Debbie Maurer
Friday, October 17, 2008 - 2:30-3:00
The New Invaders Watch Program (NIWP) was developed in NE Illinois and NW Indiana to help identify, map and control invasive species that are rare or not known to be established in the region (NewInvaders.org). Since 2006, a growing number of trained volunteers and professionals have learned how to identify 23 target invasive plant (21) and insect (2) species and report new populations online following a standard data collection protocol. An automated verification process and Rapid Response Network ensures quality control of data and timely communication of new populations to landowners. To date, the program has lead to the control of several populations of target plant species on public and private lands and helped kick off the establishment of the Lake and McHenry County Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA). In addition to new population reports, program partners have mapped over 1500 herbarium records of NIWP target species in IL, IN, and WI, which are available for viewing through an online mapping system. Future work includes expansion of the program to other areas in Illinois through partnerships with regional CWMA’s.