RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS
2023 Invasive Species Workshop and Webinars for Tribal Audiences
Register below for a 2023 update on in the Pacific Northwest in an online workshop and webinar series for Tribal audiences.
The events are organized by Washington State University, The Washington Invasive Species Council, USDA APHIS, and Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The schedule is tentative and may change as we confirm speakers. Updates will be emailed to registrants as the event date approaches. More information can be found HERE.
Tentative schedule below (all sessions online):
- March 28, 2023 (8:00am – 12:00pm) – Online Workshop – Impacts, Management, and Resources for Tribes – Day 1
- Session 1 – Invasive species overview and priorities in the PNW
- Session 2 – Impacts of invasive species on cultural resources
- March 30, 2023 (8:00am – 12:00pm) – Online Workshop – Impacts, Management, and Resources for Tribes – Day 2
- Session 3 – Invasive species management in the PNW
- Session 4 – Resources and funding for Tribal Nations
- April 4th, 2023 (9:00-10:30am) – Webinar 1 – Wildlife and Plant Diseases of Tribal concern in the Pacific Northwest
- April 11th, 2023 (9:00-10:30am) – Webinar 2 – Aquatic Invasive species of Tribal concern in the Pacific Northwest
- April 18th 2023 (9:00-10:30am) – Webinar 3 – Invasive insect pests of Tribal concern in the Pacific Northwest
- April 25th 2023 (9:00-10:30am) – Webinar 4 – Invasive plants of Tribal concern in the Pacific Northwest
EDDMapS Summit - April 20, 2023: Save the Date and Notice of Prerequisites/Office Hours
Hosted by the North American Invasive Species Management Association
Organized by the University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
Overview: The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, in collaboration with its partner organizations, is providing a comprehensive one-day training and update. This free summit is open to everyone from beginners to experienced users. The Summit will have presentations that cover EDDMapS’ smartphone apps, website, tools, and projects. This will be an update to the last two year’s Summit, and attendees are encouraged to review the recordings from last years prior to this year’s Summit or attend the two pretraining sessions. The pretraining sessions will run live through the links below, and the recordings will be available for use at https://www.eddmaps.org/training/.
EDDMapS 101
Feb 24, 2023 11:00 AM in Eastern Time
VIEW RECORDING »
EDDMapS 102
Mar 17, 2023 11:00 AM in Eastern Time
REGISTER NOW »
It is recommended that participants complete the NAISMA Mapping Data Standards course prior to the Summit. This online course is free for NAISMA members.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
- 2023 Annual Maine Invasive Species Network Meeting
March 23, 2023; Orono, Maine - Mid-Atlantic Regional Panel Spring Meeting
April 18 -19, 2023; Annapolis, Maryland - Gulf and South Atlantic Regional Panel Spring Meeting
April 25-2, 2023; Jekyll Island, Georgia - 11th International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions
May 15 – 19, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland - Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel Spring meeting
May 23 - 24, 2023; Rhode Island. - Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies 113th Annual Meeting
September 24-27, 2023; Calgary, Alberta - 23rd International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species
May 12 – 16, 2024; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Western Regional Panel Annual Meeting
September 20-21, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah
UPCOMING WEBINARS
U.S. Geological Survey
USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database as we hold two open webinars to discuss upcoming improvements to the Database. During this webinar, the NAS team will present our ideas on modernizing the Database. Then, we will open the floor to comments and suggestions from our users and stakeholders on any new features they want to see on the website. Please use this link to sign up for either webinar time: March 23rd at 3 pm (EST) or March 24th at 2 pm (EST).https://forms.office.com/g/4picXW4pSp
Invasive Species Action Network:
March 13, 2023, 3 - 4:30 pm EDT; Lessons Learned: Pet Rehoming Efforts in the US
Join us in a discussion with leading organizers of pet rehoming events as they share their successes and challenges with pet rehoming efforts in their regions. Pet rehoming events are an opportunity for pet owners to surrender unwanted pets and learn about the impacts of invasive species. Events like these are meant to provide safe homes for pets and prevent the introduction of invasive species into natural environments by providing pet owners an alternative to pet release or aquarium dumping. Our speakers are prepared to share the lessons they have learned through hosting these events and answer your questions if you are looking to facilitate pet rehoming in your region.
