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See What's New on the NISIC Web site by using our RSS Feed. Contains items of interest that have been added to our site, organized by date or by subject. Select the categories on the right or category hyperlinks below to find specific items. More about RSS...
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Use our What's New Custom Search Engine to search for invasive species information included in this section of NISIC's site:
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May 8, 2012
Ohio State Ask an Expert Now Online (May 4, 2012)
Ohioans who have questions -- on everything from personal finance to agricultural enterprise budgets, from gardening to crop production, from nutrition to producing fruits and vegetables safely -- have a new way to find answers.
* See our Ohio state resource page for more information and additional resources.
Added to United States at 9:12 AM
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Biocontrol Agent Tested to Battle Invasive Kudzu Bug (May 3, 2012)
ARS is studying a potential biological control for the kudzu bug, which does feed on the kudzu vine, but also could be a major pest of soybeans, peanuts and other legumes.
* See our In the News section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News at 8:22 AM
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Sizing Up Destruction-Managing for Results at Largest EAB Delimitation Survey in New York (Apr 4, 2012)
Volunteers from 30 agencies from New York and New England were part of the effort to identify the extent of the New York emerald ash borer infestation.
* See our Success Stories for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / Community Action / Success Stories at 8:05 AM
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May 1, 2012
Escargot? More like Escar-No! (Apr 19, 2012)
USDA and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have been fighting to stop the spread of the giant African snail. In six, months, more than 40,000 of these snails have been collected. Alert homeowners are the first line of defense in reporting signs of snail infestations. Please do your part in the fight against invasive species -- if you have a giant African snail or see the snails or signs of their presence, call the toll-free helpline at 888-397-1517.
* See our Species Profile - Giant African Snail page for more information and additional resources.
Added to Animals / Species Profiles at 2:36 PM
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Use of Common Pesticide Linked to Bee Colony Collapse (Apr 5, 2012)
The likely culprit in sharp worldwide declines in honeybee colonies (colony collapse disorder) since 2006 is imidacloprid, one of the most widely used pesticides, according to a new study from Harvard School of Public Health. Pinpointing the cause of the problem is crucial because bees -- beyond producing honey -- are prime pollinators of roughly one-third of the crop species in the U.S. and livestock feed. Massive loss of honeybees could result in billions of dollars in agricultural losses, experts estimate.
* See our In the News section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News at 2:28 PM
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April 27, 2012
USDA's Chief Veterinary Officer on the Recent BSE Case (aka Mad Cow) (Apr 25, 2012)
On April 24, USDA confirmed the nation's 4th case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in an animal that was sampled for the disease at a rendering facility in central California. This animal was never presented for slaughter for human consumption, so at no time presented a risk to the food and milk supply, or to human health in the U.S. See BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or Mad Cow Disease) from USDA for more information.
* See our In the News section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News at 2:11 PM
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April 26, 2012
8th Annual Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week - R.2 I. P. - Report and Remove Invasive Plants (May 20-26, 2012)
Doing your part to report & remove invasive plants helps to protect Oregon's agriculture and natural resources! See Oregon Invasive Species Council for more information of how to get involved.
* See our Oregon state resource page for more information and additional resources.
Added to United States at 4:32 PM
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Many New Upcoming Invasive Species Related Conferences added (U.S. and International), including:
Sixth Annual Invasive Species Ireland Forum -- May 3, 2012
Invasive Species Advisory Committee Meeting -- May 22-24, 2012
Botany 2012 - "The Next Generation" -- Jul 7-11, 2012
39th Annual Natural Areas Conference - "Keeping Natural Areas Relevant and Resilient" -- Oct 9-12, 2012
2012 California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) Symposium - "Bay to Basin: Coordinating Response to Invasive Plants across California" -- Oct 11-13, 2012
The Oregon InterAgency Noxious Weed Symposium -- Dec 4-6, 2012
* See our Conference Calendar for more information and resources.
Added to News and Events / Conferences and Workshops / Conference Calendar at 4:14 PM
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April 25, 2012
Medical Fight Against Cancer May Hold Lessons for Battling Aquatic Invasive Species (Apr 23, 2012)
Lessons learned from the medical community's progress in fighting cancer can provide a framework to help prevent the introduction and spread of harmful aquatic invasive species, according to a study released in American Scientist. Scientists outline five integrated steps used in cancer prevention and treatment that could be adapted to use in battling invasive species: prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment options and rehabilitation. See article "Aquatic Invasive Species: Lessons from Cancer Research". The study used the example of invasive American bullfrogs in the Yellowstone River as a case study for applying the cancer-treatment approach to aquatic invasions in the Northern Rockies.
