RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Invasive Species Council:
The NISC has finalized two white papers, for question or a copy of the papers please contact Angela McMellen Brannigan (angela_mcmellenbrannigan@ios.doi.gov):
Environmental DNA as a Tool for Invasive Species Detection and Management: This white paper focuses on eDNA tools for monitoring and detection by U.S. Federal agencies. It builds on the work of an interagency task team under the auspices of the NISC, which developed a technical report for invasive species managers entitled, “Strategic considerations for invasive species managers to utilize environmental DNA (eDNA): if, when, and how.” This white paper summarizes the findings of the technical report and provides specific considerations for NISC member agencies and other interested parties
Federal Invasive Species Rapid Response Fund: Criteria and Considerations for Establishment: This paper focuses on the role that a federal rapid response fund could play in such situations. When response to a new species detection is deemed necessary, agencies, whether they be federal, state, territorial, local, or tribal, may not have sufficient funds readily available to act immediately, jeopardizing the ability to control the species before it establishes, spreads, and causes harm. This paper reviews these issues by first focusing on concerns generally expressed about creating such self-standing funds, as well as the broader rationale supporting their establishment. Models for emergency response from other sectors as well as related mechanisms to support invasive species efforts are examined for potential lessons learned and best practices. The paper outlines criteria and considerations that would need to be considered in the development and implementation of a federal invasive species rapid response fund. Finally, key findings and options for next steps are included in a summary section.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
UPCOMING WEBINARS
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. R
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
U.S. Geological Survey
Job opportunity for a Natural Resources Economist with the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Resource Center. The position is a GS-11 term working with the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database in Gainesville, FL.
Announcement number:USGS-DEN-22-11495147-DE-AJG https://www.usajobs.gov/job/653911700/print
The position closes May 26, 2022
Utah Department of Natural Resources
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, natural resources professional who excels at grant writing, proposal monitoring, and budget oversight to fill the role of Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator in our Salt Lake Office. This position requires strong communication and the ability to problem solve and adapt in the dynamic Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program of the DWR. This position is within the Division’s law enforcement section and is a non sworn coordinator position that will work closely with the AIS lieutenant in interdicting the spread of invasive species through Utah. Utah’s AIS program leads the western states in efforts to combat invasive species, specifically the Quagga Mussel, from infesting the rivers, reservoirs, and waterways that are so important to western United States infrastructure. The position closes May 16, 2022. FULL ANNOUCEMENT
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Invasive through Strategic Landscape-Level Approaches
Using appropriations to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58, also referred to as the ), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), in collaboration with other U.S. Department of the Interior bureaus, is providing grants to support implementation of measures that prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species. Proposals are requested that advance strategic, ecologically-based, landscape-level prevention measures. Landscape-level approaches are those that bring together multiple geographies, sectors, and stakeholders to protect and conserve natural resources on a larger scale. Total funding available is $1,852,550. The USFWS anticipates funding one to four projects, ranging between $200,000 and $1,852,550. Proposals are due June 22, 2022. The anticipated award date is August 2022. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on grants.gov, Number F22AS00320. Please direct questions to Susan Pasko, Division of Fish and Aquatic Conservation, USFWS HQ, 703-358-2466, susan_pasko@fws.gov.
America the Beautiful Challenge 2022
NFWF Request for Proposals for the America the Beautiful Challenge 2022: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has released the 2022 Request for Proposals for the Biden-Harris Administration's America the Beautiful Challenge, which will leverage Federal conservation and restoration investments with private and philanthropic contributions to accelerate land, water, and wildlife conservation efforts across the country. This year, NFWF expects to award up to $85 million in grants to support locally led ecosystem restoration projects that invest in watershed restoration, resilience, equitable access, workforce development, corridors and connectivity, and collaborative conservation, consistent with the America the Beautiful Initiative. The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a major source of the initial Federal investments for the America the Beautiful Challenge. In addition, 24 philanthropic organizations, which currently invest $250 million annually to address our country’s biodiversity and climate crises, have committed to align their organizations’ funding with the principles of the America the Beautiful Initiative and to support the new public-private partnership in expanding investment in conservation.
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.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Approaches to Control Invasive Populations: A Conceptual Model Development for the Signal Crayfish
Hudina, S., Maguire, I., Dragičević, P., & Galic, N. (2022). Evaluating the Efficacy of Approaches to Control Invasive Populations: A Conceptual Model Development for the Signal Crayfish. Ecologies, 3(2), 78-95.
ANS IN THE NEWS…
Ohio woman pleads guilty to selling invasive crayfish species across 36 states
May 12, 2022. An Ohio woman who sold hundreds of marbled crayfish online has pleaded guilty to offenses under the Lacey Act, a US law preventing the transport of certain wildlife across state lines, after raising the crayfish in a huge tank in her home and selling them to people across 36 different states.
Anglers can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species
May 12, 2022. The approaching fishing season comes with a reminder from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to always follow state laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Israel's comptroller: Government not doing enough to prevent invasive species
May 11, 2022. A State Comptroller report released Tuesday found that nearly all of Israel's ecosystems are losing biological diversity. The report was about preventing damage from invasive species and protecting biodiversity.
Dossier: the rising threat of invasive species
May 10, 2022. Invasive species are the fifth greatest threat to global biodiversity, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). While this places them some way behind the gravest threat, , many scientists are troubled by a thought: what if the two combine, one reinforcing the other, creating an even greater danger? This isn’t a hypothetical question: those few scientists who’ve turned their attention to the potential for recombinant impacts are warning that this interaction is already well under way.
Talking aquatic invasive species with the U of M
May 10, 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.
Battling invasive species working
May 10, 2022. Individuals can help protect Michigan waters from invasive species by teaching boaters about invasive species and how to keep their boats and gear free of hitchhikers.
Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch event to be held in LeRoy
May 10, 2022. The North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly will host an event for residents to learn about the Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch, a statewide program that teaches volunteers to monitor the quality of their lakes and how to identify and monitor for aquatic invasive plants.
“Aliens” have cost the Indian economy $127 billion over 60 years
May 10, 2022. As many as 10 invasive alien species (IAS) out of 330, that are known to be invasive in India, have cost the economy $127.3 billion in the last 60 years, according to a recent analysis that points to glaring knowledge gaps in costs incurred by these species to the Indian economy.
