June 2021 OISC Meeting Recap

In case you missed it, here is a quick recap of the most recent Oregon Invasive Species Council meeting held June 16, 2021. We had 25 attendees representing 20 organizations in total. Representation included 4 Federal Agencies, 5 State Agencies, 2 Educational Institutions, and others including NGOs, advocacy groups, and individuals.

Highlights from the June meeting include:

• Rick Boatner (2021 OISC Chair, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife) gave an update on the 2021-2023 OISC budget, workplan, and Coordinator contract.

• Paul Heimowitz (U.S. Fish & Wildlife) and Rachel Gregg (EcoAdapt) gave an overview of the Invasive Species & Climate Change: Northwest State of Practice Survey that received 300+ responses (link to presentation). Responses showed that management priorities included biodiversity, rare species and habitats, habitat connectivity, freshwater sources, and endangered species. Additionally, respondents reported spending more time addressing existing invasive species and 49% feel they are currently holding ground against invasives. 

• A rough timeline for 2022 Appointed Membership Nominations & Officer Elections was presented to the Council.

• The Council approved the updated OISC Bylaws, which included edits focused on Council and Committee procedures, delegation of tasks, working groups, communication flow, and statutory obligations. 

• Sam Chan (Oregon Sea Grant) of the Education & Outreach Committee gave a progress update for the Inclusive Language Working Group. They continue to work on problematic name nomenclature.

• The Council approved changing the concept of what was formerly referred to as the “Worst List” to an invasive species hub and associated categories and to continue to populate information to support those resources. Nikki Brooks (Customs & Border Protection) went over the process for publishing the invasive species information hub. The working group plans to coordinate with the Education & Outreach Committee to publish the list.

• Karen Ripley (USDA Forest Service) of the Communications Committee gave a progress update on the 2020 Annual Report and identified areas that are needing content. The committee hopes to reinstate a monthly meeting for July, August, September, and November. 

Thank you to everyone that was able to join us for this meeting! Information about upcoming OISC meetings will be posted on the OISC Meetings Page as details are confirmed.

Entomological Society of America discontinues use of problematic common names for two insect species

The Entomological Society of America (ESA) has removed “Gypsy Moth” and “Gypsy Ant” as common names for these two insect species because they contain a derogatory term for the Romani people. This decision is a result of a new ESA program, Better Common Names Project, that is reviewing and replacing common names that are inappropriate and/or problematic.

The moth, Lymantria dispar, is a problematic insect for North American forests as the caterpillars feed on 300 different species of shrubs and trees.

Read the original article, published 7/7/2021, here: www.entsoc.org/entomological-society-america-discontinues-use-gypsy-moth-ant-names

Submit Your Nominations for an Outstanding Local Leader and Collaborator!

Protecting our region from the impacts of invasive species is a complex task that demands leadership and collaboration across a wide network of people, groups, and organizations. The Oregon Invasive Species Council would like to recognize the dedication and achievements of regional efforts and have created a new award to recognize local leadership and collaboration.

Learn more about the award and submit your nomination here

Potentially invasive Cuban treefrogs found in plants shipped to Oregon

Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Two non-native and potentially invasive Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) were found late last month hitchhiking on nursery plants sold at one location in Oregon and another purchased online. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) advises that nursery plant retailers and customers inspect all products. 

Do not release any found animals into the wild and report them immediately to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-468-2337 or online at: https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create.

Read the original article, published 5/21/2021, here: www.argusobserver.com/free_access/invasive-cuban-treefrogs-found-in-plants-shipped-to-oregon/article_7577df3c-ba3b-11eb-82ba-eb51466d7f89.html

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!

Thank you to everyone that was able to join us for this meeting! Information about upcoming OISC meetings will be posted on the OISC Meetings Page as details are confirmed.