Collaborative Conservation and Adaptation Strategy Toolbox (CCAST) Webinars:
March 15th, 2023, 1 pm ET: Comparing in situ Detection of Invasive Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) Using Environmental DNA and Detection Canines in Texas Reservoirs
Early detection and rapid response represent cornerstones of effective management of biological invasions in freshwater ecosystems, and tools that increase the sensitivity and efficiency of species detection benefit such efforts. We compared the sensitivity of two methods for in situ detection of invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in central Texas reservoirs: environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and canine detection. Although eDNA analysis is regularly applied to environmental samples in zebra mussel detection and management programs, canine detection is typically limited to inspection for adult mussels on watercraft, and our work represents one of the first attempts to detect veligers (i.e., free-swimming larval stages) and other microscopic zebra mussel material in environmental samples. We collected veligers from Canyon Lake, Texas and prepared a dilution series of veliger concentrations in both spring water and filtered lake water. From these samples, we quantified zebra mussel eDNA with a species-specific hydrolysis probe qPCR assay. We assessed sensitivity of six canines using a blind olfactometer and software-automated adaptive threshold procedure. Comparison of methods will reveal strengths and weaknesses of each approach and help develop the most efficient and sensitive approach (or combination of approaches) for invasive species detection.
March 21th, 2023, 4 pm ET: Springs Monitoring for the Four Forest Restoration Initiative in Northern Arizona
The Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) aims to restore 2.4 million acres of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest across four national forests in Northern Arizona to improve forest resilience to and reduce the risk of increasingly frequent and severe wildfires. Treatments such as mechanical thinning and prescribed burns are anticipated to impact springs in the project area—keystone ecosystems of landscapes, and indicators of environmental change. However, there has been limited monitoring of the more than 20,000 springs throughout the Colorado River basin. The Springs Stewardship Institute is in year four of a five-year study monitoring how treatments affect spring ecosystems and influence aquifer recharge. The results will improve knowledge of spring ecosystems and inform future management considerations.
North American Invasive Species Management Association Webinar Series
March 15, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT: Webinar: Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species through PlayCleanGo and WorkCleanGo
PlayCleanGo®: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks® is NAISMA’s official, branded, registered, trademark-protected education and outreach program aimed at stopping the spread of invasive species through outdoor recreational pathways. The international campaign is grounded in a Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) strategy. NAISMA partners and PlayCleanGo supporters share prevention communication through social channels, as this proven outdoor recreation focused campaign aims to prevent the spread of invasive species by effecting behavior change and reminding recreationists to clean their gear every time they go to their favorite or a new recreation area. This is achieved through positive messaging that resonates with recreationists’ and field workers’ values, and includes a clear call to action to clean boots, boats, and other outdoor gear.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
None this week.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
None this week.
RECOMMENDED READING
Successful invasions to freshwater systems double with climate warming
Salis, R. K., Brennan, G. L., & Hansson, L. A. (2023). Successful invasions to freshwater systems double with climate warming. Limnology and Oceanography.
Classroom citizen scientists discover red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) from northern Idaho, United States
Morton JL, Bayless R, Connerley E, Ekins JP, Elvidge JA, Hartman JH, Holzer KK, Reynolds RJ, Larson ER (2023) Classroom citizen scientists discover red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) from northern Idaho, United States. BioInvasions Records 12 (in press).
Mercury assessment in invasive Lionfish Pterois (Oken, 1817) from marine protected areas in the Colombian Caribbean
Acosta-Coley, I., Cabarcas-Montalvo, M., Hernandez-Lambraño, R. E., Sierra-Marquez, L., Valcarcel-Castellanos, C., Duque, D., ... & Benavides-Serrato, M. (2023). Mercury assessment in invasive Lionfish Pterois (Oken, 1817) from marine protected areas in the Colombian Caribbean. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 189, 114753.
ANS IN THE NEWS
Invasive apple snails in your backyard? UF/IFAS study dives into their threat to Florida’s wetlands and your landscape
March 7, 2023 - A new study by the University of Florida researchers provides a first look at the ecological impacts of the invasive apple snails on some of Florida’s most vulnerable habitats and environments.
