RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS

None this week.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

UPCOMING WEBINARS

NPS Integrated Pest Management Webinar Series:

May 4th at 12:00pm MT - The Psychology of Preventing Introductions

This webinar will present on incorporating behavioral psychology increases the effectiveness of 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 communications and education outreach programs. Learn from how Play Clean Go changes human behavior to stop the spread.

NAISMA Monthly Webinars:

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

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues to integrate community-based social marketing (CBSM) into statewide aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention programming. CBSM is a social science approach to foster sustainable, environmentally beneficial behaviors and provides a step-by-step approach for assessing risks and identifying opportunities for long-term change. The DNR followed CBSM steps to better understand stakeholder knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, barriers, motivators, and communication preferences specific to activities they participate in and the AIS prevention actions we need them to adopt. Research included literature reviews, expert panels, surveys of target audiences, a workshop for local partners, and grants for local pilot projects. The DNR also used Community Asset Mapping to identify existing resources, organizations, programs, individuals and their interconnections related to protecting and celebrating Minnesota water resources. With the baseline data collected, the DNR and partners can craft the right messages, use trusted messengers, and use preferred messaging channels to promote the adoption and consistent practice of AIS prevention behaviors by target audiences in Minnesota. A similar framework could be utilized by other regional, state and local invasive species programs.

June 15, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT  -  Spotted Lanternfly Ecology and Biocontrol Efforts

July 20, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT - “Jumping Worms:” What We Know Now

August 17, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT - How to Get Your Project Funded

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Research Scientist - Fish & Wildlife Research Scientist 1 - *05790-22

Salary  $61,224.00 - $80,292.00 Annually; Location  Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type Full Time – Permanent Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; Job Number 2022-05790

Closing 5/18/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

WDFW is seeking a Research Scientist to protect state waters by serving as the expert on European Green Crab (EGC) Research. This role will be the principle researcher for assessing EGC populations and the primary author for the development of the EGC state management plan – both of which provide sound, science-based management recommendations for decision makers in meeting resource and economic needs for the state.

Please note: This job is posted until May 18, 2022, with a 1st Review of Applications taking place on May 4, 2022. Application review will be ongoing, and therefore we encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) JEDI Internship

Internship Site: Remote/Virtual

Description: The intern will work with the NALMS Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee to support the process of completing a 5-year plan for NALMS to use in incorporating JEDI into all facets of the organization. To achieve this goal the intern will focus their efforts in these areas:

  • Internal Assessment
  • Outreach
  • Internal Planning and Strategy
  • Symposium Planning



The intern will take the lead on assessing previously collected information, and possible collection of further data, to help define this plan. The intern will have an integral role in writing the plan for NALMS JEDI incorporating the topics above, and will help present the plan to the NALMS Board for approval. The plan will be invaluable to NALMS as a guide for the JEDI Program, with a clear list of tasks to be prioritized by future JEDI interns, and a step towards making NALMS a welcoming organization for all.  To review steps NALMS is taking to further our JEDI goals please visit NALMS website Open until filled

Huron Pines MI

Huron Pines is accepting applications for an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Survey Specialist to implement priority conservation initiatives throughout NE lower Michigan by conducting invasive species surveys of aquatic systems with a focus on Michigan Watch List species, European frog-bit. Specialists will be completing tasks as a part of the Huron Coastal and Huron Heartland Invasive Species Networks. These networks are a collaboration of local, state, and federal partners working together to address invasive species concerns across jurisdictional boundaries. The AIS Survey Specialists may also have the opportunity to participate in other activities as part of Huron Pines Stewardship Team such as conducting invasive species mechanical and/or chemical treatments, participating in educational events, collecting native plant seeds, and additional invasive species survey efforts. This is an at-will, seasonal, non-exempt position running from May 23, 2022 to Aug 31, 2022.  For more information visit: https://huronpines.org/jobs/

Tahoe Resource Conservation District  

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Watercraft Inspector

The Watercraft Inspection Program (WIP) is a well‐coordinated, collaborative and successful aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention effort that provides technical assistance to project partners and residents within the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee Region. Tahoe RCD and its program partners, including the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, work closely together to fully implement this program on public and private lands.

Maine Department of Environmental Protection

The Maine DEP Invasive Aquatic Species Program is seeking an individual to join the team working to prevent, detect and manage invasive aquatic species in Maine. The Program focuses on invasive aquatic plants but also works to prevent and detect invasive aquatic animals in collaboration with other state agencies. The successful candidate will work closely with the three incumbent members of the Program and with outside contractors, lake residents and organizations. This position will share in overall program operations including field work to investigate and evaluate invasive aquatic plant populations, providing technical support to lake groups with prevention and early detection, and helping residents and lake associations assess and implement invasive aquatic plant management. Candidates interested in this position need to complete and submit an online State of Maine application at https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/index.shtml#dep along with a detailed resume and cover letter. Please contact John McPhedran at (207)215-9863 or john.mcphedran@maine.gov with questions.

