FICMNEW Early Warning Workshop Proceedings

Disclaimer

Introduction

Overview and Summary

Working Group Reports:
Scientific Aspects of Early Warning

Rapid Assessment

Rapid Response

Public Outreach

Operational Framework

Summary of Recommendations

Next Steps

Appendices:
Pre-Workshop Concept Paper

Steering Committee

Participants

Photo Gallery

Witchweed

Group Members: Bob Doren, Sarah Reichard, Brian Bowen, Alicia Doran, Jim Grace, Brent Meyer, Rod Randall, Bill Scott, Susan Timmins

Once a new record or sighting has been reported and confirmed, a mechanism for rapidly determining the risk associated with the species is needed. The process would also determine if the risk is high enough to warrant immediate eradication. The specific charge to the Rapid Assessment Working Group was to conceptualize and outline an interagency system that will utilize invasive plant specialists to provide rapid distant or (where necessary) on site assessments to determine what should be done about a confirmed new state and/or national record. A number of special issues for consideration by the group were suggested:

In their discussion, the group developed some overarching principles to guide a rapid assessment system. They then developed lists of what information is needed in the rapid assessment process, what tools were essential and the steps are that need to be taken and who should be involved in the process.

Within a rapid assessment system, three assumptions were made.

1. Some weed invasions can be stopped or eradicated if they are detected before they have spread extensively and if the control mechanisms are already in place.
2. Rapid assessment, to be efficient and effective, is done rapidly and by a small expert group. If an assessment is conducted rapidly and acted upon, some species can be prevented from reaching an unmanageable stage, but such a process can not work efficiently and effectively and still include all possible stakeholders.
3. All protocols and methods (e.g., a contingency plan) are already be in place, using currently available knowledge. The protocols should be flexible enough to easily incorporate new information and new technologies as they are developed.   TOP

To assess potential risks, as full an understanding of the species of concern as possible is necessary. A standard set of information is required to determine the: capability of invasion, the probability of spread, the types of control options, probability of eradication, and what priority level should be attached.

To determine the capability of a species for invasion, we need to know biology of the species which includes: seed production and dispersal mechanisms; natural enemies; native range and habitat; site conditions that allow it to proliferate, and its current national and global distribution.

To determine the possibility of spread and/or incursion, we need to know if the pathways of distribution are species dependent, ecosystem dependent or human activity dependent. Needed information relative to the current infestation includes the estimated rate of spread; and types and availability of vectors for distribution. This discussion may include trade issues for both intentional and unintentional pathways especially if there is a danger of continuous reintroduction by a foreign pathway. If these pathways are known, it may be possible to predict future locations establishment for establishment of the invader.

To determine the feasibility of control or eradication, specific knowledge of the locations and extent of the local invasion/infestations are needed. However, very detailed information, such as geo-referenced maps, is not needed for rapid assessment. Information must be easily obtainable on the currently available integrated pest management (IPM) methodologies or technologies for controlling the species.

To determine the level of priority to be given to the new introduction or invasion, the threats and impacts, both direct and indirect, on individual species and the ecosystem, and the cultural, economic and public health impacts to society must be ascertained. Information is essential on the immediacy, longevity and contagion of these impacts

To maintain transparency, repeatability, and provide documentation, protocols for assessment should be in place. These should be applied to the species in question and the site/jurisdictions it has invaded. The protocol should include a list of actions to be taken.        TOP

Forewarned is forearmed. It is important to have reliable information on what invasive species are here and how they are behaving around the country. It is also important to know what resources can be marshaled for assessments, and what ecosystems are vulnerable to the introduction of a potential pest species, so that rapid assessment is facilitated. A comprehensive rapid assessment system would also include an overall assessment of invasive plants in the United States and information on species not yet known to be here but believed to be a potential threat.

Web-based Information System – Such a system is needed to facilitate rapid searches for information to would increase the efficiency of a rapid assessment initiative. It should contain information about each species, data on species locations, a list of experts, maps (preferred geo-referenced mapping), primary contacts and jurisdictions, land ownerships, pathway information, etc. The information should have a gatekeeper, meet national and international library standards, be interoperable, and enable sharing of information from many sources as a virtual database.

To promote action and use resources efficiently, an organizational model should be developed to ensure communication and coordination. There are many organizational protocols in use now that could provide efficient and effective models. The Forest Service’s planning process relies on interdisciplinary teams in reviewing and providing solutions for forest management problems. Private, local, state, national and international partnerships (groups, agencies, and other stakeholders) could be developed to provide the expertise for the rapid assessment process.

The group felt that all rapid assessment groups from the local to national level should be linked. They also advocated that "who is doing what and how they interact" should be evaluated for the consistencies and inconsistencies in their intergroup actions. The group felt that a Virtual Global Office concept should be developed to tap resources and expertise not available locally. Any model that is used for organizing rapid assessment activities needs to be capable of addressing all types of risks, and must be a formalized structure.