Invasive species conference scheduled in Fairbanks
October 20, 2010
907-474-5406
10/20/10
Scientists, experts and members of the public concerned about the spread of invasive species are invited to the Alaska Invasive Species Conference Oct. 26–28 in Fairbanks.
The conference at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge will feature the 11th annual Committee for Noxious and Invasive Plants Management Workshop and the fifth annual Alaska Invasive Species Working Group Workshop. A variety of speakers will discuss invasive plants around Alaska Oct. 26-27 and presentations the final day will cover other groups of organisms, especially those threatening aquatic systems.
Participants hope to raise awareness of the invasive species problem and to coordinate research and prevention efforts. Conference coordinator Michele Hebert, agriculture and horticulture agent for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, said harmful, non-native invasive plants, animals and microorganisms affect our economy and environment. Hebert said invasive species in Alaska threaten native fish, plants and wildlife and their subsistence users, as well as resource-dependent industries, including agriculture, tourism, forestry, and hunting and fishing.
The public is invited to a preconference lecture with John Peter Thompson from 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 25 on the UAF campus. Thompson, of the National Agricultural Research Alliance, will talk about “Invasive Plants and Interactions with the Human and Natural Landscapes” in the Pearl Berry Boyd Hall, Room 201 in the Reichardt Building.
An Invasive Plants of Alaska Educators Workshop also will take place prior to the conference, from 12:30–4:30 p.m. Oct. 25. The workshop will allow teachers to gain hands-on experience doing invasive plant activities and get free materials to help teach about invasive plants.
Conference sponsors include the Fairbanks and Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation Districts, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Alaska Department of Transportation, National Park Service and Extension. Preregistration is requested. A registration form and agenda is available at www.uaf.edu/ces.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Ronda Halvarson, at 907-474-2450 or rlhalvarson@alaska.edu. Michele Hebert, at 907-474-2423, by cell at 907-388-6085 or mahebert@alaska.edu
ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/ces
DC/ 10-20-10/077-11