* See our In the News section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News at 3:23 PM
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Upcoming Forestry Workshops in California
Sudden Oak Death Workshop -- May 1, 2012
Gasquet, California
A free educational workshop for natural resource managers, foresters, horticulturists, plant health inspectors, and members of the public.
Geospatial Technology Workshop -- Jun 6-7, 2012
University of California, Forestry Camp
Meadow Valley, California
The goal of this workshop is to provide an overview of geospatial technology to natural resource practitioners and Cooperative Extension educators with hands-on experience focused on practical examples.
* See our Education for Professionals section for more information and additional resources.
Added to Manager's Tool Kit / Education for Professionals at 9:32 AM
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Extension Integrated Pest Management Coordination and Support Program (EIPM-CS)
All EIPM-CS efforts are intended to contribute to the achievement of national IPM goals through the demonstration and evaluation of IPM practices in production agriculture and other settings. Awards are intended to provide funding for programs that strengthen the ability of NIFA and its partner institutions to actively address local, state, and national IPM needs delivered through the Cooperative Extension Service and rapidly respond to new issues and opportunities.
Applications are due May 29, 2012.
* See our Grants and Funding - Request for Proposals section for more information and additional resources.
Added to Manager's Tool Kit / Grants and Funding at 9:08 AM
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April 24, 2012
Asian Longhorn Beetle - A Clear Case for Early Eradication (Apr 20, 2012)
It was confirmed last month that the first population of the forestry pest, the Asian longhorn beetle, was found in Kent, UK. Forest Research scientists discovered this damaging native of Japan and China infesting around 20 trees, and are now surveying the area to find out the full extent of the infestation. The establishment of this beetle in the UK could be extremely damaging, costing the timber industry millions of pounds, not to mention habitat loss for native species; there is no question that this pest should be eradicated as soon as possible.
* See our Europe page for more information and additional resources.
Added to International / Europe at 4:11 PM
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Fighting Crimes Against Biodiversity: How to Catch a Killer Weed
Invasive species which have the potential to destroy biodiversity and influence global change could be tracked and controlled in the same way as wanted criminals, according to new research from Queen Mary, University of London. Geographic profiling(GP) was originally developed as a statistical tool in criminology, where it uses the locations of linked crimes to identify the predicted location of the offender's residence. Researchers have shown that this technique can also be used to identify the source of populations of invasive animals and plants such as Giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed. See related article Geographic profiling as a novel spatial tool for targeting the control of invasive species.
* See our In the News section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News at 3:40 PM
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Let's End Beetlemania Together (Apr 24, 2012)
Asian longhorned beetle is an an invasive insect that feeds on certain species of hardwood trees, eventually killing them. Since its discovery in the U.S., the beetle has caused tens-of-thousands of trees to be destroyed in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, and most recently in Ohio. Help stop the Asian longhorned beetle's destruction by raising awareness about the pest and report any signs or symptoms of an infestation immediately.
* See our In the News section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News at 2:50 PM
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Conservation Benefits of Rangeland Practices: Assessment, Recommendations, and Knowledge Gaps (2011) / Chapter 7. Invasive Plant Management on Anticipated Conservation Benefits: A Scientific Assessment
The rangeland literature synthesis provides an unprecedented source of evidence-based information to guide the development and assessment of management practices and conservation programs on the nation's rangelands.
* See our Plants: Control - Decision Support Tools section for more information and additional resources.
Added to Plants / Management / Decision Support Tools at 11:08 AM
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Study Details Illinois' Asian Carp Issue, Solutions (Apr 20, 2012)
Asian carp, that large, invasive fish known for leaping out of a river into boats when startled, now make up more than 60 percent of the total fish biomass in one of Illinois' major river systems, a research team led by Southern Illinois University Carbondale has found. But the team members’ advice for controlling the species goes something like this "If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em." Asian carp are by far the world’s most cultured fish because they are a healthful source of protein and perhaps omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, unlike so many nuisance or invasive species, these problematic fishes in the U.S. have one positive aspect: they can be converted to desirable food for both human and nonhuman consumption. See Fishing Down the Bighead and Silver Carps: Reducing the Risk of Invasion to the Great Lakes: Research Summary (Mar 2012).
