RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Alert: Invasive Crayfish Hitchhiking in Aquarium Shipments

Over the last few years, documented cases of invasive animals have been detected when other aquarium related commodities have been purchased. In 2021, zebra mussels were detected in moss balls in pet stores in 46 states. In 2022, multiple states found that invasive crayfish were unintentionally shipped with goldfish or other aquarium fish and were subsequently detected in pet stores.

Multiple Petco stores in Nebraska and Idaho in the last few weeks have reported invasive crayfish in tanks. A few of the specimens retrieved from a Nebraska Petco retail store were four inches or more in length. Although protocols and policies are in place at the supplier and receiver ends of the supply chain, there is still work that needs to be done to minimize the risk of hitchhikers within this pathway. It is uncertain how widespread this issue is at this time. 

Please keep an eye out for any potential hitchhikers in Petcos. The National Petco office has been alerted to this issue, but if any reports come up in your state, please contact Kerry Wixted (kwixted@fishwildlife.org).

U.S. Geological Survey: Research Priorities

The USGS has for help to determine research priorities for their Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program (BTRP) for 2024. To that end, they have a survey that covers research and information needs on invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species for the 2024 year. The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete but is extremely important for guiding program priorities in the future. The BTRP is a component of the Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA). Scientists in the BTRP work closely with DOI and other Federal, State, Local, and Tribal management partners to provide actionable science to prevent, identify, detect, contain, manage, or eradicate invasive species and wildlife disease that pose significant ecological or economic threats to the resources of the US, and pose human health threats. The survey can be found here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=urWTBhhLe02TQfMvQApUlB0grnGduqFKu4rOlJYC8EFUQTJSWDJUQ0RDSkNTUVk4NElDMUo4VEM4Mi4u. Please fill it out by COB on April 22.

NAISMA's Mapping Certification Course

NAISMA’s Mapping Standards Short Course consists of six sequenced video presentations, along with supplemental materials for in-depth learning and assessment. This course gives you the information necessary to implement the mapping data standards within your invasive species program!

After completing this course, participants will understand:

  • The history of the NAISMA mapping standards
  • The importance of following the standards
  • The definitions of terms used in the standards
  • What fields are required or not required and why
  • How to set up a simple database to record data according to the standard
  • How the standard and data fit into a larger invasive species management program 

This class is open to anyone and there are no prerequisites. A certificate from NAISMA will be issued upon successful completion of the course. Register Today.

Wild Spotter Invasive Species Ambassador Training Course:

December 5th - 7th, 2023; Northern Idaho

This intensive training will include building relationships, partnerships and engaging stakeholders; branding and marketing programs; using innovative tools and technologies; and volunteer citizen-science coordination, recruitment, and retention to meet invasive species management goals and expand local community capacity for action. This gathering will have limited attendance through a merit selection process; please apply now at www.invasivesfree.org  to submit your candidacy and reserve your space for this unique opportunity….More to come! Please see attached flyer for more details or contact Michael Ielmini (michael.ielmini@usda.gov ).

UPCOMING MEETINGS

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Western Regional Panel on ANS

April 18th 1-3 pm mountain time; WRP Mid-Year Webinar

The 2-hour meeting will cover updates from all WRP committee, details on the 2023 Annual Meeting, QZAP 2.0 progress and short presentations.  The current agenda is attached here but information can also be found online including the webinar join link. Pre-registration is not required, simply use the join link provided in the agenda or on the website. 

North American Invasive Species Management Association Webinar Series

April 19, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT: Ventenata Identification, Impacts, and Management Options

Ventenata (Ventenata dubia) is one of the most recent troublesome invasive plant species to affect range, pasture, and wild lands of the Intermountain Pacific Northwest and Northern Great Plains of the U.S. This presentation will cover biology, ecology, and management of ventenata. Grass identification can be difficult, and this presentation will also discuss how to identify ventenata relative to other non-native annual grasses that are problematic on western range and wild lands. In areas where ventenata is just beginning to invade, identification is critical for early detection and rapid response.

Invasive Species Centre Webinar

Apr 19, 2023 11:00 am ET; Horizon Scanning for invasive species threats to ecosystems, economy, and human health

Managing invasive species with prevention and early detection strategies can avert severe ecological and economic impacts. Horizon scanning, an evidence-based process combining risk screening and consensus-building to identify threats, has become a valuable tool for prioritizing invasive species management and prevention. In this presentation I will explain the process of conducting a horizon scan for invasive species threats using Florida as an example, the first of its kind in North America. Our primary objectives were to identify high risk species, their arrival pathways, impact mechanisms, and to demonstrate the utility of horizon scanning.

