RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS

National Invasive Species Council

The NISC FY 2022 Work Plan has been finalized and distributed to NISC member agencies. It’s also available on the NISC website at https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/nisc-fy2022-annual-wp-march312022.pdf.  

Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ICRCC)

The Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ICRCC) last week released its 2022 Invasive Carp Action Plan, which details a series of projects focused on protecting the Great Lakes from invasive carp. The Action Plan, which the ICRCC has released on an annual basis, serves as a strategic plan outlining the work by 28 U.S. and Canadian federal, state, provincial, tribal, regional, and local agencies, to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights of the 2022 Action Plan include: 

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led Brandon Road Lock and Dam Aquatic Nuisance Species Barrier Project in Will County, Illinois which incorporates structural and non-structural control measures to prevent invasive carp from moving upstream in the Great Lakes 
  • Continued operation of the electric dispersal barriers in the Chicago Area Waterway System 
  • Large-scale field testing and development of new technologies to block invasive carp migration 
  • Illinois Department of Natural Resources efforts to increase focused commercial fishing to remove adult invasive carp in the upper Illinois River  
  • Continued efforts led by Ohio and Michigan Departments of Natural Resources to remove grass carp in Lake Erie 
  • Continued support for state-led efforts in basin-wide early detection monitoring and contingency response actions 

The 2022 Action Plan is funded through the GLRI, annual agency appropriations, and the 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 (BIL). Read the full ICRCC press release about the 2022 Invasive Carp Action Plan. 

Western Regional Panel

The WEP eDNA Committee has hosted a webinar series of webinars to educate as to what eDNA is and how it is being used in Dreissenid management in the Western USA; and the current state of the science.

The webinars are listed here https://westernregionalpanel.org/edna-workgroup/ along with the direct YouTube link to the most recent webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMjuQg00Thk

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council / Pet Advocacy Network

The Pet Advocacy Network, formerly known as the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), today announced a comprehensive rebranding with a new name, logo and website that reflects its evolution over the past 50 years as the legislative and regulatory voice of the responsible pet care community. The association made the announcement at its 50th anniversary celebration reception, held in conjunction with the Global Pet Expo tradeshow in Orlando, Florida. FULL PRESS RELEASE

UPCOMING MEETINGS

UPCOMING WEBINARS

NAISMA Monthly Webinars: NPS Integrated Pest Management Webinar Series

April 20, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT - A Biocultural Approach to Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Western Science for Invasive Species Management and Policy

May 18, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT - Using Community Based Social Marketing to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

U.S. Geological Survey

As a Biologist within the Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

  • Plans and conducts studies and investigations concerning biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect biology resources.
  • Deploys data collection systems and manipulates and analyzes data from these systems. Analyzes and resolves complex conventional problems. Writes comprehensive reports on study findings and recommendations.
  • Modifies and adapts standard techniques, processes, and procedures; assesses, selects, and applies precedents; and devises strategies and plans to overcome significant resource problems related to ecology, fishery, and/or wildlife habitat restoration.
  • Analyzes data, performs scientific tests, and conducts studies on the impact of existing or proposed management or public practices on biology resources.
  • Develops plans for biology projects including estimates of personnel, equipment, materials, and schedules required to carry out plans.
  • Recommends modifications to project objectives and associated documentation in accordance with established directives. Conducts analyses, and reviews results of studies or investigations.
  • Writes reports that include recommendations for changes, elimination, or improvement of operations and program plans.

USAJobs Announcement number: USGS-RES-22-11423724-DHA-DG; Closes 04/11/2022

USDA Forest Service

The USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) will soon be advertising a vacancy for a GS-07 Biological Science Technician. The position is full-time, permanent with the Aquatic Conservation and Ecology (ACE) Team https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/cbhr/research/ace/ within the Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research (Research Work Unit 4155), located in Oxford, MS. The position will be filled at the GS-0404-07 level. To express interest in this opportunity, please send your resumé to Susie Adams at susan.adams@usda.gov by April 15, 2022 and request a copy of the Outreach Response form. The announcement link will be sent to you when the position opens.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Department of Energy & Environment DC

DOEE seeks eligible entities to enhance the district’s natural environment and restore natural areas by recruiting a team of people that will manage invasive plants, improve habitat along restored streams, and improve wildlife habitat for rare species and for the enjoyment of residents. The grantee will work with DOEE and the National Capital Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) to inventory, map, and control 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 in natural areas throughout the National Capital region. The amount available for the project is $85,000 for one grant. The deadline for application submissions is May 9, 2022.  MORE INFORMATION.

RECOMMENDED READING

Science and Innovation for Battling Invasive Carp

Kocovsky, P. M. (2022). Science and innovation for battling invasive carp (No. 2022-3012). US Geological Survey.

ANS IN THE NEWS…            

A company is planning to release billions of genetically-modified mosquitoes in US - here's why

April 10, 2022. The aim of the project is to target Aedes aegypti mosquito, dangerous invasive species that spread diseases like Zika, Chikungunya, and yellow fever in many countries.

Okanagan water board asks for more federal funding to fight invasive mussels

April 9, 2022. This week, the OBWB said it sent a letter to newly appointed Federal Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray requesting a renewal of federal funding for invasive mussel outreach and education.

Georgians urged to report invasive giant South American lizard species

April 7, 2022. Georgia wildlife officials are asking the public to be on the lookout for a wild South American lizard that is gaining a foothold in the Peach State.

NPMA Launches New Video Series on the Threat of Invasive Pests to the U.S

April 6, 2022. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is educating Americans about the spread of invasive pests throughout the U.S. with the launch of its latest animated video project, Invasive Species. This new video series, featuring six episodes of custom-animated illustrations, shines a spotlight on the various invasive species that have traveled far and wide to the United States, where they continue to spread at increasingly alarming rates.

Invasive species expert talks about Round Goby threat to Lake Champlain

April 6, 2022. Lake Champlain Basin Program Aquatic Invasive Species Management Coordinator Meg Modley says response measures recently outlined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Canal Corporation help to better understand the threat and any effort needed to contain the spread.

Consultant suggests new chemical to reduce invasive plant in Cocasset Lake

April 6, 2022. Conservation officials hope that a new herbicide treatment being considered for use in Cocasset Lake this season may prove an antidote to a mushrooming vegetation problem afflicting local lakes and ponds.

Invasive Species Threaten the Biodiversity of the Adriatic Sea

April 6, 2022. The arrival of nearly 50 invasive species into the Adriatic Sea over the course of the previous three decades confirms new conditions developing in this Mediterranean sub-basin, but also represents a danger to its biodiversity.

DNR prevention effort focuses on invasive species purchases

April 5, 2022. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites aquarium hobbyists, gardeners and anglers to an informational webinar at noon, April 12 about preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species.

Invasive catfish species disrupting San Marcos River habitats

April 4, 2022. Researchers dived into the San Marcos River last week in hopes of understanding a non-native species of fish. The results from the study will help in guiding and enhancing the ongoing removal efforts to protect the native habitats.

Copper joins the fight against zebra mussels at Lake Georgetown

April 4, 2022. Zebra mussels have entrenched themselves in Central Texas, and the invasive species continue to spread across the state.