* See our In the News section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News at 8:42 AM
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April 23, 2012
APHIS Establishes Regulated Areas in Florida for Giant African Snail (Apr 13, 2012)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is issuing a Federal Order, effective immediately, which establishes regulated areas in Miami-Dade County in Florida for the giant African snail.
On Sep 9, 2011, APHIS confirmed the detection of GAS, Lissachatina fulica, in a residential area of Miami, Florida. Since the initial detection, APHIS has actively worked with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to conduct survey, regulatory, control, and outreach activities. While residential areas have been affected, to date, extensive surveys of nurseries and agricultural productions facilities within the infested areas have been negative for GAS.
The Federal Order outlines the safeguarding measures required for the interstate movement of regulated articles from the areas regulated for GAS. The requirements in the State’s interior quarantine for GAS are parallel to this Federal Order.
GAS is one of the most damaging snails in the world because it is known to consume at least 500 different plants including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental crops.
* See our Species Profile - Giant African Snail page for more information and additional resources.
Added to Animals / Species Profiles at 11:27 AM
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Nominations of New Members to the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (Apr 19, 2012)
The U.S. Department of the Interior, on behalf of the interdepartmental National Invasive Species Council, proposes to appoint new members to the Invasive Species Advisory Committee. The Secretary of the Interior, acting as administrative lead, is requesting nominations for qualified persons to serve as members of the ISAC. Nominations must be postmarked by Jun 18, 2012.
* See our Federal Register Notices section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / Federal Register Notices at 9:45 AM
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April 19, 2012
Bat-killing Fungus is a European Import (Apr 9, 2012)
The fungal pathogen Geomyces destructans, introduced into North America from Europe, is the likely cause of white-nose syndrome, an epidemic that has killed millions of North American bats, according to a study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Apr 9, 2012).
* See our Species Profile - White-Nose Syndrome and our In the News section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News and Microbes / Species Profiles at 10:23 AM
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Earth Day -- Apr 22, 2012
Earth Day Network is partnered with National Environmental Education Week (Apr 15-21, 2012), which annually promotes understanding and protection of the natural world by actively engaging K-12 students and educators of all environmental subjects (see Educators' Network for lesson plans). See What You Can Do to help control invasive species.
* See our In the News section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News at 9:39 AM
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April 18, 2012
Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study
Update 4/18/12 - GLMRIS Releases final ANS Control Paper based on public input following a 60-day public comment period after the initial paper was released in Dec 2011.
GLMRIS explores options and technologies available, collectively known as aquatic nuisance species controls, that could be applied to prevent ANS transfer between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins through aquatic pathways. USACE issued a paper that identifies available options or technologies that may be effective for preventing ANS. See ANS Control Paper for more information. See Stay Involved to learn how to participate in GLMRIS.
* See our Managers Tool Kit section for more information and additional resources.
Added to Manager's Tool Kit at 6:02 PM
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Updated -- Invasive Species Lists (Major revision)
Provides extensive lists and information for species declared invasive, noxious, prohibited, or otherwise harmful or potentially harmful. Information is organized by geographical location, covering the United States and International information, alphabetically by organization.
* See our Invasive Species List section for more information and additional resources.
Added to Resource Library / Invasive Species Lists at 4:55 PM
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Go Purple and Save an Ash Tree (Apr 17, 2012)
These purple traps will be seen this spring and summer throughout Maryland and 46 other states that are participating in the 2012 Emerald Ash Borer survey. The purple traps help State and Federal officials to uncover signs of the invasive, tree-killing EAB.
* See our In the News section for more information and additional resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News at 10:04 AM
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April 11, 2012
Many New Upcoming Invasive Species Related Conferences added (U.S. and International), including:
2012 Alberta Invasive Plants Council - "New Invasive Threats to Alberta: Meeting the Challenge" -- Apr 19, 2012
2012 National Conference on Urban Entomology -- May 20-23, 2012
International Symposium on Invasive Plants and Global Change -- Jun 14-15, 2012
83rd Rocky Mountain Conference of Entomologists -- Aug 5-8, 2012
Symposium on Biodiversity on the Bahamas Archipelago - "Celebrating 30 Years of the Flora of the Bahamas: Conservation and Science Challenges" -- Oct 30-31, 2012
International Conference on Advances in Plant Sciences -- Nov 14-18, 2012
The 5th National Conference on Grazing Lands - Dec 9-12, 2012
PURE 1st Congress - Pesticipe Use-and-Risk Reduction for Future IPM in Europe -- Mar 19-21, 2013
3rd International Forum for Surveillance and Control of Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne Diseases -- May 27-31, 2013
* See our Conference Calendar for more information and resources.