AFWA sponsored webinars:

Thurs April 27th at 3pm ET - Invasive Species Policy and Biology: Patterns in Eastern US State Laws & Opportunities for an Integrative Database Using AI Technology

State-to-state regulations on introduced and invasive species can vary considerably on the landscape. To examine patterns and continuity concerning what and how invasive species are regulated, the Invasive Species Working Group at Virginia Tech has compiled data on legal and regulatory frameworks for introduced and invasive species for 21 eastern US states. With this data, they are working to develop a comprehensive database that will serve as a hub for invasion science and policy. They aim to integrate next-generation data system architecture and artificial intelligence (AI) models needed to build a sustainable, informative, and accessible data delivery system. Join Virginia Tech researcher, Dr. Emily Reed, to learn about this project and future project expansions and applications. This talk is hosted in partnership with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Closed captions will be provided via Zoom. Learn about the Virginia Tech Invasive Species Working Group here: https://globalchange.vt.edu/research/working-groups/invasive-species-working-group.html

Wed May 24th at 4pm ET; Pesky Pentastomes: Coming to a State Near You Webinar

Snake pentastomes are a type of parasitic arthropod that infects the respiratory system of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. While there are several native pentastomes that affect snakes, two invasive species of pentastomes are a now a conservation concern here in the United States and have the potential to spread with the trade in snake species. See a factsheet on snake lung parasites here: https://parcplace.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/WFP-Fact-Sheet%E2%80%93Snake-Parasite_4.pdf.  Registration coming soon!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Idaho State Department of Agriculture

Temporary Roving Pest Detection Specialist – 2 openings in Post Falls, ID; 2 openings in Sandpoint, ID – $15/hour

This job is part of the agency’s statewide invasive species prevention program. These positions conduct watercraft inspections and performs public education and outreach at various recreation areas in Idaho to prevent the spread of zebra/quagga mussels and other Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Additionally, incumbents will perform early detection plankton tow sampling at various waterbodies in northern Idaho. Anticipated start date is May 16 and will continue through September. Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/idaho/jobs/3959850/temporary-roving-pest-detection-specialist-for-sandpoint-and-post-falls

Temporary Survey Pest Detection Specialist – 1 opening in Post Falls, ID

These positions primarily conduct field sampling and evaluations associated with Dreissenid mussels and noxious weeds. Duties include collecting plankton samples for early detection of invasive Dreissenid mussels; surveying waterways for aquatic noxious weeds (Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush); evaluating in-water herbicide applications (herbicide residuals, dissolved oxygen, treatment efficacy). Some survey work is conducted out of non-motorized and motorized boats which will require employees to operate boats and tow and back up boat trailers. Individuals must be self-motivated, good working with the public, able to work independently with limited supervision, and enthusiastic about physical, outdoor fieldwork.  Anticipated start date is May 16 and will continue through mid-October. Apply here: : https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/idaho/jobs/3959885/temporary-survey-pest-detection-specialist-post-falls

Invasive Species Member, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

American Conservation Experience

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (On-Site)

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 invasive species member to contribute to the mapping and management of invasive species as well as other biological projects alongside John Heinz NWR Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: mid-May/early-June 2023

Estimated End Date: 12 weeks later (August/September 2023)

Invasive Species Member, Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex

American Conservation Experience

Shirley, New York, United States (On-Site)

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking TWO Shorebird Monitoring and Biology Support Members to contribute to the biology program alongside Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: May 22, 2023 Estimated End Date: September 22, 2023

 

Invasive Species Member Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuges

American Conservation Experience

Erskine, Minnesota, United States (On-Site)

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Invasive Species Member  to contribute to work alongside Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE members will work on meaningful conservation projects such as invasive species inventory and removal.

Start Date: May 2023 Estimated End Date: September/October 2023

 

Invasive Species Members- Modoc National Wildlife Refuge

American Conservation Experience

California, United States

Invasive Species Members- Modoc National Wildlife Refuge

American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with USFWS is seeking TWO Invasive Species Members to contribute to invasive plant management projects alongside Modoc NWR staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date:  May 8th, 2023, End date 14 weeks later.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Aquatic Invasive Grass Research

The total funding amount is $250,000. The Service is collaborating with an interagency team comprised of members of the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership's Elodea Committee to manage this unique funding opportunity to address priority information gaps around these submerged aquatic invasive plants. The goal of the funding opportunity is to improve our collective understanding of how to further prevent new introductions and reduce the likelihood of secondary spread. The announcement will be open for application through May 1, 2023.  The GrantSolutions funding announcement number is F23AS00307

Lake Champlain Basin Program – Request for Proposals

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) has released Requests for Proposals for three grant categories funded by the 2021 federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. We were directly appropriated $455 million over five years in BIL funds for programs related to the President’s America the Beautiful initiative.

Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law . The grants will support aquatic invasive species management, native tree nurseries for habitat conservation projects, and wetland restoration in New York. The RFPs released by the LCBP this week will support the following programs in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin:

Aquatic Invasive Species Management and Spread Prevention

These projects will provide resources for equipment purchases that directly manage or reduce the risk of aquatic invasive species introduction and spread to Lake Champlain and other bodies of water in the Basin. While infrastructure investments are a priority for this funding, a percentage of the requested funding may be used to support workforce development initiatives needed to manage or reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species. Up to approximately $500,000 is available to support awarded projects. Grants of up to $250,000 will be awarded. The submission deadline for this category is 12 p.m. (noon) on May 9th, 2023.

Native Tree Nurseries

These projects will support organizations that sell or grow native trees and shrubs for habitat conservation projects in the Lake Champlain Basin. The intent is to measurably enhance the native plant supply available to local organizations. Funding may be used for infrastructure investments and to support workforce development initiatives needed to build or grow tree nursery capacity and reduce the cost of stems for conservation planting projects. Up to $1,000,000 is available to support awarded projects. Proposals for the full funding amount should offer a scope that demonstrates benefits across the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain basin. The submission deadline for this category is 12 p.m. (noon) on May 10th, 2023.

Wetland and Floodplain Restoration in New York

Projects supported with these grants will restore or improve degraded critical wetlands and floodplains situated in the New York portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. Restored wetlands and floodplain systems trap nutrients and other pollutants, provide habitat for aquatic, riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

Learn more about riparian , and terrestrial species, reduce stormwater runoff, and mitigate flood impacts on downstream communities. LCBP may issue multiple awards from this RFP, with a cap of $1,000,000 to support a single award. The submission deadline for this category is 12 p.m. (noon) on May 11th, 2023.

NFWF Announces Release of America the Beautiful Challenge 2023 Request for Proposals (3/1/23)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced the release of the 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the America the Beautiful Challenge program (ATBC). The program, which was launched in 2022, is dedicated to funding landscape-scale conservation and restoration projects that implement existing conservation plans across the nation.  ATBC grant pre-proposals are due April 20, 2023, and the full RFP can be found here. Awards are expected to be announced in November 2023.

 

2023 National Coastal Resilience Fund Request for Proposals

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with NOAA, the U.S. Department of Defense, Occidental, Shell, and TransRe, is now soliciting pre-proposals or the 2023 National Coastal Resilience Fund. NFWF will award up to $140 million in grants to create and restore natural systems in order to increase protection for communities from coastal hazards, such as storms, sea- and lake-level changes, inundation, and coastal erosion, while improving habitats for fish and wildlife species. NFWF prioritizes projects that are community led or incorporate direct community engagement and benefit underserved communities facing disproportionate harm from climate impacts.

How to Apply: Pre-proposals must be submitted through NFWF Easygrants system no later than Wednesday, April 12, 2023. An informational webinar has been scheduled for Thursday, March 2, 2023 3:00-4:30pm ET to provide an overview of the National Coastal Resilience funding opportunity. Applicants are strongly encouraged to participate and can register to attend the webinar.

Learn More: For more information or questions about this RFP, please contact Jessica Grannis (Jessica.Grannis@nfwf.org) or Arielle Mion (Arielle.Mion@nfwf.org).

California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) will accept applications for the 2023 Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program:April 10, 2023 - May 19, 2023, subject to available funds.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

1. Grant applicant must own/manage any aspect of the water in a reservoir where recreational activities are permitted.

2. The reservoir must be open to the public.

3. Grant applicant must demonstrate that the reservoir is uninfested with dreissenid mussels. To demonstrate that the reservoir is uninfested, applicants must provide mussel monitoring data collected since March 2022. Monitoring data can be from surface surveys, artificial substrates, and plankton tows.

 

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, on behalf of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, is soliciting proposals for interagency agreement funding to support response to the ongoing European green crab emergency. Please visit https://rco.wa.gov/about-us/employment-and-contracts/ for more information about the available funding for public agencies. (Rolling deadline until funds fully allocated)

For more information on European green crab and the state response, please visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/invasive/carcinus-maenas

and https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/emergency-measures-deployed-control-invasive-european-green-crabs-washington-waters

RECOMMENDED READING

Cultural and regulatory factors influence distribution and trajectory of invasive species in the United States: A wild pig case study

Smith, A. L., Strickland, B. K., Leopold, B. D., Cummins, J. L., Mayer, J. J., & Street, G. M. (2023). Cultural and regulatory factors influence distribution and trajectory of invasive species in the United States: A wild pig case study. Journal of Environmental Management, 338, 117742.

