasive Species Council and Management Plan- Max Haegele reported on the April Washington Meeting of federal agency principals regarding implementation of Executive Order 13112. It is proposed that a federal agency Council with an nongovernmental advisory committee be established. It is not clear what if any role regional panels such as the WRP or Great Lakes Panel will have on the advisory committee. Individuals that are appointed to advisory committee will have travel expenses paid. Concern was raised that the advisory committee may supersede or duplicate the work of the WRP. Also focus of the Council to date has been terrestrial in nature.
Annual Report and Work Plan Work Plan and Annual Report provided to Panel for two week review. Comments incorporated into Report and Plan.
Vacant Inland Academic and Conservation Slot After discussion on the merits of the proposed organizations; North American Lake Management Society(NALMS) and Desert Fishes Council. Two votes were taken. It was first decided 7-l not to expand membership to include an additional slot for NALMS. The second vote 6-2 to invite NALMS into the WRP.
Additionally, Wendy Ralley, Provincial Representative reported that a Canadian federal agency official is interested in participating on the Panel as a member. This is the first time a Canadian federal agency has shown this level of commitment to this invasive species coordination body. Wendy will be bringing the representative to the Duluth round table breakfast meeting in Duluth. EXCOM members agreed that a federal Canadian representative would be beneficial however, the procedures will have to be reviewed to determine how this representation can be included. The representative will be invited to attend the WRP meeting in Austin and the Panel can vote on admission.
Resignation of Max Haegele and Election of New Chair and Vice Chair Max Haegele=s resignation was sadly accepted as of April 30th, l999. Max was thanked by all for his service on behalf of the Panel. His leadership of the Panel and EXCOM was stellar. Unanimous election of Bill Harvey for Chair. Bill graciously accepted. He may require travel expenses at times to travel on behalf of Panel. Mark Sytsma chosen as vice chair. He also graciously accepted.
WRP Presentation before ANSTF Max Haegele will make his final presentation as chair of the WRP before the ANSTF on April 29th. Topics provided included WRP WorkPlan, WRP annual report, Update on Coastal Ballast Water issues. WRP Fall meeting in Austin. Members requested that Chair point out discrepancy in funding for west coast issues.
Ballast Exchange Study A copy of the Ballast Exchange study proposed to fulfill requirements of section ll02(c)(1) of NISA provided to WRP with a review date due April 9, l999. Coordinator contacted ANSTF secretary about delaying the date but was not able to obtain an extension. Chair will discuss the need for WRP comments at the ANSTF meeting. The EXCOM did not believe comments could be provided within two weeks.
General Ballast Water Update Randy Brown gave a brief update on California Ballast water activities. State agency and shipping industry meeting was held to address ballast water control. The shipping industry has questions as to the feasibility of off shore treatment. CALFED has directed funding of l million dollars for invasive species work.
Next Conference Call - June 9th, l999 ll:30 AM EDT - Coordinator will send call in numbers.
April 19th, l999
Andy Cohen At Large
X
Randy Brown
CA
X
Alternate: Nate Dechoretz
Max Haegele
USBR
X
Chairman EXCOMM & WRP
Bill Harvey
TX
X
Edward Theriot
USCOE
X*
Alternate: *Jim Athern
Mark Sytsma At Large
X
Dwight Willimson
X*
Alternate: *Wendy Raley
Derrik Toba
X
Linda Drees
FWS
X
Panel Coordinator
Action: EXCOM determined that a letter should be sent to Gordon Brown, asst. to Science Advisor - Bill Brown which describes the work of the Panel and suggest placement of a nonfederal Panel representative on the advisory committee. Chair will discuss this letter with Gary Edwards at ANSTF meeting.
Action: These will be submitted to ANSTF by Chair on April 29th.
Action: Coordinator to send a letter of invitation to NALMS
Action: Coordinator to determine