April 2021 OISC Meeting Recap
/In case you missed it, here is a quick recap of the most recent Oregon Invasive Species Council meeting held April 21, 2021. We had 31 attendees representing 26 organizations in total. Representation included 6 Federal Agencies, 6 State Agencies, 2 Educational Institutions, and others including tribes, NGOs, advocacy groups, and individuals.
Highlights from the April meeting include:
Rick Boatner (2021 OISC Chair, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife) gave an update on the 2021-2023 OISC budget and workplan. The Council agreed to review education and outreach funding to determine the possibility of partially funding some of the top 2020 awardees, with a consideration for the time lapse and reduced available funds.
Troy Abercrombie (2021 OISC Vice Chair, Western Invasives Network) shared with the Council a request that the OISC received to provide emergency funding to eradicate apple maggot fruit fly in the Milton-Freewater area. The OISC declared the apple maggot infestation in the Milton-Freewater area an invasive species emergency and approved $30,000 from OISC emergency funds to address the request.
Rick Boatner (2021 OISC Chair, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife) gave an update on the detection and response efforts related to the zebra mussels detected on marimo balls. A few of the key things that were identified as missing or needing improvement included better communication protocols for notifications, spot inspections, identification of “aquarium dump sites”, and looking into other unusual vectors.
Sam Chan (Oregon Sea Grant), Catherine de Rivera (Portland State University), and Jalene Littlejohn (OISC Coordinator) gave a presentation on inclusive language and the use of invasive species common names. A new Working Group was created under the Education & Outreach Committee to continue exploring this important topic and what the OISC’s role will be in ensuring that we are promoting inclusive language.
Karen Ripley (USDA Forest Service) gave an update on behalf of the Communications Committee and shared that the 2019 OISC Annual Report is available on the website. An effort to collect accomplishments for the 2020 OISC Annual Report is now underway.
Troy Abercrombie (2021 OISC Vice Chair, Western Invasives Network) gave an update on the OISC Threats and Opportunities webinar (scheduled for May 18th). The Council approved creating an award inspired by Jim Seeley (former OISC Member) with an emphasis on cultural and collaborative focus that will be announced at the webinar.
Nikki Brooks (U.S. Customs & Border Protection) gave an update on behalf of the Worst Invaders Working Group. The Council approved no longer calling the invasive species list ‘the worst invaders list’. A new name will be determined and shared soon!