Nebraska Invasive Species Project Builds Awareness
By Annabel Major
Nebraska Invasive Species Project Coordinator
On February 7th, 2008, the Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, with support from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, kicked off the first Nebraska Invasive Species Conference in Lincoln.
The event attracted invasive species managers from across Nebraska.
Speakers were from a variety of agencies and organizations actively involved in managing invasive species. Representatives discussed current and future perceived threats viewed by their agency or organization, providing input into what future steps are needed in invasive species management.
From this information, the group is becoming a united front in invasive species management, beginning a process of filling gaps in research and overcoming communications barriers.
During breakout sessions, smaller groups covered important issues in partnering and collaboration, policies and legislation, threatened and endangered species and developing recommendations for the future of invasive species management in Nebraska.
Recommendations came out of each session, all with similar perspectives: improving cooperation and information sharing, including an online resource; the need for formalized state coordination; developing legislative and policy proposals; establishing conservation actions necessary to reduce invasive species impact; creating prevention and early detection systems, including risk assessment, prediction maps, and monitoring networks; incorporating adaptive management methods into current management practices; and developing public education and outreach focus.
Some recommendations are already being developed such as the online resource and formalizing state-level coordination. The Nebraska Invasive Species Project is housed within the Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and is part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources.
The project helps coordinate communications and management of invasive species interests. For more information, go online to http://snr.unl.edu/invasives.