NEIWPCC  - Environmental Analyst

Stakeholders and managers agree that there is an imminent need for increased AIS outreach along the Champlain Canal corridor, with the increased threat of invasion by round goby to Lake Champlain through the Champlain Canal system. In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) work to finalize plans to construct an AIS barrier in the Champlain Canal, which will prevent movement of all taxa between the two systems, will benefit from outreach to communities situated along this corridor. NEIWPCC JOB DESCRIPTION Environmental Analyst (LCBP AIS Outreach) 3-2022 2 The two main focus areas of this position are: 1) conduct targeted outreach to anglers, angler groups, relevant stakeholders, and communities along the Champlain Canal to increase awareness of round goby and reduce the risk of overland transportation of this invasive species and 2) build connections with communities along the Champlain canal corridor to increase awareness of the USACE study to construct an AIS barrier that will allow for continued recreational use of the canal system, and respond to questions and concerns from these communities around the benefits and impacts of the project to their community. This position will also assist the NYS DEC Lake Champlain Coordinator and LCBP AIS Management Coordinator with additional AIS-related outreach, organizing, spread prevention, monitoring, and management work in the basin, as needed

City of Bellingham - Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program Staff - Seasonal

This position fulfills seasonal Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program objectives by providing education and watercraft inspection and basic decontamination services to recreational boaters. The position will interact with members of the public, collect and track survey information, provide boat inspection and decontamination training and communicate with other state and local government staff. This position becomes represented by a union after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

None this week.

RECOMMENDED READING

Introduction pathways of economically costly invasive alien species

Turbelin, A. J., Diagne, C., Hudgins, E. J., Moodley, D., Kourantidou, M., Novoa, A., ... & Courchamp, F. (2022). Introduction pathways of economically costly invasive alien species. Biological Invasions, 1-19.

Engaging Online Citizen Scientists and the Consensus Method to Monitor the Marine Biofouling Community

Lawson, K. N., Tracy, B. M., Sharova, M., Muirhead, J. R., & Cawood, A. (2022). Engaging Online Citizen Scientists and the Consensus Method to Monitor the Marine Biofouling Community. Front. Mar. Sci, 9,

Think Locally and Act Globally on Invasive Species

Strayer, D. L. (2022). Think Locally and Act Globally on Invasive Species. Natural Areas Journal, 42(2), 108-108.

ANS IN THE NEWS…      

Talking aquatic invasive species with the U of M

May 2, 2022.  Nick Phelps, Ph.D., with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center at the University of Minnesota, answers questions about the steps you can take to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species and what researchers are currently doing to make a difference.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission weigh up SWFL's invasive species issue

May 2, 2022. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission weigh up SWFL's invasive species issue (video).

Over A Fifth Of Reptile Species Are Now At Risk Of Extinction, Study Warns

May 1, 2022. A new study published in the journal Nature highlights that around a fifth of known reptile species is on the verge of extinction. Researchers recommend conservation efforts to protect other animal groups such as habitat restoration and controlling invasive species could help reptile populations too, while highlighting that some reptile species require urgent conservation efforts to prevent extinctions.

Monique Keiran: 'Crazy, raging crab' gets its claws into Island

May 1, 2022. Carcinus maenas (“crazy, raging crab”) is considered one of the world’s worst invasive species

Eradication of animals on islands saves other from extinction

April 30, 2022. We are aware how islands have become overrun by invasive species like cats, rats, snakes, and other animals that got there either innocently or deliberately by boat. These animals then caused the extinctions or extirpations of native animals.

Voyageurs National Park launches effort to contain zebra mussels

April 30, 2022. Starting this summer, boaters traveling over the Kettle Falls and Gold Portages will be required to take several steps to prevent the spread of invasive species. Park staff will also decontaminate boats at the two sites, beginning on May 13.

Wildlife officials warn of invasive frogs spreading in Washington

April 29, 2022. According to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), African clawed frogs have been reported and confirmed by scientists in Bothell, Issaquah and Lacey.

Years of regulation may have reduced invasive species risks in the Great Lakes, study says

April 29, 2022. The study, released by McGill University and the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, looked at the bi-national regulation of ballast water. According to the study, this practice has actually reduced the risk of an invasion by 85% since 2008.

JEWEL OF THE GREAT LAKES: Group battles invasive species

April 28, 2022. Despite mitigation efforts, invasive species such as European frog-bit, narrow-leaf cattail, and zebra mussels continue to spread from location to location while disrupting the wildlife near their spread.

Invasive species found in St. Lawrence River

April 27, 2022. A small population of the Eurasian Tench has been found in the St. Lawrence River by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. The discovery has hooked the interest of both river officials and north country anglers.

Tackling aquatic invasive species introduced via biofouling – GloFouling task force reviews progress

April 27, 2022. A major project to tackle bioinvasions by organisms which can build up on ships’ hulls and other marine structures saw activities slow down during the COVID-19 pandemic but is on track to meet its targets.

The role of invasive alien species as a reservoir of pathogens

April 26, 2022. It has been observed that the introduction of alien species into a new area often results in the introduction of new pathogens which were previously not there.

eDNA latest tool in fight against invasive species

April 26, 2022. In 2021 a team of scientists from the University of Iowa, US, deployed innovative eDNA detection techniques to identify water courses where the New Zealand mud snailmay be hiding unseen, which should allow them to identify the scale of the problem and deploy early interventions to keep populations in check before they do visible, irreversible damage.

UWS Lake Superior Research Institute Receives $8 Million to Keep Researching Invasive Species in Ballast Water

April 25, 2022.  The funding allows students to continue testing technology used by ships to remove species like zebra mussels and sea lampreys from ballast water.

How nature itself could help quash the quagga mussel invasion on the Colorado River

April 25, 2022. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is taking the lead, funding a slew of new research projects that agency officials hope will give them an edge in managing the freshwater mussel.

Concerns raised about possibility of invasive fish disease in B.C. waters

April 20, 2022. As watercraft travel across the province this year, there is a risk of accidentally introducing of an invasive species decimating fish populations across North America known as whirling disease.

‘Most aggressive invasive plant,’ phragmites, has largely been spread by human activity

April 20, 2022.  The overall message was, ‘Phragmites is an aggressive invasive species, spread mainly by human activity. Learn to recognize it. Don’t drive through it but if you do, clean your machine.