A repost and link today to a recent Weed Science Society of America press release entitled: "WSSA Scientists Stress the Importance of Early Response to Invasive Weeds" Click the link to go to the full article.
I'll also give kudos to the WSSA web team on the brand new redesigned (and really sharp-looking Society webpage here: http://wssa.net/ A great resource for weed science info, jobs, and links to issues related to the impacts of weeds and related control measures - now even easier to navigate!
Brad
An excerpt from the article quotes Dr. John Jaccetta, WSSA Past President and Fellow (and UC Davis undergraduate and MS graduate degrees):
“We’ve long understood the value of an early response to diseases impacting human health,” Jachetta said. “It’s time to bring that same sense of urgency to our natural environment and to take prompt, effective action to stop harmful invasive weeds.”
Early Detection, Ready Response: Seven Critical Steps
An effective program for “early detection, rapid response” will incorporate these seven important steps.
- Identify. Both scientists and lay people are taught to identify problem plants.
- Report. Online tools make it easy to submit information on a sighting.
- Verify. Scientists validate reports of suspected invasive species.
- Review. Data is used to keep tabs on the geography of an infestation – where the invasive weed has been spotted and how quickly it is spreading.
- Assess. Experts evaluate the risk of the infestation to natural ecosystems, crops and the economy.
- Establish a plan. An integrated plan is developed for managing the infestation.
- Rapidly respond. The plan is quickly implemented and there is ongoing monitoring to gauge the effectiveness of control efforts.
Click here for a direct link to the full, unabridged press release from WSSA