AFC Announces Key Strategies to Fight Cogongrass Using Federal Stimulus Grant
As announced earlier in the spring, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) was awarded a $6.3 million grant to embark on a cogongrass control program in Alabama. Although this funding provided through a 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Grant will enable the AFC and its partners to initiate a proactive, coordinated campaign to combat cogongrass, it will not begin to cover the expected costs to eradicate the noxious weed from Alabama. Considering the extensive number of acres already infested, it is estimated that costs would exceed $50,000,000 to minimize the threat of cogongrass throughout the state. In regard to the grant, State Forester Linda Casey said, “Ultimately, we wish to completely eradicate this nuisance, as well as all other non-native invasive species. However, with the welcomed but limited funding provided, it will be impossible to make a significant impact for all landowners where cogongrass is widespread and in the counties where this invasive plant has been allowed to grow virtually unchecked since 1912. All interested citizens need to be aware of this reality. We believe it is possible to convince our state and federal elected officials, as well as the US Forest Service, that given the appropriate funding, we can win the war against cogongrass. This current funding does indeed provide a start, but that is it all it can be.” The following broad strategies have been outlined by the Commission for the campaign against cogongrass: (1) Define a geographic region of the state where cogongrass can and will be eradicated once it has been detected and precisely mapped; (2) Allocate resources such that strategic buffer zones can be established to keep the weed from moving back into areas that are free of cogongrass; (3) Begin a statistically valid detection and mapping program in the most heavily infested areas, so that informed decisions can be made as to how to eradicate the plant across the state; (4) Finally, do everything possible to secure additional funding during this three-year program, such that a full-scale detection and eradication program can be initiated. To begin the first proactive large-scale control of cogongrass in Alabama, Casey announced that the AFC has contracted with the forest management firm of Larson & McGowin, Inc. to provide the critical role of Project Coordinator. Said Casey, “Larson & McGowin’s reputation as a leader in forest management and consulting throughout the South, as well as the fact that the company is Alabama-based, made it a solid choice.” Larson & McGowin, Inc. is a full-service forest management and consulting firm headquartered in Mobile. The company was founded in 1957 and has branch offices in Greenville and Birmingham, Alabama, as well Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. The firm has decades of experience providing property management services to small and large ownerships. Consulting and large scale project management experience includes forest inventory, appraisal, technical mapping, and analysis. Though focused on the southern United States, the firm has experience in other regions including U.S. Northeast, Pacific Northwest, Canada, Central America, and South America. Its subsidiary, Silvics Solutions, offers natural resource focused software and information technology services. Barrett McCall, RF/ACF and President of Larson & McGowin: “Alabama is a world leader in forest management as a result of decades of cooperative efforts between landowners, the Alabama Forestry Commission, and forestry professionals across the state. Tackling the complex management problems posed by invasive species such as cogongrass is important for us to continue this history of excellence. This grant gives us a much needed boost in these troubled economic times to get started. I am confident our forestry community is up to the challenge and our team at Larson & McGowin very much appreciates the opportunity to be of service in the war on cogongrass.” A website (http://www.alabamacogongrass.com/) has been established to facilitate communication with Larson & McGowin. The website will be updated regularly as the program develops. For further information, contact Ernest Lovett, Project Coordinator, at (334) 240-9348 (elovett@alabamacogongrass.com) or Stephen Pecot, Communications Director, at specot@alabamacogongrass.com. Vendors and applicators should submit their contact information to info@alabamacogongrass.com or fax to (334) 240-9388, Attn: Cogongrass Program.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
GA Forestry Commission's American Recovery & Reinvestment Act grants
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1) legislation was signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need. Recovery.gov provides information on how the Act is working, tools to help you hold the government accountable, and up-to-date data on the expenditure of funds.
Funds for State and private forestry activities are being distributed by the U.S. Forest Service to state forestry organizations across the nation .
The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has procured $9.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants that are designed to help stimulate Georgia's economy and benefit landowners and the environment.
More Information is available here: http://www.gatrees.org/Recovery/Index.cfm
Biofuels: Cultivating Energy, not Invasive Species
Briefing paper approved by the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC) on Aug 11, 2009.
http://www.invasivespecies.gov/home_documents/BiofuelWhitePaper.pdf
Monday, September 14, 2009
40 new species found in New Guinea
Over 40 species new to science found in remote volcanic crater in Papua New Guinea in under 5 weeks of searching! It includes a fanged frog and arboreal kangaroos.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/sep/07/discovery-species-papua-new-guinea
Scientists Find Evidence of Casuarina Hybrids
Hybrids of the invasive Australian plant species Casuarina exist in Florida, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and university cooperators have found.