Can We Love Invasive Species to Death? Creating Efficient Markets for Invasive Species Harvests

Meadows, B., & Sims, C. (2023). Can We Love Invasive Species to Death? Creating Efficient Markets for Invasive Species Harvests. Environmental and Resource Economics, 1-35.

ANS IN THE NEWS

New Invasive Species Found In At Least 3 Florida Counties

April 1, 2023. A new invasive species of mosquito was found in at least three Florida counties, and health officials fear it could transmit deadly diseases.

Invasive carp making their way up river

March 31, 2023. Slowly, but surely, invasive carp are making their way up the Mississippi River. It won’t be long before we begin to see the species in larger numbers reach Lake Pepin.

Idaho Dept. of Ag boat check stations are cracking down on invasive species

March 31, 2023. If released into Idaho waterways, Quagga or Zebra mussel multiply very quickly and can clog a drainage and irrigation pipes in no-time.

Here are Florida’s nasty invasive species. Why do we have so many?

March 30, 2023. Our lovely climate allows nasty creatures to thrive. And “python” isn’t the only one that begins with “P.”

Asian swamp eels spread in the Everglades. ‘Potentially the worst species we’ve had yet’

March 30, 2023.  While these eels have been a presence in certain pockets of the park for decades, a newly released paper published in the journal Science of the Total Environment has—for the first time—put some hard numbers on the voracious appetite of these creatures. And it isn't pretty.

'It's now too late': How invasive species have altered Lake Constance

March 30, 2023. Fishermen in Lake Constance, Europe's third-largest lake which borders Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, are becoming increasingly concerned that the dwindling populations of edible fish are threatening their livelihoods.

Supergenes power invasive species' success, study finds

March 28, 2023. Common ragweed, a pest and a major cause of hay fever, is a successful invasive species because it uses "supergenes" to adapt, an international study led by Monash University has found.

Federal, state and tribal officials join together for a new plan to eradicate an invasive species of trout in Eastern Oregon

March 27, 2023. In the waterways of the Malheur National Forest, the invasive brook trout has been outcompeting the native bull trout, which is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Invasive species an ongoing issue and focus of World Water Day

March 22, 2023. The theme for 2023's World Water Day is 'Be the Change'

Update about efforts to manage Wisconsin’s aquatic invasive species

March 22, 2023. Sea lampreys, zebra mussels and white perch are a few of the aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin. We catch up with the efforts to control them with a representative from the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant program.

America's biggest and most invasive species cannot be eradicated

March 21, 2023. It is not possible to eradicate the biggest and potentially most threatening invasive species in America, a sobering study from the US government has found.

B.C. has a problem: Goldfish as large as a football are rapidly cloning themselves

March 21, 2023. Heise is sounding the alarm on illegally dumped goldfish in B.C. waters. The rate at which they are multiplying is being seen as a threat to native fish species. The invasive species can have 50,000 eggs at a time, three times a summer.

Great Lakes invasive carp barrier system scaled down to be more cost efficient, but cost rises

March 21, 2023. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found more efficient ways to construct a barrier near Chicago to keep invasive carp in the Mississippi River system out of the Great Lakes. But the cost is nearly 13 percent higher than a 2019 estimate. The Corps of Engineers blames inflation, material, and labor costs.

Invasive Fish Species Spark 'Disaster' in Maryland

March 20, 2023.  Maryland Governor Wes Moore has asked the federal government to declare a commercial fishery disaster in the state as several invasive species, particularly blue catfish, continue to expand and cause issues in the Chesapeake Bay, off the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

6 Invasive and Dangerous Giant African Snails Seized by Detroit Metro Airport Customs

March 20, 2023.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at Detroit Metro Airport seized 6 Giant African snails, an invasive species that is potentially deadly to humans, from a traveler. The snails, which were still alive at the time they were discovered, were discovered in the luggage of someone entering the U.S. from Ghana.

As They Swim, Fly, and Crawl In, China Wakes Up to Invasive Threat

March 20, 2023. While the exact number of invasive species across the country is still undetermined, scientists have only recently started to estimate the havoc they have wreaked to ecosystems.

Invasive mudsnail species discovered in Silverbow Creek

March 20, 2023. Aquatic invasive New Zealand mudsnails were discovered in Silverbow Creek near the outlet of the Warm Springs Ponds last week.

Watch: How the move of containers can cause spread of pests

March 20, 2023.  World Shipping Council has released an informative video on how containers can facilitate the start and spread of pests to communities around the world, risking agriculture, forestry & natural resources.

Cargo ships put Hawaiʻi's fragile marine ecosystem at risk of a deadly coral pathogen

March 17, 2023.   Local marine conservationists are bracing themselves for the possible introduction of a deadly coral pathogen to Hawaiʻi's waters.