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A regional approach to rapid assessment of new incursions of potentially invasive plant species

This article discusses the regional approach used by the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England to rapidly assess new incursions of potentially invasive plant species. It highlights the importance of early detection, species identification, site assessment, action planning, and long-term monitoring. The article also explores the tools and resources available for rapid assessment, including a volunteer network, predictive modeling, and invasive species alerts.

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A regional approach to rapid assessment of new incursions of potentially invasive plant species

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  1. A regional approach to rapid assessment of new incursions of potentially invasive plant species Leslie J. Mehrhoff Invasive Plant Atlas of New England University of Connecticut

  2. Dedication To field botanists past and present -

  3. The Front Line of Defense

  4. IPANEThe Invasive Plant Atlas of New England ProjectAn Early Detection and Rapid Assessment Network for New England

  5. IPANE Goals • New England Early Detection Network • Gather distributional data • Make information available • Conduct & encourage scientific research • Increase public awareness • Train volunteer spotters • “Interoperability”

  6. In theory, it’s simple • Detect new, potentially invasive incursions early • Assess the situation rapidly • Respond quickly and effectively • Establish long-term monitoring

  7. Rapid Assessment Scenario • Early detection of potential incursion • Confirmation of species identification • Site visit; assessment of situation • Preparation of action plan • Management, control, or eradication? • Monitor the site

  8. Rapid Assessment Tools • Dedicated corps of field observers • Floristic botanists on call for verification • Guidelines for rapid assessment • Knowledgeable Rapid Assessment Team • Person responsible for preparing an Action Plan • Management and control expertise • Committed long-term monitors

  9. The importance of herbarium specimens… G. Safford Torrey Herbarium

  10. Identification & Verification • IPANE staff • 20+ participating herbaria • Flora of North America Project authors

  11. EARLY DETECTION Egeria densa Planchon

  12. IPANE Website - Rapid Assessment Page • List of “Early Detection Species” • Database of status in all 6 states • Early detection protocols • “Report sightings” buttons - How to easily report a possible new incursion

  13. IPANE Rapid Assessment Aids • List of “Early Detection Species” • Database of status in all 6 states • Early detection protocols • Reporting mechanism • IPANE volunteer network • Predictive modeling • Invasive Species Alerts • Public awareness information

  14. IPANE Volunteer Network • 450 in 3 years – 25 per state per year • Volunteer coordinator • Staff-run training sessions • Terrestrial and Aquatic species • On-line reporting forms • Verification and Quality Control

  15. IPANE Rapid Assessment Aids • List of “Early Detection Species” • Database of status in all 6 states • Early detection protocols • Reporting mechanism • IPANE volunteer network • Predictive modeling • Invasive Species Alerts • Public awareness information

  16. Predictive modeling • Using known distribution and existing ecological data • Predict distribution or habitats in order to focus further field work

  17. IPANE Rapid Assessment Aids • List of “Early Detection Species” • Database of status in all 6 states • Early detection protocols • Reporting mechanism • IPANE volunteer network • Predictive modeling • Invasive Species Alerts • Public awareness information

  18. IPANE Rapid Assessment Aids • List of “Early Detection Species” • Database of status in all 6 states • Early detection protocols • Reporting mechanism • IPANE volunteer network • Predictive modeling • Invasive Species Alerts • Public awareness information

  19. Stinking Willie Seneciojacobaea L.

  20. Tansy Ragwort

  21. Tall, yellow-flowered Composite

  22. Insect pollinated

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