June 2020 OISC Meeting Recap
/In case you missed it, here is a quick recap of the most recent Oregon Invasive Species Council meeting held June 2, 2020. We had 35 attendees that participated remotely, representing 24 organizations. Representation included 7 Federal Agencies, 6 State Agencies, 2 Educational Institutions, and others including NGOs, advocacy groups, and individuals.
Some meeting highlights include:
Council members discussed the pending OISC budget cut, its implications, and next steps.
Council member Jas. Adams (member of the public) gave an update on behalf of the Strategic Plan Update Working Group. They have been working on clarifying concepts and terminology within the plan and creating a new reporting tool to collect invasive species activities that have been carried out. This compilation of information will allow for adaptive management and support a feedback loop to improve the plan over time.
Council member Amira Streeter (Office of Governor Kate Brown) gave a status update on Oregon’s 100-Year Water Vision. Council members were asked to reflect on how their work impacts the 100-year water vision and how their organization can help to see the vision implemented. This conversation will be continued at future OISC meetings.
OISC Committee member Lindsey Wise (Institute for Natural Resources) gave an update on Oregon's Invasive Species Hotline & iMapinvasives and expressed the need for additional funding to support administrative time to recruit managers to respond to reports, manage the species list, migrate information between platforms, and more.
Council member Karen Ripley (USDA Forest Service) gave an update on behalf of the Communication Committee on the status of several OISC outreach materials that are in the process of being updated. The Communication Committee and Education & Outreach Committee will be working together to finalize a new and improved OISC brochure.
Council member Nikki Brooks (U.S. Customs & Border Protection) gave an update on behalf of the Worst Invaders Working Group. They have been working on refining the current list and enhancing coordination with other states. The Working Group would like to maintain a running comprehensive list that is not restricted to a certain number of species and is also recommending that the list be searchable by region and categorized into sections for prevention, eradication, and control.
Thank you to everyone that was able to join us for the meeting! Information about the next OISC meeting will be posted on the OISC Meetings Page as details are confirmed.