Added to News and Events / Conferences and Workshops / Conference Calendar at 11:42 AM
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Research Show Invasive Species Cost the Great Lakes Millions: New Paper Assigns Dollar Figure to Effects of Shipborne Invaders (Mar 29, 2012)
Researchers assigns a dollar figure on the cost to the Great Lakes from invasive species that originate in the ballast water of ocean-going vessels. For the US waters, median damages aggregated across multiple ecosystem services were $138 million per year, and there is a 5% chance that for sportfishing alone losses exceeded $800 million annually. For information, see the journal article "Ship-borne Nonindigenous Species Diminish Great Lakes Ecosystem Services."
* See our Economic Impacts section for more information and resources.
Added to Economic Impacts at 9:17 AM
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April 10, 2012
Save Our Citrus - Identify and Report Citrus Diseases
California citrus growers and government agricultural officials are relying on backyard gardeners to help contain citrus greening disease in the state. This free iPhone application from USDA makes it easy to report and identify the four leading citrus diseases: citrus greening, citrus canker, citrus black spot and sweet orange scab. Report your symptoms, upload a photo and receive a response back from citrus experts. Make sure your citrus is healthy and help stop the spread of these incredibly destructive citrus diseases!
* See our Monitoring - Smartphone Applications section for more information and resources.
Added to Manager's Tool Kit / Monitoring at 3:26 PM
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Minnesota - New Required Aquatlc Invasive Species Rules Decal for Boaters Now Available (Apr 5, 2012)
A new law passed in 2011 requires a watercraft owner or operator to obtain and attach an aquatic invasive species rules decal to all types of watercraft prior to launching on, entering into, or operating on any waters of the state. The laws were enacted to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
* See our Minnesota page for more information and resources.
Added to United States at 10:47 AM
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USDA Forest Service and NASA Release Web-based Forest Disturbance Monitoring Tool (Mar 19, 2012)
The USDA Forest Service's Eastern Forest and Western Wildland Environmental Threat Assessment Centers recently unveiled a product that helps natural resource managers rapidly detect, identify, and respond to unexpected changes in the nation's forests by using web-based tools. ForWarn, a satellite-based monitoring and assessment tool, recognizes and tracks potential forest disturbances caused by insects, diseases, wildfires, extreme weather, or other natural or human-caused events. The tool complements and focuses efforts of existing forest monitoring programs and potentially results in time and cost savings.
* See our Monitoring section for more information and resources.
Added to Manager's Tool Kit / Monitoring at 9:30 AM
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April 9, 2012
UCSB Study Shows Forest Insects and Diseases Arrive in U.S. Via Imported Plants (Apr 9, 2012)
The trade in live plants from around the world has become a major industry in the U.S., with new imports now valued at more than $500 billion annually. According to a study conducted by researchers at UC Santa Barbara's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, however, what has proved to be a boon for the economy has also been shown to have devastating effects on the environment. The multidisciplinary working group found that almost 70 percent of the most damaging non-native forest insects and diseases currently afflicting U.S. forests arrived via imported live plants.
* See our Managers Tool Kit - Vectors and Pathyways section for more resources.
Added to News and Events / In the News and Manager's Tool Kit / Vectors and Pathways at 5:03 PM
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Citrus Disease Huanglongbing Detected in Hacienda Heights Area of Los Angeles County (Mar 30, 2012)
APHIS has confirmed the presence of citrus greening, also referred to as Huanglongbing, in an Asian citrus psyllid sample and plant tissue samples collected from a lemon/pummelo tree in a residential neighborhood in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles County, California. This is the first confirmation of the disease in California. APHIS is working closely with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, County Agricultural Commissioners, and the California citrus industry to plan and implement communication, response, and regulatory activities in the affected area. CDFA collected the samples during ongoing citrus surveys conducted as part of the cooperative Citrus Health Response Program. California Department of Food and Agriculture has set up a hot line for residents who suspect they may have infected trees - 800-491-1899.
* See our Emerging Issues section for more information and resources.
Added to News and Events / Emerging Issues at 2:21 PM
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