Weed Science Society says Smartphone Apps Make Invasive's Mapping Easy

WEED SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA (WSSA) PRESS RELEASE
Online databases and new smartphone applications are making it easier than ever to track and map infestations of invasive weeds, the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) said today. "These new resources are moving pockets of information out of universities and laboratories and into the public domain where they are readily accessible," says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., WSSA science policy director.
Read the complete Press Release.

Invasive Species in Kansas

Invasive species are in the news on a regular basis, so I thought it might be interesting to look at what is happening in different states. What kind of invasive species are they dealing with and how are they addressing those problems. Learning about what is working or not working in another state might help you manage invasive species in your state more effectively.
Kansas is the choice for this week. I did a little research and found a lot of good information. Unfortunately invasive species are alive and well in Kansas and the folks there are working hard to control and manage them. Below are links to resources, articles, lists and more on invasive species in Kansas.

• High-Priority Watch List from the Kansas Department of Agriculture  
• Aquatic Nuisance Species from Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism
• Kansas Anglers Tackle Invasive Species, an article in Kansas Afield by Trevor Graff  
• Major changes in bait, fishing and state park regulations from Kansas Outdoors by Michael Pearce 
• Invasive Plant Fact Sheet from the Kansas Native Plant Society - KNPS
• Invasive species for Kansas: Lists, Reporting and more Resources from Invasive.org

Updated Thousand Cankers Disease Survey Guidelines

The U.S. Forest Service and APHIS PPQ have updated the survey guidelines for Thousand Cankers Disease to include instructions for how to use the lure developed for the walnut twig beetle. Thousand Cankers Disease is caused by a fungus, Geosmithia morbida that is carried from tree to tree by walnut twig beetles, Pityophthorus juglandis. It causes death in species of black walnut. It has only been reported in the west at this point, but this disease has the potential to kill balck walnut trees in eastern U.S forests unless we stop it.

Learn how you can help stop the spread

 of this and other tree killing diseases from 

 Don't Move Firewood

Adult walnut twig beetle
Steven Valley, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org

Adult walnut twig beetles
Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Stop Invasive Species Act of 2012

Michigan Sea Grant Archive, University of Michigan and Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

Congress has introduced a bill to help fight the spread of invasive Asian carp. The bill will require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  to complete the study for how to prevent the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes within 18 months.
Read the bill: Stop Invasive Species Act of 2012.

Ten-fold Increase in Asian Tiger Shrimp Sightings

A press release from the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) Newsroom reports a ten-fold increase in the number of invasive Asian tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) sightings both along the U.S. southeastern coastline and the Gulf of Mexico coastlines. The Asian tiger shrimp is much larger than our native shrimp species. Not only can the non-native shrimp compete directly with native species for food but the invasive shrimp can actually eat the smaller native species. This combination of competition and predation can have a devastating impact on native shrimp populations.

• Read the full article at the USGA Newsroom. Then scroll down for the article.
• See pictures of the Asian tiger shrimp.
• See a map by USGS on Asian Tiger shrimp sightings.
• Report a sighting of Asian Tiger Shrimp to USGS.

Mad Cow Disease

A message on BSE (Mad Cow Disease) from Judy A. Harrison, a Professor and Extension Foods Specialist at the University of Georgia, "You will be hearing news reports of a case of BSE (Mad Cow Disease) that has been identified in a dairy cow in California. It is the fourth case of BSE to ever be identified in the U.S. According to USDA, it has been identified as an atypical form which is a rare form of BSE and not likely to have been associated with consumption of contaminated feed. Contaminated feed is the way BSE spreads from animal to animal. Since 2004, tissues of cattle (such as brain and spinal cord) have not been allowed to be used in human food or in cattle feed. The animal did not enter the food supply. BSE is not spread through milk. "

For the latest resources from USDA on this topic, including a list of frequently asked questions and a video interview with USDA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. John Clifford, visit the USDA website.

Lisa Brush: Bringing people together

Read about "Lisa Brush – the Founder and Executive Director of the Stewardship Network Brings People Together"