OISC SEEKS AWARD NOMINATIONS BY FEBRUARY 23, 2024
/FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2024
Contact: Robyn Draheim, OISC Coordinator Sam Chan, OISC Chair
coordinator@oregoninvasivespeciescouncil.org samuel.chan@oregonstate.edu
OREGON INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL SEEKS AWARD NOMINATIONS BY FEBRUARY 23, 2024
SALEM, Oregon - The start of the new year is the ideal time to reflect on the challenges of invasive species of the past years and recognize those whose contributions and efforts help to protect Oregon’s economy and environment.
In past years, the Oregon Invasive Species Council (OISC) has highlighted, through special recognition awards, those people and organizations protecting Oregon’s natural resources, economy, and quality of life from the devastating effects of invasive species. Although the pandemic sidelined the awards ceremonies, the work of protecting Oregon from invasive species continued apace.
In recognition of these efforts, the OISC is seeking nominations for people and organizations who have done outstanding work in Oregon from 2022-2023. There are six public categories and a seventh for service to the Council, including:
Jim Seeley (Regional Leadership & Collaboration) Award | presented to an individual or group who has demonstrated leadership at the local or regional level and beyond through collaborative efforts to protect cultural, natural, and economic resources from invasive species. The OISC created this award in honor of Jim Seeley (OISC Council Member 2015-2018), former Executive Director of the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance (WRCA) and avid supporter of gorse, sudden oak death, and other invasive species management. He served the WRCA and the South Coast region through his final days.
Eagle Eye Award | presented to the person or persons reporting the most critical sightings of an invasive species in 2022-2023. A prior Eagle Eye Award recipient was Nona Gobel, for identifying and alerting the Oregon Department of Agriculture to the first-ever Oregon detection of Asian jumping worm.
Invader Crusader Award | presented to the Oregon student(s) making a difference in protecting Oregon from invasive species.
Sandra Denyes Diedrich Award | presented to the person(s)/organization (non-government) making the most outstanding contribution to protecting Oregon from invasive species. Past Sandra Deneys Diedrich Award winners include Lindsey Wise for her dedicated efforts to manage Oregon IMapInvasives and update the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline website and Vern Holm for his work relative to the Northwest Weed Management Partnership.
Outstanding Agency Partner Award | presented to the person(s) or unit in a government agency going above and beyond the call of duty to keep new invaders out of the state. The previous Partner Award went to Eric Coombs, on his retirement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Noxious Weed Control Program, for his extensive contributions to combatting invasive species through biological control and mentorship of young scientists.
Protect the Northwest Industry Award | Presented to a company that make a difference in protecting Oregon from invasive species
Service Award | presented to the person or persons who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the Oregon Invasive Species Council.
Winners will be recognized at an awards reception on March 21, 2024. If you would like to nominate a person or organization, please visit the Oregon Invasive Species Council website to enter your nominations - https://www.oregoninvasivespeciescouncil.org/award-winners - by February 23, 2024.
The Council will discuss the nominees, choose the winners, and invite them to the awards celebration in March.
About the Oregon Invasive Species Council | www.oregoninvasivespeciescouncil.org
The Oregon Invasive Species Council (OISC) is a group of representatives from state and public agencies, scientists, educators, and members of the public who lead Oregon’s fight against the threat of invasive plants and animals. They collaborate with a broad coalition of people to spearhead initiatives to increase citizen understanding and involvement in protecting the state against the harms of invasive species. The OISC provides the means for multi-agency communication and collaboration to meet the state's goals. Notable activities and achievements are categorized under the responsibilities of the Council, as set forth in ORS 570.755. These include maintaining an invasive species reporting hotline, educating the public about invasive species, developing a statewide plan for invasive species, and providing an emergency grant program for the eradication of invasive species. The OISC was created by the Oregon legislature in 2001 and receives funding through a variety of state, federal, and private donations.