Projects aimed at fighting Michigan’s invasive species share $3.6M in grant funding
March 6, 2023 - Nearly three dozen projects aimed at fighting invasive species in Michigan will share $3.6 million in grant funding through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.
How an invasive species may impact Colorado boating season
March 6, 2023 - Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will be hosting a public meeting at Rifle Gap State Park in Garfield County on March 16 to discuss how the presence of invasive zebra mussels may impact the 2023 boating season.
Python invasion has exploded out of the Everglades and into nearly all of southern Florida, new map shows
March 4, 2023 - According to an ambitious new paper produced by the U.S. Geological Survey, Burmese pythons populations have exploded in only 20 years from a few snakes at the southern tip of Everglades National Park to an invasion that envelops the southern third of Florida.
How invasive plants negatively impact fishing
March 4, 2023 - If you regularly enjoy fishing in Pennsylvania, you’ve probably encountered a literally growing problem around Commonwealth waters.
Best way to attack starry stonewort is to hunt it down and catch it early
March 4, 2023 - While flowering rush and zebra mussels are familiar aquatic nuisances in this area, and wild radish can cause serious burns to those clearing brush on land, the next big invasive concern for area lakes is hardly a plant at all — it’s a big floating algae with a fairy dust name – starry stonewort.
Colombia plans to send 70 ‘cocaine hippos’ to India and Mexico, governor says
March 4, 2023 - Colombia plans to fly dozens of its “cocaine hippos” – the descendents of drug trafficker Pablo Escobar’s private menagerie – to new homes in India and Mexico in a bid to control their booming population, according to the local governor.
Up to the gills in goldfish: Large invasive fish a problem in B.C. waters: expert
March 3, 2023 - Goldfish — some nearly as big as a football — are invading British Columbia's lakes and quickly spreading, putting native fish populations at risk, a researcher says.
Colorado border state encourages public to catch (and eat) this invasive species
March 3, 2023 - In honor of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is encouraging Utah residents to catch as many bullfrogs as they want.
Climate change, invasive species and the Great Lakes
March 3, 2023 - Keynote presenter Dr. Gail Krantzberg, a professor at McMaster University’s Walter G. Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology spoke about the link between climate change and invasive species in a Great Lakes context, calling for “a new era of science, of predictive science that will help us understand threats to the region and enhance the resilience of the Great Lakes.”
Yes, Asian Carp Are an Invasive Species — Here’s What You Should Know
March 1, 2023 - Asian carp are another invasive species making headlines — and not in a good way. Not only do they pose a threat to native wildlife, but they can also be incredibly difficult to get rid of.
Potentially invasive frog found for the second time in Oregon
February 28, 2023 - A potentially invasive Cuban tree frog was found Monday on a plant sold at a tropical plant store in the Beaverton area.This is the second time in the last few years the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has learned of this type of frog entering the state.
Game and Fish plan set for aquatic invasive species threat
February 28, 2023 - Wyoming Game and Fish Department officials have been working to mitigate the threat of the destructive mussel, which could cause significant damage to Wyoming waterways. Last July, South Dakota documented the infestation at Pactola Reservoir in the Black Hills — 30 miles from the Wyoming border.
When will invasive species be considered native?
February 28, 2023 - A James Cook University researcher says invasive plant species cause great damage to natural habitats and the farming industry. But they are adapting so quickly, that they might need to be renamed as new native species at some point.
Destructive ‘Super Pigs’ From Canada Threaten the Northern U.S.
February 27, 2023 - The animals root through crops, prey on native species, cause soil erosion and carry pathogens that can spread to humans.
Proposed pesticide bill takes aim at invasive species in Lake Bomoseen
February 26, 2023 - The Lake Bomoseen Association is seeking a permit from the state to spray the lake to stem the spread of milfoil. However, some are concerned about the impact on the ecosystem and local recreation. A bill under consideration would freeze the Department of Environmental Conservation from issuing new treatment permits for lakes until its impact is studied.
Florida Scientists Concerned About Army of Invasive “Jesus Christ" Lizards – Futurism.
February 26, 2023 -Yet another invasive species is causing a stir in Florida. And this time, the critter's name evokes a certain holiness. The brown basilisk, commonly known as the "Jesus Christ Lizard" for its ability to run on water, has cometh — and according to scientists, Floridians should not wanteth.
